At Le Mans Motors, we know Jeeps inside and out. Whether it’s a rugged Wrangler, a city-friendly Compass, or a well-used Grand Cherokee, these vehicles are built to take on everything from beach runs to Brisbane’s peak-hour traffic. This year alone, our team of Jeep mechanics across West End, Newstead, Bulimba, Woolloongabba and Milton have worked on well over 100 different Jeep models.
That gives us a pretty clear picture of what goes wrong, when it goes wrong, and what it usually costs to fix. We’re sharing that knowledge here, to help you stay ahead of the curve and avoid the most common problems we see on a weekly basis.
If you’ve been searching for a Jeep service near me or need a Jeep specialist in Brisbane, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a look at what 2025 has taught us about servicing Jeeps in the real world.
1. Front Suspension Issues and Noisy Steering
Without question, one of the most common complaints from Jeep owners this year has been strange noises coming from the front suspension. This includes knocking sounds, creaks, and clunks that often show up while turning or driving over uneven surfaces.
These noises are particularly common in Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokees, where components like control arms, sway bar links and ball joints wear out faster than expected. In many cases, the suspension wear is worsened by off-road use or rougher suburban roads with potholes and speed bumps.
If you notice vague steering or unsettling noises while cornering, it’s time to get it checked. In most cases, these issues are fixable with a suspension overhaul or targeted part replacement, which is much more cost-effective when caught early.
2. Coolant Leaks and Overheating
Jeep’s cooling systems are another area where problems tend to show up regularly, especially in models running the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. We’ve seen a steady stream of Grand Cherokees, Compasses and Wranglers coming in with coolant leaks, overheating issues or recurring low coolant levels.
Common culprits include failing water pumps, cracked radiators, brittle hoses or leaking heater cores. Left unattended, a slow coolant leak can eventually cause serious engine damage, especially if you are stuck in Brisbane traffic on a hot summer day.
Our advice? If you smell coolant, see puddles under the car, or notice your engine temperature creeping up, book in for a Jeep service as soon as possible. A pressure test can usually pinpoint the issue quickly, and in most cases the repair is straightforward.
3. Automatic Transmission Problems
The 9-speed automatic transmission found in many modern Jeep models, especially the Cherokee and Compass, has been one of the most problematic systems we’ve seen this year. While Jeep has improved the software over time, many owners still experience hard shifting, hesitation when accelerating, or gear slipping.
In some cases, a transmission software update can resolve the issue. In others, mechanical wear or a failing solenoid pack could be the cause. Regardless, this is not something you want to ignore, as transmission issues can become expensive if left to deteriorate.
Jeep owners in Brisbane often report these problems during peak city driving, where constant stop-start traffic can make the symptoms more obvious. Our workshops in West End and Bulimba have performed dozens of transmission diagnostics this year alone, and catching the issue early can often avoid a full rebuild.
4. Electrical Faults and Battery Drain
Jeeps are packed with tech, especially newer models like the Grand Cherokee and Compass, but that also means more chances for things to go wrong. One of the most frustrating issues we’ve seen from Jeep drivers this year is electrical faults.
These range from persistent warning lights on the dashboard and malfunctioning entertainment systems to complete battery drain when the car is parked overnight. Many of these issues are traced back to the vehicle’s Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM), faulty sensors, or outdated software.
We’ve also seen quite a few alternator issues in older Grand Cherokees, as well as intermittent starter motor faults. If your Jeep is struggling to start, or warning lights are appearing without explanation, a proper electrical diagnostic scan is the best place to start. At Le Mans Motors, we have the right tools to get to the bottom of the problem without unnecessary guesswork.
5. Oil Leaks and Engine Gasket Failures
Oil leaks are another common repair request from Jeep owners in Brisbane. The 2.4L Tigershark and 3.6L Pentastar engines are both known for developing leaks from the valve cover gasket, oil cooler, or rear main seal over time.
While a bit of oil on the driveway may not seem urgent, consistent loss of oil can lead to low pressure, engine wear, and eventually major engine failure. If you’re topping up the oil more than once between services, or noticing burnt oil smells when the engine is hot, it’s worth having a Jeep mechanic take a closer look.
Our Jeep service centres in West End and Woolloongabba are well equipped to handle engine diagnostics and repairs, and many oil leaks can be resolved with a gasket replacement and proper sealant.
6. Brakes and ABS Warning Lights
Several Jeep models this year came in with ABS lights on the dash or reports of uneven braking performance. In many cases, it’s a worn brake sensor, a failing ABS module, or simply brake pads that have reached their limit.
It’s also common to see warped brake rotors on Jeeps that have been towing or carrying heavy loads. We’ve completed hundreds of brake inspections this year across our Brisbane locations, and early intervention can save a lot of money and make your Jeep safer on the road.
7. Faulty 4WD System Engagement
Finally, we’ve seen a notable number of Wranglers and Cherokees with issues related to their four-wheel drive systems. Drivers report the system not engaging properly, binding during turns, or warning messages about the driveline.
In most cases, these problems stem from transfer case sensor faults or issues with the electronically controlled drive actuators. This can be a complex system, so it’s best to have a Jeep specialist handle the diagnosis to avoid replacing parts unnecessarily.
Why Jeep Owners Choose Le Mans Motors
At Le Mans, we take pride in being a trusted Jeep mechanic for Brisbane drivers. Across our five locations, we see more European and American SUVs than most workshops in the city. We’ve built our reputation on transparent servicing, fair pricing, and the ability to solve problems without the dealership upsell.
If you’re searching for Jeep service near me, or a workshop that understands the quiraks of your model, our team is ready to help. Whether it’s a routine oil change or a complex engine issue, we’ll give you a clear rundown of what needs doing and what can wait.
Book a Jeep Service in Brisbane Today
Need a Jeep service in Brisbane? Whether you’re based in West End, Newstead, Milton, Woolloongabba or Bulimba, there’s a Le Mans workshop nearby ready to help. Book online or call your nearest location to secure a time that suits you.
