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, Apr 3, 2012
DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 65 MILES PER HOUR MY FRONT END BEGAN TO SHAKE AND THE STEERING BECAME SO ERRATIC THAT I HAD TO GRIP THE STEERING WHEEL TO KEEP THE CAR FROM VEERING INTO ANOTHER LANE OF TRAFFIC. I WAS ABLE TO SLOW THE CAR DOWN AND PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. ONCE I BEGAN AGAIN THERE WAS NO VIBRATION. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED WITHIN TWO MONTH. THERE ARE MANY CASES OF THIS HAPPENING ON THE INTERNET. IT'S CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE IN THE CAR ANYMORE. THE DEALERSHIP HAS TOLD ME THAT ITS A WORN SWAY BAR BUT 25K MILES SHOULDN'T WEAR OUT THIS TYPE OF PART. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Power train, Mar 27, 2012
KNOWN TO MANY WHO HAVE JEEPS, THE "DEATH WOBBLE". WHEN THIS FIRST HAPPENED TO MY DAUGHTER'S CAR, THANKFULLY I WAS THE ONE DRIVING. IT WAS ON THE INTERSTATE AND I THOUGHT A TIRE HAD BLOWN. THE STEERING WHEEL VIBRATED UNCONTROLLABLY AND I PULLED OVER. NOTHING LOOKED WRONG BUT I CALLED A TOW TRUCK REGARDLESS. THEY LOOKED AT IT AT THE STATION AND COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. I HAD NO IDEA THIS WAS A PROBLEM JEEP CREATED WHEN THEY BUILT THE VEHICLE. IT IS A SITUATION WHERE THE FRONT AXLE BEGINS OSCILLATING WITH SUCH VIOLENCE THAT CONTROL OF THE JEEP IS DIFFICULT UNTIL SLOWED DOWN, AND THE ENTIRE VEHICLE SHAKES TO THE POINT YOU FEEL IT WILL COME APART. *TR
Suspension, Mar 26, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO ADVISED THAT THEY COULD REPLACE THE BEARINGS ON THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SIDE SUSPENSION. THE DEALER COULD NOT GUARANTEE THAT THE FAILURE WOULD BE RESOLVED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Suspension, Mar 17, 2012
THE STEERING WHEELS AND FRONT WHEELS STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A MILD BUMP AND THAT WAS THE FIRST GIVE IN A COSTLY BALL JOINT REPLACEMENT ON A STOCK UNABUSED JEEP WRANGLER. IT COST OVER $1400 TO FIX THROUGH 4 WHEEL PARTS. THE DEALER REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE A PROBLEM AND SUGGESTED THE TIRES WERE SIMPLY UNBALANCED AS THE PROBLEM FOR THE SHAKE THAT NEARLY CAUSED SERIOUS WRECK. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 14, 2012
WHEN MY JEEP HITS A BUMP ON THE HIGHWAY (LEFT TIRE FIRST) THE ENTIRE JEEP STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. IT FEELS LIKE THE TIRES ARE ABOUT TO FALL OFF. THIS HAPPENS WHENEVER I GO OVER 50MPH (WHICH COULD BE EXTREMELY DANGEROUS ON THE HIGHWAY WITH OTHER CARS). IT DOESN'T STOP UNTIL I COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE FOUND HUNDREDS OF POSTING ABOUT THIS ISSUE AND EVERY SINGLE ONE SAYS THAT CHRYSLER SAYS NOTHING IS WRONG. IF MOST JEEPS BUILT AFTER 2007 HAVE THIS ISSUE, MAYBE IT'S A MANUFACTURER DEFECT? *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, Wheels, Feb 14, 2012
2008 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS AND BRAKE LINE ROUTING DEFECT *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED THE FIRST PROBLEM HE HAD WITH THE VEHICLE WAS THE TRANSMISSION. IT BEGAN FAILING TO ENGAGE AND SHIFTING OUT OF GEAR. THE DEALER DISCOVERED THAT THE TRANSMISSION OIL FILTER HAD NOT BEEN INSTALLED AND WAS LYING ON THE BOTTOM OF THE TRANSMISSION OIL PAN. IN JANUARY 2011, WHILE DRIVING AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, THE CONSUMER BEGAN TO EXPERIENCE INTERMITTENT VIOLENT SHAKING OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE, WHICH SEEMED TO BE ORIGINATING FROM THE FRONT END. THE CONSUMER STATED IT FELT AS THOUGH A WHEEL WAS LOOSE. THE CONSUMER WENT TO A REPAIR SHOP, WHERE THE TIE ROD AND PITMAN WERE REPLACED. TWO WEEKS LATER, THE SHAKING OCCURRED AGAIN AND SOON IT BECAME INCREASINGLY VIOLENT ,MAKING IT NEARLY IMPOSSIBLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE AND STAY IN HIS LANE. THE CONSUMER RETURNED TO THE REPAIR SHOP WHERE THEY REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPER, WHICH SEEMED TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM FOR AWHILE. IN JULY, THE CONSUMER TOOK THE VEHICLE FOR A ROUTINE MAINTENANCE CHECK. WHILE CHECKING THE FRONT END, THE MECHANIC WAS ABLE TO GET TWO FULL TURNS ON A NUT ON THE TRACK BAR. SINCE THEN, THE SHAKING HAS NOT OCCURRED. THE CONSUMER STATED AS HE APPROACHED A LINE OF VEHICLES STOPPED AT A LIGHT, HE ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKE, BUT IT WENT SOFT AND TO THE FLOOR. AN INSPECTION REVEALED A HOLE IN THE BRAKE LINE ABOVE THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL, WHERE THE LINE LEFT THE WHEEL WELL AND WENT INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THE HOLE WAS CAUSED BY RUBBING ON THE LINE BY THE EDGE OF THE PLASTIC WHEEL WELL LINING. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Feb 2, 2012
ONCE MY VEHICLE REACHES A SPEED OF 50 MPH, GOES OVER A BUMP, OR AROUND SOME TURNS, IT STARTS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THIS SHAKING DOES NOT SUBSIDE UNTIL I STOP THE VEHICLE. IT HAS GOTTEN WORSE AND WORSE TO THE POINT WHERE IT HAPPENS ABOUT EVERY 2 MILES IF I AM GOING 50 MPH. I CAN NOT GO ABOVE 50 MPH WHICH IS QUITE DANGEROUS ON THE FREEWAY BECAUSE THE SPEED LIMITS HERE ARE 65-70 MPH. WHEN I GO OVER A BUMP AND IT STARTS TO HAPPEN, IF THERE IS NO PLACE TO PULL OVER (WHICH HAS HAPPENED) I MUST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP RIGHT WHERE I AM, OR CONTINUE TO DRIVE WHILE THE VEHICLE IS SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY, AND I AM UNABLE TO STEER. THIS IS COMPLETELY VISIBLE TO OTHERS NOT INSIDE THE VEHICLE AS WELL, AS I HAVE BEEN PULLED OVER, VERBALLY YELLED AT, HONKED AT, ETC... *KB
Steering, Suspension, Jan 13, 2012
STEERING WENT INTO EXTREME SHIMMY I.E. DEATH WOBBLE AFTER SMALL BUMPS ON HIGHWAY. VEHICLE LOST CONTROL AND REQUIRED EVASIVE MANEUVER TO PULL OVER AND STOP SHIMMY. EXTREMELY DANGEROUS DEFECT IN DESIGN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jan 11, 2012
MY JEEP IS EXPERIENCING WHAT JEEP OWNERS REFER TO AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. VIOLENT, INTENSE SHAKING OF THE FRONT END AFTER HITTING THE SMALLEST OF BUMPS. MUST SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY TO GAIN CONTROL OF VEHICLE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Equipment, Jan 10, 2012
DEATH WOBBLE 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. BOUGHT VEHICLE IN OCT 2011, 5 OCCURRANCES OF DEATH WOBBLE, ALL ON FREEWAYS THROUGH JAN 10TH 2012. ONLY RECOURSE IS TO PULL OVER & STOP AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR GROOVE IN THE ROAD. NEWTONS LAW, EVERY ACTION CAUSES A REACTION. FRONT WHEELS WILL START SHAKING BEGIN GRADUALLY THEN VIOLANTLY UNTIL YOU CAN LUCKILY PULL OVER & STOP. ONCE STOPPED, YOU CAN START AGAIN & NOT EXPERIENCE IT AGAIN FOR WEEKS & THEN IT HAPPENS AGAIN WHENEVER YOU LEAST EXPECT IT. VERY HARD TO EVEN CONTROL THE VEHICLE ONCE IT ABRUPTLY STARTS. DEALER SAYS IT'S DAMPER NEEDS REPLACED FOR 250$. DOING THIS... BUT THIS REALLY FEELS LIKE THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL ISSUE OR COVERED UNDER A EASY CARE WARRANTY THAT I WAS DUPED INTO BUYING AS WELL. AFTER 4 MONTHS OF OWNING A 20,000$ CAR & NEARLY KILLED 5 TIMES IS OUTRAGEOUS. MANY PEOPLE WOULDN'T HAVE BEEN ABLE TO CONTROL A VEHICLE IF THIS HAPPENED TO THEM. THIS IS A CHRYSLER DEFECT & THEY SHOULD BE ADDRESSING THIS BEFORE SOMEONE IS KILLED BY THEIR FAULTY ENGINEERING AND/OR PARTS. *TR
Suspension, Jan 9, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD A GRINDING NOISE IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC. THE TECHNICIANS STATED TO THE CONTACT THAT THE FRONT BALL JOINTS WERE FRACTURED, CAUSING THE AXLE TO FRACTURE AS WELL. THE TECHNICIANS STATED THAT THE AXLE WAS ON BACKORDER AND NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 38,534.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 5, 2012
THIS IS MY SECOND ONLINE COMPLAINT REGARDING THE "DEATH WOBBLE" I HAVE EXPERIENCED IN MY JEEP. I HAD THE ISSUE "FIXED" IN SEPTEMBER, THOUGH IT BEGAN TO HAPPEN AGAIN IN EARLY DECEMBER. I TOOK MY JEEP BACK IN TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPER WITH A "HIGH PERFORMANCE" MODEL. THEY DID THIS AT NO CHARGE BECAUSE THEY SAID THE ORIGINAL "FIX" WAS STILL UNDER WARRANTY. I THOUGHT THIS TOOK CARE OF THINGS. TWO DAYS AGO, I WAS DRIVING ABOUT 45 MPH ON A BUSY SERVICE ROAD AND THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY AGAIN. I IMMEDIATELY HAD TO SLOW DOWN AND ALMOST COME TO A STOP BEFORE IT WOULD STOP. NEARBY DRIVERS HAD TO SWERVE TO MISS ME AND THE GUY BEHIND ME ALMOST REAR-ENDED ME. THIS HAS GOT TO STOP. I TOOK MY JEEP BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP THIS MORNING AND THEY SAID THEY WOULD LOOK INTO IT AND CALL ME BACK. THE SAGA CONTINUES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Dec 9, 2011
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AND ALL THE SUDDEN THE WHOLE VEHICLE INCLUDING THE STEERING WHEEL STARTED TO SHAKE HORRIBLY. I DON'T FEEL LIKE I CAN CONTROL THE STEERING WHEN THIS OCCURS. STEPPING ON THE BRAKES TO SLOW DOWN/STOP MAKES IT WORSE. ONCE I DROP BACK BELOW 40 MPH IT STOPS, TIL THE NEXT TIME IT HAPPENS. IN THE BEGINNING IT WAS ONLY OCCASIONALLY. RECENTLY IT HAS BEEN OCCURRING MORE FREQUENTLY. IT IS VERY SCARY WHEN THIS OCCURS. MY MECHANIC REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPENER BUT THAT DID NOT FIX THIS ISSUE. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THIS ISSUE IS BUT IT IS NOT SAFE TO BE DRIVING WHILE THIS IS OCCURRING. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 24, 2011
THE VEHICLE'S FRONT END BEGAN TO VIBRATE WITH RESONANCE UNTIL THE ENTIRE VEHICLE WAS SHAKING SO BADLY THAT IT HAD TO BE PULLED OFF THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS PHENOMENON IS WELL DOCUMENTED BY MANY SOURCES AS "DEATH WOBBLE." THE INITIAL INCIDENT HAPPENED WHILE DRIVING ON A TWO-LANE HIGHWAY IN GOOD CONDITION. ON THIS SAME DRIVE, THERE WERE TWO MORE INCIDENTS OF DEATH WOBBLE. AFTER THESE OCCURRENCES, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN IN TO A MECHANIC FOR INSPECTION, FRONT-END ALIGNMENT AND TIRE BALANCING. THERE WERE NO MORE INCIDENTS OF DEATH WOBBLE UNTIL NEARLY A MONTH LATER WHEN IT OCCURRED ON THE HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. AFTER THIS INCIDENT, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC THAT SPECIALIZES IN JEEP MAINTENANCE AND CUSTOMIZATION. THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM WAS IDENTIFIED AS SLOP IN THE STOCK TRACK BAR. THE VEHICLE HAS STOCK SUSPENSION, WHEELS AND TIRES. THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN WELL MAINTAINED WITH TIRE ROTATIONS DONE AT REGULAR INTERVALS. OTHER THAN THESE INCIDENTS OF DEATH WOBBLE, THE VEHICLE DOES NOT HAVE ANY OTHER NOTICEABLE PROBLEMS. FOLLOWING THE TRACK BAR DIAGNOSIS, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION. THE DEALERSHIP DIAGNOSED SEVERAL OTHER FRONT END COMPONENTS AS BEING IN NEED OF REPLACEMENT, AT A SIGNIFICANTLY HIGHER COST, CONTRADICTORY TO THE TWO PREVIOUS INDEPENDENT INSPECTIONS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 12, 2011
VIOLENT, EXTREME SHAKING IN FRONT END OF VEHICLE ("DEATH WOBBLE") AT SPEEDS BETWEEN 55-60MPH. HAS OCCURRED ABOUT 6 TIMES, BUT IS RANDOM AND INTERMITTENT, WITH NO KNOWN PRECIPITATING FACTORS. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHEN VEHICLE WAS TRAVELING OVER MINOR BUMPS BUT HAS ALSO OCCURRED MORE FREQUENTLY ON PERFECTLY SMOOTH, STRAIGHT PAVEMENT - WITH NO TURNING, BREAKING, ACCELERATION. THE SHAKING SEEMS TO BE IN THE FRONT TIRES/AXLE AND CONTINUES FOR 3-4 SECONDS AS I AM TRYING TO REDUCE SPEED CAREFULLY AND MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. IT FEELS LIKE THE FRONT TIRES ARE GOING TO FLY OFF IN DIFFERENT DIRECTIONS! AFTER THE FIRST OCCURRENCE, IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN FOR MONTHS, BUT RECENTLY HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES. I WAS TOLD BY ONE GARAGE THAT IT WAS DUE TO TIRE BALANCE (WHICH I KNEW WAS NOT THE CASE), BUT I HAD ALL FOUR TIRES BALANCED/ROTATED (AT ABOUT 42,500 MILES). GARAGE PERSONNEL STATED THIS "TOOK CARE OF MOST OF THE PROBLEM" BUT SUGGESTED I GET NEW TIRES. PROBLEM OCCURRED 2 MORE TIMES WITHIN A WEEK, BEFORE NEW TIRES. HAVE HAD ALL FOUR TIRES REPLACED. DEATH WOBBLE HAS NOT RECURRED, BUT I AM ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH THE TIRES/BALANCE AND THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN AGAIN WITHOUT WARNING. IT IS TERRIFYING AND EXTREMELY DANGEROUS, AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO BE HURT OR KILLED. I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT THE DEALERSHIP NEXT WEEK. WHEN I MADE THE APPOINTMENT, THEY CLAIMED THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM, SO I WILL PROVIDE THEM WITH INFORMATION I GATHERED IN ABOUT 20 MINUTES OFF VARIOUS WEB SITES DETAILING THE APTLY-NAMED "DEATH WOBBLE." I AM WELL-ACQUAINTED WITH THE "COULD-NOT-DUPLICATE-THE-PROBLEM" GARAGE MANTRA, SO FORESEE A PROTRACTED AND FRUSTRATING BATTLE BEFORE THIS LIFE-THREATENING PROBLEM IS FIXED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 2, 2011
VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHUDDER FROM ROAD CONDITIONS, THEN WHEN YOU STRIKE A BUMP, OR THE ROAD SURFACE CHANGES, THE VEHICLES THEN VIOLENTLY SHAKES AND WILL NOT CEASE UNTIL SLOWED TO 30MPH OR INCREASED TO 70MPH. VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION ON FREEWAYS. IT APPEARS THAT THE ENTIRE FRONT END IS ABOUT TO SHAKE THE WHEELS LOOSE, THEN TRANSFERS TO THE REAR WHEELS SOMETIMES. THEN WHEN IT APPEARS THE PHENOMENA IS OVER, IT CAN REOCCUR AGAIN JUST AS QUICKLY. MY WIFE REFUSES TO DRIVE IT, NOR WILL SHE ALLOW MY SON TO RIDE IN IT UNTIL IT IS RESOLVED. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Oct 5, 2011
THE JEEP SHAKES VIOLENTLY WHEN IT HITS A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT SEEMS TO HAPPEN MOSTLY ON THE HIGHWAYS, ALTHOUGH IT WILL OCCUR ON A CITY ROAD. DURING THIS SHAKING THE BRAKES DO NOT SLOW THE CAR DOWN AND IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY AND DANGEROUS. THE CAR HAS BEEN IN NUMEROUS TIMES AND NOTHING SEEMS TO FIX THE PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Sep 17, 2011
I WAS DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 70 AT APPROXIMATELY 65MPH, I HIT A BUMP, AND MY JEEP STARTED TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE SO DRAMATICALLY THAT I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 35MPH BEFORE IT WOULD STOP. I WAS SO FRIGHTENED THAT I PULLED OVER AND WAS AFRAID TO CONTINUE DRIVING. THINKING IT WAS MY TIRES ABOUT READY TO FALL OFF, I CREEPED OFF OF THE INTERSTATE AND DROVE ABOUT 15MPH BACK TO THE TIRE DEALERSHIP WHERE I HAD BOUGHT MY TIRES. THEY COULD FIND NOTHING WRONG. I THEN TOOK IT TO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP AND THEY REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPNER AND UPDATED A BRACKET. IT DID NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. I TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THEY THEN REPLACED THE DRAG LINK END. THEY THEN TOLD ME IT HAD TO BE THE TIRES. THEY, NOT ONE TIME, MENTIONED WHAT I HAVE NOW RESEARCHED AND FOUND TO BE A "DEATH WOBBLE" PROBLEM THAT MANY JEEP OWNERS HAVE EXPERIENCED. I DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO NEXT. THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN FIXED AND MY TIRES ONLY HAVE 15K MILES ON THEM AND I AM THINKING THIS IS NOT THE PROBLEM. THE WOBBLE THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED NOW DOZENS OF TIMES IS NOT ONLY FRIGHTENING BUT I FEAR IS VERY DANGEROUS. I'M NOT SURE WHAT MY RECOURSE IS AT THIS POINT. *TT
Steering, Suspension, Sep 2, 2011
THE VEHICLE SHAKES OUT OF CONTROL AT 50MPH OR AFTER HITTING A BUMP OR FLAW IN THE BLACK TOP ROAD. THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKES OUT OF MY HANDS AND YOU CAN NOT GET THE VEHICLE CONTROLLED UNTIL YOU COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I HAVE REPLACED TIRES, SHOCKS AND CONTROL ARMS BUT THIS WILL NOT FIX THE PROBLEM. NO ONE CAN TELL ME HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM AND I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE ON A FREEWAY, BECAUSE I WILL EITHER HIT SOMEONE OR SOMEONE WILL HIT ME. PEOPLE WILL NOT DRIVE IN MY VEHICLE BECAUSE OF THIS PROBLEM AND WHEN SOMEONE SEE IT HAPPEN, THEY TELL ME IT LOOKS LIKE THE FRONT WHEELS ARE GOING TO FALL OFF. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 2, 2011
DEATH WOBBLE - WHEN I REACH A SPEED OF OVER 45 AND HIT A ROUGH PATCH, MY FRONT TWO TIRES START WOBBLING UNCONTROLLABLY. IT IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS AND THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT IS TO SLOW DOWN ALMOST TO A STOP. I HAVE JUST 31,000 MILES ON MY JEEP (NO MODIFICATION AND STOCK TIRES). THIS IS AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. IF MY WIFE HAD THIS HAPPEN, I DOUBT SHE WOULD BE ABLE TO SAFELY MANEUVER THE VEHICLE TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TOOK IT INTO THE JEEP DEALERSHIP. THEY PUT A NEW STEERING DAMPER ON IT AND SAID THAT WOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. IT DID NOT. THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I GO TO CHRYSLER. *KB
Suspension, Jul 19, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A BUMP IN THE ROAD, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THE TIRES WERE BALANCED, ROTATED AND ALIGNED. THE FAILURE OCCURRED A SECOND TIME; YET, THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THERE WAS A DESIGN FLAW WITHIN THE WHEELS. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 37,000. UPDATED 8/29/11 *CN THE CONSUMER BELIEVED THE DEFECT WAS IN THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM, NOT IN THE WHEELS. UPDATED 10/03/11
Suspension, Jun 14, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHENEVER SHE WOULD DRIVE OVER AN UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIOLENTLY SHAKE ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER FIVE TIMES WHERE THEY WERE UNABLE TO DIAGNOSE THE FAILURE. VARIOUS REPAIRS WERE PERFORMED ON THE VEHICLE, BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 68,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Jun 12, 2011
AT 50,000 MILES THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO HAVE THE DEATH WOBBLE. PROBLEM WAS FOUND TO BE CAUSED BY BADLY WORN STOCK BALL JOINTS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2011
DRIVING WESTBOUND ON M-59 IN HARTLAND, MI I HIT A VERY SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE JEEP STARTED TO SHUDDER VERY VIOLENTLY. I HAD TO PULL OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND STOP IN ORDER FOR THE SHUDDER TO GO AWAY. AFTER DOING MUCH RESEARCH ON THE INTERNET, I HAVE NOW FOUND OUT THAT THIS IS CALLED THE DEATH WOBBLE AND IS A HIGHLY COMMON PROBLEM THAT CHRYSLER IS AWARE OF AND HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING TO LET THE PUBLIC KNOW OF THE ISSUE.
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Mar 31, 2011
WE WERE DRIVING ON A LIMITED ACCESS HIGHWAY WHEN I HIT A SECTION OF ROUGH A ROUGH ROAD ABOUT 6 FEET LONG. THE FRONT END, STEERING WHEEL & TRANSMISSION SHOOK VIOLENTLY! ONCE I GOT BELOW 45 MPH IT STOPPED. I COULD NOT STEER THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 6 TIMES NOW AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 50 MPH. IT WOULD HAPPEN A LOT MORE IF I DID NOT SLOW DOWN WHEN I COME ACROSS PATCHED SPOTS IN THE ROAD OR WHERE OVERPASSES AND BRIDGES MEET THE SOLID ROAD BED. ON SMOOTH ROADS, THERE IS NO VIBRATION THAT I CAN FEEL. I TALKED TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER AND HE NEVER HAD A PROBLEM. IT HAS NEVER BEEN OFF ROAD, LIFTED OR WRECKED. THE GARAGE REPLACED THE STEERING GEAR BOX UNDER WARRANTY AND I PAID FOR THE ALIGNMENT CHECK AND TIRE BALANCE. I ROTATED THE TIRED AND THEN PUT A NEW TIRE ON THE RIGHT FRONT. I CHECKED FOR PLAY IN ALL THE SUSPENSION AND STEERING AND FOUND VERY LITTLE. THE GARAGE SAID THEY FOUND NONE. I THEN INSTALLED A HEAVY DUTY STEERING STABILIZER. IT DID NOT HELP. THE GARAGE SAID THERE WAS NOTHING MORE THEY COULD DO. WHEN I ASKED JEEP WAS THEIR A PROBLEM CALLED DEATH WOBBLE, BECAUSE THERE ARE A LOT OF POSTINGS, THEY DID NOT ANSWER. INSTEAD, THE SERVICE MANAGER SUGGESTED I BUY 4 NEW TIRES AND GET A ROAD FORCE BALANCE. A FRIEND SENT ME TO ANOTHER JEEP DEALER TO TALK TO HIS FRIEND, WHO WAS WELL AWARE OF THE PROBLEM AND HAD NOT BEEN ABLE TO FIX IT ON OTHER JEEPS. THERE WAS NO REMEDY OR HELP FROM CHRYSLER JEEP. HE HAS HAD IT HAPPEN TO HIM AND WILL NOT RIDE IN OR DRIVE ONE AGAIN. HE SUGGESTED NOT DRIVING INTERSTATES AND BELOW 55 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I AM 68 YEAR OLD RETIRED CAR, TRUCK, HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC SUPERVISOR. THE JEEP IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE ON THE HIGHWAY. BF