9.6

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$890
Average Mileage:
64,800 miles
Total Complaints:
81 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (56 reports)
  2. replaced ball joints, track bar, stabilizer bar (14 reports)
  3. install upgraded steering stabilizer (4 reports)
  4. installed a dual steering stabilizer (2 reports)
  5. replace damper and steering linkage (2 reports)
  6. disengage traction control (1 reports)
2008 Jeep Wrangler suspension problems

suspension problem

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2008 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 5)

problem #81

Dec 182017

Wrangler Sahara

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I recently purchased a used 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara and I was super stoked. I still am but Chrysler Jeep SERIOUSLY needs to look into the "Death Wobble" issue with these Jeeps. I certainly hope you're not waiting until someone loses or comes close to losing their life because of this. The first time this happened to me, I was on a very busy highway and had to pull off because I became so afraid. It took me 30 min to gather the courage to get back into the car and crawl home in the slow lane. In another instance, I had children in the car and they began sobbing and wanted to leave the vehicle immediately. After searching online and seeing the countless experiences others have had, I am shocked that there hasn't been a recall. This is an awesome vehicle with a major flaw. Please do something to at least minimize the intensity of the wobble. You literally lose control of the Jeep.

- Melissa M., South Plainfield, NJ, US

problem #80

Feb 182017

Wrangler Shara V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

This is bull for Jeep to sell a Jeep for this amount of money and it drives like junk, I am going to sell it and will never buy another, they are a DANGER TO ALL ON THE ROAD!

- Rick H., Apache Jct, US

problem #79

Jun 072016

Wrangler Sahara V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

I just bought my 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara two days ago.. I love everything about it but now I'm questioning if its worth it. The death wobble happened to me on my way home from the dealership and then everyday since. At first I wasn't sure if it was the road or the tires, so I googled it. A couple of the times it was bad enough for me to wonder if I should keep driving and I was just driving through town going 30-45mph. I think that a recall needs to be issued whether or not this has caused "enough" accidents for them to think its an issue. It is completely unacceptable that this happens and Jeep is doing nothing about it.

- Michell L., Greeley, CO, US

problem #78

Oct 212016

Wrangler Unlimited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is, come to find out, a very common problem with wranglers. Why is this not a recall? There are dozens of videos showing how this happens and ways to fix it. FIX IT CHRYSLER! I love my jeep completely and totally devoted to her. I've taken it to the garage I trust several times now and they have replaced U-joints, and tie-rod ends. It hasn't fixed the problem. Whenever the car goes over 50 mph and hits a small bump in the road it begins to shake uncontrollably and you MUST pull over and stop completely before you can gain control again. It is a major event just trying to hold on to the steering wheel. I hate to say that I've gotten used to it, but I have...it happens that often. I'm taking it to the dealership tomorrow. I've explained the problem, told them what I've had done and been clear that this commonly known "death wobble" needs to be addressed.

This is pretty much a warning, but if I have to report back that some dude mansplain I need new tires, or the axles are worn, or anything other than "yes we know and here is how we are going to fix it", well let's just say it will not be a good day for the person on the other side of that conversation.

I do believe the more people report it, and share details the better it will be for all of us. I love my jeep. Don't make me sell her for a BMW because of poor engineering - I beg of you Chrysler.

- jennygotgame, Minneapolis, US

problem #77

Apr 182017

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 120,000 miles

THIS WOBBLE IS THE SCARIEST THING IN THE WORLD AND IS NEVER ENDING!!!! AFTER TRYING TO GET THIS FIXED WITH THE HORRIBLE DEALER I GOT THE JEEP FROM TO CONTACTING CHRYSLER.

SEE WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

Original Message Follows:

US Customer Service - Jeep Brand Site Brief Description: NOTHING BUT PROBLEMS WITH IS JEEP Comments: THIS JEEP SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY AT 55 =65 MPG...IT IS GOING TO ROLL ANY TIME...I UNDERSTAND THIS MAY BE THE DEATH WOBBLE...ITS THE SCARIEST ..THE DEALER IS GONE AND HAS REALLY SOLD ME A PIECE OF CRAP WITH AN EXTENDED WARRANTY THAT IS PRETTY MUCH BOGUS..THE THERMOSTAT KICKS ON AND OFF AND SPENDING $20 OR SO PER WEEK ON COOLANT..PLEASE HELP...I AM ON UNEMPLOYMENT AND DON'T FEEL THAT THE SHAKE IN THE FRONT IS SAFE OR MY RESPONSIBILITY..THIS IS ALL STOCK...VERY UNSAFE

CHRSYLER'S RESPONSE: Dear Scarlette:

Thank you for contacting the Jeep Customer Assistance Center.

We regret the problem your vehicle has experienced and appreciate the time and effort you took to bring this matter to our attention. Comments like yours are one way we have to learn of problems that may develop and improvements desired by customers.

The vehicles have excellent safety records. All manufacturer vehicles equipped with a solid axle can be susceptible to this condition and, if experienced, it is routinely corrected with a change of tires or installation of a simple steering dampener. In fact, most reported incidents, in all manufacturer vehicles equipped with or without a solid axle, are often linked to poorly installed or maintained after-market equipment, such as lifts, oversized tires, etc, The name given to this condition, "Death Wobble" has no basis in fact.

Unfortunately, given the many variables involved, we are unable to diagnose your vehicle's problem via email. We recommend contacting your authorized dealership to arrange an appointment for proper diagnosis and repair.

Our dealerships have the factory training, equipment and information available to them to diagnose and correct problems with our vehicles. Should your dealer require factory assistance they may contact our Technical Operations Resource Group (STAR) or contact their regional Business Center.

Thanks again for your email.

Sincerely,

Sarah

Customer Service Representative Jeep Customer Assistance Center

For any future communications related to this email, please refer to the following information: REFERENCE NUMBER: 23258975 EMAIL CASE NUMBER: 2811804 *

JUST THIS WEEK I HAD THIS HAPPEN AT LEAST 20 TIMES ON ONE TRIP. THIS SHAKES THE JEEP VIOLENTLY AND THROWS ME ALL OVER INSIDE. I LITERALLY HAVE TO PUT ALL MY WEIGHT ON THE STEERING AND SLAM ON THE BRAKES SO HARD!!!!!!!!!!!!

ONE DAY THIS WILL BE THE CASE I AM GOING TO BE KILLED.

I HAD THIS HAPPEN ON THE FREEWAY AT 65 AND ALMOST GOT CAUSED A PILE UP.

THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE AND THEY NEED TO BE RESPONSIBLE!!!!!!!

- sb81482, Warrensburg, US

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problem #76

Feb 102017

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Death Wobble - yep, I have it every day on the highway between 45 - 60 MPH when the jeep hits some bumps or expansion joints on the highway. It shakes like hell. I usually do not drive in that speed range. I go faster or slower. I also avoid lanes on the highway with a lot of bumps where the death wobble has occurred in the past. Jeep needs to fix this for free immediately!!! My Jeep is 100% stock. No lift no big tires. They claim it only happens on lifted jeeps. That is BS! I can't believe they are going to make the new JL with the same problem. The government needs to step in and force them to redesign the suspension. Don't buy a wrangler. I'm trading it in for a 2020 Bronco if the jeep can make it to 2020.

- sde, Wilmington, DE, US

problem #75

Oct 152016

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 85,343 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Where do I begin how bad this vehicle has been? This Jeep has not been lifted, altered, or abused in any way. I usually get 300-500k out of my vehicles. The first death wobble happened at 40k, replaced tires and got a super heavy stabilizer. About every 10k the wobble returns and nothing solves the problem completely. I've replaced all recommended parts at least once or twice. It is un-fixable! The most recent death scare was 10/15/16 while towing a 900 pound trailer in the rain. I lost control of the vehicle completely going into a fishtail damaging my trailer. Speaking of rain, the roof has leaked since new. I've had enough of this poorly made piece of crap and I'm getting rid of it. I will not let my family ride in this thing ever again. Not even my dog. Screw Chrysler for not owning up to the myriad dangerous problems with their vehicles. I will never buy any Chrysler product ever again. Ever! I would rather walk, and in fact, I had to walk 16 miles a couple of years ago when the TIPM failed out in the woods. The TIPM has failed twice, the clockspring has failed rendering the airbag system non-operative, the seals have failed on the rear axle the check engine light comes on monthly for SOMETHING.... I'm sick of fixing this junk 85,000 mile POS! Did I mention the oil consumption? 1-2 Quarts every 3000 miles since it was new! No wonder the warranty is only 36k. That's about all the Wrangler can do before dangerous failures! My 1978 VW Bus with over 500,000 miles is a more reliable car! Shame on you Chrysler, I hope you go out of business!

- Bryan M., Grass Valley, CA, US

problem #74

Aug 162016

Wrangler

  • Manual transmission
  • 128,000 miles

I bought my Jeep almost five years ago. Last year I had the death wobble start, which scared the sh*t out of me, I almost wrecked. I took it back to the dealer and they told me there was nothing they could do that I needed to replace my tires. I knew the tires were getting worn, but not to the point where they needed to be replaced yet, and even so I never would expect that to happen with worn tires. I drove it back home, and it did it again, but worse. The next day I took it back to the dealer and pitch a bitch until they looked at it. I knew that I had the extended warranty and that it should cover it. They replace everything that you can replace to make it go away and I even put new tires on it. 8 months later and it has started up again. I am a single parent and can't afford to put a lot of money in care maintenance, especially when this shouldn't even exist. When is someone going to do something about this, after someone has died due to this death wobble. They call it this for a reason.....

- Sharon H., Sterling, VA, US

problem #73

Sep 012015

Wrangler Sahara

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Going around 50 mph the whole front of the vehicle shakes very badly. Have to slow down. Have had this issue for a couple of years now. Sometimes rebalancing the tires helps a bit, but just started happening badly again. I can't believe there hasn't been a recall on this - looks like it's a well known problem on Wranglers. Horrible Chrysler quality. If anyone knows a permanent fix and a specialist in the New York area who is familiar with it, please let me know.

- John H., Nyack, NY, US

problem #72

Sep 022016

Wrangler X 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 91,000 miles

I am fed up with the poor construction of my 2008 Jeep Wrangler. I have experienced several major problems in the 9 years I've had it and the reason I bought it was for the sturdiness and good reputation they have because I live on dirt roads...NOT!!! I don't know if mine is a lemon or what but I'm not a happy camper right now! I am a 60 year old woman who uses it to go back and forth to work and go shopping on the weekends so it's not abused at all. I have it serviced regularly and take good care of it.

- Linda H., Jacksonville, FL, US

problem #71

Jan 202016

Wrangler Limited 3.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 99,150 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

already spend over $1600 cannot get the problem fix ,death wobble is so bad anything over 45 mph shaking and very scary

- Aneel R., Ozone Park, NY, US

problem #70

Jun 232016

Wrangler Unlimited Sport V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,690 miles

Driving 65 mph on high traffic interstate, death wobble occurred. Had to slow down and pull off on side of road, almost hit by tractor trailer. Very scary.

- gunnsva, Appomattox, VA, US

problem #69

Jul 102016

Wrangler Unlimited Sport V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,689 miles

Vehicle was sold with a new inspection sticker on day of purchase which was 06/09/2016. Within 24 hours of driving the vehicle, I experienced the first death wobble, almost lost control of the car

- gunnsva, Appomattox, VA, US

problem #68

Feb 082016

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,000 miles

Purchased a 2008 Jeep Wrangler in September 2015. Only drove it around town initially. The 2nd time we drove it on the highway, it became to shake so badly I almost wrecked. It was almost impossible for me to maintain my lane with an 18 wheeler approaching in the other lane. I turned on my emergency lights and immediately exited the highway. Took it back to the dealer where I purchased it Southtowne located in Newnan, GA. Paid around $800 twice within 3 weeks to have it repaired and it is still NOT fixed. We've had the PCM replaced, steering column and some other things (I'm not a mechanic). They said "it's good to go, you just need to replace the tires." Mechanic or not, low thread on tires does not lead to the DEATH WOBBLE!!!!!! With two kids in college, we cannot afford to keep paying for repairs. Jeep should be held responsible!!!!!!

- Shalana W., Lagrange, GA, US

problem #67

May 142016

Wrangler X Unlimited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

The death wobble is a serious issue and Jeep needs to do something about it. I am lucky I did not cause an accident as this occurred multiple times while on the freeway.

- Monique T., Ontario, CA, US

problem #66

Apr 242016

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 98,600 miles

I have experienced the death wobble in my jeep numerous times. We have attempted to get it fixed on multiple occasions. We have replaced the shocks, the steering stabilizer bar, and gotten the tires rotated and aligned. None of the attempted repairs have helped. Anytime I take my car above 50, I get worried that my car will wobble. It happens frequently. I avoid busy highways in fear that I may get into a wreck.

- Sarah S., Athens, GA, US

problem #65

Feb 092016

Wrangler Unlimited Sahara 3.6L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

Internet searches show that Jeep "death wobble" is far too common to not have a known solution from the Jeep dealer/manufacturer. I feel that Jeep should have an official service bullitin provided to each manufacturer approve service shop that addresses the cause and all possible fixes for this extremely dangerous issue.

- hapitiki, Henderson, NV, US

problem #64

Feb 012016

Wrangler X Unlimited V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 56,000 miles

Honest to God, I thought all my tires flew off my Jeep, while going 75 mph on the Interstate! It not only did it once, but twice within a few minutes, when the road dropped down a bit from construction they were doing on the roads. The second time I almost flipped and came close to driving off an overpass!

Right away I bought it back to the dealership I bought it from, and it was the stabilizer. Most of it was covered under our extended warranty...

Then a month later, the master cylinder went out...took it in, yet again...got that fixed, and decided I wanted a newer Jeep.

Literally driving on the same Interstate...TODAY...in the same damn spot....

The road dropped down.....DEATH WOBBLE FROM HELL!!! Except this time I had a car load of children with me!!!

Why has Jeep not fixed this issue!!??? Thank God I traded it in tonight (for a 2016 Sahara)....but honestly, this is the scariest sh*t ever!!! This isn't okay...someone is going to get killed!

- Candance T., Colorado Springs, CO, US

problem #63

Feb 212016

Wrangler Sahara

  • Manual transmission
  • 39,200 miles

The death wobble is a nightmare. It's terrifying, not other way to describe it. It happened on busy highway (NJ Turnpike) and I almost caused an accident because I had to STOP the Jeep with people travelling at speeds of 65mph and greater. I've called dealerships, they don't know how to fix it. It sounds like a waste of money for me to even attempt to fix it. Why has the Jeep Wrangler not been recalled for this reason? It's outrageous for the amount of money these cars cost.

- Courtney W., East Windsor, NJ, US

problem #62

Nov 132015

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles

THis is real, and scary, and is in spite of Chrysler, dangerous. at roughly 50,000 mi or more or less, if you hit a bump at high speed, the wheels start to wobble and get more severe untill yoe slow down.

Mine has been fixed, by adding what Jeep calls an upgraded steering stabilizer.

So far so good at two months later.

- Steve C., Redding, CA, US

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