The 2009 Jeep Wrangler lasts around 250,000 miles with only some average shaking and gasoline issues. At $14,457 to $18,726 it’s a lot of money, but worth it for a fantastic dedicated off-roader.
Is the 2009 Jeep Wrangler a Good Used SUV?
- Yes, 2009 is a good year for the Wrangler. Owner reviews praise the removable doors, off-road abilities, and torque-heavy engine.
- Interior quality is below average with a lot of very durable plastic and cloth, and the technology is basic.
- Reliability ratings are average. Avoid models from 2007 and 2008 which have more mechanical issues and go with a 2009–2020 for improved quality.
- Performance is below average for an SUV from the standard V6 engine.
- The 2009 Wrangler is reasonably safe, getting an overall rating of 4-stars in government crash tests, but the rollover risk is high and only gets 3-stars in that test.
- Fuel economy is worse than average, getting around 17 MPG, which gives owners about 316 miles of range out of the 18.6 gallon tank.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Jeep Wrangler?
- Consumer Reports says the Wrangler is impressive off-road, but owner satisfaction scores are lower than average.
- Edmunds gives the Wrangler a 4.4/5 praising the fun driving experience, but doesn’t like the excessive road noise.
- Kelley Blue Book users rate the Wrangler 4.5/5 and enjoy the strong resale value, but owners don’t like the high repair costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Have?
The most common problems found on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler include shaking while driving, gas overflowing while filling the tank, and excessive oil consumption. Overall, these problems are average for an off-road focused SUV, and repair costs are similar to rivals.
Shaking while driving, commonly known as the “death wobble”, is a common complaint from owners at around 75,000 miles. The problem is caused by the steering damper and front shocks. Replacing them both is a common repair, costing about $900.
Gas overflowing while filling the tank is another issue mentioned by owners at around 60,000 miles. The main source of the problem is the charcoal canister being clogged. When it’s clogged the pressure won’t build up properly to shut off the pump while filling up. Replacing the canister costs about $450, depending on local labor rates.
Excessive oil consumption also shows up on some Wrangler models at around 15,000 miles. Jeep engines tend to use more oil than some rivals just due to the way they are built. Most owners just check the oil regularly and top it off as needed.
There are 7 recalls, average for an SUV from 2009, with the most serious being for the airbag clock spring which can prevent the airbag from deploying. Many of the other recalls cover airbag inflators and are not a big concern once they’ve been replaced.
How Long Will the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Last?
A well-maintained 2009 Jeep Wrangler should last around 250,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles shorter than its top competitor, the Toyota FJ Cruiser. Regular annual maintenance costs are a bit higher than average, according to Repair Pal, at $658 per year.
Since most 2009 Wrangler models will have over 100,000 miles buyers should be prepared to replace items including the heater core for $1,000, starter motor for $450, and the camshaft position sensor, which costs $250.
It is still really reliable. The only problem is we have to check the oil level often and the death wobble happens more frequently.
Very reliable. It had a minor issue with starting several months ago but was quickly corrected and fixed with a simple adjustment
It is not reliable and has had many problems including water leaks. I replaced the roof and the problem persisted/started.
Very reliable, had a few aftermarket issues. Has over 110,000 miles and just starting to have minor issues
How Much Is the 2009 Jeep Wrangler Worth?
Blue book values range from $14,457 to $18,762, making the Wrangler substantially more expensive than other SUVs like the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Nissan Pathfinder. When new, the price range was $20,710 to $32,090. Depreciation is better than average due to the large following for Wrangler models, losing only about 5% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Jeep Wrangler?
There are three main models of the 2009 Jeep Wrangler which are offered as 2-door or 4-door versions. The third generation of the wrangler was released in 2006, and then replaced with the fourth generation in 2017.
X is the entry-level model with:
- 16-inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Cruise Control
- AM/FM/CD Stereo With 3.5mm AUX Jack
Sahara is a step up, adding:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Body-Colored Fenders
- Keyless Entry
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Optional Navigation System
Rubicon is the ultimate off-road version and adds:
- Locking Rear Differential
- BF Goodrich Off-Road Tires
- Electronic Sway Barr Disconnect
- Raised Off-Road Suspension
What Engines Come In the Jeep Wrangler?
The engine found in the 2009 Jeep Wrangler is an average 3.8L V6 which makes 202 horsepower and gets up to 17 MPG combined. Performance is average, taking around 7.5 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Jeep Wrangler Come In?
How Big Is the Jeep Wrangler?
The 2009 Jeep Wrangler is available as a 2-door or 4-door SUV, and is smaller than other midsize SUVs including the Chevrolet Trailblazer and Honda Pilot. Passenger room is cramped in the backseats of the 2-door model, but the 4-door has good leg room for its size.
Cargo space is worse than average, only fitting 2-3 suitcases behind the seats in the 2-door model and 5-6 in the back of the 4-door version.
How Does the Jeep Wrangler Compare to the Competition?
The Jeep Wrangler scores well compared to other SUVs, but is hyper-focused on off-road performance and doesn’t offer a lot of the comfort and luxury found on rivals.
The Toyota 4Runner is a popular competitor costing about $1,000 less. Passenger room and interior materials are both better in the Toyota 4Runner, but the Jeep Wrangler is stronger off-road. We recommend the Toyota 4Runner since they last longer, but if you only want to hit the trails then the Wrangler is better.
The Toyota FJ Cruiser is another off-roader which costs about $3,000 less. Reliability ratings are better on the Toyota FJ Cruiser, but the 4-door version of the Jeep Wrangler has more passenger room. We recommend the FJ Cruiser since it lasts longer, but both offer outstanding off-road performance.
Do Owners Recommend the Jeep Wrangler?
Yes it is a good vehicle. Great for off roading and just driving around town. I love the jeep feel and look.
Yes! It is a tough off road capable vehicle with awesome safety and highly customizable. I love the capability of my jeep
No, it keeps breaking down. It has had a water leak, engine coolant problems, tire problems, and rim problems.
Yes. Fun to drive, roomy, safe. Can go anywhere in any weather. Room for kids, dogs and equipment, very versatile