This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
I have had persistent violent shaking of the front end after hitting minor bumps at highway speeds. The issue is referred to as the "death wobble" by others online and by Jeep dealership. They fixed once under warranty at less than 20K miles and now that it is recurring at 38K-47K miles they will not cover. I have made no modifications to the vehicle - it is stock. The issue happened 3 times in one trip this past weekend where I need to bring the car to a near stop on the highway (obviously a dangerous condition). I called Jeep corporate (max, level 1 agent. [xxx] rep # 4.2.2013 2:50pm eastern time for a 30 minute + call.) they informed me they would not cover and read a statement. I am shocked that Jeep refuses to fix something the dealer quoted me $350 to resolve that is clearly a common defect in their product and causes a serious safety issue. I hope that your organization can encourage proactive resolution before someone is seriously injured or killed. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle started to shake violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the track bar was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance. The vehicle was repaired. The failure mileage was 65,000 and the current mileage was 84,000.
At approximately 51 mph and after passing over a rough spot on the highway surface the vehicle started to extremely vibrate and shimmy. Maintaining control was difficult and necessitated an immediate reduction in speed. On an approximate 50 mile trip this was repeated four times while on an interstate. This was much more violent than a blow out, tire separation, or an unbalanced tire. This malady could easily result in a fatality. I've logged approximately 2million miles driving and I must add this situation is very serious.
I was coming off the freeway onto an exit and the Jeep started shaking really bad, almost to the point that I couldn't control it. I pulled to the side of the road and my boys thought it was a flat tire (or two) so they got out and looked. No flat. We were almost to our destination so once I settled down, went the rest of the way with no problem. I have not had that happen again since then but it is very scary and with one or both of my kids in the car at all times, I don't want anything to happen. What is it and how can it be fixed? the dealer has no idea and look at me like I have lost it.
- Phoenix, AZ, USA
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I have a 2008 Jeep Wrangler sahara unlimited with 50,000 miles and purchased new. I have been experiencing "death wobble" or an uncontrollable shaking in the front end of my vehicle intermittently but generally at speeds of 40 mph and higher. I took the vehicle to my mechanic who inspected the front end, tires, brakes and alignment which all were fine. I later went to the Jeep dealership service center who said I had "death wobble" but could not give me a definitive cause or cost to repair. After researching this on-line, I discovered that this is a wide spread problem that Jeep has known about for years www.jeepz.com/forum/suspension/29510-Wrangler-death-wobble-what-causes-how-fix.html. my vehicle is completely stock with no modifications and I do not use it off-road. Additionally it is very well maintained and I have had no accidents or major repairs. Here is a video of my experience: www.youtube.com/watch"V=7pen1it91Z0 I have read that congress addressed this with Jeep and Jeep has issued a technical bulletin editorial.autos.msn.com/blogs/autosblogpost.aspx?post=bb1D0352-F579-4468-B24F-60869E95D02F but that is all. Please advise as to what I can do to address this issue. I live in nys. Does the "lemon-law" apply here"
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, the front end wobbled violently. The vehicle was stopped, shutdown, and restarted then operated as designed. On a later date while driving 70 mph, the failure recurred. The dealer was notified and informed the contact that the problem could have been due to low tire pressure, a bent rim, or a stabilizer bar. The contact assured them that it was none of those issues. The manufacturer had not been notified. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was 25,000.
Vehicle began violently shaking on the interstate. It now shakes at any speeds greater than 40 mph and any bumps in the road or turns also set it off. The vehicle was unable to be turned or moved off the road during the shaking and the shaking only stops once the vehicle slows down to under 10 mph.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 60 mph, the front end of the vehicle began to shake and the vehicle had no balance. The contact merged to the shoulder of the road, shut off the vehicle and restarted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing where the technicians advised that the failure was unknown. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000 and the current failure mileage was 50,000.
I am the original owner of a 2008 Jeep Wrangler that has had 5 separate "death wobble" events in the last 5 years. Now that the vehicle is out of warranty Jeep wants me to pay for repairs that they have to this point proven they do not have a proper understanding of and solution for the Jeep death wobble. Please help. My family and I are afraid to drive in this truck in this condition.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle front end shake violently and swerved from left to right while driving at any speed causing the contact to lose control. The contact inspected the vehicle and noticed that the lower control arm was corroded and cracked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the lower control arm was corroded and cracked. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 12V085000 (suspension: Rear). The failure and current mileage was 68,000.
During a routine maintenance service, the dealer noticed a large amount of "play" in the steering wheel of our 2008 Jeep Wrangler sahara 2-door. It measured greater than the allowable movement. After reading about the effects of "death wobble" it was decided that this could be the early signs of this problem. With the numerous documented cases of this issue, we asked the dealer to contact Chrysler to cover the $600+ repair/upgrade that was suggested(including an upgraded steering damper, upgraded tie rod, and wheel alignment). The vehicle is completely stock, well maintained, has 35,000 miles, and has never been off-road. The dealer agreed that there was a problem with the factory parts and it shouldn't be our responsibility to cover the cost of the upgrade. They dropped the price down to $100 and it is now being repaired. The vehicle should be ready tomorrow, so we will find out if these new parts will prevent the "death wobble" issue.
Driving down paved road and front end started to shake violently. Had to pull over and stop for it to stop. Had same problem in March 2011 and took to dealer for repair which only lasted about 4000 mile and 19 months.
While driving at highway speeds, when a pothole or bump is hit by the vehicle, the tires begin to wobble out of control. This causes the steering to fail and violently shake the steering wheel. While coming off or on highway ramps the wobble causes the vehicle to veer off the road.
Hit bumps in the road and the front end starting shaking very badly. Had to come to a stop for the shaking to stop. The famous Jeep death wobble. At the dealership they acted like they never heard of the problem before. After seeing these complaints I realize its a common problem and Jeep should of fixed it. It cost me $400 to fix it. Also since I purchased this vehicle I complained to the dealership that the transmission shifts funny. They keep telling me there is no fix for this and it is a common problem with this transmission.
While driving about 60 mph and then begin to slow down on a major highway (slight bumps in the road). The steering wheel begins to wobble back and forth violently and the whole vehicle shakes like crazy. Must slow down immediately (almost to a stop) and then the shaking ceases. I've heard it called the "death wobble" and I understand why. This has happened numerous times over the last 4 years and the Jeep dealership has "fixed" the problem numerous times. My wife and children are afraid to ride in the vehicle, and I cannot, in good conscience, sell the vehicle to anyone. The condition seems very dangerous to me.
Having problem with "death wobble". while traveling at a high rate of speed, over 40mph. A violent shaking has occurred a multiple number of times. Feels as though the entire front end of vehicle is ready to fly off. Control of vehicle is compromised. Especially at such a high rate of speed, which usually occurs on the freeway with other vehicles around. Dealership says that the steering stabilizer needs to be replaced. Research on the internet says that this just masks the problem. Personally looking at the steering components of the vehicle. I cannot see how a worn out steering stabilizer can cause so much chaos.
Death wobble, terrible steering shimmer. Driving on highway at 55 mph. Hit one bump on the road and all of a sudden the vehicle started shaking violently. I needed to slam on the breaks to keep the vehicle from maybe flipping over. It has happened before, but not this violent. To fix this I installed a dual steering stabilizer set up made by skyjacker.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated the vehicle began to shake violently while driving 50 mph over a bump in the road. The failure ceased when the contact decelerated to a lower speed. The failure occurred on two occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing or to be repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 10,000.
After hitting a bump/change in lane texture, my Jeep began to shake violently. I have experienced this about 5 more times since mid March always under the same circumstances. I can slow down/apply the brake and the shake goes away. I understand "death wobble" is a term being applied to this problem. I do not have a life on my Jeep nor do I have any after-market tires.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Cambridge, MA, USA