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: suspension
72 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, 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, 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, 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, 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
Suspension, May 29, 2012
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, HE DROVE OVER A ROAD BUMP AND THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY IMMEDIATE PRESSURE TO THE BRAKE PEDAL TO CONTROL THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER AND A LIFT KIT WAS INSTALLED ON THE SUSPENSION. THE FAILURE RECURRED APPROXIMATELY 14,000 MILES LATER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT VARIOUS DEALERS OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE RECURRED REPEATEDLY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 13,000.
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, 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
Suspension, Other or unspecified, Sep 27, 2011
I HAVE HAD THIS JEEP IN TO THE DEALER 5 TIMES NOW FOR THE SAME PROBLEM. IT IS ONLY 2 AND A HALF YEARS OLD. THE FIRST TIME I BROUGHT IT IN WAS APPROX 4 MONTHS AFTER I BOUGHT THE TRUCK BRAND NEW. THEY HAVE YET TO FIX THE PROBLEM. WHEN YOU DRIVE APPROX. 55 MPH ON A HIGHWAY, AND POSSIBLY HIT A LITTLE BUMP, THE CAR WILL SHAKE UNCONTROLABLY. YOU CANNOT HIT THE BREAK OR IT GETS WORSE BUT SOMETIMES YOUR FORCED TO BECAUSE YOU WILL CRASH OTHERWISE. THE WHOLE FRONT END WOBBLES TO A POINT WHERE YOU LOOSE ALL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE DEALSHIP STATED THE FIRST TIME AFTER IT HAPPENED THAT THEY FIXED IT... THE OTHER TWO TIMES THEY SAID THE SAME THING . THE FOURTH TIME THEY DECIDED TO SAY IT WAS MY TIRES. ( I DONT KNOW WHY THEY ALL OF A SUDDEN CHANGED THE PROBLEM). ROTATING THE TIRES FIXED THE PROBLEM FOR ABOUT 6 MONTHS UNTIL I HAD TO BRING IT IN AGAIN AND THEY NOW STATE THEY CAN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG WITH IT. BUT APPARANTLY THERE IS. VERY FED UP WITH THE WHOLE SITUATION. AND VERY NERVOUS DRIVING THE TRUCK. *TT
Suspension, Aug 3, 2011
WHILE ENTERING HIGHWAY AT 60 MPH, WHILE MERGING I CROSSED OVER A ROADWAY LANE SEAM WHICH SEEMED TO ACTUATE A HARMONIC VIBRATION IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION WHICH INCREASED TO A DANGEROUS UNCONTROLLABLE AND VIOLENT SHAKING MAKING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE EXTREMELY DIFFICULT. THIS SHAKING CONTINUED WHILE I SLOWED AND CROSSED 2 LANES OF TRAFFIC TO THE SHOULDER AND STOPPED ONLY AFTER I CAME TO A FULL STOP. INSPECTED FRONT SUSPENSION FOR DAMAGE AND SAW NONE. I CONTINUED ON MY TRIP WITH NO OTHER INCIDENT. THIS CONDITION IS INHERENT IN WRANGLERS AND OFTEN REFERRED TO IN JEEP MESSAGE BOARDS AS THE "WRANGLER DEATH WOBBLE". DEALER ROTATED AND REBALANCED TIRES AND INSTALLED NEW STEERING DAMPER IN HOPES THAT MIGHT SOLVE THE ISSUE. THE POTENTIAL FOR CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IS VERY REAL. *KB
Suspension, Jun 20, 2011
VIOLENT SHAKING OF FRONT END AT HIGHWAY SPEED VEHICLE IS ALL OEM NOT MODIFIED ALIGNMENT AND TIRES OK STARTED TO SHAKE STERRING WHEEL MOVING 1/2" UP/DOWN DIFFICULT TO HOLD AND STEER TO SIDE OF ROAD NEEDED TO STOP TO GET THE VIBRATIONS TO END HAS OCCURED ON TWO OTHER OCASSIONS STILL UNDER WARRANTY DEALER CLAIMS NO KNOWLEDGE OF "DEATH WOBBLE" PROBLEMS REFERED TO IN SEVERAL JEEP BLOGS. *TT
Suspension, Power train, May 10, 2011
WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH MY JEEP HAS STARTED TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND SHUDDER AFTER HITTING A BUMP. IT WILL ONLY STOP SHAKING AFTER PULLING OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND SLOWING DOWN TO 15-20 MPH OR STOPPING ALL TOGETHER. THE DAY IT STARTED WE WERE TAKING A TRIP TO NEW ORLEANS AND IT HAPPENED 6 OR 7 TIMES IN LESS THAN 100 MILES. I WILL BE TAKING IT IN TO THE DEALER IN THE MORNING, BUT AFTER A QUICK SEARCH OF THE NHTSA DATABASE IT SEEM THIS HAS BEEN A REGULAR OCCURRENCE AND RECURRENCE WITH JEEPS FOR MANY YEARS. LUCKILY WE WERE ON A SECONDARY HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED AND NOT ON A MAJOR INTERSTATE AT 70-75 MPH (YET). THE WIFE IS NOW TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND I'M NOT TO COMFORTABLE WITH IT AT THIS POINT. TO MAKE MATTERS WORSE WE'RE BEING STATIONED OVERSEAS AND PLANNED ON LETTING OUR SON IN COLLEGE USE THE VEHICLE WHICH DOESN'T SEEM LIKE A GREAT OPTION AT THIS POINT. WE'VE ALSO NOTICED, FOR THE PAST FEW WEEKS, THE MANUAL TRANSMISSION WILL JUMP OUT OF 1ST GEAR WHEN TAKING OFF. I LOOKED FORWARD TO OWNING A JEEP 4-DOOR FOR SOME TIME AND THIS IS RATHER DISAPPOINTING AND I WOULDN'T HAVE EVEN CONSIDERED BUYING IT IF I HAD BEEN TOLD THIS WOULD HAPPEN, ESPECIALLY WITH LESS THAN 20,000 MILES ON IT, NONE OF WHICH ARE OFF-ROADING MILES. I BELIEVE JEEP SHOULD HAVE TO WARN IT'S POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS IF THEY DO NOT WANT TO BOTHER FIXING AN OBVIOUS DESIGN FLAW AND SHOULD HAVE TO REMOVE ALL THEIR "TRAIL RATED" BADGES FROM ALL VEHICLES. IT'S NO WONDER CHRYSLER IS HAVING FINANCIAL TROUBLES SINCE THEY CAN'T MAKE A 4X4 THAT CAN HANDLE A BUMP.
Suspension, Apr 12, 2011
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 50 MPH WHEN THE FRONT SUSPENSION FAILED, CAUSING THE CONTACT TO MOMENTARILY LOSE CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE DEALER AND THE DEALER ADVISED HIM TO BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR INSPECTION. THE VEHICLE WAS REPLACE THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DAMPER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE SAME EXACT DAMPER SIX DAYS PRIOR TO IT GOING OUT. THE CONTACT STATED THE DAMPERS ARE POORLY MANUFACTURER AND DOES NOT FEEL SAFE DRIVING THE VEHICLE AFTER IT'S REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 54,000.
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
Suspension, Sep 27, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH AND DROVE OVER A ROAD BUMP. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO SHAKE AND VIBRATE VIOLENTLY, CAUSING DIFFICULTY IN MAINTAINING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE FRONT END DAMPER SHOCK WAS REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Suspension, Jan 26, 2010
FRONT AXLE UPPER AND LOWER BALL JOINTS SHOWING ABNORMAL WEAR AND MOVEMENT. DEALER CLAIMS WEAR AND PLAY IN JOINTS IS NORMAL EVEN THOUGH THE FACTORY SERVICE MANUAL SAYS THE PARTS ARE WORN AND NEED TO BE REPLACED. *TR
Suspension, Nov 30, 2009
WHILE TRAVELING AT 75 MPH IN THE LEFT LANE I WANDERED OVER THE YELLOW LINE AND THE LEFT FRONT TIRE RAN OVER THE INDENTED 'WAKE UP' IMPRESSIONS IN THE ASPHALT AT WHICH TIME MY FRONT END BEGAN VIOLENTLY SHAKING LIKE I WAS DRIVING A JACK HAMMER. I BEGAN TO BRAKE AND MADE IT ACROSS 6 LANES OF TRAFFIC BEFORE I COULD COME TO A STOP. THE SHAKING DID NOT STOP UNTIL I CAME TO A STOP. I INSPECTED THE FRONT END COMPONENTS AND ALL WERE FINE. I SLOWLY DROVE OFF AND THE PROBLEM NO LONGER EXISTED. THIS PROBLEM IS 'DEATH WOBBLE' AND IS ALL OVER JEEP MESSAGE FORUMS ON THE INTERNET. *TR