Does Model Year Matter? Any to avoid yet?

[jeventures]

In terms of price, both used and new prices may continue to drop over the winter. I’m delaying my wife’s next car purchase as I think the 2023 models for many mfg will be strongly discounted in the new year.

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[Casique]

I would stay away from the Launch Edition models. I have a 2021 that has had no issues. Steering wanders a bit, but nothing else, never been to a dealer.

 

[Mad Mac]

As mentioned, if looking at a 2020
there was a recall for the aluminum steering box.
Check the steering box to see if they changed it to a steel one.
It should be black and not aluminum color.
I should think Stellantis would still honor the recall.
So it should not cost anything but time.
The new steel gearbox may wander.
But it can be snugged up.

If looking at a 2021 like I have
be aware that there was a vin split in June.
TPS sensors were changed due to supply chain issues.
Not a deal killer.
Simply a matter of having the correct sensor
if you change wheels.
The ECM cannot be reprogrammed.
Both sensors are available.

 

[JRobes]

My thoughts:

Warranty - 5 yr/60k miles powertrain is worth a good amount IMO, so the newer the better (and make sure it wasn't modified if this matters (ie gear change, major parts swaps, engine "mods", etc). Also try to get maintenance history on anything used. Even if the previous owner did at-home oil changes, I'd feel good about that as the dealership has messed up my oil fills multiple times already (6 quarts in instead of 5 required). Just make sure if there's engine issues you have proof of timely oil changes.

All years still suffer from the rear window leak as far as I know, there's an interior plastic track that drains water along the top of the window that's adhered directly to the window, and I believe it stress cracks as the window expands/contracts with heat cycles with the rear defrost and cold weather.

Aluminum steering box was upgraded to a steel one couple years after the JT came out, but it's hit or miss if this is an issue for a lot of owners.

I'm sure there have been some minor engine updates/tweaks over the years for lifter tick, oiling issues, etc, but this is such a crap-shoot as even newer engines can have manufacturing/assembly issues, but again newer is probably better here.

There were locker sensor issues on earlier model JTs (and JLs), but I believe they solved the issue in the last year or two. Bottom line is gear oil/debris can make its way into the locker sensor and cause a dash light, and can be an expensive out-of-warranty repair as the sensor needs to be replaced.

There were battery/wiring updates over the years (all details not documented), so again here I'd personally want a newer year model to get the latest/greatest. There were also minor updates to other wiring harnesses (headlights are a good example) for lower trims that include an extra wire to upgrade base halogen headlights to LED without having to add extra wiring from the lights to the cabin.

Paint issues - on earlier JL's (and maybe some early JTs) there are documented issues of corrosion happening on the door and hood hinges; this likely stems from improper paint prep and dissimilar metal corrosion between the aluminum hinges, alum door and hood panels, and steel mtg hardware. Basically the hinges were mounted to the door/hood panels and then painted, and water could get between those unpainted mating surfaces and interact with the bare alum surfaces and steel hardware attaching them together. I think on later JL/JT years they solved this by at least priming the mating surfaces individually.

For transmissions, the manual has been plagued with issues, and is rated for far less towing than the auto (as you've discovered). If you're not going diesel and plan to tow, get the Max Tow package on a Sport/Sport S to make sure you're well over your towing amount and payload. You can get several hundred extra pounds of payload with the Max Tow over non-max tow models, so carefully look into that option.

Otherwise, I think there's only been very minor tweaks over the years on the JT. All that being said, I wouldn't be hesitant against older years, my 2020 and my dad's 2020 are both issue free so far, and most of what I've seen on the forum indicates the same (besides what I've stated above). Keep in mind a lot of the parts are shared with the JL, and that was out several years before the JT.

 

[Bulldog4xfour]

I think 2021 is the best year. You can add a supercharger, and it has the controls for the interior lighting, and dash lighting separate before they made it one control in 2023.

**Edited my post from 2022 to 2021 because I forgot about the ECU change.

 

[AstroZombie]

Covid made my Jeep sick?

 

[Dave-in-RI]

With the massive discounts right now, I can't see buying used unless you find a killer deal. My 2023 mojave had an msrp of $65k and I got it for $52k. A used 2022 similarly equipped with 32k miles on it was for sale at the same time (late October) and they were asking $49k. Not sure how far down they'd deal, but only a fool would buy used within a few grand of new price in my opinion. They even threw in lifetime powertrain at 20% off msrp. If you can find low mileage used for 30% or more off msrp then it's worth looking at.

There are decently equipped ones in my area (not stripper Sports) for $30k-$35k, and that's a big discount off buying a heavily-discounted $52k car (even if msrp is $65k-- nice grab, btw)-- call it a $20,000 gap. That's hard to overcome, at least from my side of the screen. I could buy the Jeep and a small boat, canoe, and gas + beer for the next few years.

 

[Hootbro]

As mentioned, if looking at a 2020
there was a recall for the aluminum steering box.
Check the steering box to see if they changed it to a steel one.
It should be black and not aluminum color.
I should think Stellantis would still honor the recall.
So it should not cost anything but time.
The new steel gearbox may wander.
But it can be snugged up.

The Aluminum Steering Box was a TSB and not a recall. If it was not taken care of before the 3/36K mile Bumper To Bumper warranty expiration, it was a customer out of pocket pay to have it corrected.

Still is something to watch for if shopping a 2020 used model.

 

[Zachanadandy]

There are decently equipped ones in my area (not stripper Sports) for $30k-$35k, and that's a big discount off buying a heavily-discounted $52k car (even if msrp is $65k-- nice grab, btw)-- call it a $20,000 gap. That's hard to overcome, at least from my side of the screen. I could buy the Jeep and a small boat, canoe, and gas + beer for the next few years.

They had a brand new 2023 sport on the lot for $38k, wouldn't be hard to talk them down to 35 or less I'd imagine. It would be hard for me to pay within $10k of the cost of new fire a similarly equipped vehicle with any miles on it personally.

 

[OHJeeper]

.... and the rubicons of that time frame couldn't lock the rear locker in 4h with out a software update.

Curious about this... my 2022 Rubi cannot lock the rears in 4H unless I do a super-secret cheat-code. Is this the SW update you are referring to, or was there one that was supposed to allow rear lockers just by pressing the locker button in 4H? I thought that was just a Mojave feature...

 

[OHJeeper]

The ECM cannot be reprogrammed.

Are you talking specifically about the TPMS sensors when you say the ECM cannot be reprogrammed, or the GPEC2 vs GPEC5 swap?

The TPMS thing is because they completely changed how the TPMS sensors connect to the BCM. The radio for the TPMS was moved into the Wireless Module where before (I think) it was part of the BCM. Nothing to do with the ECM, just to be clear.

If you're talking the GPEC2 vs GPEC5 - that's hit or miss. My early 2022 has the GPEC2.

Just wanted to clarify for the OP

 

[KevinC]

Curious about this... my 2022 Rubi cannot lock the rears in 4H unless I do a super-secret cheat-code. Is this the SW update you are referring to, or was there one that was supposed to allow rear lockers just by pressing the locker button in 4H? I thought that was just a Mojave feature...

The 2020 Rubicon can not lock the rear axle in 4H, nor is there a software update. 21 -current can with the " super secret button pushing" , but the 2020 will never be able to. No year Rubicon will lock the rear like the Mojave, that feature is model specific.

KevinC

 

[OHJeeper]

The 2020 Rubicon can not lock the rear axle in 4H, nor is there a software update. 21 -current can with the " super secret button pushing" , but the 2020 will never be able to. No year Rubicon will lock the rear like the Mojave, that feature is model specific.

KevinC

Got it - thanks for clarifying!

 

[JRobes]

The 2020 Rubicon can not lock the rear axle in 4H, nor is there a software update. 21 -current can with the " super secret button pushing" , but the 2020 will never be able to. No year Rubicon will lock the rear like the Mojave, that feature is model specific.

KevinC

Note that by adding a Tazer, you can overcome the factory software locker limiters.

 

[fourfa]

+1 tazer, but what is this super secret button code?

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