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: suspension
139 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Feb 27, 2014
MY 2008 JEEP WRANGLER HAS DEVELOPED A TERRIBLE VIBRATION WHEN I HIT ROAD BUMPS AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. THE WHOLE JEEP BEGINS TO VIBRATE TO THE POINT I HAVE TO PULLOVER AND STOP THE VEHICLE TO GAIN CONTROL. I INSTALLED NEW TIRES AND IT IS STILL OCCURRING. I HAVE REPORTED THIS TO CHRYSLER CORP CUSTOMER SERVICE DEPT THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE IT TO A DEALER TO DOCUMENT THE PROBLEM. THIS ISSUE BEGAN AT 50000 MILES. I REPLACED THE TIRES AND IT WENT AWAY IT HAS STATED AGAIN NOW AND REPLACING THE TIRES HAS NOT FIXED IT I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT CHRYSLER IS IGNORING THIS PROBLEM AS JEEP OWNERS KNOW ABOUT WHAT THEY CALL THE "DEATH WOBBLE" . I EXPECT THAT YOU WILL FOLLOW UP ON THIS AS IT IS TOTALLY IRRESPONSIBLE OF CHRYSLER TO CONTINUE TO SELL JEEPS THAT THEY KNOW HAVE DEFECTIVE PARTS.
Suspension, Air bags, Feb 6, 2014
I WAS ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALL OF A SUDDEN MY AIRBAG LIGHT CAME ON. DIDN'T KNOW WHAT WAS GOING ON SO I PULLED OVER. I THOUGHT MAYBE IT WAS JUST A ONE TIME THING BUT I TRAVELED OVER 1000 MILES WITH IT DINGING EVERY LITTLE WHILE. WHEN I GOT TO MY DESTINATION THE LIGHT WAS STILL COMING ON AND I WAS TOLD IT WAS A SPRING AND WOULD COST 400.00 TO 500.00 TO FIX. I FEEL THAT IT IS NOT MY RESPONSIBILITY TO FIX SINCE IT IS A SAFETY ISSUE. BUT NOT ONLY THAT I ALSO HAD TO GET THE BALL JOINTS REPLACED, BOTH UPPER AND LOWER WHICH COST OVER 1000.00. I WAS TOLD BY THE MECHANIC THAT JEEP DOES NOT PUT GREASE FITTINGS ON THEM SO THAT THEY EVENTUALLY GO OUT. THIS COULD CAUSE A VERY SERIOUS ACCIDENT AND THESE ISSUES NEED TO BE RESOLVED BY THE COMPANY BEFORE SOMEONE GET HURT OR WORSE KILLED. I LOVE MY JEEP BUT ALL THESE ISSUES ARE REALLY DISTURBING. ONE OTHER ISSUE I NOTICED IS I AM ALWAYS HAVING TO CHECK THE OIL WHICH IS USUALLY LOW. NOT SURE WHAT THAT IS BUT I KNOW OTHERS HAVE COMPLAINED ABOUT THIS. *TR
Suspension, Feb 2, 2014
AT 65 MPH AFTER HITTING A COUPLE OF NORMAL BUMPS WHERE BRIDGE SURFACE MEETS THE INTERSTATE, THE FRONT END SHOOK SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT FELT LIKE BODY WOULD SEPARATE FROM THE FRAME. THIS IS NO SUBTLE "SHIMMY OR VIBRATION" IT MAKES YOU JUMP ON THE BRAKES AND HOPE THAT THE 18 WHEELER BEHIND YOU DOES NOT RUN OVER YOU. I THINK THE CENTER LANE COULD BE DEADLY WHEN IT OCCURS, BECAUSE YOU CAN NOT FIND THE BERM FAST ENOUGH. IT GOES AWAY UNTIL THE NEXT TIME. HAD STEERING STABILIZER UP SIZED, BUT TO NO AVAIL. IT HAS HAPPENED TWICE ON HIGHWAY SINCE FIRST INCIDENT. IT IS ONLY A MATTER OF TIME UNTIL WE HEAR ABOUT FATALITIES. I AM LOOKING INTO LARGER SHOCK ABSORBERS AS MY MECHANIC SAYS THEY ARE PROBABLY UNDER SIZED FOR THE TIRES. I AM GRATEFUL MY DAUGHTER WAS NOT DRIVING IT AT THE TIME. AS A RETIRED FIREFIGHTER IT TAKES A LOT TO IMPRESS ME WHEN IT COMES TO DANGEROUS SITUATIONS. THIS IS GOING TO KILL SOMEONE IF IT HAS NOT ALREADY TAKEN LIVES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jan 1, 2014
I HAVE NOW EXPERIENCE THE "DEATH WOBBLE"!!!!!!!!! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED!!! THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL!!!! I HAVE NOW HAD THIS HAPPEN 3 OUT OF THE 5 TIMES I HAVE DROVE IT!!!!!!!!! I AM TERRIFIED TO DRIVE MY USED UNPAID FOR VEHICLE!!!!! THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED. I WOULD NEVER HAD BOUGHT THIS JEEP IF I HAD KNOW ABOUT THIS ISSUE THAT JEEP KNOWS ABOUT. SOMEONE WILL EVENTUALLY DIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK IN THE SLOW LANE AND HAD TO PULL OFF THE ROAD TO GET MY VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL. AGAIN!!! I AM TERRIFIED!!!! HELP US POOR JEEP DRIVES AND MAKE JEEP FIX THIS ISSUE. *TR
Suspension, Nov 21, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 30,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 10, 2013
ORIGINAL OWNER. WHILE DESCENDING A LONG HILL I APPLIED MY BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN. THE VEHICLE, FRONT END, BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. IT TOOK SOME TIME TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM, STOP SHAKING, WHILE DESCENDING WITH TRAFFIC. VERY UPSETTING. ALSO NOTICED THIS OCCURRENCE ON FLAT PAVEMENT AND VARIOUS SPEEDS, 40 TO 60 MPH. WE RECENTLY TOOK ANOTHER TRIP AND NOTICED THE PROBLEM IS OCCURRING FREQUENTLY. OUR FAMILY WOULD APPRECIATE NHTSA TO LOOK INTO THIS MATTER. I RECENTLY NOTICED OTHER COMPLAINTS SIMILAR TO THIS ONE. JUST WONDERING IF JEEP CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF THIS DANGEROUS PROBLEM AND WHAT ARE THEY DOING ABOUT IT. I AM MAKING AN APPOINTMENT WITH A JEEP CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP TO SEE IF THEY CAN CORRECT THIS PROBLEM. THANK YOU FOR LOOKING INTO THIS MATTER IN A TIMELY FASHION. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Air bags, Nov 8, 2013
VEHICLE TOWBAR BRAKE FLUID LEAKS SUSPENSION TRANSMISSION. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Aug 26, 2013
WHILE DRIVING 45MPH AND MAKING A SLIGHT BEND TO THE LEFT OR RIGHT, THE VEHICLE ENCOUNTERED A SLIGHT BUMP AND THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I HAD TO BRING THE VEHICLE TO A COMPLETE STOP ALONG THE SIDE OF THE ROAD IN ORDER TO GET THE SHAKING TO STOP. THIS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES DURING THIS TRIP. THE VEHICLE WAS VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL ONCE THE SHAKING STARTED. IT FELT AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WOULD JUST SHAKE APART. THERE IS ALSO A CLICKING FEELING THAT CAN BE FELT IN THE STEERING ONCE THE VEHICLE WARMS UP AND IS DRIVEN BETWEEN 5 TO 10 MILES. THE STEERING ACTUALLY FEELS MORE LOOSE ONCE THIS WARMED UP CONDITION IS MET. THE CLICK IS FELT GOING OVER ANY TYPE OF BUMP IN THE ROAD OR EVEN WHEN SITTING STILL AND THE STEERING WHEEL IS MOVED BACK AND FORTH, (LEFT TO RIGHT). *TR
Suspension, Jul 25, 2013
MY JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED 2008 UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS HAVE WORN OUT AT 49,000 MILES. THEY HAVE CAUSED BRAND NEW TIRES RATED FOR 60,000 MILES TO WEAR OUT AT 20,000 MILES. THE BALL JOINTS THAT WERE INSTALLED BY THE FACTORY WERE DESIGNED TO NOT ALLOW ONGOING MAINTENANCE TO THEM. THERE IS NOT A WELL TO PUT GREASE IN TO KEEP THE BALL JOINTS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE JEEP HAS NEVER BEEN LIFTED OR USED OFF-ROAD. THIS IS A COMMON COMPLAINT AMONG JEEP DRIVERS THAT I HAVE FOUND. MANY MECHANIC SAY IT IS A FACTORY DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electrical system, Jul 8, 2013
SINCE 2010 IF NOT SOONER, MY JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2008 HAD A RED LIGHT AND AIR PRESSURE LIGHT COME ON AND OFF AS A I DROVE. I TOOK IT TO THE JEEP DEALER I BOUGHT IT FROM 2-3 TIMES FOR THIS AND THEY COULD NOT DUPLICATE IT SO THEY WOULD NOT FIX IT DESPITE SHOWING A VIDEO OF IT. IN 2010 MY STEERING DAMPER WENT BAD AND I HAD TO PAY TO GET IT FIXED. I ALMOST CRASHED 3-5 TIMES DUE TO THE WHEELS VIOLENTLY GOING BACK AND FORTH DOING 50-65 ON THE HIGHWAYS. IT WAS TERRIBLE. IT IS NOW 2013 AND ITS HAPPENING ALL OVER AGAIN. I DO NOT FEEL IT IS RIGHT TO PAY FOR THIS WHEN IT IS CLEARLY AN ISSUE JEEP NEEDS TO RESOLVE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jun 4, 2013
'08 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA DISPLAYS TRULY ALARMING WHEEL VIBRATION UNDER LIGHT BRAKING WHEN DESCENDING FROM ALTITUDE. ALTITUDE IS USUALLY AROUND 10,000 FEET, GRADE IS USUALLY 6-7% AND SPEED 55-65MPH. TO-DATE I HAVE ONLY REPLICATED THIS PROBLEM AT ALTITUDE (KINGS CANYON/SEQUOIA IN CA AND IN THE ROCKIES ON THE I70 IN CO TO NAME A COUPLE OF INCIDENTS) SO IT?S UNLIKELY TO BE THE NOTORIOUS "JEEP DEATH WOBBLE," THOUGH IT MAY BE A RELATED ISSUE. I?M WONDERING WHETHER THE VISCOSITY OF THE BRAKE FLUID MAY BE A FACTOR? JEEP REFERRED ME TO A DEALER BUT I DON'T WANT AN OPINION FROM A REPAIR SHOP, I WANT (AND DESERVE) AN EXPLANATION FROM "THE MANUFACTURER" OF THE VEHICLE AS TO WHY THEIR VEHICLE IS SUDDENLY SO DIFFICULT TO CONTROL UNDER BRAKING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 31, 2013
"DEATH WOBBLE". I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS AND HAVE PAID OVER $5,000 TO RESOLVE THE PROBLEM. BECAUSE SHEEHY CHRYSLER JEEP IN MD WENT OUT OF BUSINESS, I HAD TO TAKE MY JEEP TO ANOTHER DEALERSHIP, I CHOSE LEITH CHRYSLER IN RALEIGH, NC) . JUST GOT MY VEHICLE OUT OF THE SHOP, LEITH CHRYSLER JEEP $2,374.43 I PAID. AFTER 245 MILES (FROM RALEIGH TO WASHINGTON, DC), THE VIOLENT VIBRATIONS/SHAKING STARTED AGAIN. CALL THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ADVISED ME TO TAKE JEEP TO LOCAL CHRYSLER JEEP DEALERSHIP, WARRANTY ON THE REPAIRS 12,000 MILES TO 24 MONTHS. TOOK THE JEEP TO DARCARS MARLOW HEIGHTS, THEY WOULD NOT ACCEPT THE OTHER CHRYSLER JEEP DEALERS REPAIRS BECAUSE THEY SAID THEY USED AFTERMARKET PARTS. I CALLED THE CHRYSLER CORPORATE OFFICE AND FILED A COMPLAINT (CASE # 23448465) WHICH WAS USELESS, THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT MAKE ANOTHER CHRYSLER FRANCHISE WARRANTY THE REPAIRS (THE CORPORATE OFFICE WAS USELESS). I PAID AND ADDITIONAL $270.00 WHICH LEITH COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP WANTING TO KNOW WHY THEY CHARGED SO MUCH AFTER THEY UPS??ED THE REPLACEMENT PART TO THEM. AFTER PAYING THE MONEY AND GETTING JEEP BACK. I DROVE BACK TO RALEIGH, DROVE OVER THE HIGHWAY DIVIDER ON THE EXIT TO GET ON I40 AND THE VIBRATION STARTED AGAIN. THIS CAN NOT CONTINUE TO GO ON!!! AN INVESTIGATION NEEDS TO BE DONE TO OFFICIALLY PROVE THAT THIS ??DEATH WOBBLE?? IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM AND CHRYSLER NEEDS TO BE FORCED TO RECALL THE VEHICLES AND PERMANENTLY FIX THE PROBLEM, OR BUY BACK THEIR POOR DESIGNED JEEP WRANGLER. I HAVE OWNED 2 OTHER JEEP WRANGLERS BEFORE THIS ONE, AND HAVE NEVER HAD THE PROBLEMS I HAVE WITH MY CURRENT JEEP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 16, 2013
ON 5/15/13 I PURCHASED A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER X FROM WALSER SUBARU IN BURNSVILLE MN. AT APPROXIMATELY 8:50PM I WAS HEADING HOME FROM COMPLETING THE TRANSACTION WITH THE DEALER. I WAS ON I-35W NORTH GOING AROUND A LONG EASY LEFT CORNER IN THE ROAD WHEN I HIT A ROUGH AREA IN THE HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING HARD LEFT AND RIGHT. I IMMEDIATELY GRASPED THE WHEEL AS FIRMLY AS POSSIBLE AND SLOWED THE VEHICLE TO APPROXIMATELY 45 MILES AN HOUR BEFORE THE SHAKING STOPPED. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK THE NEXT EXIT AND INSPECTED THE TIRES AND WHEELS THINKING I HAD A FLAT OR A LOOSE WHEEL. I CONTINUED TO DRIVE HOME WITH NO OTHER OCCURRENCE OF THE INCIDENT. THIS MORNING 5/16/2013 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:40AM I WAS ON MY WAY TO WORK AND HAD JUST MERGED OFF OF I-35W SOUTH TO 280 SOUTH. I AGAIN WAS IN A SLIGHT BEND IN THE ROAD THIS TIME TO THE RIGHT AND HIT A ROUGH AREA OF ROADWAY. I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES AN HOUR WHEN AGAIN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND I HAD TO GRASP THE WHEEL FIRMLY AND SLOW UNTIL THE SHAKING SUBSIDED. I'VE CONTACTED THE DEALER AND THE VEHICLE IS GOING IN FOR INSPECTION AT WALSER CHRYSLER JEEP IN HOPKINS MN AT 1:45PM 5/16/13. I ALSO DID A SIGNIFICANT AMOUNT OF RESEARCH ONLINE TODAY AFTER THE SECOND EVENT AND IT APPEARS THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM ON 2007-2013 JEEP WRANGLER JK MODELS. IT IS MOST COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "DEATH WOBBLE" THIS APPEARS TO BE A WIDE SPREAD AND VERY DANGEROUS FLAW IN THE JEEP JK DESIGN AND ONE THAT NEEDS TO BE CAREFULLY INVESTIGATED FOR SAFETY OF ALL THOSE ON THE PUBLIC ROADWAYS.
Steering, Suspension, May 13, 2013
THE WOBBLE OF DEATH THIS IS MY THIRD TIME I HAD TO TAKE IT IN FOR THIS PROBLEM BEEN FIXED ONE 6 MONTHS LATER STARTED RIGHT BACK UP AGAIN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Electronic stability control (ESC), May 9, 2013
GOING UP TO 50 MPH,,,,GET SEVERE SHAKING,,,NOT SAFE AT ALL,,,I HAVE SPENT OVER $1000 ON REPAIRS, RE ALIGNMENTS, ROTATIONS AND HAD THE STEERING DAMPER REPLACED 2X BY JEEP,,,,STILL DOES THE WOBBLE,,,,I AM FURIOUS ABOUT THIS.THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS.THE JEEP DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THEY HAVE DONE ALL THEY CAN DO. *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
Suspension, Equipment, Apr 8, 2013
BOUGHT A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER X FROM BROOKFIELD CHRYSLER IN BENTON HARBOR MICHIGAN IN FEBRUARY. AFTER TWO WEEKS I BROUGHT IT BACK BECAUSE OF EXTREME AND UNSAFE TIRE WEAR DUE TO A DAMAGED FRONT AXLE. THEY REPLACED THE AXLE AND FRONT TIRES. THE VERY SAME DAY IT STARTED THE INFAMOUS DEATH WOBBLE. I WOULD BE ON THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH (OR ANYTHING ABOVE 20), AND HIT A BUMP, AND THE FRONT END WOULD START SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I COULD LOOK OUT THE WINDOW AND SEE THE TIRES MOVING BACK AND FORTH EXTREMELY. THIS RESULTED IN ME LOSING CONTROL AND RUNNING OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO A DITCH. *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, 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