1997 Jeep TJ Sahara 4.0

Summary:

Great off road for a while then a headache

Faults:

Well first at around 45000 miles the Automatic Transmission went out after I got stuck in a mud hole. It went out because the vent hose had fallen away from the firewall, and acted like a straw. Sucking in the water. I then had it rebuilt. Then it went out twice after that. The last time it was because the torque converter went to pieces and locked it up. Now the transmission it going out with a bang. Its' making a funny grinding noise. Therefore it must be rebuilt again. But, I am sad to say that it will be the last time because before it goes out again. I am going to get rid of the most problematic thing in my life. That darn Jeep. Besides the transmission my passenger side seat stopped folding foward when by pulling the strap on the seat. Now you have to reach underneath and force down a lever which folds the seat forward.

General Comments:

It seems like every time that I fix the strange Jeep problems. Something else seems to go wrong with it. All tougher the little jeep has been good, but quite weird.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Don't Know

Review Date: 26th August, 2003

3rd Oct 2003, 04:20

The seat is easy to fix.

Remove the seat from the jeep (4 bolts).

Remove the lower seat cover (doesn't need to completely come off)

Use zip-ties to reattach cable to frame around the area where the seatbelt receiver is.

Done.

13th Oct 2011, 21:16

Dunking the Jeep in a mud hole deep enough to kill the trans may be the cause of a few root problems you have experienced; water and mud get everywhere.

29th Jun 2014, 03:49

The initial problem can't be blamed. As for rebuilding transmissions... This is a critical operation. Are you sure the mechanic was familiar with Jeep transmissions? In my experience, a rebuild will not fail if it's rebuilt correctly. Often the best route is to replace the transmission, with a new one from the manufacturer.

29th Jun 2014, 15:09

I think you're a little tough on your Jeep in more than one way. These little 4x4's are virtually bulletproof as long as you take good care of them. I've owned three, & may go back to another when it is time to retire my Liberty (many, many years from now).

1997 Jeep TJ Sport 2.5 liter

Summary:

I will drive nothing else.

Faults:

At 50,000 miles the engine started losing power going uphill. Discovered parts in the catalytic converter had come loose and were causing back pressure. Had it replaced by a jeep shop (4X4 specialty) only to have the same problem occur at 90,000 miles. Had a local shop do the work the second time.

Oxygen sensor went bad at 60,000 miles, replaced it myself.

Radiator starting leaking at 70,000 miles, replaced it myself.

Twice the exhaust manifold bolt fell out and sounded like a V-8 under the hood. Some lock tight and elbow grease cured that problem.

Serpentine belt replaced at 100,000 miles just for good measure. I travel to New Mexico and Belize a lot and practice preventive maintenance as much as possible.

Had front brakes replaced at 100,000 miles. Back brakes were less than half used.

General Comments:

I have traveled often to New Mexico deserts and Mayan rain forest. The jeep is a poor man's Land Rover. I take care of her and she takes care of me.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 23rd February, 2003

1997 Jeep TJ SE 2.5L

Summary:

Great, I love my jeep!!!

Faults:

-Starter

-O2 Sensor

-Muffler

-Driver side rear plastic wheel well (deer hit it)

-Oil Sensor failed

-Over all very cheap to maintain.

General Comments:

There is absolutely no car or truck that can replace the JEEPĀ® TJ Feeling you get driving and owning one of these. I don't know what the people at JeepĀ® but once they got you in a Jeep TJ you can NEVER get away from it. If you sell you Jeep it only a matter of time and you will buy another one.

I would recommend this SUV to everyone who likes the out doors and the wind in there hair.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 22nd January, 2003