Do Jeep Wranglers Flip Over Easily?

Whether you own a Jeep Wrangler or are considering purchasing one, it’s a wise idea to know all the potential safety hazards. Wranglers are known for their off-road handling, toughness, and unique boxy appearance. However, many reports claim they’re prone to flipping more than most vehicles.

Jeep Wranglers don’t flip over quickly if you drive safely but are more likely to flip in a side collision than most SUVs. The Wrangler has a 27.9% chance of rolling over in an accident, making it semi-unsafe in flipping. The slim base and high center of gravity contribute to this statistic.

In this post, we’ll show why Wranglers are more likely to flip in an accident or while off-roading, why lifting might worsen the issue, and how to prevent tipping your Jeep on the road. We’ll also explain whether Jeep Wranglers are considered safe vehicles.

Does a Wrangler Flip More Often? Jeep Rollover Statistics

According to Motor Biscuit, Jeep Wranglers have a 27.9% chance of flipping on their side, which is higher than any SUV on the market. This stat doesn’t mean they’re unworthy or unsafe to drive, but you should know a few things before hopping in a Wrangler. Let’s discuss all of them in the list below.

Jeep Wranglers have a high center of gravity compared to other SUVs. Car and Driver show the Jeep Wrangler is 73.6 inches tall(186.9 cm) (some models are even taller), making it a target for flipping. Combined with the factor mentioned in the second point, you’ll soon understand why Wranglers received their poor flipping rating.
They have a narrow base, which makes it harder to correct in an accident. A narrow base weakens the Wrangler in flipping because insufficient traction or low-sitting weight supports the vehicle. While it adds to the vehicle’s cosmetic value, it’s not the best for physics.
The Wrangler’s long sidewall is a target for collisions, which could increase the odds of tipping. Long, narrow SUVs continue to be subject to flipping. The Wrangler is long enough for an incoming car to hit it but narrow enough not to handle the collision correctly.
The two-door model is more likely to flip than the four-door model because it’s less heavy. Weight significantly reduces or increases a vehicle’s chance of rolling in a crash or while off-roading. Since the 2D Wrangler is slightly lighter than the 4D Wrangler, you’ll likely experience flipping.
Wranglers have limited visibility compared to many vehicles on the road. One of the primary factors in an SUV’s accident rating is visibility. If you can’t see very well, you’re more likely to crash into another vehicle or skid off the road. The Wrangler is boxed, limiting viewing angles and increasing the chances of tipping.

If you’re interested in the Wrangler’s side crash test rating, check out this video of the Wrangler flipping in a demo:

Wranglers are designed for off-roading, with some newer models focused on on-road driving. However, not much has changed regarding the vehicle’s center of gravity, the most significant trait for flipping. Below, we’ll discuss why adding a lift kit could worsen the Wrangler’s flipping chances.

Will Lifting a Jeep Wrangler Make It Tip Over?

It might be tempting to lift your Jeep Wrangler since it’ll look cooler, drive better in off-roading and Overlanding scenarios, and make it easier to work on. That said, lift kits can void the warranty and increase the tipping odds, so it’s something to think twice about.

Here’s a handful of reasons a lift kit might make your Wrangler flip over:

Lift Kits Increase a Vehicle’s Center of Gravity

Earlier in the post, we mentioned the Jeep Wrangler’s high center of gravity, but these lift kits worsen the problem. A lift kit isn’t the best choice if you’re concerned about flipping the vehicle. US News states Wranglers sit 10.8 inches above the ground, so there’s plenty of ground clearance without adding a lift kit.

Jeeps with lift kits with a higher center of gravity scored a marginal rating from IIHS. While not bad, a marginal rating shows an area for needed improvement.

Using a Lift Kit Makes Corrections More Challenging

Offroad Aussie discusses the problems of lifting a Jeep, including less smooth driving (Wranglers aren’t known for comfort too often) and sudden changes. If you try to stop or swerve suddenly, you’ll likely experience a sudden shift in whichever direction momentum takes the vehicle.

These corrections can lead to more accidents, so some companies partially void warranties on lifted vehicles.

Lifted Wranglers Are Harder to Brake

All lifted vehicles are challenging to slam on the brakes because they tend to skid more, their momentum slides the vehicle more, and the visibility is reduced. These factors contribute to the fact that you shouldn’t lift your Jeep Wrangler unless you’re an experienced driver. Consider a two-inch or less lift if you’re inclined to raise the vehicle.

Wranglers are quite tall off the car dealership lot, but lift kits can introduce several benefits. Before you lift your vehicle, consider these points to know if it’s right for you. Once you’re done, review the final section to know why Jeep Wranglers are safe despite their high flipping percentage.

Are Jeep Wranglers Safe to Drive?

You might be worried you made a mistake buying a Wrangler, but we don’t want you to regret the purchase. Jeep Wranglers are some of the best off-roading vehicles, offering countless safety standards unique to the SUV. Below, you’ll find everything you should know about the Wrangler’s safety when crashing, flipping, and more.

Wranglers have a bulky body that protects their drivers and passengers. Many people feel safe when driving Jeep vehicles because they’re designed to protect the driver and passengers. While they flip more than other SUVs, they’re quite safe if you accidentally tip or roll the vehicle.
The Jeep Wrangler’s frame can roll with the vehicle to prevent it from crashing inward. Whether you have a softshell or hardtop Wrangler, the frame is as durable and protective. Caving roofs can be pretty dangerous, but the Wrangler keeps you out of harm’s way while flipping or sliding.
They’re some of the best vehicles for off-road handling and control. Jeeps started as some of the most well-known and trusted off-road vehicles. The Wrangler embodies this ideology with bulky tires, 4×4 and 2×4 options, and optimal suspension. If you’re off-roading, the Wrangler is a safe bet.
A 4×4 Jeep Wrangler can tackle snowy roads, mud, and more. The Wrangler is an excellent choice if you’re worried about driving during the winter or sudden weather changes. It rolls through the ice, snow, wet roads, and more. If you’re worried about hydroplaning, you can activate the 4×4 mode.
Motortrend shows the Wrangler scored a 50% safety rating on the. This grade proves Jeep has a lot of work to do, but they’re slowly improving the Wrangler annually. Much like any vehicle on the road, it’s best to practice common safety standards when driving. Euro NCAP Test

Conclusion

Jeep Wranglers are more likely to tip in a side collision or while rolling over the terrain on one side, but you can manage these issues by navigating the roads.

Lifting a Wrangler makes it more likely to flip over because it further increases the Jeep’s high center of gravity and limits your ability to make sudden corrections. Lowering a Wrangler can help this problem, but keep an eye on the manufacturer’s warranty before taking action.