When driving a Jeep Wrangler, you generally accept that you’re going to have a few more mechanical problems than the next SUV driver. But, the 2014 Wrangler isn’t too bad in this regard, with fewer recalls on file than the 2017-2020 editions.
Key Points
- The 2014 Jeep Wrangler is an improvement over the previous year, with three fewer recalls on file with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
- Oil leaks, and the scent of burning oil, are the leading concern for 2014 Wrangler drivers, with the culprit likely being a broken cooler housing.
- The SUV currently has two recalls, two investigations, and 57 complaints on file for airbags. Unfortunately, some owners mention difficulty sourcing replacement airbag parts.
- A recall was issued for over 10,000 units with poorly-secured seat belts, and with only four complaints on file, this problem seems to have been caught early.
- Annual repair costs for the 2014 Wrangler average around $462, which is high for a typical compact SUV, but fair for a Wrangler.
Oil Leaks and Burning Oil Lead the List of Complaints, Making up More Than Half of the Total
Out of 533 complaints total, 287 are listed under engine, putting this category in the lead by a wide margin. The issue we’re seeing over and over again: drivers are reporting that they can smell burning oil after going for a drive. Then they check under the SUV and they see a big puddle of the stuff.
The problem here is pretty obvious. There seems to be an oil leak in these Jeeps. One registered owner complaint mentions that their leak had to do with a failed oil cooler housing, resulting in oil dripping all over the engine. At the very least, this is expensive and bad for the engine. At worst, you’re looking at a fire hazard.
There have been no investigations into the matter so far, and there are no recalls for the oil leak. The problem makes up a good chunk of those 287 complaints, and it is becoming more common as the vehicle gets on in years, with, so far, seven complaints in 2022 alone, and around 50 in 2021.
At present, there’s simply no way to tell what will happen with this issue. If complaints continue to mount up, an investigation and recall may be inevitable. But you won’t want to hold your breath. You never know how these things will go until you get word from the NHTSA or the automaker.
2014 Wrangler’s Airbag Issues Lead to Two Investigations, Two Recalls, and 57 Complaints, Plus a Parts Shortage
The 2014 Wrangler has been subject to a number of investigations, complaints, and recalls for the airbags. In total, that’s 57 complaints, two investigations, and two recalls, for airbags alone. That makes for half of all recalls and investigations affecting the vehicle.
The first complaint pointing to problems with the airbag was made in January of 2016 for a broken clock spring, with the failure being reported at 44,000 miles. This set a pattern for complaints to follow. The clock spring is a spiral-wound ribbon providing power to the airbag.
A recall was actually issued before the first complaint was registered, for 7,196 units. It was a simple matter of replacing the clockspring and a few associated parts at the automaker’s expense. But, drivers have been having trouble getting these repairs done.
A number of drivers report that the parts are on back order, even six years after the recall was initially issued, and they’ll have to simply wait. Add to this investigations for ACU overstress and inflator ruptures and the 2014 Wrangler has its share of airbag problems.
2014 Wrangler’s Seat Belts Are Too Tight, Too Loose, Fail to Latch, and Come Entirely Detached
The 2014 Wrangler has been hit with a handful of complaints regarding the structural integrity of the car, with some drivers reporting rain leaking in through the door seals. The big concern here is with the seat belts.
One driver reports that the belt lock mechanism trapped their daughter and she had to be cut loose, while another reports that the belt simply won’t latch properly, and a third complains that the belt stays slack, failing to tighten securely into place.
Although seat belt complaints haven’t been as numerous as engine or airbag complaints, the severity of the reported problems led to an investigation in July of 2019 and closed in December. The result was a September of 2019 recall for belts being improperly secured to the seat frame in 11,463 units.
There are only four seat belt complaints on file in total, so it would appear that they managed to take care of this problem before it got out of hand. All the same, make sure to check your VIN and ensure that any Wrangler you’re shopping for has had this recall taken care of.
2014 Jeep Wrangler Has its Issues but Stands as One of the More Reliable Examples of the Classic Nameplate
If you’re buying a Jeep Wrangler, you expect to spend a little more on maintenance than the next driver. The Wrangler has always been one of the best weekend vehicles ever made, but it’s never been a great primary vehicle. No exception to the rule, the 2014 model will run you about $462 a year in repair costs.
Is it worth the extra maintenance cost? Well, if you love splashing across muddy creek beds and bouncing through the woods in a topless 4×4, we’re not going to be able to talk you out of it by telling you that some 2014 Wranglers were affected by a serious oil leak.
But, we can assure you that the 2014 Wrangler has fewer complaints and recalls on file than the 2013 and 2012 models. So if you’re looking to get the safest, most reliable used Wrangler you can find, the 2014 model isn’t a bad choice.
In short: yes, the 2014 Wrangler has a few more issues to contend with than most compact SUVs released for the same model year, but if you go in knowing what to expect from a Wrangler, it’s hardly a lemon. It’s just a little more high-maintenance than a daily-driver family wagon.
Photos: Stellantis
