Six problems related to frame rust have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Tl the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. While inspecting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the wheel well was visibly corroded. The vehicle was taken to manahawkin Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (500 new jersey 72 west, manahawkin, NJ 08050) where it was diagnosed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the contact would be responsible for the repair cost. The failure mileage was 63,000.
I have owned this vehicle since it was brand new. It has been garage kept for approx. 20 of its 21yrs. The rear frame where the trailing arms are attached to the brackets rusted out. The driver side trailing arms were almost ready to separate from the frame due to the frame rusting from the inside out. I had to cut out the section and replace it with a safe t cap patch. Cutting open the frame showed extensive rust on the inside of the frame. I checked my passenger side luckily not as bad as the driver side but will have to be replaced because it does have signs of rusting from the inside out in the exact same place. After doing some research it appears this is a common problem for the Jeep tj's. Jeep cut several holes in the sides of the frame that allowed water and debris access to the inside of the frame rail but did not put ant drain holes in the bottom of the frame to allow the water/debris to escape.
Frame is rusting through at the upward bend towards the rear tires on both sides. Issue is constantly reported online, in forums, with endless numbers of pictures. This is a serious safety concern as it compromises frame integrity. This issue is usually noticeable from the outside but in my case it is rusting from the inside out so if I hadn't caught it I would be in danger.
The contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the failure. The failure mileage and VIN was not available.
Frame rusting through in front of rear control arms. Frame rusted through where skid plate bolts to the bottom.
Tl- the contact owns a 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while performing routine maintenance on the vehicle he noticed that the frame was severely rusted. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the frame was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000 and the current mileage was 141,000. Pmb.