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, Feb 8, 2013
I HAVE EXPERIENCE WHAT IS COMMONLY REFERRED TO AS THE "WRANGLER DEATH WOBBLE" ON OVER THREE OCCASIONS. THESE ARE DANGEROUS SITUATIONS WHERE THE STEERING BEGINS TO WOBBLE UNCONTROLLABLY SIDE TO SIDE. THE VIOLENCE OF THE WOBBLE INCREASES QUICKLY MAKING IT TOUGH TO HOLD ONTO THE STEERING WHEEL AND MAINTAIN CONTROL, ESPECIALLY IF THIS OCCURS IN MULTI-LANE ROADS. INCREASING SPEED RESULTS IN THE WOBBLE BECOMING MORE VIOLENT. THE ONLY WAY TO RECOVER IS TO BRAKE QUICKLY AND BRING YOUR VEHICLE TO A NEAR STOP (AT LEAST UNDER 5 MPH) BEFORE THE WOBBLING SUBSIDES. THE "DEATH WOBBLE" APPEARS TO BE BROUGHT ON BY THE JEEP TIRES HITTING A POT HOLE, RAILROAD CROSSING, OR OTHER ROUGH SPOTS IN THE ROAD AT A SLIGHT ANGLE. USUALLY AROUND 35+ MPH. FASTER SPEEDS, SUCH AS HIGHWAY (55-75) DO NOT SEEM TO CREATE THE ISSUE BUT ACCELERATING TO ENTER A HIGHWAY DOES, AND HAS IN MY CASE AS YOU PASS BETWEEN 30-40MPH. TO RECOVER THE DRIVER AGGRESSIVELY APPLY THE BRAKES (WITHOUT WARNING TO THOSE BEHIND THEM) AS THE WOBBLE SEVERITY INCREASES QUICKLY. THIS CREATES A SAFETY ISSUE. THE WOBBLE ALSO HAS AN ADVERSE AFFECT ON THE STEERING DAMPERS WHICH SOON BEGIN LEAKING FLUIDS FROM THE VIOLENT WOBBLES. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Feb 1, 2013
I WAS DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE GOING 65 MPH AND ALL OF A SUDDEN THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO WRECK AND I WAS IN A PANIC. I SLOWED DOWN TO AN UNSAFE SPEED TO MAKE IT STOP. THEN I EXITED AND CHECKED THE VEHICLE OUT TO MY SURPRISE EVERYTHING WAS FINE. SO I GOT BACK ON THE ROAD AND CONTINUED ON. THEN I HAD TO EXIT AND IT STARTED DOING IT AGAIN. THIS TIME IS WAS SO VIOLENT I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO GO OFF THE EXIT AND CRASH. I HAVE NEVER HAD A LIFT ON MY JEEP OR ANYTHING IT IS ALL MANUFACTURE PARTS. I BELIEVE WITH ALL MY HEART THAT JEEP HAS MADE A FAULTY FRONT END. WHEN I CONTACTED THEM THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT. PLEASE RECALL THIS IT IS VERY DANGEROUS AND GOING TO GET SOMEONE KILLED. *TR
Steering, Dec 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL BEGAN SHAKING VIOLENTLY AS THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE TECHNICIAN ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT A WHEEL ALIGNMENT WOULD NEED TO BE PERFORMED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIRS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND ADVISED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN ANY RECALLS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 60,000.
Steering, Dec 7, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE TRAVELING 50 MPH, THE CONTACT DROVE OVER A ROAD BUMP AND THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN EXTREME WOBBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE REPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES AFTER THE INITIAL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED ABOUT THE ISSUE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 45,000.
Steering, Suspension, Nov 27, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING OVER 40 MPH, THE ENTIRE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE RELEASED IN ORDER FOR THE CONTACT TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE FRONT SUSPENSION BUSHING WAS REPLACED. ALSO, THE CONTACT HAD AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC PERFORM A FRONT END ALIGNMENT HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE A WARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 40,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 64,000. UPDATED 12/21/12 *CN UPDATED 01/09/13
Steering, Nov 19, 2012
HIT RAILROAD TRACKS AT APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. FRONT OF VEHICLE STARTED TO SHAKE UNCONTROLLABLY. TOOK TO DEALERSHIP WHICH CHANGED STEERING DAMPENER. THE SAME PROBLEM HAPPENED APPROXIMATELY TWO WEEKS LATER. TWO MORE TRIPS TO THE DEALERSHIP WITH NO SOLUTION. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Nov 14, 2012
WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE DOWN THE INTERSTATE FOR ABOUT 10 MIN AT A SPEED OF ABOUT 72MILES PER HR, MY JEEP STARTED SHAKING FROM THE FRONT AND BACK. IT WAS SO INTENSE I FELT AS THOUGH I WAS GOING TO CRASH. I HAVE HAD TIRES BLOW AND U JOINTS GO BAD AND THIS DIDN'T COMPARE. I DON'T DRIVE IN A ROUGH TERRAIN AND NOT OFTEN AT THESE SPEEDS. BUT I FELT AS THOUGH I HAD NO CONTROL. WHEN I DECELERATED TO 50 THE SHAKING HAD STOPPED. THERE HAD BEEN NO PREVIOUS WARNING OF THIS PROBLEM. WHEN TAKING IT IN TO GET LOOKED AT THE DEALER SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG. THE NEXT DAY I TOOK IT IN FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND MY UNIVERSALS NEED REPLACED, AXLE SEALS ARE BAD AND MY DRIVE SHAFT NEEDS TO BE REPLACE. *TR
Steering, Oct 31, 2012
WHILE DRIVING ON THE INTERSTATE THE VEHICLE BEGAN SHAKING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY. IT IS NOT THE FIRST TIME IT HAS HAPPENED AND THE DEALERSHIP TELLS ME THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG BUT OBVIOUSLY THERE IS. I SEE ALL OVER ABOUT PEOPLE ALL HAVING THE SAME PROBLEM. MY VEHICLE IS COMPLETELY STOCK THIS SHOULD NOT HAPPEN. THERE NEEDS TO BE SOMETHING DONE ABOUT THIS PROBLEM BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY HURT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Aug 7, 2012
WHILE DRIVING AT 55 MPH ON A SLIGHT TURNING RADIUS, THE RIGHT FRONT STARTED TO VIBRATE, THEN IT WENT TO THE LEFT SIDE, BACK TO THE LEFT SIDE,BACK AND FORTH. EACH TIME IT TRANSFERRED, IT INCREASED.THE SEVERITY OF THE WOBBLE EFFECT. I HAD TO PUT A "DEATH GRIP" ON THE STEERING WHEEL TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE ONLY WAY THAT I COULD STOP THE "DEATH WOBBLE" WAS TO PULL OFF THE ROAD AND STOP THE VEHICLE. IT WAS LIKE A DEMON TOOK CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE NEXT DAY THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING WHILE I WAS DRIVING WITH MY DAUGHTER(AGE 29). THIS TIME ON A STRAIGHT SECTION OF ROAD GOING AT 45 MPH. SHE THOUGHT THAT THE TIRE FELL OFF! AGAIN, THE ONLY WAY THAT I WAS ABLE TO STOP THE WOBBLE WAS TO STOP THE VEHICLE. BOTH OF THESE INCIDENTS COULD HAVE ENDED IN SERIOUS ACCIDENTS! THIS IS A WELL MAINTAINED STOCK VEHICLE WITH BALANCED TIRES. *TR
Steering, Vehicle speed control, Wheels, Aug 5, 2012
WHILE CROSSING 2 LANES OF ON COMING TRAFFIC IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY THE ABS, ESP AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHTS CAME ON AND WOULD NOT LET ME PUSH THE GAS ALONG WITH THE RIGHT FRONT BRAKE "LOCKING UP". BECAUSE OF THE TRACTION CONTROL COMING ON WHEN I ACCELERATE FROM A STOP, EVEN SLOWLY, THE ENGINE RESPONDS AS IF I WAS SLIPPING AND LOSING TRACTION, SPUTTERING POWER AND THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN IT JUST STOPS. NOW THIS HAS HAPPENED A FEW TIMES WITHIN THE LAST COUPLE OF DAYS WHICH IS VERY SCARY CONSIDERING THERE IS ABSOLUTELY NO WARNING AND CAN HAPPEN AT ANY SPEED WHILE DRIVING. I HAVE READ SOME OTHER FORUMS ON THIS ISSUE AND IT SEEMS TO BE PRETTY COMMON WITH THE MAKE, MODEL AND YEAR OF THIS VEHICLE. THIS SHOULD NOT BE TAKEN LIGHTLY AND SHOULD BE FIXED BY CHRYSLER AS IT IS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Jun 5, 2012
AFTER HITTING A POT HOLE JEEP STARTED TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY, WOULD NOT STOP UNTIL IT CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP. IT HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIME SINCE. *TR
Steering, Suspension, May 16, 2012
MY WIFE HAD JUST TAKEN OUR 2009 JEEP WRANGLER TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ROUTINE MAINTENANCE, WHICH INCLUDED AN OIL CHANGE AND TIRE ROTATION. ON HER WAY HOME FROM THE DEALERSHIP THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING DRAMATICALLY SO SHE PULLED OFF THE ROAD AND CALLED ME. I TOLD HER THAT IF THE TIRES WERE REBALANCED THEN A WEIGHT MIGHT HAVE FALLEN OFF CAUSING ONE OF THE TIRES TO BE OUT OF BALANCE AND TOLD HER TO TRY AND DRIVE IT HOME AT A SLOW SPEED. SHE WAS ABLE TO GET THE VEHICLE HOME AND THE SHAKING DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN. A COUPLE DAYS LATER SHE TOOK THE JEEP BACK TO THE DEALER AND ASKED THEM TO RECHECK THE TIRE BALANCING. THEY INDICATED THAT ONE OF THE TIRES WAS OUT OF BALANCE SO THEY FIXED IT AND WE THOUGHT THE PROBLEM WAS SOLVED. A COUPLE WEEKS LATER I WAS DRIVING THE JEEP AT ABOUT 55MPH WHEN WE HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD AND IT STARTED A RATHER VIOLENT SHAKING AND WOBBLING IN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE. I HAD TO SLOW DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY TO REGAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. MY WIFE TOOK IT BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY DROVE THE VEHICLE BUT SAID THEY WERE UNABLE TO GET IT TO DUPLICATE THE SHAKING AND THEY INDICATED THAT THERE MIGHT BE A PROBLEM WITH THE DRIVE SHAFT. I STARTED DRIVING THE VEHICLE MORE OFTEN IN ORDER TO TAKE NOTE OF ALL THE CONDITIONS PRESENT WHEN THE SHAKING OCCURS AND TO TRY TO DIAGNOSE THE PROBLEM. I WAS SURPRISED WHEN I STARTED TO RESEARCH IT ON THE INTERNET AND IMMEDIATELY FOUND SEVERAL WEBSITES DISCUSSING A CONDITION REFERRED TO AS A "DEATH WOBBLE". THE SYMPTONS DESCRIBED ARE PRECISELY WHAT WE HAVE EXPERIENCED. THERE IS A VIOLENT SHAKING AND WOBBLING OF THE VEHICLE AND YOU HAVE TO SLOW DOWN IMMEDIATELY TO REGAIN CONTROL. OUR JEEP IS STOCK AND NO AFTER-MARKET MODIFICATIONS HAVE BEEN MADE TO THE SUSPENSION SYSTEM. I CONSIDER THIS TO BE A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED IMMEDIATELY.
Steering, Suspension, Mar 26, 2012
WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY @ ROUGHLY 55 MPH, MY 2009 JEEP WRANGLER HIT A SMALL BUMP IN THE ROAD. MY STEERING WHEEL BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING SIDE TO SIDE. I IMMEDIATELY PUSHED ON THE BRAKE AND TRIED TO SAFELY SLOW THE VEHICLE WITHOUT CAUSING THE VEHICLE BEHIND ME TO CRASH INTO ME. I PULLED-OVER TO THE SHOULDER. THIS VIBRATION REFERRED TO AS "DEATH WOBBLE" OCCURS EACH AND EVERY TIME I AM TRAVELING BETWEEN 55 AND 60 MPH AND, I BRAKE OR HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. IT IS AN AWFUL SENSATION. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Mar 22, 2012
JEEP "DEATH WOBBLE" STEERING WHEEL OSCILLATES VIOLENTLY BACK AND FORTH AT VARIOUS SPEEDS AFTER HITTING SMALL BUMP IN ROAD, CAR TAKEN TO JEEP DEALER TSB WHICH CALLS FOR LARGER STEERING STABLIZER INSTALLATION DONE, ALL SUSPENSION PARTS FOUND TO BE GOOD INCLUDING TIRES AND BALANCE, HOWEVER, PROBLEM STILL OCCURS, FEAR FOR LIFE FOR MYSELF AND FAMILY WHEN DRIVING CAR ESPECIALLY IN WINTER. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 3, 2012
DEATH WOBBLE AS SHOWN ON WEBSITES, GOING 50 OR SO MILES PER HOUR , FRONT END WOBBLES UNCONTROLLABLY!! UNCONTROLLABLE, EXTREMELY UNSAFE AT TIME ,WHEN SHAKING AND WOBBLE STARTS!!! HAS ALMOST CAUSED AN ACCIDENT ON EACH OF THE <<<3>>> TIMES THIS HAS OCCURRED!!! WHY IS NHTSA AND JEEP WAITING FOR PEOPLE TO BE KILLED BEFORE SOMETHING IS DONE TO HELP EVERYONE ON THE HIGHWAY WITH THIS OBVIOUS SAFETY ISSUE??? VERY SCARY AND FRUSTRATING. THINK OF YOUR FAMILY'S LIFE AS WELL AS ALL OF US!!! WE ARE ALL AT RISK . HOW MANY LIVES NEED TO BE LOST???? *TR
Steering, Jan 10, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH AND GOING AROUND A BEND WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE SHAKING WOULD ONLY STOP ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE THEY ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE STEERING STABILIZER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND THEY OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 57,000.
Steering, Suspension, Jan 6, 2012
I WAS DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AROUND 65 MPH DURING RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD AND THE FRONT END OF MY JEEP FELT LIKE IT WAS VIOLENTLY BOUNCING FROM SIDE TO SIDE. I COULD HARDLY KEEP THE VEHICLE IN MY OWN LANE. I WAS TERRIFIED. I GOT OFF THE ROAD AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. I GOT OUT, LOOKED AT IT AND SAW NOTHING WRONG. I CALLED MY HUSBAND, AND HE WOULD NOT LET ME DRIVE IT HOME. HE DROVE IT TO OUR MECHANIC, AND OTHER THAN MY BRAKES NEEDING WORK, HE FOUND NOTHING WRONG. THE MECHANIC FIXED MY BRAKES AND I TOOK IT HOME. THE NEXT TIME I TOOK IT OUT, IT DID IT AGAIN. MY MECHANIC TOOK IT BACK, DROVE IT HIMSELF, AND THE JEEP DID THE SAME THING. MY MECHANIC DID SOME RESEARCH ONLINE AND SAID IT WAS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". HE TIGHTENED SOME BOLTS ON THE BAR THAT AREN'T THE RIGHT SIZE FOR THE VEHICLE.. IT DIDN'T HELP. NOW I HAVE A JEEP THAT I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE, AND REALLY CAN'T AFFORD TO FIX, IF IT CAN EVEN BE FIXED. FROM WHAT I RESEARCHED ONLINE, IT SEEMS TO ONLY GET BETTER FOR AWHILE, THEN THE PROBLEM RETURNS. WHY ISN'T JEEP TAKING CARE OF THIS PROBLEM? DO PEOPLE HAVE TO GET INJURED OR KILLED BEFORE THEY DO SOMETHING? THE LEMON LAW MAY BE MY ONLY OPTION IF IT CAN'T BE FIXED, AND I MAY HAVE TO KEEP THE VEHICLE FOR SOME TIME BEFORE THAT COULD GO THROUGH. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE JEEPS WITH THE "DEATH WOBBLE". *TR
Steering, Suspension, Electronic stability control (ESC), Dec 8, 2011
I EXPERIENCED A CLASSIC "DEATH WOBBLE" AS DESCRIBED ON JEEP PROBLEMS.COM. EXTREME SHAKING FROM SIDE TO SIDE AND LOSS OF ABILITY TO STEER UNTIL I SLOWED DOWN BELOW 20 MPH. *TR
Steering, Suspension, Nov 2, 2010
OCTOBER 30 2010 I PURCHASED A SECOND HAND JEEP WRANGLER YEAR MODEL 2009. IN THE SPAN ON ONE WEEK I HAVE TWICE EXPERIENCED WHAT IS REFERRED ON MANY FORUMS AND WEB PAGES ON THE INTERNET AS "DEATH WOBBLE". MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH THIS WAS AT 55MPH WHILE CROSSING RAILROAD TRACKS. AFTER CROSSING THE RAILROAD TRACKS THE FRONT END OF MY MOTOR VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE FROM LEFT TO RIGHT IN A VERY VIOLENT MANNER THIS FORCED ME TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD OUT OF CONCERNS FOR SAFETY. THE SECOND INCIDENT OCCURRED THREE DAYS LATER WHILE TRAVELING AT 65 MPH ON THE HIGHWAY. I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD WHICH AGAIN CAUSED THE FRONT OF MY VEHICLE TO SHAKE IN SUCH A VIOLENT MANNER THAT THE TIRES WERE CHIRPING AND I WAS FORCED TO COME TO ALMOST A COMPLETE STOP TO BRING THE VEHICLE SAFELY UNDER MY CONTROL. THIS VEHICLE IS NOT MODIFIED IN ANY WAY,TRACKS STRAIGHT GOING DOWN THE ROAD AND HAS TIRES ON IT WHICH WOULD BE CONSISTENT WITH THE 21,500 MILES REFLECTED ON THE ODOMETER. *TR
Steering, Sep 14, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A LOUD, UNUSUAL CLUNKING NOISE AND VIBRATIONS FROM THE STEERING WHEEL. THE FAILURE WAS MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN DRIVING AT SLOW SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER AND THE STEERING GEAR WAS REPLACED. THE REMEDY LASTED FOR TWO WEEKS AND THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DUE TO THE STEERING GEAR BOX. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT FURTHER REPAIRED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 29,000.