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
1,255 reports, newest first.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 26, 2015
THIS VEHICLE HAS THE JEEP "DEATH WOBBLE" WHICH INVOLVES SEVERE SHAKING AND VIOLENT WOBBLING AT ABOUT 50 MPH. THIS OCCURS FREQUENTLY. I HAVE MADE NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS TO HAVE THE PROBLEM SOLVED AND VEHICLE REPAIRED. NOTHING HAS HELPED. *TR
Steering, Mar 26, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER 2-DR 4X4. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH OVER A BUMP, THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FRONT TIRES VIBRATED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 57,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 25, 2015
AS WITH OTHER JEEP OWNERS, MY WRANGLER SUDDENLY FELL INTO THE 'DEATH WOBBLE'. WITH MANY ATTEMPTS AT REPAIR AND OVER $1500, THERE IS STILL AN UNRESOLVED ISSUE. *TR
Electrical system, Air bags, Equipment adaptive/mobility, Mar 25, 2015
ON MY 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." RIGHT HAND VEHICLES HAVE BEEN RECALLED BUT NOT THE LEFT LIKE I DRIVE. *TR
Steering, Mar 22, 2015
I BOUGHT A USED JEEP FROM NEWARK JEEP EAGLE IN DELAWARE WHICH HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY. THE SAME NIGHT THAT I DROVE IT HOME ON THE HIGHWAY, I HIT UNEVEN PAVEMENT AND THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY. TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO THE DEALER, THEY REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER, TRACK BAR, AND SWITCHED MY TIRES AND THIS CONTINUED TO HAPPEN AFTER EVERY REPAIR. SINCE I ONLY HAD A 30 DAY WARRANTY I COULD NOT CONTINUE TO TAKE IT BACK FOR ADDITIONAL REPAIR DUE TO COSTS, HOWEVER NOTHING SEEMED TO WORK AND NOW THIS HAPPENS AT HIGHER SPEEDS AND VERY OFTEN. THIS WOBBLE HAPPENS EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE JEEP AND IT IS UNSAFE. I SEE SEVERAL OTHER COMPLAINTS REGARDING THIS WOBBLE ON SEVERAL FORUMS AND ON JEEPS THAT HAVE NOT BEEN ALTERED LIKE MINE. THIS NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IN A RECALL AS PEOPLE WHO SPEND $25,000 FOR A VEHICLE SHOULD NOT HAVE TO GO BROKE TO FIX AN OBVIOUS MANUFACTURER ERROR. I CANNOT DRIVE ME VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY FOR FEAR OF MY SAFETY AS WELL AS HAVING TO SLOW DOWN AND PULL ACROSS THE ENTIRE HIGHWAY COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR
Electrical system, Wheels, Engine, Mar 21, 2015
THIS JEEP HAS BEEN NOTHING BUT A ISSUE. HAVE BEEN TO SHOPS FOR A YEAR. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WONT STAY OFF, WHEELS SHAKE AT CERTAIN SPEEDS, OVER HEATS, RADIATOR ISSUES, YOU NAME IT. THE DEALER WOULD NOT COVER ANYTHING AND WENT OUT OF BUSINESS SHORTLY AFTER. THIS JEEP IS A LEMON. THERE HAS TO BE RECALLS ON THIS. JEEP IS CURRENTLY AT GARAGE AGAIN AND THEY ARE SAYING POSSIBLE COMPUTER ISSUES AGAIN MAYBE 02 YADA. CAME OUT OF GROCERY STORE THE OTHER NIGHT AND THE JEEP WOULD NOT START. NOT THE BATTERY. AGAIN THE GARAGE CALLED AND SAID IT MAY BE A ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE SECURITY OF THE VEHICLE. JUST HAD NEW PLUGS AND WIRES INSTALLED. THIS IS ABSURD AND THERE SHOULD BE RECALLS ON THESE JEEPS. THERE IS DEFINITELY SAFETY CONCERNS!!!!!!!! HAVEN'T BEEN ABLE TO GET THE ENGINE LIGHT OFF AS PREVIOUSLY STATED AND THUS STILL CANT GET A INSPECTION GOING ON A YEAR! SOMEONE PLEASE HELP!!! *TR
Air bags, Mar 20, 2015
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
Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 16, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH AFTER DRIVING OVER A BUMP OR DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE FRONT END SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING DAMPENER FAILED. THE TIRES WERE ROTATED AND BALANCED, BUT FAILED TO REPAIR THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 10, 2015
EVERY TIME I FILL THE GAS TANK UP GAS SPILLS, SHOOTS OUT EVERYWHERE AT LEAST A FEW GALLONS OF GAS IS NOT JUST WASTED BUT ALL OVER ME, THE JEEP AND THE GROUND. *TR
Air bags, Mar 9, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP INDICATED THAT THERE WAS A MALFUNCTION. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING LAMP WAS FLASHING AND REMAINED LIT AS THE FAILURE PROGRESSED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID NUMBER: 13V176000 (AIR BAGS) AND 11V528000 (AIR BAGS). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 6, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE THE JEEP STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I HAD A SEMI RIGHT BEHIND ME HAULING A GAS TANKER. FORTUNATELY FOR ME I WAS TRAVELING IN THE SPEED LANE WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE EMERGENCY RUN OFF THE LANE. I LET MY FOOT OF THE GAS AND ROLLED/TREMBLING OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE EMG LANE TILL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER CATCHING MY BREATH AND MY HEART. I PROCEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR TO CHECK AND SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END AXLE. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING PROBLEM SO GOT BACK IN THE JEEP AND DROVE OFF. I DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER 50 MILES THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT ANY SPEED. SO A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I TOOK THE JEEP IN TO SEE MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT PLANET DODGE IN DORAL, FL. AFTER A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMPTOMS AND WHAT HAPPENED, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALMLY SAID IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM CALLED "THE DEATH WOBBLE". SO I AM NOW HAVING TO DROP OFF THIS JEEP IN ORDER TO GET A DIAGNOSIS AND HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. I HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS TO ANYONE; ESPECIALLY MY MOTHER WHO OFTEN DRIVES THE JEEP. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ACCIDENT AND MAY EVEN CAUSE FATALITIES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. OR AT THE VERY LEAST A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Mar 6, 2015
I WAS TRAVELING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY AT A SPEED OF 65 MILES PER HOUR WHEN OUT OF THE BLUE THE JEEP STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE, I HAD A SEMI RIGHT BEHIND ME HAULING A GAS TANKER. FORTUNATELY FOR ME I WAS TRAVELING IN THE SPEED LANE WHICH IS ADJACENT TO THE EMERGENCY RUN OFF THE LANE. I LET MY FOOT OF THE GAS AND ROLLED/TREMBLING OFF THE HIGHWAY INTO THE EMG LANE TILL I CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. AFTER CATCHING MY BREATH AND MY HEART. I PROCEEDED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR TO CHECK AND SEE IF THERE WAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH THE FRONT END AXLE. I DID NOT SEE ANYTHING PROBLEM SO GOT BACK IN THE JEEP AND DROVE OFF. I DROVE ABOUT ANOTHER 50 MILES THAT NIGHT AND WAS NOT ABLE TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT ANY SPEED. SO A COUPLE OF DAYS LATER I TOOK THE JEEP IN TO SEE MY SERVICE ADVISOR AT PLANET DODGE IN DORAL, FL. AFTER A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMPTOMS AND WHAT HAPPENED, THE SERVICE ADVISOR CALMLY SAID IT'S A COMMON PROBLEM CALLED "THE DEATH WOBBLE". SO I AM NOW HAVING TO DROP OFF THIS JEEP IN ORDER TO GET A DIAGNOSIS AND HAVE THE PROBLEM REPAIRED. I HOPE IT NEVER HAPPENS TO ANYONE; ESPECIALLY MY MOTHER WHO OFTEN DRIVES THE JEEP. THIS IS A VERY VERY DANGEROUS CONDITION WHICH WILL EVENTUALLY CAUSE ACCIDENT AND MAY EVEN CAUSE FATALITIES. THERE NEEDS TO BE A CLASS ACTION SUIT FILED AGAINST THE MANUFACTURER. OR AT THE VERY LEAST A RECALL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 6, 2015
I WAS JUST DRIVING DOWN A PAVED RESIDENTIAL ROAD ON A SLIGHT DECLINE ABOUT 40 MPH AND IT STARTED WOBBLING AND SHAKING THE ENTIRE CAR. I FELT LIKE I WAS GOING TO LOSE CONTROL AND COULDN'T SWERVE OVER SINCE THERE WAS TRAFFIC. I APPLIED THE BRAKES LIGHTLY, BUT NOT TOO MUCH SINCE THERE WAS OTHER VEHICLES BEHIND ME THAT I DIDN'T WANT TO SLAM INTO ME FROM BEHIND IF I SUDDENLY BRAKED TOO HARD. EVEN WHILE APPLYING BRAKES THE JEEP WAS STILL WOBBLING VIOLENTLY. VIOLENTLY! SERIOUSLY THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO CAUSE A WRECK. FINALLY THE JEEP STOPPED WOBBLING WHERE I PULLED OVER AND CHECKED IF MY TIRES WERE LOSE OR ANYTHING. EVERYTHING WAS FINE ON THE OUTSIDE. WHEN I CAME HOME I WANTED TO SEE IF ANYONE ELSE HAD THIS ISSUE, AND TURNS OUT IT EVEN HAS A NAME CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE". MY JEEP IS A 2008, WITH 40,000 MILE. THIS JEEP IS RARELY USED. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. NOT ONLY THE WRANGLER, BUT MANY OTHER VEHICLES AS WELL. CHRYSLER SEEMS TO DENY THAT ANY ISSUES EXIST CONCERNING THE "DEATH WOBBLE". PLEASE HELP. *TR
Electrical system, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Mar 2, 2015
IN MAY 2014 I PURCHASES A USED JEEP FROM A DEALER IN KERNERSVILLE, NC AND EXPERIENCED ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE THE DEALERSHIP CLAIMS ARE MANUFACTURE ISSUES: -LIGHTING: WE HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE TAILLIGHT BULBS ON BOTH SIDES TWICE SINCE PURCHASE (LESS THAN A YEAR AGO). THESE LIGHTS CONSTANTLY HOLD WATER AND WE HAVE TO EMPTY THEM REPEATEDLY AND THE WATER NEVER SEEMS TO EMPTY COMPLETELY. THESE LIGHTS ALSO SEEM TO BE AFFECTED BY WIRING AS THEY DO NOT ALWAYS ILLUMINATE DESPITE AN EFFECTIVE BULB. WE TOOK IT IN FOR REPAIRS UNDER OUR PURCHASED WARRANTY AND THE DEALERSHIP STATES THERE IS WATER DAMAGE DUE TO INSUFFICIENT WIRE PROTECTION. THIS IS VERY CONCERNING AS WATER IS AN EXCELLENT CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY. REGARDLESS OF THE USED CONDITION OF THE CAR I SEE NO REASON WHY THIS SHOULD BE THE CASE AS WIRING SEEMS VERY MUCH LIKE A MANUFACTURE ONLY RESPONSIBILITY. -WHEELS: THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH ALL ORIGINAL WHEELS (NOT TIRES) AND THE VALVE STEMS ON EACH WHEEL HAVE DISINTEGRATED COMPLETELY AND CRUMBLED APART. WE REALIZED THIS WHEN THE LOW AIR LIGHT CAME ON AND WE WENT TO FILL THE TIRES THIS ISSUE SEEMS TO EFFECT HOW WELL THE TIRES CAN HOLD AIR. -SPEEDOMETER: ORIGINALLY WHEN WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE THE SPEEDOMETER WAS OFF BY ABOUT 10MPH (WE DID NOT KNOW THIS UNTIL DRIVING TWO SEPARATE CARS AND THINKING "HMM IS THE OTHER DRIVER REALLY SPEEDING THAT MUCH?" CALL ONE ANOTHER ON THE PHONE AND DETERMINED THE SUBARU WOULD DRIVE 60MPH AND SEE WHAT SPEED THE JEEP CLAIMED TO BE DRIVING WHEN MATCHED. WE HAD THIS ISSUE "FIXED" ABOUT TWO WEEKS AGO AND NOW IT IS EVEN WORSE. UPON DOING THE SAME SPEED TEST THE JEEP WAS NOW 12MPH OVER WHAT IT SHOULD BE. OTHER ISSUES NON-RESOLVED BY DEALERSHIP: RATTLING SOUND NEAR CLUTCH, LESS THAN AWESOME BRAKING, AND A TIRE LIGHT THAT WILL NOT GO OFF NO MATTER WHAT ACTIONS ARE TAKEN. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Vehicle speed control, Mar 1, 2015
I WAS DRIVING HOME FROM WORK ON A STATE HIGHWAY, EVEN THOUGH POSTED SPEED LIMIT WAS 65MPH, TRAFFIC WAS HEAVY AND I WAS FORCED TO SLOW DOWN TO AROUND 50 TO 53 MPH. WHEN SPEEDING BACK UP TO 55 MPH MY JEEP SAHARA SHOOK VIOLENTLY AND UNCONTROLLABLY, I THOUGHT MY VEHICLE WAS GOING TO SHAKE APART, I HIT THE BRAKES AND WENT DOWN TO 50 MPH (THANK GOD NO ONE WAS CLOSE BEHIND ME AND DID NOT HIT ME) AND THE SHAKING/WOBBLE STOPPED. AS TRAFFIC PICKED BACK UP AND I WAS ABLE TO SPEED UP TO 60 MPH, THERE WAS NO REAL PROBLEM (A SLIGHT SHAKE AS I PAST 55 MPH), BUT AS SOON AS I HAD TO SLOW DOWN TO 55 MPH THE VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE/WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY AGAIN. IT APPEARS IF I ACCELERATE FROM 0 TO 55 MPH I GET THE VIOLENT SHAKING/WOBBLING BUT IF I GO FROM 0 TO 60-65 MPH, I DO NOT REALLY EXPERIENCE THE VIOLENT UNCONTROLLABLY SHAKING, JUST A SLIGHT SHAKE AT THE 55 MPH GOING TO 60-65 MPH. IF I SLOW DOWN FROM 60-65 MPH TO 55 MPH I GET THAT SAME VIOLENT UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKING/WOBBLING. THIS HAPPENS EVERYDAY - NOT RANDOMLY! I FOUND EVEN ON NON-HIGHWAYS, WHERE SPEED LIMITS THAT ALLOW 55 MPH, I GET THE SAME VIOLENT SHAKING. THIS IS MY ONLY VEHICLE AND I DEPEND ON IT TO GET TO AND FROM WORK EVERY WEEKDAY. I HAVE READ THE FORUMS AND I HAVE CHECKED THE TIRE PRESSURE, IT HAS NO EFFECT ON THE SHAKING/WOBBLING. I HAVE NEVER TAKEN IT OFF-ROAD, I DON'T EVEN PUT IT IN 4 WHEEL DRIVE. MY SON HAS HIS OWN JEEP THAT HE HAS WORK ON FOR YEARS AND HE LOOKED AT MY JEEP (THINGS LIKE STEERING COMPONENTS, BALL JOINTS, TIRES, STEERING DAMPER, ETC.) ALL THE THINGS JEEP OWNERS HAVE POSTED ON THESE FORUMS AND HAVE PAID DEARLY FOR AT THE DEALERSHIP AND EVERYTHING SEEMS OK. I RECENTLY FOUND FROM A JEEP FORUM THAT THIS IS CALLED THE 'DEATH WOBBLE'. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 28, 2015
TYPICAL "DEATH WOBBLE" THAT I WAS UNAWARE OF UNTIL RESEARCHING THIS MORNING. VERY SCARY AND WITH ONLY 25,000 MILES AN NO OFF ROADING ON THIS JEEP, THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN AND CERTAINLY NOT SOMETHING I SHOULD HAVE TO PAY TO REPAIR! *TR
Structure, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 22, 2015
FILING UP THE TANK CAUSES GAS TO SPEW EVERYWHERE. *TR
Air bags, Feb 13, 2015
AIR BAG WARMING LIGHT IS CONSTANTLY ON AND FLASHES AND CHIMES WHILE BEGIN DRIVEN. I WAS TOLD IT WAS A MALFUNCTIONING AIRBAG SENSOR IN THE STEERING COLUMN AND THAT THEY HAVE SEEN MANY OF THESE CASES IN THE JEEP WRANGLER "JK" AND THAT THERE WAS A RECALL FOR THE MODEL YEAR 2007 BUT NOT FOR ANY OF THE NEWER MODEL YEARS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Tires, Feb 12, 2015
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 45 TO 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
Air bags, Feb 6, 2015
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. *JS
Steering, Feb 3, 2015
HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THIS CAUSED VIOLENT VIBRATIONS IN THE FRONT END THAT WOULDN'T STOP UNTIL I ALMOST STOPPED. IF I HADN'T HAD A GOOD GRIP ON THE WHEEL I WOULD HAVE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS HAPPENED 4 TIMES SINCE AND AT SPEEDS AS LOW AS 55MPH. CHECKED WITH DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WOULD REQUIRE REPLACING ONE PART AT A TIME TILL THE PROBLEM IS CORRECTED. THIS WOULD BE VERY EXPENSIVE AND YOU WOULD NEVER KNOW IF IT WAS FIXED. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS AS YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN. TWICE I WAS GOING 70 WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER CLOSE BEHIND. YESTERDAY I WAS IN HEAVY TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE LANE GOING 70 WITH A TRACTOR TRAILER BEHIND ME WHEN THE FRONT END STARTED TO VIBRATE AND BOUNCE. I COULDN'T GET OVER SO I HAD TO ALMOST STOP IN THE MIDDLE LANE IN RUSH HOUR ON I-10. THIS PROBLEMIS REFERRED TO AS THE DEATH WOBBLE. IT IS VERY SCARY AND COULD CAUSE AN ACCIDENT OR EVEN A ROLL OVER IF YOU DON'T HAVE A GOOD GRIP ON THE WHEEL. (VEHICLE IS NOT LIFTED & FRONT END HAD JUST BEEN ALIGNED BEFORE FIRST INCIDENT). *TR
Suspension, Jan 29, 2015
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FRONT BUSHINGS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND AN ALIGNMENT NEEDED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 71,000.
Air bags, Jan 27, 2015
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
Air bags, Jan 23, 2015
MY AIRBAGS WERE DEACTIVATED DUE TO A FAULTY CLOCKSPRING. THE SAME CLOCKSPRING WAS RECALLED IN THE RHD JEEPS, AND IN THE 2007 JEEPS, BUT THE SAME EXACT CLOCKSPRING ISN'T RECALLED FOR THE 2008 JEEPS. I JUST PAID $540 TO HAVE IT REPLACED SO I COULD PASS STATE INSPECTION. THERE SHOULD BE A WARNING ON ALL NEWER JEEPS: "IF YOU EXPOSE THIS VEHICLE TO ANY DUST, DIRT, WATER, OR ELEMENTS, THE WILL BE EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT FAILURE." --OR-- "NOT DESIGNED FOR OFF ROAD OR TOP DOWN USE". *TR
Air bags, Jan 21, 2015
THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY HAS COME ON SINCE 6/18/2014. WHAT STARTED HAS INTERMITTENT WARNINGS HAS TURNED INTO A SOLID WARNING LIGHT. AFTER EXAMINATION BY THE JEEP DEALER THE PROGNOSIS IS THAT IT IS THE CLOCK SPRING. TO MY UNDERSTANDING THIS IS THE SAME CLOCK SPRING THAT IS PRESENT IN 2007 AND EARLIER MODELS, WHICH WERE RECALLED DUE TO FAULTY CLOCK SPRINGS. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER AND ONLINE FORUMS THE FAILURE OF THIS SAFETY COMPONENT IS QUITE COMMON. *TR