2008 Jeep Wrangler Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Airbags30925.5%
- Electrical17814.7%
- Steering15612.9%
- Fuel system14011.6%
- Suspension1088.9%
- Powertrain (other)594.9%
- Brakes524.3%
- Engine484.0%
- Driver assistance403.3%
- Other / unspecified383.1%
- Visibility242.0%
- Exterior lighting201.7%
- Body & structure161.3%
- Transmission90.7%
- Seat belts50.4%
- Interior & seats50.4%
- Tires & wheels30.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
"On March 4, 2022, Customer Satisfaction Notification S33 (Airbag Clockspring Recall Remedy) was performed on my 2008 Jeep Wrangler by an authorized dealer at 123,314 miles. The vehicle now has 137, 347 miles. The replacement clockspring provided as the official safety remedy has completely failed after only roughly 15,000 miles of driving, illuminating the SRS airbag warning light and completely disabling the supplemental restraint system. The manufacturer's mandated remedy has failed to permanently correct the safety defect, creating a recurring hazard." Tom O'Brian dealership and Stellanis have both refused to repair clockspring which is either defective repair item. "Stellantis corporate directed me to speak with you directly regarding a safety component failure. Tom O’Brien Jeep performed the S33 clockspring campaign on my Wrangler at 123,314 miles. The vehicle only has about 138,000 miles on it now. This critical airbag safety component failed after just 15,000 miles of driving. Corporate told me that if you submit a Digital Goodwill Claim through the dealer portal for an internal part failure on a safety campaign, they can review it for approval. Because this disables my entire airbag system after only 15,000 miles, I am asking you to submit that goodwill request so Stellantis can cover the replacement." ," no federal safety regulator or corporate executive expects a vital component of a vehicle's supplemental restraint/airbag system to fail after just 15,000 miles. This extremely low mileage proves one of two things: either the replacement remedy part was defective out of the box, or the "dust shroud" modification required by the S33 campaign was not installed correctly, allowing the new clockspring to fail prematurely.
I turned the key to turn on my car and the airbag deployed.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was several minutes and car finally shut itself off. Scary that the car went completely haywire and would not shut off, even with key out, and battery disconnected!
The ABS computer brake module is bad in my jeep. It needs a replacement. Confirmed by Chrysler Jeep dealership. However, Chrysler does not offer a replacement module. ABS does not work on my vehicle. This is a huge safety issue and is common problem among this year Jeep. Chrysler shouldn’t be allowed to NOT have a replacement OEM ABS module. Huge safety risk and lawsuit
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The RHD Jeep Wranglers had a recall on all the clock springs. I had mine fixed, it lasted a year and then broke again. Every mail carrier I know has the same issue. I believe the recall needs to become a lifetime recall, not a singular recall. They are all failing again causing postal employees to be at risk for fatality with the airbag failing to deploy.
My 2008 jeep has the death wobble ,how to get fixed07
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
The fuel filler neck has an issue. When I refuel, I have to stop the pump manually or the filler cap will overflow. This creates a significant risk for fire or explosion unless I very carefully monitor how much fuel I am putting in the vehicle. I see several other owners experiencing this issue from online information I'm reading. I feel that this is an issue which should be repaired by the manufacturer.
While pumping fuel the nozzle will continuously trip or spill gasoline back out of the fuel tank filler hose.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
When I go above 45 mph on a bumpy road, the Jeep starts wobble uncontrollably until I almost completely stop the vehicle. Replaced, all tires complete brake system. Still happening!
Steering wheel shaking at about 50 mph. Then warning lights on dash came on ABS- ESP and BAS. I slowed down drove home and parked it. Can’t get into shop until next week. Jeep has less than 48,000 miles.Not safe to drive!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS control module has gone out
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle jerked while depressing the accelerator pedal. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 17,250.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS systems not functioning properly, showing engine code U0121 that states lost communication with ABS module. This is a common occurrence with jeeps and is a safety issue due to the abs system not working properly. Also causes the brakes to randomly engage and disengage.
The ABS computer brake module is bad in my jeep. It needs a replacement. Confirmed by Chrysler Jeep dealership. However, Chrysler does not offer a replacement module. ABS does not work on my vehicle. This is a huge safety issue and is common problem among this year Jeep. Chrysler shouldn’t be allowed to NOT have a replacement OEM ABS module. Huge safety risk and lawsuit
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was several minutes and car finally shut itself off. Scary that the car went completely haywire and would not shut off, even with key out, and battery disconnected!
I was driving down the road in my 2008 wrangler and all of the sudden every light flashed on my dash board then it felt like I could not shift gears then smoke came pouring out of my air vents. I pulled over and got out realizing it was on fire. Climbed in to save my dog just before the fire got huge. My entire Jeep is gone.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
The ABS computer brake module is bad in my jeep. It needs a replacement. Confirmed by Chrysler Jeep dealership. However, Chrysler does not offer a replacement module. ABS does not work on my vehicle. This is a huge safety issue and is common problem among this year Jeep. Chrysler shouldn’t be allowed to NOT have a replacement OEM ABS module. Huge safety risk and lawsuit
ALRIGHT I HAVE A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA JK. AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION 2DOOR SOFT TOP. AND I HAVE NOTICED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WHEN THERE IS WET CONDITIONS ON ANY CURVY ROAD THAT WHEN SLOWING DOWN TO TAKE A CURVE TO THE RIGHT WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ON THE TRANSMISSION WILL DOWN SHIFT AND CAUSE THE BACK TIRES TO SPIN AND LOSE TRACTION WHICH INTURN SENDS THE [XXX] END SIDEWAYS. AND IT DOES IT BOTH UP AND DOWN HILL AND PRETTY MUCH ONLY ON RIGHT TURNS THE PASSENGER SIDE WHICH PUTS THE DRIVER SIDE REAR END INTO THE ONCOMING TRAFFIC LANE A LITTLE. AND I TRULY BELIEVE IF IT WAS A YOUNG DRIVER OR ANYONE THAT HASN'T DROVE ANYTHING WILDLY BEFORE IN THERE LIFE IT COULD CAUSE A BAD ACCIDENT. BUT IF YOU TURN THE TRACTION CONTROL OFF IT DON'T DO IT IS BAD IF AT ALL. WHICH MAKES ME THINK IT'S WIRING OR THE COMPUTER AN ELECTRICAL PROBLEM. I'VE HAD IT HAPPEN ON BACK ROADS AND MT ROADS EVEN TURN ON THE INTERSTATE RAMP. ANY ROAD WHERE YOU REMAIN IN MOTION WITH A DECENT CURVE TO THE RIGHT. ALOT ON THIS WINDING MT ROAD OVER THE RIDGE TO THE NEXT TOWN. IT'S CALLED JOPPA MOUNTAIN. AND IT SIDESTEPS WITH YOU THERE LIKE IT HAS ME QUITE A FEW TIMES, AND YOU ARE NOT ON YOUR GAME IT COULD GET REAL BAD REAL FAST BECAUSE THAT ROAD WINDS BACK AND FORTH ALL THE WAY UP AND BACK DOWN WITH STRAP DROP OFFS THAT YOU WOULD BE PRAYING FOR A TREE TO STOP YOU. ALWAYS WHEN TURNING RIGHT AND SLOWING DOWN WITH THE TRACTION CONTROL ON. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Defective Wheel Spacers Causing Vehicle Failure and Safety Hazard While driving, the front driver-side wheel spacer failed, leading to the complete detachment of the wheel from my vehicle. This unexpected and catastrophic failure left us stranded on the highway for several hours, waiting for roadside assistance. Additionally, the front end of the Jeep sustained significant damage, requiring extensive repairs. Fortunately, we were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without injuries, but the situation could have resulted in a far more serious accident. Upon further inspection by road side assistance, it became evident that the wheel spacer had completely failed, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of this product. I immediately contacted Yitamotor to seek an explanation, reimbursement for damages, and information on whether this issue is a known defect in their product. In my formal request to the company, I outlined the following concerns: Investigation: I requested a thorough investigation into why the wheel spacer failed and whether similar failures have been reported. The supplier has no interest in investigating the failure. The part failed without warning. There are no direct sensors or indicators for this particular part. They claim the part is made of forged metal.
The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler equipped with Powerstop Brake Hoses, Part Number: (N/A). The contact stated that after installing the brake hoses to the rear driver’s and passenger’s side brake assemblies, there was smoke coming from the rear driver's side brake rotors while operating the vehicle due to brake fluid leaking from the hose. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E053000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was not provided.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
VEHICLE COMPONENTS BEGIN MALFUNCTIONING, WIPERS TURN ON, WIPER WASHER PUMP FLOODS WINDSHIELD, LIGHTS FLASH, HEADLIGHTS RANDOMLY TURN OFF WHILE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION, HORN SOUNDS, CANNOT TURN VEHICLE OFF. TURN KEY TO OFF POSITION AND VEHICLE CONTINUES TO RUN CREATING AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION. WIPERS AND WASHERS BLIND DRIVER RANDOMLY. ONLINE RESEARCH ALL POINTS TO KNOWN ISSUE WITH TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE THAT HAS WELL DOCUMENTED FAILURE RATE. THIS IS A HORRIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION THAT DESERVES INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION.
THE DEFROST ON A JEEP WRANGLER IS VERY INEFFECTIVE AND POORLY DESIGNED. THE ONLY BLOWER FOR THE DEFROST IS IN THE MIDDLE OF THE WINDOW CAUSING THE SIDES OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD TO SEVERELY FREEZE UP AND BECOME IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE OUT OF DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER SUCH AS FOG, SLEET OR SNOW. BASICALLY ANY TYPE OF PRECIPITATION DURING WEATHER THAT IS BELOW FREEZING WILL CAUSE THIS WHICH RESULTS IN A SEVERE INABILITY TO SEE OUT OF THE WINDSHIELD WHICH IS A HUGE SAFETY ISSUE WHEN DRIVING IN INCLEMENT WEATHER. THIS HAPPENS WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED ON ANY ROAD AS LONG AS THERE IS PRECIPITATION AND TEMPS ARE BELOW FREEZING.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was several minutes and car finally shut itself off. Scary that the car went completely haywire and would not shut off, even with key out, and battery disconnected!
Headlights stopped working. The Headlights are controlled by a computer. No relay, fuse, or anything that can be fixed at a parts store. We had to wait days for a computer to show up.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
THE HOOD LATCHES NEEDED TO BE CHANGED. IF YOU TRAVELED ANYTHING OVER 50MPH ON THE FREEWAY THE HOOD WOULD VIOLENTLY FLUTTER AND YOU COULD SEE IT RAISING UP ALMOST TO 3/4 OF AN INCH. THIS MADE ME SCARED TO DRIVE IT ON THE FREEWAY.
HOOD LATCH SNAPPED ON THE HIGHWAY CAUSING THE HOOD TO FLY UP AND SMACK THE WINDSHIELD
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT HE WAS UNABLE TO SHIFT OUT OF PARK. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE WAS FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT CABLE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WERE 11,500.
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING UP AN INCLINE, SMOKE WAS EMITTING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AREA. HE PULLED OVER AND SHUT THE VEHICLE OFF FOR 30 MINUTES. HE WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE DRIVING BUT HE STILL SMELLED SMOKE. A COUPLE DAYS LATER, HE NOTICED THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS DIFFICULT TO MANEUVER. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN INSPECTED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 35,844.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT SEAT BELT LATCH OCCASIONALLY DOES NOT LATCH ALSO OCCASIONALLY WILL NOT RELEASE WITHOUT HAVING TO OPEN ROOF PULL SEAT BELT SLACK ALL THE WAY OUT AND STAND UP IN SEAT TO GET OUT OF VEHICLE. THEN HAVE TO HIT AND WORK WITH LATCH APPROXIMATELY 2-3 BEFORE IT WILL RELEASE. IF IN AN ACCIDENT NOT SURE IF SEATBELT LATCH WILL HOLD FORCES OR NOT LET YOU OUT OF A POSSIBLE BURNING CAR. ALSO FUEL BACKFLOWS FROM FILL INLET AT EVERY FILLIP IF I DO NOT STOP IT BEFORE FULL.
JULY 10, 2015: DRIVING TO WORK APPROXIMATELY 8:15 AM CST. CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY AND I FELT THE BREAKS WERE NOT SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN ENOUGH TO AVOID IMPACT. WITH A VEHICLE ON MY RIGHT, MY ONLY OPTION WAS TO GO LEFT. I NEVER SAW THE TRUCK IN THE ONCOMING LANE AND HIT HEAD ON. THE AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE. IT DID DEPLOY ON THE PASSENGER SIDE, BUT NO ONE ELSE WAS IN THE VEHICLE WITH ME. THE UPPER BODY PORTION OF THE SEAT BELT DID NOT RESTRAIN ME AND I SLAMMED FACE FIRST INTO THE STEERING WHEEL. I SUFFERED A BROKEN AND DISLOCATED WRIST THAT REQUIRED SURGERY, SEVERE BRUISING OF FACE, ARMS, CHEST, HIPS AND LEGS. I FEEL THIS IS A HUGE SAFETY CONCERN AND SHOULD BE RECTIFIED IMMEDIATELY.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
TAKATA RECALL, I KEEP RECEIVING CALLS REGARDING MY RECALL. MY JEEP WAS IMPORTED FROM PUERTO RICO AND THEY HAVE THE AIRBAG AND THE DEALERSHIP HERE DOES NOT HAVE ANY AIRBAGS AND COULD NOT HELP ME. I HAVE BEEN WAITING OVER AN YEAR FOR THE AIRBAG. LAST WEEK I WENT TO THE DEALERSHIP IN LAKE ORION, MI AND WAS INFORMED THAT THEY DO NOT HAVE A STATUS ON WHEN THEY WILL BE RECEIVING THESE AIRBAGS. MY CONCERN IS I HAVE 4 CHILDREN AND ITS MY ONLY VEHICLE. PLEASE ADVISE ON THIS RECALL.
IN 2009 MY TIPM FAILED AND I EXPERIENCED THE 'POSSESSED JEEP' CONDITION WHERE EVERYTHING TURNED ON (LIGHTS, TURN SIGNALS, HORN, RADIO BLASTING WITH NO DISPLAY). I TOOK IT TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE (UNDER 5 YEAR WARRANTY). IN 2012 MY REAR BRAKE CALIPERS SEIZED ON BOTH THE PASSENGER AND DRIVER SIDE, THEY WERE GLOWING CHERRY-RED AFTER A 1 HOUR COMMUTE INTO WORK, PERFECT TO START A FIRE IF I HAD PULLED INTO A GAS STATION WITH SOME GAS SPILLED ON THE GROUND OR SOMETHING. I GOT AFTER-MARKET CALIPERS BECAUSE THE GUY AT AUTO ZONE SAID THAT HE HAD SEVERAL CUSTOMERS WITH THE SAME ISSUE THAT REPLACED IT WITH FACTORY CALIPERS AND THEY FAILED WITHIN 40000 MILES, THEY WENT WITH AFTER-MARKET CALIPERS AND NEVER HAD A PROBLEM, I HAVE NOT HAD A PROBLEM SINCE MYSELF. WELL NOW ALL OF A SUDDEN MY HORN, FRONT PASSENGER PARKING LAMP/TURN SIGNAL STOPPED WORKING. THERE ARE NO BLOWN FUSES OR UNHOOKED WIRES, EVERYTHING IS STOCK (I BOUGHT THE VEHICLE BRAND NEW). AT THIS SAME TIME, MY PASSENGER SEAT KEEPS COMING UNLATCHED AND FLYING FORWARD AND BACK (AS IF SOMEONE WERE TRYING TO ENTER THE BACK SEAT). I CAN PUSH THE SEAT BACK INTO POSITION, BUT IT WILL FLY FORWARD ALL BY ITSELF AT RANDOM. THIS STARTED IMMEDIATELY WITH THE HORN AND PASSENGER PARKING LAMP ISSUE. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND PRESENTS A CHOKING HAZARD, ESPECIALLY IF SOMEONE IS SITTING IN THE SEAT WITH THE SEAT BELT FASTENED. SINCE THE HORN HAS STOPPED WORKING, I AM CONCERNED THAT MY AIR-BAG MAY NOT DEPLOY (CLOCK-SPRING ISSUE) OR IF IT IS THAT TIPM AGAIN. I DON'T THINK I SHOULD NEED TO PAY FOR YET ANOTHER TIPM THIS SHOULD BE COVERED FOR THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE SINCE IT IS A SAFETY HAZARD.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 45 TO 65 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE SHOOK VIOLENTLY OUT OF CONTROL AND CAUSED THE SUSPENSION TO BECOME UNSTABLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO DIAGNOSED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE BALANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO REPLACED THE STEERING DAMPER, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED TWO DAYS AFTER THE REPAIR WAS PERFORMED. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 70,000.
HIT A SMALL BUMP, LEFT TIRE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY, LOSING CONTROL, OVER CURB, HIT POST, DAMAGING FRONT END AND HITTING PASSENGERS HEAD ON WINDSHIELD
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .