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, Jan 21, 2024
My 2008 jeep has the death wobble ,how to get fixed07
Other or unspecified, Jan 9, 2024, fire
My Wrangler had been parked in my driveway for about 5 hours. It tried to start by itself then cought fire. It's is a manual transmission with no remote start. The fire started on the passenger side of the engine compartment.
Air bags, Sep 27, 2023
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the air bag warning light was illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V290000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated that MOPAR was contacted regarding parts availability and the contact was informed that approval had not been granted to distribute the parts for the repair through the parts hub. The failure mileage was 111,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Service brakes, Sep 14, 2023, crash
ABS brakes not working on my Jeep. Was told by dealer that it needs a new ABS module, but nobody has the part. How can I drive my vehicle when my ABS brakes are not working and you don't provide the part to fix it? The one dealer in Texas that has the part jacked up the price for it. That is price gouging, which is against the law. Chrysler is and will be responsible for any accident cause due to this issue.
Service brakes, Aug 12, 2023
On my 2008 jeep wrangler the driver’s rear drum hard brake line bursted completely and almost split in half, leaking fluid. The hard brake line follows the frame rail, and this breakage occurred at the 90° bend above the transmission cross support. My safety, my passengers safety, as well as others on the road were at risk when the brake failure occurred. While operating the vehicle on a decline, brake pedal began to sink to the floor and the “brake” e-brake warning indicator began flashing and dinging. There were no prior indications of the issue. Thankfully I was able to slow down my vehicle by shifting down and using my e-brake. Had vehicle towed and Private mechanic inspected and performed repairs, mopar/Chrysler no longes makes this part and a custom bent hard line had to be created. Attempted to contact Chrysler 3 times regarding the safety issue this posed, they referred me to the dealer 1st call. I spoke with a mechanic at my local dealer whom agreed with me that the hard line had no reason to break given the location of the damage and that it’s a non-wear item. The Mechanic suggested i call back the 1-800 number to continue with reporting my safety concerns to the manufacturers as there was nothing he could do at the dealership. 2nd call, the new representative also told me to call the dealer and when i asked for a supervisor to report my safety concerns, she hung up on me. The third call the rep said the exact same thing, however he sated a supervisor would call me back. I haven’t received a call back for a week.
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Sep 26, 2022
Headlights stopped working. The Headlights are controlled by a computer. No relay, fuse, or anything that can be fixed at a parts store. We had to wait days for a computer to show up.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 8, 2022
While pumping fuel the nozzle will continuously trip or spill gasoline back out of the fuel tank filler hose.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 2, 2022
Vehicle while driving, wipers start, horn blows, washer fluid sprays, abs light goes on, engine dies making braking and steering impossible.
Electrical system, Jun 30, 2022
The TIPM shorts out then the wipers, start running, horn blares, windshield washer fluid sprays, lights flash. The only way to stop it is unhook the battery. This is so unsafe driving on the highway you cant see the road. I almost crashed trying to pull over. After doing some internet research this is so common. This should be a recall it is dangerous! I wont let my son drive it now.
Electrical system, Air bags, Service brakes, Jun 16, 2022, crash
Car was purchased 1 hour prior to incident from a dealership. Car was in idle and was shifted to drive and automatically accelerated rapidly without foot on gas pedal and breaks did not work when breaks were forcefully applied during the incident. The car crashed into a house deck and went off the cement pad and crashed into trees in the yard. Unable to remove key from ignition, had to be placed in neutral to remove key. We had the car for less than an hour after purchase. Damage was sustained to the deck and significant damage to car, air bags did not deploy. Claim was immediately filed with insurance.
Electrical system, Jun 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds or while the vehicle was parked, the horn would sound, the windshield wipers would engage while the windshield washer would spray washer fluid on the windshield, the doors would lock and unlock, and the headlights would turn on an off intermittently. The contact stated that the vehicle would lose electrical and motive power and become difficult to steer. The contact stated that the failure had occurred at least 30 times since owning the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and several dealers who were unable to diagnose and determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that he was informed that this was a known issue with Jeep vehicles. The contact stated that there was a recall for the issue for other years, makes, and models however, his vehicle was not included. The contract also did not have the recall information to provide. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Air bags, May 23, 2022
airbag light goes on and off
Suspension, Mar 30, 2022
When I go above 45 mph on a bumpy road, the Jeep starts wobble uncontrollably until I almost completely stop the vehicle. Replaced, all tires complete brake system. Still happening!
Electrical system, Mar 30, 2022
TIPM/ all warning lights came on. Started with radio Turing on, wipers malfunctioning, lights coming on out of no where. Now vehicle will not stay on in addition battery will not stay charged.
Power train, Mar 30, 2022
Transmission pops out of first gear randomly. Was making a left turn across a 4 lane highway when transmission popped out this time. Thankfully this time oncoming traffic had enough time to slow down and not t-bone me. When this happens it feels as though I’ve been hit from behind and makes a very loud popping noise. Dealer aware of tbs 21-001-10 but vehicle is out of warranty period so have to pay out of pocket to have this well know safety issue fixed.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 24, 2022
I own the Jeep for 6 months now and at each fill up, fuel gets spit out of f the filler neck at the end. I try running slow, manual and the noses in different position. The jeep dealer say, there is no problem or recall for my VIN. But there is a recall part :(CNNNX321AC Tube) available form Mopar, there don't sell to the public. I like to fix this problem for more than one reason. Environmental, wasting Fuel, damaging the paint and plastic, fire hazard and fuel smell on my closes. I am a retired senior master Car technician, German (Kraftfahrzeug mechaniker Meister)with 50 years experience.
Electrical system, Air bags, Dec 13, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the horn, alarm, windows, and windshield wipers spontaneously engaged. There were several unknown warning lights flashing. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the clockspring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The contact was then informed that the TIPM needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified if the failure, however, no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000. The VIN was not available.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 13, 2021
This has happened on more than 1 occasion. Driving on the highway and I lose power, the Jeep slows way down, the accelerator pedal is dead, and the Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) light comes on. It does the same thing driving in town. Sometimes you can turn the vehicle off, wait a couple minutes, start it back up and it will be ok for a little bit. Sometimes it won’t. I have replaced some parts, read forums, communicated with a dealer service department and it doesn’t sound like there is a “fix” for this. This is very dangerous and someone could get seriously injured or killed.
Air bags, Sep 29, 2021
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the air bag clockspring had failed. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V176000 (Air Bags). The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring while driving. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V290000 (Air Bags) however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the clock spring was replaced. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring and the turn signal switches were no longer responding. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact that she would be responsible for the cost of the repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 4, 2021, fire
Engine compartment caught on fire with no warning. My family's lives were in danger. We escaped vehicle before front was engulfed in flames. Fire department had to put out fire.
Steering, Sep 1, 2021
While driving at 65mph my vehicle began to violently shake, and I had to come to a complete stop. This violent shaking happened four times in a 25 mile stretch of bumpy highway, all four times I had to come to a complete stop in fast moving traffic, that traffic was going at speeds of 65 to 70mph.
Electrical system, Aug 15, 2021
My Jeep just intermittently started the crank no start issue and gave code PO5013, incorrect immobilizer key. After extensive research I have found many Jeep owners to have this same problem and also found that Chrysler has confirmed it is a built in problem. After taking my Jeep to to dealer and having my keys checked along with the starter and ignition cylinder lock it is the (WCM) wireless control module that is the culprit of the crank but no start issue. This is an extremely unsafe problem due to my vehicle shutting down while driving on top of the other various problems the wcm has caused. Directions say to reset the WCM by pulling the IOD fuse for 30 seconds and then replacing however this method no longer works.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Jul 16, 2021, fire
On 07/16/2021 at approximately 1600 hundred the smoke detectors in the house began alarming. I immediately noticed smoke coming from the garage. After getting my 6 year old son safely out of the house I immediately called 911. The fire department arrived and took care of the situation. The entire engine compartment was burnt. Before all of this we arrived at the house and parked in the garage. Only 5 minutes went by between parking the Jeep and calling 911. During operation of the vehicle that day there was no indication of any issues. The Fire Inspector preformed his investigation. As of now I have not received the incident report. Once I do I will supply it. I am waiting to hear from the insurance company regarding when an adjuster will view the Jeep. Thank you.
Steering, Suspension, Service brakes, Jul 6, 2021
Steering wheel shaking at about 50 mph. Then warning lights on dash came on ABS- ESP and BAS. I slowed down drove home and parked it. Can’t get into shop until next week. Jeep has less than 48,000 miles.Not safe to drive!
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 25, 2021
WHEN FUELING VEHICLE OVERFLOW POURS OUT OF THE TANK AND ON TO THE VEHICLE AND GROUND WHEN FILLED. I'VE OWNED THE VEHICLE FOR 14 MONTHS AND HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE PURCHASED.