Wondering if Jeep Wranglers have Backup Cameras? We’ve got you covered!
Jeep Wranglers are known to be off-road vehicles, and so many people wonder, do Jeep Wranglers have a backup camera? and why would an off-roading vehicle need a backup camera?
Back in the day, when the Jeep was introduced for the military, the manufacturers did not see the need for a backup camera, and neither was there demand from the market.
In the modern auto industry, every vehicle manufactured features a backup camera, and it’s one of the considerations of the quality, and technology used in the backup camera customers are looking for before purchasing a vehicle.
Back-up cameras are wide-angle cameras attached to the rear of the Jeep, in the tire mount or the bumper, and are normally linked to your infotainment system, in modern Jeeps, they are attached to the Uconnect Infotainment system.
In modern Jeep Wranglers, like the 2023 Jeep Wrangler, Safety features include improved parking technology, that features a Parkview Rear Back-up Camera 3, Rear Park Assist 6, and a forward-facing camera, the cameras are high quality, and the camera and sensors quality and accuracy have been improved since Jeep introduced the back-up camera in the year 2018.
Do Jeep Wranglers have backup cameras?
Yes, all Jeep Wranglers manufactured from the year 2018 have backup cameras, in the year 2008 Congress passed the backup camera law that required all vehicles to be equipped with rearview visibility, but Jeep introduced the backup camera in the year 2018 which was the deadline to comply with the law.
The backup cameral law was introduced due to the increase in road accidents caused by cars backing over other cars and people every year, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration more than 18,000 accidents and an average of 300 fatalities were reported every year.
Which Jeeps have a Backup camera?
Jeeps manufactured from the year 2018 have a backup camera, however, Jeeps manufactured in the year 2018 and below do not have backup cameras.
All Jeep JL trims and models had a backup camera including the Jeep Wrangler Sports, Sports S, Sahara, Rubicon, and Moab.
Does the Jeep CJ Have a backup camera?
The Jeep CJ was manufactured between the years 1944 and the year 1986, in these years, there was no demand for a rear-view camera and the technology had not yet been introduced in the automotive industry.
Does the Jeep YJ have a backup camera?
Similar to the Jeep CJ the Jeep YJ doesn’t have a backup camera, the Jeep YJ was manufactured between the years 1986 and 1995, and Jeep had not yet introduced backup cameras in their Jeeps.
Does the Jeep TJ have a backup camera?
No! The Jeep TJ had no backup cameras, they were manufactured between the years 1996 and 2006, Jeep had not introduced backup cameras in their Jeeps.
Do the 2017 Jeep Wranglers have a backup camera?
Jeep Wranglers JK manufactured in the year 2017 do not have backup cameras. The Jeep JK was manufactured between the years 2006 and 2018, and only the 2018 models have a backup camera.
It’s important to note that the year 2008 is the year congress passed the law requiring all motor vehicle manufacturers to install backup cameras, there was plenty of time to comply with the law, and Jeep introduced the rear camera in 2018.
Does the Jeep JL have a backup camera?
Yes, the Jeep JL has a backup camera, the Jeep JL, and rear-view cameras were both introduced in the year 2018, Jeep was in a hurry to comply with the congress law passed in the year 2008, but the deadline was in 2018, and Jeep new models which were Jeep Wrangler JL had to have a back-up camera.
Can you install a backup camera on an old Jeep?
Yes, you can install a backup camera on an old Jeep, these are Jeeps made from the year 1994 to the year 2017, and include the Jeep CJ, Jeep YJ, Jeep TJ, and the Jeep JK 2006-2017).
Since these are old Jeeps without an infotainment system, you will need a screen for backup camera functionality, most aftermarket cameras are sold as a kit with a screen targeting old models of cars that don’t have backup cameras since most modern cars manufactured from the year 2018 feature a rear-view camera.
If you are used to driving your old Jeep Wrangler without a screen and a backup camera, installing one will make it feel unnatural, since most old-school Jeepers are used to using their mirrors, but with time you will get used to checking your console screen where the rear view is displayed, which is an effective position and allows you to see a much wider angle compared to a rear-view mirror.
How to choose a backup camera?
We recommend buying a Multiview backup camera, this is because a Multiview camera allows for multiple configurations, and allow you to rotate the camera for a closer look.
A modern Multiview camera, will also feature sensors, that will alert you in case there is an obstacle detected in your patch, you can be able to set the distance you will need, or the camera will automatically use its default settings to notify you to in case there is an obstacle detected.
How much does it cost to put a backup camera on a Jeep?
Buying a backup camera on a Jeep will cost you anything from $50-$500 depending on the backup camera kit content, and the backup camera features and technology. Installing a backup camera will cost you around $50-$100 depending on the backup camera features and parts that need to be installed on your Jeep.
Final Thoughts.
Back-up cameras are not a must, if you have a Jeep Wrangler manufactured before the year 2018 before the back-up camera law was passed, you are allowed to drive without a backup camera.
However, we recommend installing a backup camera on your old Jeep, a backup camera improved your Jeep handling capabilities and also reduces accidents. Most Jeepers like customizing their Jeeps, especially old JK and TJ Models, it’s not a surprise most feature modern equipment including a backup camera installed by their owners and not factory backup cameras.
About the Author: James Ndungu
James Ndungu is a seasoned automotive professional with a deep passion for Jeeps. With 40 years of experience in owning, testing, and reviewing various Jeep models, James has gained extensive first-hand knowledge and expertise. He shares his insights, tips, and advice through his engaging writing, helping fellow Jeep enthusiasts navigate the exciting world of Jeeps.
