Jeep Wrangler Reliability: How Long Will It Last?

The rugged Jeep Wrangler has been reported to achieve 200,000 miles or more by owners who actively maintain their 4X4 machines. Expect to continue making minor and major electrical, suspension, and engine repairs to keep yours on the road.

Key points

• A well-maintained Jeep Wrangler should be able to last up to 200,000 miles, although it may not have the highest reliability rating in the compact or midsize SUV segment.
• The key to its longevity is the 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine that comes standard on the 2012-2021 Jeep Wrangler.
• Maintaining your Jeep Wrangler is crucial to hitting those high mileage marks, but it can also include replacing timing chains, suspension, brake lines, and other worn parts.
• Due to its popularity as an off-road vehicle, a used Jeep Wrangler is not always a good candidate for long life, depending on its previous use.

Jeep Wrangler’s 3.6L Pentastar engine supports SUV longevity with an excellent reputation and long oil change intervals

A key ingredient that has contributed to the enduring reputation of Jeep Wrangler SUVs over the past decade is the standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 engine found under most hoods.

Added to the Jeep Wrangler in 2012, the engine produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb.-ft. of torque That’s all the muscle needed to hit the road without hesitation.

The Pentastar engine turned out to be so reliable that in 2019, Auto123 reported that more than 10 million were installed in almost half of new Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep vehicles – a clear indication that the engine is designed to survive in a combination of terrain, climates, and driving styles.

One Pentastar even made headlines after covering more than 626,000 miles before it finally suffered parts failure.

Of course, every engine requires careful maintenance to stay on the road beyond the manufacturer’s warranty. Performing an oil change every 6,000 to 10,000 miles on your Jeep Wrangler will help keep it running.

The Jeep Oil Life Monitor reminds you when to get to the garage. Accurately calculates when the fluid and filter should be changed based on your driving habits and road conditions.

Continued diligence by the Jeep Wrangler manufacturer and owners addresses new maintenance issues such as reprogramming the rusted oil pan and powertrain control module.

Of course, an SUV capable of high mileage depends on more than a great engine. If you want your Wrangler to last, you should expect to replace more than just oil and actively fix new problems as they arise.

While the 2012 Jeep Wrangler garnered the most initial complaints to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration over the past 10 years, some problems only came to light as the vehicle aged.

Drivers are now faced with engine lights, crackling, and poor acceleration. Repair shops are finding that rusted oil pans affect engine performance beyond oil loss. However, installing a new oil pan is a quick fix and not something that will reduce the life of the vehicle.

Once you’ve passed 120,000 miles, it may be time to replace the timing chain. Jeep uses a plastic timing chain cover that wears out over time. Replacing the cover along with the timing chain protects the crankshaft and camshaft from dirt and debris.

Older Jeep Wranglers will also continue to run for a long time with proper maintenance and possibly replacement of key suspension parts.

As an SUV designed for country roads and rugged trails, an older Jeep Wrangler will likely need to replace key suspension parts due to wear.

Place your vehicle on a lift and inspect the ball joints, springs, shock absorbers, and even the stabilizer bar. Replacing parts as needed ensures your 4X4 can expect even more years on the road.

The manufacturer is also trying hard to get old games up and running. A 2019 service campaign applied to the 2010 to 2015 Jeep Wrangler called to reprogram the powertrain control module. The PCM stored error codes even after troubleshooting, causing older vehicles to fail smog inspections. The quick upgrade allowed more Wranglers to skip a scrapping trip.

Although mileage may vary, not all Jeep Wranglers avoid bad roads and therefore longevity depends primarily on how the Jeep is used in your daily commute.

If you’re considering adding a Jeep Wrangler to your garage, choosing one based solely on its ability to go 200,000 miles or more is not a smart approach.

Since this is a 4X4 SUV designed for climbing mountains, splashing through streams, and traversing snowdrifts, the durability of any Wrangler will largely depend on how it is used.

Instead of focusing on mileage, take a close look at its service and repair history and ask what kind of terrain it has tackled. He who has spent years commuting to the office is more likely to reach the quarter-million mile mark than he who is abused every weekend at the off-road park.