2009 Jeep Wrangler
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Air bags is the leading concern among 459 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 16th highest complaint count among 26 Wrangler model years with reports.
Of the 2009 reports, 10 involved a crash and 15 involved a fire. 8 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Air bags, frontal, passenger side, inflator moduleDo not drive until repairedJan 9, 2018
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2009-2013 Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Challenger and Dodge Charger vehicles, and 2009-2011 Dodge Dakota vehicles sold, or ever registered, in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Additionally, Chrysler is recalling certain 2009-2010 RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Chrysler is also recalling certain 2009 RAM 3500, RAM 2500, RAM 4500 Cab Chassis, RAM 5500 Cab Chassis, Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen, RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Wrangler, Chrysler 300, Dodge Dakota, Dodge Challenger, and Dodge Charger vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these passenger air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U03.
Campaign 18V021000 on NHTSA.gov
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
Representative owner complaints: steering
70 reports, newest first. Show all
Steering, Suspension, Nov 10, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH OVER A ROAD BUMP, THE FRONT PASSENGER WHEEL SHOOK ABNORMALLY. THE FAILURE WAS RECURRING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000.
Steering, Sep 18, 2014
LET ME MENTION, THAT I BOUGHT THIS JEEP BRAND NEW, AND STARTED HAVING STEERING PROBLEMS ABOUT 4 MONTHS AFTER PURCHASE. IT WOULD PULL TO THE DRIVERS SIDE, AND WHEN HITTING UNEVEN PAYMENT OR BUMP, FELT AS THOUGH STEERING WHEEL PULLED OUT OF MY HANDS. LEARNED EARLY ON TO HOLD STEERING WHEEL VERY TIGHTLY. TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND WAS TOLD MY TIRES NEEDED ROTATION AND SET AIR PRESSURE. MILEAGE AT THIS POINT WAS 4734. OVER TIME, LEARNED TO AVOID POTHOLES, UNEVEN PAYMENT OR ANY ROUGH ROAD. WHEN I DID TAKE IT IN TO DEALERSHIP, WAS TOLD THEY COULD NOT IMITATE MY PROBLEM. STILL MAKING MONTHLY PAYMENTS ON THE JEEP WITH THIS CONTINUOUS PROBLEM WAS GETTING REALLY OLD. ON 11/25/11, 2 YEARS AND 4 MONTHS OF PUTTING UP WITH THIS CRAP, TOOK IT INTO DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THE STEERING WAS GETTING MORE OUT OF CONTROL AND I WOULD NOT ALLOW MY TEENAGE SON TO DRIVE IT BECAUSE I DIDN'T FEEL SAFE. AT THIS POINT WAS TOLD NEEDED TIRES ROTATED AGAIN, AIR PRESSURE CHECK, REAR DISC BRAKES AND ROTORS NEEDED, ALSO WAS TOLD NEEDED FRONT AND REAR DIFFERENTIAL FLUID SERVICE. HAD TO DECLINE, CAUSE AT THIS POINT, TOTAL WAS ALREADY UP TO 325.63. THEY WANTED ANOTHER 195.00 TO DO IT. ON 6/4/14, DURING INSPECTION, WAS TOLD I NEED NEW TIRES. MILEAGE WAS 26,753. HAD ENOUGH TREAD TO PASS. THEY WANTED 1017.00, WENT TO COSTCO, SAME TIRES FOR 300 LESS. 2/21/14, MORE STEERING PROBLEMS, THIS TIME NEEDED NEW DAMPER, STEERING DAMPER WEAK PLUS TRANSMISSION FLUID COOLER LINES NEEDED REPLACED. 6/14/14 STEERING/SUSPENSION EXHAUST HEAT SHIELD SEPARATED ON RIGHT SIDE HITTING OFF MUFFLER, ALSO FRONT AND REAR DIFF. SERVICE. COST 568.42, 8/14/14 BATTERY DIED. GETTING TO POINT, ON 9/12/14, ON PA I 79 TURNPIKE, HAD MY FIRST OFFICIAL DEATH WOBBLE AS I HAVE HEARD. LUCKY FOR ME, HAD A SHOULDER TO PULL OVER TO UNTIL IT STOPPED. SCARED THE S--- OUT OF ME. WHOLE FRONT END SHOCK SO VIOLENTLY, UNREAL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 10, 2014
I PURCHASED A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER NEW. I HAVE NOT MODIFIED MY CAR IN ANY WAY, NOR HAVE I EVER TAKEN IT "OFF-ROAD OR FOUR-WHEELING". ' IN MARCH 2014 I EXPERIENCED MY FIRST "DEATH WOBBLE",' AN EXTREMELY VIOLENT, SHAKING OF THE FRONT WHEELS. SINCE THEN, IT HAS HAPPENED NUMEROUS TIMES, RESULTING IN REPAIRS (THAT STILL HAVEN'T SOLVED THE PROBLEM) TOTALING OVER $2000.00. I'M HESITANT TO TAKE IT IN FOR REPAIRS AGAIN BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS HOW TO FIX THIS PROBLEM AND I DON''T HAVE THE MONEY TO KEEP MAKING REPAIRS FOR AN UNKNOWN PROBLEM. CHRYSLER/JEEP NEEDS TO RECOGNIZE THIS AS BEING A SAFETY HAZARD. I'VE RESEARCHED THIS EXTENSIVELY AND I AM NOT THE ONLY ONE EXPERIENCING THIS PROBLEM. THE ONLY TIME IT HAPPENS IS WHEN I'M GOING 40 MPH OR MORE, PRIMARILY ON THE HIGHWAY. THE ONLY WAY TO RE-GAIN CONTROL IS TO SLOW DOWN QUICKLY AND PULL OVER OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP (WHICH COULD RESULT IN AN ACCIDENT ON THE HIGHWAY). CHRYSLER/JEEP MUST RECOGNIZE THAT THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AND PROVIDE A REMEDY/RECALL AND MONETARY COMPENSATION FOR THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Steering, Jun 3, 2014
STEERING FREEZES WHILE DRIVING.THE STEERING STIFFENS SO HARD DURING TURNS (IN DRIVE OR REVERSE AND EITHER LEFT OR RIGHT), THAT THE WHEEL IS FROZEN STUCK IN WHATEVER THAT TURN POSITION IS AND NO AMOUNT OF ALL-MUSCLE FORCE HELPS, THE DIRECTION OF THE VEHICLE AND ANY TURNING OF THE STEERING WHEEL TO STRAIGHTEN THE WHEELS IS INCREASINGLY NOT AN OPTION. RECENTLY THIS OCCURRED WHILE LEFT TURNING ONTO THE HIGHWAY AT APPROX 10MPH. IT VERY OFTEN HAPPENS WHILE SIMPLY PARKING (PARALLEL OR BACKING IN). TOOK JEEP TO A CHRYSLER-JEEP DEALER FOR AN OIL&LUBE AND ADVISED THEM OF THE ISSUE AND FOR THEM TO CHECK IT OUT, THEY STATED COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG (!). YESTERDAY I PAID $55 FOR SAME DEALER TO CHECK AGAIN, THIS TIME THEY RECOMMENDED REPLACING 'STEERING GEAR BOX' FOR $1100 WARRANTY EXPIRED PART. THINKING THIS MAY BE COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME POWERTRAIN WARRANTY (ENGINE/TRANSMISSION/DRIVE SYSTEM PER CHRYSLER-JEEP'S WEB SITE) THAT CAME WITH THE JEEP (THAT I HAD TO PROVE WAS EVER OFFERED BY CHRYSLER (HAD TO FIND ORIGINAL MANUFACTURE STICKER THAT WAS ON THE WINDOW OF JEEP WHEN I SELECTED IT FOR PURCHASE & MY ORIGINAL PURCHASE PAPERS), AS THEY DID NOT WANT TO HONOR (!!!), I CALLED CHRYSLER CUSTOMER CARE, WHOSE REP STATED "PART WAS ONLY COVERED UNDER BASIC WARRANTY, NOT THE LIFETIME". AAUGH! RESEARCHED JEEP FORUM ONLINE TO FIND THAT MANY JEEP WRANGLER OWNERS HAVE ISSUES WITH THE STEERING GEAR BOX USED BY CHRYSLER THAT GO WELL BEYOND STEERING WHEEL FREEZING UP WHILE DRIVING. WHAT IF SOMEONE DOES A CENTER LANE LEFT AT A MAJOR INTERSECTION AND THE STEERING FREEZES...STUCK IN LEFT TURN POSITION? PLEASE PLEASE FORCE RECALL ON JEEPS STEERING GEAR BOX BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT. TURNING LEFT ONTO A HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING FREEZES IN THE LEFT TURN POSITION LEAVING ME TO ENVISION GOING OVER THE EMBANKMENT INTO MORNING RUSH HOUR. I BEG YOU, PLEASE BEFORE PEOPLE GET HURT IT THEY HAVEN'T ALREADY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Tires, May 27, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SUDDENLY BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE CAUSING THE DRIVER TO NEARLY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE STEERING STABILIZER BAR WAS DEFECTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. ALSO, THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE FRONT DRIVER SIDE TIRE SUDDENLY DEFLATED. AFTER INSPECTING THE VEHICLE THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE TIRE AIR VALVE WAS FRACTURED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE DEFECT RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000.
Steering, Power train, Apr 29, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER 13V234000 (POWER TRAIN, STEERING) HAD EXCEEDED A REASONABLE TIME FOR REPAIR. THE DEALER ADVISED THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE FOR REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT DID NOT EXPERIENCE A FAILURE.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Apr 29, 2014
DEATH WOBBLE, UNCONTROLLABLE VIOLENT SHAKING BETWEEN 30 & 50 MPH. SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS BEING UNABLE TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE'S STEERING OUT OF HARMS WAY. I HAVE HAD IT TO TWO DIFFERENT DEALERSHIPS THREE DIFFERENT TIMES AND I'M TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. IT'S OBVIOUS THAT THERE IS A PROBLEM AND I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE. A QUICK INTERNET SEARCH ON JEEP DEATH WOBBLE WILL CONFIRM THIS. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND FIX THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS KILLED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! *JS
Steering, Suspension, Apr 23, 2014
CPSC: I1440019A. 2009 JEEP WRANGLER XL. CONSUMER STATED THAT AROUND 32,000 MILES, HIS VEHICLE DEVELOPED WHAT IS CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE", UNCONTROLLED SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS WHICH ONLY RESOLVES BY BRAKING AND COMING TO A NEAR STOP. AFTER GREAT EFFORT, CHRYSLER REIMBURSED THE CONSUMER $849.07 OF THE $ 1793.47 HE PAID TO HAVE THE ENTIRE FRONT END REBUILT. *LN THE DEALER REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPER WITH AN UPDATED ASSEMBLY WHICH REQUIRED DIFFERENT HARDWARE, TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CONSUMER FILED A COMPLAINT WITH CHRYSLER FOR REIMBURSEMENT, FOR $336.67. THEY REIMBURSEMENT HIM FOR THE PARTS ONLY. THE CONSUMER CONTINUED TO EXPERIENCE PROBLEMS, SO THE DEALER DID A COMPLETE EXAMINATION OF THE VEHICLE, AND FOUND ALL 4 BALL JOINTS AND DRAG LINK WERE OUT OF SPECIFICATIONS. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Apr 8, 2014
AROUND 30,000 MILES I WOULD NOTICE A SLIGHT SHIMMY IN THE FRONT END AT FREEWAY SPEEDS WHEN A SMALL BUMP WAS HIT. THIS WOULD USUALLY LAST A FEW SECONDS AND THEN DRIVE NORMAL. I READ SOME THING ONLINE ABOUT THIS AND IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS A NORMAL THING FOR THIS 4DR JEEP MODEL. IN EARLY MARCH 2014 ABOUT 39000 MILES I HIT A BIG BUMP ON THE FREEWAY AND THE FRONT END SHIMMY WAS SO INTENSE I THOUGHT THE FRONT PASSENGER TIRE WAS FLAT AT FIRST IT SEEMED LIKE IT WAS COMING OFF. A FEW HOURS LATER THIS HAPPENED AGAIN BEFORE I MADE IT HOME. I DID RESEARCH AND FOUND THE REFERENCES TO THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND KNEW THAT'S WHAT IT WAS. I WAS THANKFUL NO ONE ELSE WAS IN THE CAR WITH ME. ANOTHER JEEP OWNER I KNOW KNEW THE TERM AND HAD HEARD ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS. THEN APRIL 1ST HIT A BUMP I COULD NOT AVOID ON THE POT HOLE INFESTED MILWAUKEE STREETS AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN THE TIRE FELT LIKE IT WAS COMING OFF AND ALMOST HAD ACCIDENT IN THE CONSTRUCTION ZONE I WAS IN. CALLED DEALER AND THEY KNEW EXACTLY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. APPARENTLY CHRYSLER SWITCHED THE DAMPENER/BRACKETS AFTER THE 2009 YR MODELS WHEN THEY NOTICED PROBLEMS. FUNNY HOW THAT REPLACEMENT I HAD TO HAVE DONE COST ME $ 400+. YOU WOULD THINK IF THEY KNOW THERE WAS A PROBLEM THIS WOULDN'T COST THE CONSUMER A PENNY. ESPECIALLY SINCE IT IS MY LIFE IN JEOPARDY. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 2, 2014
I GOT WHAT IS DESCRIBE AS THE DEATH WOBBLE ITS WHAT THE MECHANICS SAY.ITS ALL OVER THE INTERNET. I WANT TO KNOW IF THIS PROBLEM IS THIS BIG WHY HASNT THERE BEEN A RECALL. IVE BEEN TOLD THIS VERY COMMON. IS JEEP/CHRYSLER WAITING TILL PEOPLE DIE TO ADMIT THERES A PROBLEM OR JUST COVERING IT UP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 15, 2014
IN AUGUST 2013 MY JEEP WRANGLER BEGAN TO DEVELOP AN UNPREDICTABLE, UNCONTROLLABLE, VIOLENT SHIMMY AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS. SOMETIMES A SMALL BUMP OR A LANE CHANGE WOULD SET AN EVENT OFF. SHIMMY DID NOT STOP WITHOUT HARD BRAKING AND COMING TO A NEAR STOP. COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS "DEATH WOBBLE". THE FIRST ATTEMPT AT REPAIR, MILEAGE 30,381, WAS TO REPLACE THE FACTORY INSTALLED STEERING DAMPER WITH A UPGRADED STEERING DAMPER. THE NEW STEERING DAMPER REQUIRED DIFFERENT HARDWARE TO INSTALL. MY COST, $366.77 WHICH CHRYSLER REIMBURSED THE COST OF PARTS @ $266.77. I AM $100.00 OUT OF POCKET FOR LABOR COSTS TO REPLACE THIS DEFECTIVE PART WHICH WAS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY! THE PROBLEM OF UNCONTROLLED SHIMMY WAS NOT FIXED! THE SECOND ATTEMPT TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE, MILEAGE 32,982, WAS TO BALANCE AND ROTATE ALL TIRES. THE PROBLEM WAS NOT FIXED! THE THIRD ATTEMPT TO REPAIR MY VEHICLE, MILEAGE 33,902, INVOLVED REPLACING ALL FOUR DEFECTIVE BALL JOINTS AND A DEFECTIVE DRAG LINK ASSEMBLY. COST TO ME, $1793.47. CHRYSLER EVENTUALLY REIMBURSED THE COST OF PARTS @ $849.07. ON THIS REPAIR I AM OUT OF POCKET $944.40 LABOR COSTS TO REPLACE DEFECTIVE PARTS AS INSTALLED AT THE FACTORY! I HAVE FILED A COMPLAINT WITH THE BETTER BUSINESS BUREAU (CASE #9919310) AND THE CASE IS STILL ONGOING. NO VEHICLE OPERATED UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS SHOULD HAVE TO HAVE MAJOR COMPONENTS, WHICH AFFECT VEHICLE CONTROL AND SAFETY, FAIL AND NEED REPLACEMENT AT LESS THAN 34,000 HIGHWAY DRIVEN MILES! I DO NOT READ ANYWHERE ON MY SERVICE RECEIPTS STATING THE PARTS THAT HAVE BEEN REPLACED CARRY ANY WARRANTY. I AM VERY CONCERNED THAT GENUINE JEEP PARTS ARE OF THE SAME QUALITY AS ORIGINALLY USED BY JEEP TO MANUFACTURE MY VEHICLE, AND WILL FAIL AGAIN WITHIN THE NEXT 30,000 TO 35,000 MILES, IF NOT SOONER! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 7, 2014
AT AROUND 60 MPH I EXPERIENCED WHAT IS CALLED THE DEATH WOBBLE. VERY DIFFICULT TO CONTROL. AFTER GETTING OFF THE FREEWAY AND STOPPED, I COULD NOT FIND ANYTHING WRONG. RESUMED TRAVEL AND ALL WAS OK UNTIL I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. AGAIN HAD THE DEATH WOBBLE. *TR
Steering, Air bags, Sep 19, 2013
WARNING LIGHT FOR AIRBAG SYSTEM IS ACTIVATING EVERY 30-50 SECONDS. CONTACTED MY SERVICE DEPARTMENT, THEY STATED IT IS A "CLOCK SPRING" IN THE STEERING SYSTEM. APPARENTLY, THERE ARE MANY CLAIMS FOR THIS FROM JEEP WRANGLER OWNERS. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Sep 5, 2013
VEHICLE WOULD OCCASIONALLY EXPERIENCE A VIOLENT SHAKING FROM THE FRONT WHEELS WHEN TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 50-60 MPH. SEEMED TO TYPICALLY BE INITIATED BY SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. ONLY WAY TO STOP THE SHAKING WAS TO ALMOST COME TO A COMPLETE STOP . LESS THAN 10 MPH. TOOK VEHICLE TO MECHANIC WHO DETERMINED THE STEERING STABILIZER WAS DEFECTIVE. *JB
Steering, Suspension, Jul 12, 2013
AT HIGHWAY SPEED (50-70 MPH) VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY AFTER HITTING A BUMP. VEHICLE NEEDS TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP TO CORRECT THE WOBBLE. AFTER A LITTLE ON LINE RESEARCH, I DISCOVERED "DEATH WOBBLE." SERVICE WRITERS AT BOTH MILOSCH PALACE JEEP AND AL DEEBY JEEP KNEW RIGHT AWAY WHAT I WAS TALKING ABOUT. I CANNOT BELIEVE THERE IS NOT A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS. IT SEEMS EVERYONE WITH KNOWLEDGE OF JEEPS IS AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS ON HIGHWAYS\INTERSTATES, ESPECIALLY FOR INEXPERIENCED DRIVERS, BECAUSE THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO COME TO A STOP TO IN ORDER TO STOP THE WOBBLE. I AM SURE NO ONE REALLY CARES WHAT I HAVE TO SAY, BUT JEEP IS VERY DIRTY ON THIS ONE. I AM A 45 YEAR MECHANICAL ENGINEER IN THE AUTOMOTIVE FIELD. CAN SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHY THERE HAS NOT BEEN A SAFETY RECALL FOR THIS? *TR
Steering, Jul 11, 2013
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 2DR-4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 40 MPH OVER A SLIGHT BUMP, THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BOTH AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE STEERING DAMPER WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE DEFECT. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,900. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Steering, Suspension, Jul 6, 2013
DRIVING AT 50 MPH AND FASTER, WHEN THE VEHICLE HITS A BUMP THE STEERING STARTS TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE WHEELS SHIMMY FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND ONLY STOPS WHEN THE VEHICLE SLOWS TO BELOW 40 MPH, AND IN SOME INSTANCES ONLY STOPS WHEN THE VEHICLE COMES TO A COMPLETE STOP. THIS IS EXTREMELY SCARY AND DANGEROUS ESPECIALLY WHEN IT OCCURS ON THE HIGHWAY, AS YOU NEED TO WEAVE THROUGH TRAFFIC AT A HIGH SPEED TO FIND A SAFE PLACE TO PULL OVER. THIS ISSUE IS WELL KNOWN THROUGHOUT THE JEEP COMMUNITY, AS IT HAS IT'S OWN NICKNAME THE "DEATH WOBBLE". CHRYSLER HAS ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THIS HAS BECOME A COMMON ISSUE AMONG THEIR VEHICLES; HOWEVER, HAS DONE NOTHING IN THE FORM OF RECALLS OR SERVICE TO HELP CUSTOMERS FIX THE ISSUE. IN A REPORT BY ABC NEWS, THEY STATED THAT THERE HAVE BEEN OVER 600 REPORTS OF THE SAME ISSUE I HAVE EXPERIENCED. I BROUGHT MY VEHICLE TO A CHRYSLER CERTIFIED AUTO SHOP TO GET IT FIXED AND THEY COULD NOT IDENTIFY THE PROBLEM. THEY DID A FRONT END ALIGNMENT ON MY CAR SAYING THAT MIGHT FIX THE PROBLEM; HOWEVER, IT DID NOT. THE "DEATH WOBBLE" HAS OCCURRED IN MY VEHICLE 5 TIMES SINCE THE INITIAL INCIDENT IN APRIL. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Other or unspecified, Jun 21, 2013
I DROVE OVER A DIP IN THE ROAD AT APPROXIMATELY 45MPH AND MY CAR STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I TRULY FELT THE CAR WAS COMING APART AND I WOULD WRECK. I LET OFF THE GAS AND THE SHAKING STOPPED. I HAVE SINCE DISCOVERED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" AND FEEL THIS IS EXACTLY WHAT HAPPENED TO ME. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Jun 3, 2013
WHILE DRIVING MY JEEP WRANGLER 2009, I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE CAR WENT INTO THE DEATH WOBBLE - VIOLENTLY SHAKING FROM SIDE-TO-SIDE. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP IT WAS TO SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A NEAR STOP AND THEN CONTINUE. IT DOES THIS VERY OFTEN NOW - USUALLY STARTS SOMEWHERE BETWEEN 35-55 MPH AND JUST AFTER HITTING A BUMP. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 24, 2013
TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD WITH KIDS HIT A BUMP IN ROAD AT 35 MPH AND THE JEEP WENT INTO DEATH WOBBLE. THEN SOMETHING BROKE AND I LOST ALL STEERING POWER AND COULD NOT TURN WHEELS. ALMOST HAD A WRECK. WHEN I GOT THE VEHICLE TO A PLACE TO LOOK AT IT THE STEERING BOX HAD BROKEN OFF. *TR
Steering, Electrical system, Air bags, Apr 20, 2013
LAST NIGHT I TURNED MY CAR ON...I NOTICED THE AIRBAG LIGHT STAYED ON LONGER THAN USUAL IT WENT OF BUT A COUPLE MINUTES LATER IT LIGHTED UP AGAIN FOR A COUPLE SECONDS AND FROM THEN IT HAS BEEN DOING IT, WHILE DRIVING IT I NOTICED THAT MY CRUISE CONTROL AND HORN ARE NOT WORKING. I READ A LOT ABOUT THE ISSUE AND I CAN FOR SURE SAY ITS THE CLOCK SPRING, THIS MAKES A LOT OF SENSE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR IN 2009 I RECEIVED THE CAR WITH A BROKEN CLOCK SPRING I HAD TO GO BACK THE NEXT DAY SO THEY COULD REPLACE IT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 20, 2013
EVERY TIME SINCE FEBRUARY WHEN I HIT A BUMP THE JEEP STARTS SHAKING VIOLENTLY. I KEEP HEARING OF IT BEING THE JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. IT HAS TORN UP MY TIRES AND AFFECTED MANY PARTS AND NOW I CAN NOT EVEN HIT A BUMP AT 30 MPH WITHOUT IT STARTING TO SHAKE. NOT SURE WHAT TO DO TO FIX. I CALLED MY DEALER TO SEE WHAT THEY SUGGESTED AND THEY HAD NEVER HEARD OF THE JEEP DEATH WOBBLE WHICH CHRYSLER HAD APPARENTLY SENT OUT A NOTICE TO ALL COMPANIES ABOUT IT. I HAVE HEARD OF SEVERAL COMPLAINTS ON THIS. MY JEEP IS STOCK AND NEVER BEEN MODIFIED AND NEVER BEEN TAKEN OFF ROAD. IT IS A FAMILY VEHICLE AND NOW I JUST WANT TO GET RID OF IT! *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 7, 2013
ANYTIME YOU HIT A POTHOLE OR BUMP IN THE ROAD THE VEHICLE GOES INTO A VIOLENT SHIMMY/SHAKE. WHEN THIS OCCURS YOU MUST EXIT THE ROADWAY IMMEDIATELY AND COME TO A COMPLETE STOP BEFORE YOU CAN GAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THIS VEHICLE IS STRAIGHT FROM THE FACTORY, NO MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE. I WORK IN A GARAGE ON VEHICLES AND HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF MECHANICS OF VEHICLES. THERE IS NO BALL JOINTS, TIE RODS, BUSHINGS ETC. THAT HAS WEAR THAT WOULD BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS VEHICLE TO HAVE THIS DANGEROUS ISSUE. WHEN YOU CONTACT JEEP, THEY SAY TO REPLACE THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK. THERE IS A DESIGN FLAW IN THE JEEP. THIS IS WHY I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE STEERING STABILIZER SHOCK TWICE SO FAR. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Apr 1, 2013
WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 45MPH I EXPERIENCED A VIOLET SHAKING OF THE STEERING WHEEL AND COULD NOT CONTROL THE VEHICLE UNTIL THE SPEED SLOWED TO APPROXIMATELY 15MPH. I RESEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND SOMEONE SAID JEEP USED A BOLT SMALLER THAN THE HOLE ON A TRACK BAR THAT CONNECTS THE FRONT AXLE TO THE VEHICLE AND THIS GETS WALLOWED OUT AND CAUSES THIS. *TR
Steering, Wheels, Feb 19, 2013
I WAS DRIVING HOME AT 60-65MPH FROM BALTIMORE WITH MY COUSIN, FIANC AND AUNT WHEN I HIT A MINOR POTHOLE. THE ENTIRE STEERING WHEEL/FRONT SECTION STARTS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND I WAS UNABLE TO STOP IT UNTIL I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES AND SLOWED THE CAR DOWN TO ALMOST 25 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY AND ALMOST DROVE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THIS HAPPENED 4 OTHER TIMES FOLLOWING THAT INCIDENT IN A MATTER OF 2 WEEKS? TIME. FINALLY I CALLED THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I PURCHASED THE CAR. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS THE STEERING DAMPENER AND THAT I WOULD HAVE TO REPLACE IT. THEY ALSO TOLD ME THAT I HAD TO PAY FOR THE PART, EVEN THOUGH I HAD PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY FROM THEM. I WAS TOLD THAT THIS WAS VERY COMMON ON JEEPS AND ALTHOUGH THERE HAVE NOT BEEN ANY REPORTED DEATHS, I AM POSITIVE THIS WILL ONE DAY LEAD TO AN ACCIDENT AND /OR DEATH. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS DEFECT ON JEEP'S PART AND THEY NEED TO ADDRESS THE ISSUE BEFORE THEY KILL SOMEONE. BY THE WAY, MY CAR ONLY HAS 37K MILES ON IT. STILL FAIRLY NEW! *TR