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, 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
Suspension, Feb 4, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 45 MPH, THE FRONT END WOBBLED VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED, SHUTDOWN, AND RESTARTED THEN OPERATED AS DESIGNED. ON A LATER DATE WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE PROBLEM COULD HAVE BEEN DUE TO LOW TIRE PRESSURE, A BENT RIM, OR A STABILIZER BAR. THE CONTACT ASSURED THEM THAT IT WAS NONE OF THOSE ISSUES. THE MANUFACTURER HAD NOT BEEN NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 25,000.
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
Suspension, Nov 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE VEHICLE HAD NO BALANCE. THE CONTACT MERGED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE AND RESTARTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE THE TECHNICIANS ADVISED THAT THE FAILURE WAS UNKNOWN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 49,000 AND THE CURRENT FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
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
Steering, Suspension, Oct 23, 2012
I AM THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER THAT HAS HAD 5 SEPARATE "DEATH WOBBLE" EVENTS IN THE LAST 5 YEARS. NOW THAT THE VEHICLE IS OUT OF WARRANTY JEEP WANTS ME TO PAY FOR REPAIRS THAT THEY HAVE TO THIS POINT PROVEN THEY DO NOT HAVE A PROPER UNDERSTANDING OF AND SOLUTION FOR THE JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. PLEASE HELP. MY FAMILY AND I ARE AFRAID TO DRIVE IN THIS TRUCK IN THIS CONDITION. *TR
Suspension, Oct 17, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE FRONT END SHAKE VIOLENTLY AND SWERVED FROM LEFT TO RIGHT WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED CAUSING THE CONTACT TO LOSE CONTROL. THE CONTACT INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND NOTICED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND CRACKED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO CONFIRMED THAT THE LOWER CONTROL ARM WAS CORRODED AND CRACKED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE WHO DID NOT OFFER ANY ASSISTANCE SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 12V085000 (SUSPENSION: REAR). THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Steering, Suspension, Oct 10, 2012
I WAS DRIVING APPROX. 55 MPH, WHEN MY 2008 JEEP WRANGLER BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. BRAKING, I PULLED TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TO CHECK FOR A BLOWN TIRE. I WALKED AROUND THE JEEP AND SAW NOTHING WRONG. AS LUCK WOULD HAVE IT, I WAS IN FRONT OF A JEEP DEALERSHIP. I PULLED ACROSS THE HIGHWAY AND LEFT THE JEEP FOR INSPECTION AND REPAIRS. THE FOLLOWING DAY I WAS CONTACTED AND TOLD THAT I HAD EXPERIENCED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". I WAS TOLD I NEEDED TO REPLACE THE STEERING DAMPER SHOCK, LOWER CONTROL ARMS AND DAMPER BRACKETS. THEN I HAD TO PAY FOR TIRE ROTATION AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT. I HAVE FOUND PLENTY OF COMPLAINTS ON THE INTERNET ABOUT THIS PROBLEM. AFTER READING SOME, I AM AFRAID IT COULD STILL HAPPEN AGAIN. I AM CONSIDERING SELLING THE JEEP. I THINK THAT JEEP OWES THE JEEP OWNERS A RECALL. THESE REPAIRS COST MY $650.00. I HAVE OWNED 5 JEEP WRANGLERS, I WON'T BUY ANOTHER ONE, UNLESS JEEP MAKES THIS RIGHT!! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 10, 2012
DURING A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE SERVICE, THE DEALER NOTICED A LARGE AMOUNT OF "PLAY" IN THE STEERING WHEEL OF OUR 2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA 2-DOOR. IT MEASURED GREATER THAN THE ALLOWABLE MOVEMENT. AFTER READING ABOUT THE EFFECTS OF "DEATH WOBBLE" IT WAS DECIDED THAT THIS COULD BE THE EARLY SIGNS OF THIS PROBLEM. WITH THE NUMEROUS DOCUMENTED CASES OF THIS ISSUE, WE ASKED THE DEALER TO CONTACT CHRYSLER TO COVER THE $600+ REPAIR/UPGRADE THAT WAS SUGGESTED(INCLUDING AN UPGRADED STEERING DAMPER, UPGRADED TIE ROD, AND WHEEL ALIGNMENT). THE VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOCK, WELL MAINTAINED, HAS 35,000 MILES, AND HAS NEVER BEEN OFF-ROAD. THE DEALER AGREED THAT THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE FACTORY PARTS AND IT SHOULDN'T BE OUR RESPONSIBILITY TO COVER THE COST OF THE UPGRADE. THEY DROPPED THE PRICE DOWN TO $100 AND IT IS NOW BEING REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE SHOULD BE READY TOMORROW, SO WE WILL FIND OUT IF THESE NEW PARTS WILL PREVENT THE "DEATH WOBBLE" ISSUE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 10, 2012
DRIVING DOWN PAVED ROAD AND FRONT END STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. HAD TO PULL OVER AND STOP FOR IT TO STOP. HAD SAME PROBLEM IN MARCH 2011 AND TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR WHICH ONLY LASTED ABOUT 4000 MILE AND 19 MONTHS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Oct 5, 2012
EXPERIENCED THE NOTORIOUS "DEATH WOBBLE" AGAIN TODAY. THIS HAS HAPPENED PLENTY OF TIMES TO ME, BUT TODAY IT WAS THE MOST SEVERE AND WORRISOME. THE VEHICLE SHAKES AND RATTLES SO MUCH THAT I EXPECT PIECES TO FALL OFF. OTHER CARS PULL UP TO ME ON THE HIGHWAY OFF RAMP (WHERE IT OFTEN HAPPENS ON OUR BUMPY MASSACHUSETTS ROADS) AND ASK IF EVERYTHING IS OKAY. I'M NOT SURE IF I WOULD BUY THIS JEEP AGAIN. THEY REALLY NEED TO FIX THIS. ARTICLES ONLINE SEEM TO SUGGEST THAT IT IS THE STOCK TRACK BAR, AND IF SO, WHY WON'T CHRYSLER JUST REPLACE THEM? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 3, 2012
2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA STOCK. VIOLENT WOBBLE. "DEATH WOBBLE" WHILE TRAVELING AT HIGHWAY SPEED, 60MPH, I CROSSED OVER AN EXPANSION CRACK FOR A BRIDGE. THE FRONT END OF THE JEEP BEGAN A VIOLENT WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH UNTIL SLOWING DOWN TO APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. THIS WOBBLE ALMOST CONTRIBUTED TO A HEAD ON COLLISION WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER IN THE OPPOSING TRAFFIC DUE TO AN ALMOST COMPLETE LOSS OF STEERING CAPABILITY. THE PROBLEM HAPPENED AGAIN AT THE SAME SPEED AFTER ANOTHER SMALL BUMP. THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. AFTER RESEARCHING THE PROBLEM FURTHER, THERE ARE ENDLESS FACTORS THAT TRIGGER THE WOBBLE. EACH PROBLEM MAY BE FIXED, BUT IT WILL ONLY PROVIDE A TEMPORARY SOLUTION. THE WOBBLE ITSELF CANNOT BE FIXED UNDER MOST CIRCUMSTANCES, YOU CAN ONLY FIX WHAT SETS IT OFF. THE PROBLEM HAS BEEN DOCUMENTED MULTIPLE TIMES ON THE INTERNET. IT WAS ALSO DISPLAYED PUBLICLY ON THE NEWS, HOWEVER CHRYSLER HAS NOT BEEN HELD ACCOUNTABLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 28, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, WHEN A POTHOLE OR BUMP IS HIT BY THE VEHICLE, THE TIRES BEGIN TO WOBBLE OUT OF CONTROL. THIS CAUSES THE STEERING TO FAIL AND VIOLENTLY SHAKE THE STEERING WHEEL. WHILE COMING OFF OR ON HIGHWAY RAMPS THE WOBBLE CAUSES THE VEHICLE TO VEER OFF THE ROAD.
Suspension, Sep 4, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DR 4X4. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY VIBRATE. THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO 10 MPH WHICH CAUSED THE FAILURE TO STOP. THE MALFUNCTION RECURRED WHENEVER DRIVING OVER UNEVEN ROAD SURFACES OR BUMPS AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 45-60 MPH. THE AUTHORIZED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000.
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Aug 21, 2012
HIT BUMPS IN THE ROAD AND THE FRONT END STARTING SHAKING VERY BADLY. HAD TO COME TO A STOP FOR THE SHAKING TO STOP. THE FAMOUS JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. AT THE DEALERSHIP THEY ACTED LIKE THEY NEVER HEARD OF THE PROBLEM BEFORE. AFTER SEEING THESE COMPLAINTS I REALIZE ITS A COMMON PROBLEM AND JEEP SHOULD OF FIXED IT. IT COST ME $400.00 TO FIX IT. ALSO SINCE I PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE I COMPLAINED TO THE DEALERSHIP THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS FUNNY. THEY KEEP TELLING ME THERE IS NO FIX FOR THIS AND IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS TRANSMISSION. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 30, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 60 MPH AND THEN BEGIN TO SLOW DOWN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY (SLIGHT BUMPS IN THE ROAD). THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS TO WOBBLE BACK AND FORTH VIOLENTLY AND THE WHOLE VEHICLE SHAKES LIKE CRAZY. MUST SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY (ALMOST TO A STOP) AND THEN THE SHAKING CEASES. I'VE HEARD IT CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND I UNDERSTAND WHY. THIS HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES OVER THE LAST 4 YEARS AND THE JEEP DEALERSHIP HAS "FIXED" THE PROBLEM NUMEROUS TIMES. MY WIFE AND CHILDREN ARE AFRAID TO RIDE IN THE VEHICLE, AND I CANNOT, IN GOOD CONSCIENCE, SELL THE VEHICLE TO ANYONE. THE CONDITION SEEMS VERY DANGEROUS TO ME. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Jul 21, 2012
HAVING PROBLEM WITH "DEATH WOBBLE". WHILE TRAVELING AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, OVER 40MPH. A VIOLENT SHAKING HAS OCCURRED A MULTIPLE NUMBER OF TIMES. FEELS AS THOUGH THE ENTIRE FRONT END OF VEHICLE IS READY TO FLY OFF. CONTROL OF VEHICLE IS COMPROMISED. ESPECIALLY AT SUCH A HIGH RATE OF SPEED, WHICH USUALLY OCCURS ON THE FREEWAY WITH OTHER VEHICLES AROUND. DEALERSHIP SAYS THAT THE STEERING STABILIZER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET SAYS THAT THIS JUST MASKS THE PROBLEM. PERSONALLY LOOKING AT THE STEERING COMPONENTS OF THE VEHICLE. I CANNOT SEE HOW A WORN OUT STEERING STABILIZER CAN CAUSE SO MUCH CHAOS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jul 20, 2012
DEATH WOBBLE, TERRIBLE STEERING SHIMMER. DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. HIT ONE BUMP ON THE ROAD AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I NEEDED TO SLAM ON THE BREAKS TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FROM MAYBE FLIPPING OVER. IT HAS HAPPENED BEFORE, BUT NOT THIS VIOLENT. TO FIX THIS I INSTALLED A DUAL STEERING STABILIZER SET UP MADE BY SKYJACKER. *TR
Suspension, Service brakes, May 12, 2012
REAR STEEL BRAKE LINES MOUNTED TO FRAME FOR REAR WHEELS COMING INTO CONTACT WITH REAR SWAY BAR. NOTED NOISE. THIS NOISE IS A LIGHT "CLACKING" METAL SOUND AND COULD ONLY BE HEARD AT MODERATE SPEED WHEN ON THE TRAIL OR GOING THROUGH "DIPS" ON PUBLIC STREETS WITH SIDE WINDOW DOWN. WHILE ROTATING TIRES SUSPENSION IS CHECKED. DISCOVERED RUB MARKS ON STEEL BRAKE LINES UNDER THE FRAME NEXT TO THE REAR SWAY BAR. DRIVER'S SIDE WAS WORN, PASSENGER SIDE HAD BLACK PAINT RUBBED OFF ON IT. NO DAMAGE OR CHAFING TO EITHER RUBBER BRAKE LINES MAKING FINAL CONNECTION TO REAR HUBS. NOTED FRAME CLIPS ATTACHED TO STEEL LINE HOLDING BRAKE LINE AWAY AND INTO CONTACT ZONE OF SWAY BAR WHEN SUSPENSION CYCLES. ROUGH MEASUREMENTS BETWEEN AXLE AND BUMP STOP IS ABOUT 2/3 CYCLE WHEN SWAY BAR HITS BRAKE LINE. ESTIMATE SUSPENSION DOES NOT BOTTOM OUT OR CONTACT BUMP STOP WHEN BRAKE LINES ARE BEING HIT BY SWAY BAR. WROTE CHRYSLER AN E-MAIL REGARDING THIS ISSUE. AFTER TWO DAYS RECEIVED A RESPONSE THAT READ LIKE A "SALES BROCHURE" OR "COMMERCIAL" NOT ACKNOWLEDGING ANYTHING THAT I HAD MENTIONED ABOUT THE BRAKE LINES. THEN THE SECOND PARAGRAPH POINTED OUT I HAD NOT COMPLIED WITH A "TOW BAR" RECALL AND THAT I SHOULD. WHICH I HAD LAST YEAR. THE REASON I REPORT THIS NOW. LAST YEAR THE JEEP WAS ON RECALL FOR THE FRONT BRAKE LINES BEING RUBBED BY THE INNER FENDER WELLS. WHICH WAS TAKEN CARE OF BY A LOCAL DEALER SHIP. IN RETROSPECT OF THE FRONT BRAKE LINE RECALL. THOUGHT I WOULD BRING THIS TO YOUR ATTENTION. MIGHT THIS SAME MODEL HAVE HAD A REAR BRAKE LINE ROUTING ISSUE TOO? IN THE CASE YOU MAY WANT A COPY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED E-MAIL AND RESPONSE PLEASE DON'T HESITATE. *TR
Suspension, May 3, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD. THE FAILURE CEASED WHEN THE CONTACT DECELERATED TO A LOWER SPEED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED ON TWO OCCASIONS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Suspension, May 2, 2012
AFTER HITTING A BUMP/CHANGE IN LANE TEXTURE, MY JEEP BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS ABOUT 5 MORE TIMES SINCE MID MARCH ALWAYS UNDER THE SAME CIRCUMSTANCES. I CAN SLOW DOWN/APPLY THE BRAKE AND THE SHAKE GOES AWAY. I UNDERSTAND "DEATH WOBBLE" IS A TERM BEING APPLIED TO THIS PROBLEM. I DO NOT HAVE A LIFE ON MY JEEP NOR DO I HAVE ANY AFTER-MARKET TIRES. *JS
Steering, Suspension, Apr 27, 2012
THE CAR EXPERIENCED THE SO-CALLED "JEEP DEATH WOBBLE." AT ABOUT 65 MPH ON THE FREEWAY, THE FRONT END OF THE CAR BEGAN TO SHAKE SO VIOLENTLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY THAT I HAD NO CHOICE BUT TO SLOW TO A STOP IN THE EMERGENCY LANE. AFTER ATTEMPTING TO DRIVE AT HIGHWAY SPEED AGAIN SEVERAL MINUTES LATER, THE WOBBLE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME, FORCING ME TO PULL OVER ONCE MORE. HAD I LET GO OF THE STEERING WHEEL DURING THE INCIDENT, THE CAR WOULD SURELY HAVE SWERVED AND POSSIBLY SPUN OUT. *TR