2000 Jeep TJ
The 2000 Jeep TJ is a popular off-road vehicle known for its ruggedness, simplicity, and open-air driving experience. It comes with several engine options: a 2.5L inline-4 producing approximately 120 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque, and a more powerful 4.0L inline-6 generating around 190 horsepower and 235 lb-ft of torque. Transmission choices included a 3-speed automatic and a 5-speed manual. Owners often praise the TJ for its off-road capabilities, easy customization, and classic Jeep styling. Common complaints include a somewhat rough ride, limited cargo space, and potential for rust.
Body
- Windshield Frame Rust
- Description/Symptoms: Rust develops at the base of the windshield frame, often bubbling under the paint. It can eventually lead to structural weakness.
- Solution: Sanding down the rust, applying rust converter, and repainting the area. For severe cases, the windshield frame may need to be replaced.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $500+ (depending on severity and DIY vs. professional repair)
- Recalls: None Found
- Door Hinge Rust/Sagging
- Description/Symptoms: Rust forms around the door hinges, causing the doors to sag or become difficult to close properly.
- Solution: Replacing the door hinges, or repairing the rusted areas and repainting.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+ (depending on hinge replacement vs. repair)
- Recalls: None Found
Engine
2.5L Inline-4
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks developing from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
- Solution: Replacing the gaskets or seals causing the leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
4.0L Inline-6
- Cracked Exhaust Manifold
- Description/Symptoms: A crack develops in the exhaust manifold, often heard as a ticking noise that increases with engine RPM. Can also cause a decrease in fuel economy and performance.
- Solution: Replacing the cracked exhaust manifold.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+
- Recalls: None Found
- Oil Leaks
- Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks developing from the valve cover gasket, oil pan gasket, or rear main seal.
- Solution: Replacing the gaskets or seals causing the leaks.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Camshaft Position Sensor Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Vehicle cranks but does not start, or experiences rough idling and stalling.
- Solution: Replacing the Camshaft Position Sensor.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50-$150
- Recalls: None Found
Transmission
3-Speed Automatic (TF999/32RH)
- Shifting Problems/Slipping
- Description/Symptoms: Transmission slips between gears, has harsh or delayed shifting, or fails to shift at all.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement. Sometimes, a fluid and filter change can temporarily alleviate the issue, but it is not a permanent fix.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $2000+
- Recalls: None Found
5-Speed Manual (NV3550 / AX-15)
- Synchro Wear/Grinding
- Description/Symptoms: Grinding noise when shifting into certain gears, particularly 2nd or 3rd, indicating worn synchronizers.
- Solution: Transmission rebuild or replacement to replace the worn synchros.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1500+
- Recalls: None Found
- Leaking
- Description/Symptoms: Leaking fluid between the transmission and transfer case
- Solution: Replacing the seals between the transmission and transfer case
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
Suspension
- Worn Suspension Bushings
- Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, especially when going over bumps. Poor handling and steering response.
- Solution: Replacing worn-out bushings in the control arms, sway bar links, and track bar.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $50 - $400+ (depending on how many bushings need replacement and labor costs)
- Recalls: None Found
- “Death Wobble”
- Description/Symptoms: Violent shaking of the front end at certain speeds (typically between 40-60 mph). Can be caused by a combination of worn steering components, including ball joints, tie rod ends, track bar bushings, and steering stabilizer.
- Solution: Inspect and replace worn steering and suspension components. Often requires a combination of new parts.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1000+ (depending on the extent of the repairs needed)
- Recalls: None Found
Electrical
- Clock Spring Failure
- Description/Symptoms: Loss of horn function, airbag warning light on, or issues with the steering wheel-mounted controls.
- Solution: Replacing the clock spring.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
- Recalls: None Found
- Corroded Grounds
- Description/Symptoms: Intermittent electrical issues, such as lights flickering, gauges malfunctioning, or starting problems.
- Solution: Cleaning and re-securing ground connections throughout the vehicle.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $10-$100+ (depending on how many ground locations need attention, DIY vs. professional)
- Recalls: None Found
Interior
- HVAC Issues
- Description/Symptoms: The air conditioning or heat doesn’t work, or only works intermittently. Often caused by a faulty blower motor resistor or blend door actuator.
- Solution: Replacing the faulty blower motor resistor or blend door actuator.
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $30 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
- Radio Issues
- Description/Symptoms: Radio head unit does not power on, or has intermittent power.
- Solution: Replacing the radio head unit, or repairing wiring
- Estimated Cost to Fix: $20 - $200+
- Recalls: None Found
Overall Summary:
The 2000 Jeep TJ is a capable and enjoyable vehicle, but like any older car, it is prone to certain issues. Rust, particularly on the windshield frame, is a common concern. Engine issues, such as exhaust manifold cracks on the 4.0L and oil leaks, can arise. Transmission problems, especially in the automatic, might require a rebuild or replacement. Suspension wear leading to “death wobble” requires careful attention. Electrical glitches due to corroded grounds or clock spring failures can also occur. While some repairs are relatively inexpensive, others, such as transmission work or addressing rust issues, can be costly. Potential buyers should thoroughly inspect the vehicle for these common problems and factor in potential repair costs.