JL Reliability Opinions/Thoughts

[WestlakeHorn]

I have a late 2019 Rubicon and have had no issues in just under a year of ownership. It tracks really well on the highway too which is a pleasant surprise based on what I read about the 2018 early models

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[en2coasty]

Hi Guys,
I did some research on peoples opinions about JL reliability and I saw a few threads from 2018 of people initially having some major issues. Now that we are about 2.5 years down the road, I wanted to ask for opinions on how people feel about their JL's.

Right now I'm conflicted between a couple vehicles. I love the idea of the JL, but this an expensive purchase for me and will plan to keep the vehicle long term.

Opinions on cost of ownership or long term reliability?
thanks for anything you have to share.

 

[en2coasty]

2018 JLU Sport 28900 miles mfg 6/18 trouble free. Inspected for weld recall, passed. replaced steering stabilizer under recall(never had steering issue). Towed our Aliner Scout to NM, CO, WY, SD, MT, Waterton Canada and back to TX avg 17.5 mpg. JL is stock(suspension, tires,etc) did jeep trails in CO with friend in a JKRU(Rubicon) end another with A lifted TJ and had no problems going whereever they went. Very happy! 3.6 and 8spd avg 24 mpg when not towing and loaded for camping.

 

[Windshieldfarmer]

The takeaway from all of these comments - it’s a crapshoot. You might get lucky and have a problem free JL. It’s just less likely than many other brands. All brands/models have issues...an .FCA brand more so.

 

[Halstem1]

Interesting thread to read through.

2019 JLUR. I’ll have owned 1 year next week. 18,000 miles. Came with the 2” lift and 37’s from the dealer. Only issues I’ve had are related to the lift or mods I’ve done.

The steering gears or the electronics of the steering aren’t awesome the more miles it gets. I may have them look at that at some point. It might be in my head. Some days feels tight and other days loose and flighty.

zero other warranty issues.

 

[DanW]

Here are some facts. I'm at 2.5 years with my JL and approaching 32k miles. I've had zero reliability issues. It has been 100% perfect. Not even a hiccup. Just keep up with proper by the book maintenance and you should be good to go.

Heck, my JK with the old 3.8 only left me stranded one time, and if I'd known better, it would not have. The front axle disconnect faulted and caused the Canbus to go wild, causing the Jeep not to start. If I'd known to simply unplug the connector to it, it would have started right up. 13 years, 140k miles, that's the only time it failed to go.

 

[Jeepdude101]

Here are some facts. I'm at 2.5 years with my JL and approaching 32k miles. I've had zero reliability issues. It has been 100% perfect. Not even a hiccup. Just keep up with proper by the book maintenance and you should be good to go.

Heck, my JK with the old 3.8 only left me stranded one time, and if I'd known better, it would not have. The front axle disconnect faulted and caused the Canbus to go wild, causing the Jeep not to start. If I'd known to simply unplug the connector to it, it would have started right up. 13 years, 140k miles, that's the only time it failed to go.

I used to have a JKU 3.8 auto that thing had approximately 155k miles on it and it still ran just fine minus having what felt like only 75HP my brothers 3.8 auto JKUR has 116K miles and that pig still runs. So I have a lot of faith in the reliability of the JL’s (except the ESS).

 

[californiajeeping]

Search Google for JD Powers reliability reports.

 

[dsgrey]

My 2019 is 14 months old. Never seen the dealership since I bought it. I did replace the steering stabilizer under recall myself and let FCA reimburse me.

 

[DanW]

I used to have a JKU 3.8 auto that thing had approximately 155k miles on it and it still ran just fine minus having what felt like only 75HP my brothers 3.8 auto JKUR has 116K miles and that pig still runs. So I have a lot of faith in the reliability of the JL’s (except the ESS).

Yeah, I almost never use the ESS, except in long drive-thru lines. Lol! I can't help but guess that the ESS starter will last longer than a traditional starter, when not used often.

 

[Jeepdude101]

Yeah, I almost never use the ESS, except in long drive-thru lines. Lol! I can't help but guess that the ESS starter will last longer than a traditional starter, when not used often.

Yeah it just makes the whole electrical system more complex which in turn can mean more problems down the road.

 

[Burt]

17k on my Jl with no issues, however I do have an FJ Cruiser, if one is in the shop I’ll drive the other. 57k on the FJ regular maintenance. Neither are daily drivers, both for offroad.

3rd Jeep, 2nd FJ.

 

[californiajeeping]

Search Google for Jeep Wrangler reliability. Here are a few results.

The Jeep Wrangler is One of the Most Unreliable Cars of 2020

https://www.motorbiscuit.com/the-jeep-wrangler-is-one-of-the-most-unreliable-cars-of-2020/

“The 2019 Wrangler JL has a reliability rating of 2 out of 5 stars from JD Power and Associates. Years 2016 through 2018 had a slightly better reliability rating of 2.5, but even that was well below average.”

https://www.carvana.com/research/2019/10/the-jeep-wrangler-the-perfect-off-road-toy/

 

[pcgizzmo]

I have a new 2020 Rubicon 4 door 2.0 and have put about 500 miles on it in the last two weeks. I am hoping I have no issues. I did have a wind whistle that I believe I have figured out and fixed on my own.

This thread has been interesting. There are a lot of people that are willing to overlook issues it seems because the "love" Jeeps. I love my Jeep. BUT it's a 52,000 dollar car. Just because it's a Jeep and you love it doesn't excuse FCA from the responsibility of building a reliable vehicle.

I feel like the whole "It's a Jeep" thing is a mantra for some here but maybe I'm wrong. No one should have to live with issues for as much as they are charging for these vehicles. I've driven Audis, Porchses, BMW's, GMC, Ford, NIssan, Chevy and this is my second Jeep so I'm no stranger to cars and reliability.

I'm guessing Jeep barely has 20k or maybe less in building one. They are a cash cow for FCA. Owners need to hold their feet to the fire for problems. As long as people are willing to be cattle and go along with the status quo, they will keep getting the prod from FCA.

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