Five problems related to hood latch have been reported for the 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Both external rubber side latches failed on 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The hood flipped up and obscured the driver's visibility. The hood was destroyed by its impact against the roof. This vehicle had been manufactured w/o the standard internal latch due to several parts changes during the manufacturing year. An internal latch could not be fitted to the mis-matched hood and grill.
Dt: was driving eastbound, a tractor trailer was westbound, the turbulence behind tractor trailer caused the external hood latches to fail. The safety hook in the center of the hood also failed to keep the hood down. The hood flew up striking windshield and folded over shattering windshield. Lost visibility however maintained control of vehicle.
Hood flew open at 30mph. Chrysler redesigned latch but not recalled. Original hood latch not appropriate without use of side latches, even at low speeds.
Hood latches are made of rubber allowing them to give when meeting oncoming traffic. Latches failed twice on windy days when meeting large vehicles on roadway.
Strong wind caused hood latch to break/fly up. (qcaw).
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