2008 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 1,255 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2008 reports, 18 involved a crash and 34 involved a fire. 7 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedMay 24, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Campaign 16V352000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, driver side, inflator moduleMay 11, 2016
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles manufactured March 2, 2006, to August 13, 2010. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S33.
Campaign 16V290000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bagsMay 7, 2013
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Jeep Wrangler right-hand drive vehicles manufactured February 1, 2007, through October 10, 2011. The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits.
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11V-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is M31.
Campaign 13V176000 on NHTSA.gov
EquipmentFeb 25, 2013
Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.
If the liner shifts forward it may impede the operation of the accelerator and possibly lead to unintended acceleration, which may increase the risk of a crash.
Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.
Campaign 13E010000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontalNov 2, 2011
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD) JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLIES THAT COULD EXPERIENCE A COMPROMISED AIRBAG CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.
A BROKEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING ASSEMBLY CAN LEAD TO NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REMEDY THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER WILL MAIL TO OWNERS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 11V528000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulicJun 3, 2010
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 JEEP WRANGLER LEFT AND RIGHT HAND DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 15, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2010. THERE MAY BE CONTACT BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT INNER FENDER LINERS AND THE RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBES WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE TUBES CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN CAUSE PARTIAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES AT THE AFFECTED WHEEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 10V236000 on NHTSA.gov
Power train, automatic transmissionNov 5, 2009
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2008 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2006 THROUGH JULY 2008, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE WARNING SYSTEM.
FLUID COULD BOIL OVER AND MAY COME INTO CONTACT WITH A HOT ENGINE OR EXHAUST COMPONENT AND CAUSE A FIRE.
DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A "HOTOIL" MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND A CHIME INDICATING AN ELEVATED TRANSMISSION FLUID CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
Campaign 09V436000 on NHTSA.gov
Trailer hitchesJul 9, 2009
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 308 AFTERMARKET MOPAR TOW BAR ASSEMBLIES, P/N 82209758, SOLD DURING 2007 AND 2008 CALENDAR YEAR WHICH ARE USED TO TOW MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES.
THE TOW BAR CAN FAIL UNDER CERTAIN DRIVING CONDITIONS. THIS CAN RESULT IN THE TOWED VEHICLE SEPARATING FROM THE TOWING VEHICLE, POSSIBLY RESULTING IN A CRASH.
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF ALL 2007 AND 2008 MODEL YEAR JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES WHO COULD HAVE PURCHASED A RECALLED TOW BAR AND WILL REPLACE THE TOW BARS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 09E044000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, hoses, lines/piping, and fittingsMay 6, 2008
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,585 MY 2007-2008 JEEP WRANGLER, RIGHT HAND DRIVE ONLY, VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND REAR BRAKE TUBES.
PROLONGED BRAKE TUBE CONTACT COULD WEAR A HOLE IN THE TUBE AND CAUSE A PARTIAL BRAKE SYSTEM LOSS. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED BRAKE TUBE CLIP TO RETAIN THE TUBES, INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBES FOR DAMAGE DUE TO POTENTIAL CONTACT WITH THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE TUBES IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Campaign 08V202000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: steering
200 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, May 2, 2013
WHILE I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY, I WAS APPROACHING A CORNER AND AS I WENT TO TURN THE STEERING WHEEL TO NEGOTIATE THE CORNER MY WHEEL BECAME STUCK AND I NEARLY WENT INTO THE DITCH. I JERKED THE STEERING WHEEL HARD AND HEARD SOME WIRES SNAP. AFTER BRINGING THE VEHICLE TO A STOP I COULD SEE PC RIBBON WIRE HANG OUT OF THE STEERING WHEEL INDICATING BROKEN CLOCK SPRING. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, May 2, 2013
ON THE 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON EVERY OTHER MINUTE WITH A CHIME, AN INDICATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MALFUNCTIONING OR INTERFERING WITH THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS.THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE AND CONCERN FOR MANY 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) OWNERS, INCLUDING MYSELF, AND HAS BEEN SHOWN TIME AND TIME AGAIN TO BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL. THIS FAULTY CLOCKSPRING IS THE CULPRIT FOR POTENTIAL AIRBAG FAILURE IN THE 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) DURING AN ACCIDENT OR PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT WHEN SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY CONCERN OF THEIR FAULTY CLOCKSPRING THAT CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS FROM PROPERLY DEPLOYING. I HAVE PAID OUT OF POCKET TO HAVE A LOCAL DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSE THE ISSUE, AND THEY CONFIRMED IT WAS INDEED THE CLOCKSPRING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 17, 2013
DEATH WOBBLE. RIGHT FRONT WOBBLES 1 GOING AT ANY SPEED WHEN HITTING A SMALL BUMP IN ROAD. BRAKING MAKES IT WORSE. YOU CAN ONLY TRY TO SLOW IT DOWN & PULL OFF TO SHOULDER WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 10, 2013
DRIVING DOWN HIGHWAY AT 50 MPH THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE WHOLE JEEP STARTED SHAKING SO BAD IT ALMOST CAUSED ME TO RUN OFF THE ROAD. I COULD ONLY CONTROL IT BY BRING THE JEEP TO A STOP IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY, VERY DANGEROUS ! CHECKED WHEEL BALANCE AND SUSPENSION FOR WEAR , WITH FOUND NOTHING. WAS TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN FEATURE OF JEEPS WITH COIL SPRING FRONT AXEL? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 2, 2013
I HAVE HAD PERSISTENT VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE FRONT END AFTER HITTING MINOR BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE ISSUE IS REFERRED TO AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BY OTHERS ONLINE AND BY JEEP DEALERSHIP. THEY FIXED ONCE UNDER WARRANTY AT LESS THAN 20K MILES AND NOW THAT IT IS RECURRING AT 38K-47K MILES THEY WILL NOT COVER. I HAVE MADE NO MODIFICATIONS TO THE VEHICLE - IT IS STOCK. THE ISSUE HAPPENED 3 TIMES IN ONE TRIP THIS PAST WEEKEND WHERE I NEED TO BRING THE CAR TO A NEAR STOP ON THE HIGHWAY (OBVIOUSLY A DANGEROUS CONDITION). I CALLED JEEP CORPORATE (MAX, LEVEL 1 AGENT. [XXX] REP # 4.2.2013 2:50PM EASTERN TIME FOR A 30 MINUTE + CALL.) THEY INFORMED ME THEY WOULD NOT COVER AND READ A STATEMENT. I AM SHOCKED THAT JEEP REFUSES TO FIX SOMETHING THE DEALER QUOTED ME $350 TO RESOLVE THAT IS CLEARLY A COMMON DEFECT IN THEIR PRODUCT AND CAUSES A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE. I HOPE THAT YOUR ORGANIZATION CAN ENCOURAGE PROACTIVE RESOLUTION BEFORE SOMEONE IS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR KILLED. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 25, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRACK BAR WAS DEFECTIVE AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE BUT DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 84,000. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 21, 2013
AT APPROXIMATELY 51 MPH AND AFTER PASSING OVER A ROUGH SPOT ON THE HIGHWAY SURFACE THE VEHICLE STARTED TO EXTREMELY VIBRATE AND SHIMMY. MAINTAINING CONTROL WAS DIFFICULT AND NECESSITATED AN IMMEDIATE REDUCTION IN SPEED. ON AN APPROXIMATE 50 MILE TRIP THIS WAS REPEATED FOUR TIMES WHILE ON AN INTERSTATE. THIS WAS MUCH MORE VIOLENT THAN A BLOW OUT, TIRE SEPARATION, OR AN UNBALANCED TIRE. THIS MALADY COULD EASILY RESULT IN A FATALITY. I'VE LOGGED APPROXIMATELY 2MILLION MILES DRIVING AND I MUST ADD THIS SITUATION IS VERY SERIOUS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Tires, Mar 9, 2013, crash
HIT A SMALL BUMP, LEFT TIRE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY, LOSING CONTROL, OVER CURB, HIT POST, DAMAGING FRONT END AND HITTING PASSENGERS HEAD ON WINDSHIELD
Steering, Suspension, Mar 6, 2013
I WAS COMING OFF THE FREEWAY ONTO AN EXIT AND THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING REALLY BAD, ALMOST TO THE POINT THAT I COULDN'T CONTROL IT. I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND MY BOYS THOUGHT IT WAS A FLAT TIRE (OR TWO) SO THEY GOT OUT AND LOOKED. NO FLAT. WE WERE ALMOST TO OUR DESTINATION SO ONCE I SETTLED DOWN, WENT THE REST OF THE WAY WITH NO PROBLEM. I HAVE NOT HAD THAT HAPPEN AGAIN SINCE THEN BUT IT IS VERY SCARY AND WITH ONE OR BOTH OF MY KIDS IN THE CAR AT ALL TIMES, I DON'T WANT ANYTHING TO HAPPEN. WHAT IS IT AND HOW CAN IT BE FIXED? THE DEALER HAS NO IDEA AND LOOK AT ME LIKE I HAVE LOST IT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 2, 2013
WHILE TRAVELING ON ROUTE 95 AT 65MPH, I HIT A BUMP AND MY FRONT END BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE REQUIRING ME TO PULL INTO THE BREAKDOWN LANE AND COME TO A STOP. THIS OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES AND THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL SCARING ME BEYOND BELIEF. THE PHENOMENON IS KNOWN AS "DEATH WOBBLE" BY PEOPLE THAT HAVE HAD IT HAPPEN. I HAVE MAINTAINED MY VEHICLE ON A REGULAR BASIS AND THE REALLY CONCERNING PART IS THE NUMBER OF REPORTS ON VARIOUS WEB FORUMS. THERE IS NO WAY TO KNOW IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN AND THE UNSUSPECTING DRIVER CAN LOSE CONTROL AND CRASH VERY EASILY. IF YOU NEED ANY FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO CALL ME. THANKS *TR
Steering, Feb 28, 2013
2008 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND CONSUMER ALSO SEEKS REIMBURSEMENT. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT HAPPENED ON A BACK ROAD. THERE WAS A MINUTE WHERE THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OUT OF CONTROL. THE CONSUMER STATED HE WAS DRIVING 45 MPH AND HAD NOT GONE OVER ANY BUMPS. THE CONSUMER IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER, WHERE THEY REPLACED A LEAKING STEERING DAMPER.
Steering, Suspension, Feb 19, 2013
DEATH WOBBLE 2008 WRANGLER 2ND REPAIR, STILL NOT FIXED. FIRST TIME I NOTICED IT IN 2010, LESS THAN 25000 MILES. I ASSUMED IT WAS THE ROAD CONDITION. WHEN I REALIZED THAT IT WOULD HAPPEN UNDER VARIOUS ROAD CONDITIONS, I NOTED OTHER FACTORS REALIZING THAT IT SEEMED TO OCCUR AT APPROXIMATELY 57 MPH. AT FIRST THE VIBRATION WAS JUST ANNOYING AND INTERMITTENT. THEN IT GOT WORSE AND I WAS SCARED BECAUSE IT SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY AT 57 MPH. I THOUGHT THE VEHICLE WAS GOING TO ROLL SPONTANEOUSLY. IN MARCH 2010, TOOK IT TO A DEALER; THEY SAID THEY COULDN'T RECREATE THE PROBLEM SO COULDN'T FIX IT. I CALLED ANOTHER DEALER AND THE SERVICE TECH (IN 2010) MENTIONED, "JEEP WOBBLE"- I GOOGLED IT AND FOUND VERY LITTLE INFO- JUST SOME JEEP OWNER BLOGS THAT DESCRIBED EXACTLY WHAT I FELT. THE DEALER FIXED THE PROBLEM (UNDER WARRANTY) BY REPLACING THE STEERING COLUMN SHOCK (OR SOMETHING). SINCE I HAD IT REPAIRED, I STILL EXPERIENCED THE NORMAL, MINOR VIBRATION THAT HAPPENS AROUND 55 MPH. RECENTLY (JAN 2013) THE DEATH WOBBLE RETURNED WITH A VENGEANCE. REGARDLESS OF ROAD CONDITIONS, AT 57 MPH IT SHAKES SO BADLY THAT IT FEELS LIKE I WILL LOOSE CONTROL. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT THEY WILL REPLACE THE SHOCK AGAIN AND THEY MENTIONED THAT THE PART HAS BEEN IMPROVED WITH BRACKETS OR SOME SUCH. OF COURSE, AT 57000 MILES, IT IS OUT OF WARRANTY AND I HAD TO PAY THE $230 FOR THE REPAIR. THE TECH TOLD ME THAT THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND I WILL PROBABLY HAVE TO REPLACE IT AGAIN IN ANOTHER 25000 MILES. I CALL BS! THE JEEP HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD, NEVER MISTREATED, ALWAYS MAINTAINED. NEITHER DEALER NOR MANUFACTURER EVER MENTIONED THIS TSB DURING THE 2013 REPAIR. WHEN I PICKED IT UP, IT WAS NOT FIXED. JEEP CO. HAS AGREED TO REIMBURSE ME FOR ALL BUT $100 (DEDUCTIBLE) BUT WHY DO I HAVE TO KEEP PAYING FOR REPAIRS ON A KNOWN ISSUE? VIBRATION IS SO BAD, IT COULD CAUSE ME TO WRECK. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 18, 2013
I HAVE A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA UNLIMITED WITH 50,000 MILES AND PURCHASED NEW. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING "DEATH WOBBLE" OR AN UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING IN THE FRONT END OF MY VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY BUT GENERALLY AT SPEEDS OF 40 MPH AND HIGHER. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO MY MECHANIC WHO INSPECTED THE FRONT END, TIRES, BRAKES AND ALIGNMENT WHICH ALL WERE FINE. I LATER WENT TO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP SERVICE CENTER WHO SAID I HAD "DEATH WOBBLE" BUT COULD NOT GIVE ME A DEFINITIVE CAUSE OR COST TO REPAIR. AFTER RESEARCHING THIS ON-LINE, I DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS A WIDE SPREAD PROBLEM THAT JEEP HAS KNOWN ABOUT FOR YEARS HTTP://WWW.JEEPZ.COM/FORUM/SUSPENSION/29510-WRANGLER-DEATH-WOBBLE-WHAT-CAUSES-HOW-FIX.HTML. MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOCK WITH NO MODIFICATIONS AND I DO NOT USE IT OFF-ROAD. ADDITIONALLY IT IS VERY WELL MAINTAINED AND I HAVE HAD NO ACCIDENTS OR MAJOR REPAIRS. HERE IS A VIDEO OF MY EXPERIENCE: HTTP://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=7PEN1IT91Z0 I HAVE READ THAT CONGRESS ADDRESSED THIS WITH JEEP AND JEEP HAS ISSUED A TECHNICAL BULLETIN HTTP://EDITORIAL.AUTOS.MSN.COM/BLOGS/AUTOSBLOGPOST.ASPX?POST=BB1D0352-F579-4468-B24F-60869E95D02F BUT THAT IS ALL. PLEASE ADVISE AS TO WHAT I CAN DO TO ADDRESS THIS ISSUE. I LIVE IN NYS. DOES THE "LEMON-LAW" APPLY HERE? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 13, 2013
DEATH WOBBLE ON A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. VEHICLE HAS A PREDICTABLE VIBRATION BETWEEN 55-60 MPH. ON ONE OCCASION, THE VEHICLE SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT TOOK THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF MY WIFE'S HANDS. SHE WAS GOING AROUND 55 MPH AROUND A CURVE. ON A SECOND OCCASION, I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE AN EXIT RAMP. SLOWING FROM 75 MPH TO AROUND 60 MPH AND ENTERING THE EXIT RAMP CURVE, THE STEERING WHEEL WAS ALMOST SHAKEN OUT OF MY HANDS. ON A THIRD OCCASION, AT AROUND 60 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD WITH NO BUMPS, THE JEEP BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND AGAIN PULLED THE STEERING WHEEL OUT OF ANOTHER DRIVERS HANDS. THE MINOR VIBRATION HAPPENS EVERYDAY BETWEEN 55-60 MPH. THE DEALERSHIP SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. I HAVE REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER WITH A RANCHO HEAVY DUTY STABILIZER. VIBRATION WENT AWAY FOR ABOUT 500 MILES. I RELIGIOUSLY DO A 5 TIRE ROTATION AND BALANCE. NO CHANGE. I HAVE HAD A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT COMPLETED. NO CHANGE. JEEP WILL NOT DRIVE THE VEHICLE. THEY SAY IF THERE IS A VIBRATION TO HAVE THE TIRES BALANCED AND THE FRONT END ALIGNED. WHEN I TELL THEM THAT HAS BEEN DONE, THEIR REPLY IS THAT IT WAS NOT COMPLETED PROPERLY AND THEY WOULD DO IT FOR $300. I AM GETTING TO THE POINT OF SELLING OR TRADING IT IN SINCE I CANNOT FIX THE ISSUE. I AM ALMOST READY TO TRY TO REPLACE BALL JOINTS, BUT AT 47,700 MILES AND NO SUSPENSION OR ENGINE MODIFICATIONS. THE JEEP HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROADED, NEVER BEEN MISTREATED. WHAT NOW? JEEP ALSO OFFERED TO REPLACE THE BALL JOINTS, PITMAN ARM, TIE ROD ENDS, SWAY BAR END LINKS, ETC. FOR A NICE SUM OF THE $2500. OUCH. *TR
Steering, Power train, Electronic stability control (ESC), Feb 11, 2013
ON APPROXIMATELY 01/21/13 AT ABOUT 8:00AM, WHILE TRAVELING ON THE 405 FREEWAY AT ABOUT 50MPH, MY JEEP GOT THE "DEATH WOBBLES". IT WAS FOUND THE ENTIRE FRONT HOUSING SNAPPED OFF. IT WAS FIXED AND RETURNED TO ME. ON 02/11/13 AT ABOUT 10:30AM, I WAS MERGING ON TO THE I-5 N/B FROM SAND CANYON IN IRVINE. WHEN I REACHED 45MPH, I GOT THE "DEATH WOBBLES" AGAIN. THIS TIME, THE DEALER SAID IT WAS BECAUSE I HAD CHEAP TIRES ON THE VEHICLE. I HAVE NITTO TIRES WHICH ARE ABOUT $250 EACH. I HAVE LOOKED INTO THE DEATH WOBBLES AND IT APPEARS JEEP HAS A REAL PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE SHAKES SO VIOLENTLY YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE LOSING CONTROL. SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET KILLED AND JEEP KNOWS IT. I HAVE HAD MY VEHICLE IN TWICE NOW FOR THE SAME THING. ONCE MORE AND I AM GOING LEMON LAW. IF THEY GIVE IT BACK AND MY FAMILY IS INJURED AS A RESULT OF A KNOWN FLAW. STAND BY! THIS IS CRAP. YOU CANNOT KNOWINGLY SELL A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE CAN YOU? SEEMS LIKE IT WOULD BE CRIMINAL TO DEFRAUD OR FAIL TO DISCLOSE THIS DEATH WOBBLE ISSUE TO BUYERS. I DID NOT KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS UNTIL IT HAPPENED TO ME. *TR
Steering, Jan 23, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH. THE SHAKING WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO 30 MPH OR LOWER. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKES WOULD BECOME HESITANT AND THE FRONT WHEELS WOULD WOBBLE ABNORMALLY DURING THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS BEING USED AS A POSTAL DELIVERY VEHICLE AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS LOCATED ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TIRES WERE REPLACED AND AN ALIGNMENT WAS PERFORMED FOUR TIMES IN AN ATTEMPT TO CORRECT THE FAILURE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 120,000.
Steering, Jan 18, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WITHOUT ANY WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THAT THE BRACKET AND STEERING STABILIZER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Steering, Jan 14, 2013
WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 45-50 MPH, DROVE OVER A PATCHED AREA OF THE ROADWAY WHILE STEERING LEFT. WHAT ENSUED WAS PURE [XXX]. THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY FOR ABOUT 200 FEET OR SO UNTIL I COULD GET IT BACK UNDER CONTROL AND OFF THE ROAD. HAVE TALKED TO SEVERAL MECHANICS IN THE AREA AND HAVE BEEN TOLD THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER....UNLESS THEY CAN GET THE VEHICLE TO IMITATE WHAT HAPPENED TO ME WHILE THEY TEST DROVE IT NOTHING COULD OFFICIALLY BE DONE. AFTER LOOKING UP AND READING HUNDREDS OF REPORTS FROM OTHER PEOPLE WITH THE SAME "ISSUES" I FEEL THAT THE JEEP CORPORATION NEEDS TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS SOON BEFORE SOMEONE DIES IN AN ACCIDENT. I AM THE SECOND OWNER OF THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING TO IT MECHANICALLY. IT IS STILL STOCK INSIDE AND OUT. VEHICLE HAS JUST OVER 21,000 MILES ON IT. HAVE HAD IT OFF ROAD ONCE SCOUTING FOR HUNTING AREAS AND NOTHING MORE. THIS IS A DAILY DRIVER TO WORK AND BACK, DON'T EVEN WANT TO GET IT OUT ON A HIGHWAY AND GET IT UP TO THE 75 MPH SPEED LIMIT HERE IN KS. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO ABOUT THIS. I CAN ACTUALLY GET UNDERNEATH THE VEHICLE AND ROLL THE LINKAGE BAR WITH THE STEERING STABILIZER ON IT ABOUT AN INCH OR SO UP AND DOWN. TIE-ROD ENDS HAVE GOT TO BE GOING BUT 2 MECHANICS SAID NOTHING WAS WRONG. PLEASE HELP!!!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 27, 2012
VEHICLE BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING ON THE INTERSTATE. IT NOW SHAKES AT ANY SPEEDS GREATER THAN 40 MPH AND ANY BUMPS IN THE ROAD OR TURNS ALSO SET IT OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS UNABLE TO BE TURNED OR MOVED OFF THE ROAD DURING THE SHAKING AND THE SHAKING ONLY STOPS ONCE THE VEHICLE SLOWS DOWN TO UNDER 10 MPH. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 15, 2012
THE HORN NO LONGER WORKS AND PER THE DEALER, IT IS THE CLOCKSPRING. THIS COST ABOUT $500 TO REPLACE. THE SAME MAKE AND MODEL OF THE PREVIOUS YEAR HAD A RECALL BUT THEY HAVE NOT RECALLED THE 08 WHICH APPARENTLY HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Nov 5, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH OR LESS AND GOING OVER A BUMP THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY IN THE FRONT END. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN INSPECTED BY A DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY ADVISED HIM THAT THERE WAS NO TEST FOR THE FAILURE AND THEY WOULD JUST HAVE TO REPLACE THE STABILIZER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 29,000. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000.
Steering, Air bags, Nov 1, 2012
ON THE 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) DASHBOARD, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT FLASHES ON EVERY OTHER MINUTE WITH A CHIME, AN INDICATION THAT THERE IS SOMETHING MALFUNCTIONING OR INTERFERING WITH THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS.THIS HAS BEEN A RECURRING ISSUE AND CONCERN FOR MANY 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) OWNERS, INCLUDING MYSELF, AND HAS BEEN SHOWN TIME AND TIME AGAIN TO BE CAUSED BY A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING WITHIN THE VEHICLE'S STEERING WHEEL. THIS FAULTY CLOCKSPRING IS THE CULPRIT FOR POTENTIAL AIRBAG FAILURE IN THE 2008 JEEP WRANGLER (LHD) DURING AN ACCIDENT OR PREMATURE DEPLOYMENT WHEN SIMPLY DRIVING AROUND. DAIMLER CHRYSLER HAS REFUSED TO ADDRESS THE SAFETY CONCERN OF THEIR FAULTY CLOCKSPRING THAT CAN CAUSE FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE'S AIRBAGS FROM PROPERLY DEPLOYING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 31, 2012
AT INTERSTATE SPEEDS MY JEEP STARTED WHAT IS COMMONLY KNOWN AS THE "JEEP DEATH SHAKE" FORCING ME TO THE SIDE OF THE INTERSTATE AND ALMOST LOSING CONTROL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 29, 2012
2008 JEEP WRANGLER BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE. AUTOMOBILE IS UNMODIFIED. VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL UNDER THESE CONDITIONS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 26, 2012
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAFARI. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE REACHES 45 MPH THE FRONT END STARTS TO SHAKE. WHEN THE CONTACT TRIED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN THE SHAKING BECOMES WORSE. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE TRACK ARM BROKE FROM THE VEHICLE WHEN HE TRIED TO SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MERGE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD WITHOUT HAVING AN ACCIDENT. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER AND WAS TOLD THAT THE FRONT BRACKETS AND AXLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THEY WOULD ALSO HAVE TO ADD TWO ADDITIONAL BRACKETS TO RE-ENFORCE THE AXLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 40,000. THE CONSUMER STATED THE DEATH WOBBLE BECAME SO SEVERE, IT ACTUALLY BLEW OFF THE AXLE BRACKETS THAT HELD THE TRACK ARM. UPDATED 12/03/12