2010 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 2010 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
- Fuel system22826.6%
- Airbags15818.4%
- Electrical8710.1%
- Steering667.7%
- Engine536.2%
- Powertrain (other)495.7%
- Suspension424.9%
- Brakes404.7%
- Exterior lighting252.9%
- Driver assistance242.8%
- Transmission222.6%
- Other / unspecified202.3%
- Body & structure151.7%
- Visibility131.5%
- Tires & wheels91.0%
- Interior & seats40.5%
- Seat belts30.3%
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
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
When refueling and the pump shuts off, fuel with then leak back our and will run down the side of the jeep onto the ground. This is a large fire hazard, and there was previously a recall for 2007 and 2008 for this. The dealership states that they have never heard of this, and will not look at it without a full workup and paying up front. This issue is not safe, and I am thinking about getting rid of the vehicle completely due to this. There are are only 77,000 miles on this now so it isn't like I abuse the vehicle
As you were fueling the vehicle it will spit fuel back at you and poor fuel all over the ground and me, many people have this problem there is a recall from 2007 to 2008 but not 2009 through 2010 even though they have the same exact very dangerous issue
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Failure to replace airbags
Most of the dash lights are on scan code U1412. Says traction control not working, ABS not working, speedometer not working, and airbags not working. The Power Control Module (PCM) needs replaced. A known issue with the Jeep Wrangler JKs. No one stocks the parts and used ones are way over priced. How can Jeep not have to replace it or at least stock a replacement part that has the issues resolved?
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Started vehicle and went inside to grab my bag and there was a loud explosion and the engine bay went up in flames. Determined to be electric and originated in or near the TIPM. The vehicle is a total loss, house has damage, and other vehicles.
ABS Module failure. Unable to get replacement. Manufacturer refuses to provide & unable to use used ones due to being programed to Vin#. It has been over 2 years and no resolution in site.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS failing. Loss of Traction Control & Possible Brake Failure. Vehicle Manufacturer failing to provide parts.
The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the tie rod drag link detached, causing the steering wheel to continually spin. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was repaired by a family member at the contact’s residence. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 200,000.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
Started vehicle and went inside to grab my bag and there was a loud explosion and the engine bay went up in flames. Determined to be electric and originated in or near the TIPM. The vehicle is a total loss, house has damage, and other vehicles.
The contact owns a 2010 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked in his driveway three to four feet away from the house the vehicle caught on fire and burned his house down The vehicle and the house was condemned total loss. A Police and Fire report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
I will be driving down the road and a red lighting bolt will flash on my gauges then the jeep will either lose power or shut off. I was almost hit by a semi truck due to this. Once I cycle the key goes away till the next time it happens. Also the brake assist will randomly kick on typically applying braking power to the left rear passenger tire. This is not fixed by cycling the key. Jeep has recalled newer Wranglers for these exact issues but when I contacted Jeep they said it would cost me out of pocket
When starting the vehicle the check engine light comes on. Including the low tire pressure sensor comes on. The tires have been repaired yet the pressure system still says low. The car when shortly after it's been turned on only going several miles an hour and staying about 2RPMs starts to kick forward in a abrupt motion as if it wants to accelerate. Sometimes it's a hit or miss to start the car so I have to put it in neutral to start it. In conclusion everytime the vehicle starts to move from a complete stop or braking a loud clanking noise repeats a 2-3 times (clank,clank,clank) continues then stops after driving continually, then repeats after every stop that is made. I'm not sure what to make of it but my guess it has to do with the braking system even though no warning lights for brakes have come up.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Track bar bracket broke off at 65 mph due to violent steering death wobble. I had no steering when track bar bracket welds broke off axle. No Sterring. Yes, independent. Had to have vehicle toed on flatbed. Yes, Insurance said they will not cover catastrophic failure of the steering or the damage. No warnings other than dramatic front-end vibration that broke off the metal bracket.
Hello, Recently my 2010 Jeep Wrangler has developed the infamous death wobble. It is one of the most terrifying things I've ever experienced. Being on the freeway, doing 75, having my vehicle suddenly start shaking and wobbling like it's coming apart at the seams, and having to come to a complete stop in the middle of rush hour traffic, 3 lanes away from the shoulder has given me extreme anxiety! I have read in depth about this issue, I have read that there have been lawsuits and tech bulletins, but never a recall because "nobody has died from this". Believe me, it's only a matter of time, whether it be a heart attack or an accident, it will happen.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Most of the dash lights are on scan code U1412. Says traction control not working, ABS not working, speedometer not working, and airbags not working. The Power Control Module (PCM) needs replaced. A known issue with the Jeep Wrangler JKs. No one stocks the parts and used ones are way over priced. How can Jeep not have to replace it or at least stock a replacement part that has the issues resolved?
Abs module failed the company no longer makes the chips to repair this module
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a blank instrument cluster, my lights are on and wipers run constantly. No warning before this happened. I cannot turn wipers off or control lights. No safety at night with no interior lights and not to mention. I cannot know how much fuel I have. I have found from research that many Jeep Wrangler owners have the same issue from reading forums. I can disconnect the negative battery cable and it temporarily resets then reverts to the same problem. I have also checked the multifunction switch as I was told could be causing the issue and this is not the case because the issue is still there when the switch was unplugged. I then checked the instrument cluster . Unplugged and plugged back in with only a momentary reset and then back where I started. This is not safe and very frustrating when I know there are Many people with the same issue.
HEADLIGHTS STOP WORKING WHILE DRIVING BECAUSE JEEP KNOWS ABOUT A TIPM ISSUE BUT WILL NOT FIX IT. TIPM issue. This issue is common and described across the web but is a safety hazard! The headlights will flash 3-5 times then completely shut off. Restarting the Jeep and disconnecting the battery does not help. Jeep dealer says circuit in the TIPM is the issue and that this is common! Lordy have mercy for all the vecs on the road when my headlights started flashing at them and then went out on, of course, an unlit section of the road. But the crazier part is Jeep knew this could happen and doesn't warn the customers. I sure did not know that I might be driving blind at night becoming a safety hazard. The lights then decide to not work for a few days before going back to being reliable for anywhere from weeks to months until you happen to drive at night again and bam they go out again. Luckily the runner/ fog lights are unaffected but as a primary vehicle I can not just keep taking ubers every time it is dark outside! This is such a serious safety issue to loose your lights while driving! There are two common fixes for this. One you buy the TIPM or two you buy non stock headlights and reroute them to your own switch but for most of us, buying a part that Jeep knows will break is crazy and not practical (plus WE the consumer didn't know it would) and the alternative of having to buy a different company's lights to buy pass the wiring in just crazy. It is such a serious issue I do not understand why there is no recall! I'm also so unsure if I can even pass a safety inspection anymore. Also the automatic fuel stopper does not work which is ANOTHER know glitch with the TIPM. This is okay if you know about it because you can hold the handle the whole time while filling up but you can not trust it alone. It isn't like it is all the time either. Just enough to keep you on your toes and plosion the ground with spillage. The first time is scary though.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
Most of the dash lights are on scan code U1412. Says traction control not working, ABS not working, speedometer not working, and airbags not working. The Power Control Module (PCM) needs replaced. A known issue with the Jeep Wrangler JKs. No one stocks the parts and used ones are way over priced. How can Jeep not have to replace it or at least stock a replacement part that has the issues resolved?
ABS failing. Loss of Traction Control & Possible Brake Failure. Vehicle Manufacturer failing to provide parts.
Transmission
Reports naming the automatic or manual transmission, including shifting behaviour, shudder, slipping and transmission control modules.
From owner reports, verbatim
SUBMISSION FROM CONSTITUENT RE 2010 JEEP RECALL NOTICE FROM CHRYSLER. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED SHE HAS MADE SEVERAL ATTEMPTS TO GET HER VEHICLE FIXED, BUT THE DEALERSHIP WOULD TAKE A LOOK AT THE NOTICE, AND SAY THEY WOULD GET BACK TO HER.
2010 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER STATES PROBLEM WITH BUSTED BOOT AND VIBRATION WHILE DRIVING WHICH WORSENS AS SPEED INCREASES. *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED HE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER FOUR TIMES, WITH NO RESOLUTION. THE DEALER REPLACED THE DRIVE SHAFT, INPUT SHAFT, TORQUE CONVERTOR AND A WORN DRUM. *JB
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
I purchased the vehicle from Loperena Auto Sales based on a video and phone conversation with Eddie Loperena who said nothing was wrong with the vehicle expect maybe a left front tire. On March 31 I wired ($14, 995.00) to Loperena Auto. I hired a transportation company to transport the vehicle to my home address in Bedford NH - the vehicle arrived with a ripped temporary plate, 1 key, copies of Bill of Sale but NO TITLE.He informed me the title was coming (On April 20th still no title) and to relax. I ordered four new tires (as they were all bad and would not pass inspection) and they arrived a few days ago so I took the Jeep to Tire Warehouse and they said the vehicle has some issues and they recommended I take the vehicle to a mechanic. I texted Eddie from Lopererna who informed me that this was a used vehicle and he does not check anything in his cars including brakes, engines nothing - this was a completely different tune than when I spoke with him before when he said nothing was wrong with the vehicle. He then called me a text gangster, so I called him and became belligerent and asked me if I knew who I as dealing with and come down to the dealership.I told him the car needed work which was different than what he told me on the phone before purchasing the vehicle and he again said he never checks his cars.. they are used cars. I took the vehicle to my local mechanic and he said the car was a lemon. The car needs new front bearings, two new U joints and if they are stuck to the front axle then a new front axle, rear axle seal and additional bearings. He then said there is so much OIL on the engine that it is a fire hazard (Must not be Driven) and he cannot determine where the oil is coming from without pressure washing the Engine but at a minimum the whole engine needs to be resealed. Answers: Engine, Tires and Axle failed inspection and yes. Definite safety risk! Inspected by mechanics and police. NO Lights at all and only made aware at mechanics shop
AFTER RESEARCHING THE INTERNET I CAM ACROSS THE ACRONYM OF THE ISSUE. WHAT HAPPENED IS EXACTLY DESCRIBED IN THIS ARTICLE AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE." HTTP://ABC7NEWS.COM/ARCHIVE/8547340/ THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE I'M DRIVING AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OR HIGH SPEED. IF I HIT A DIP OR TURN AT A AVERAGE TO HIGH SPEED MY JEEP SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY. TODAY I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE 60 EASTBOUND IN THE HIGH SPEED LANE GOING THE SPEED LIMIT (CRUISE CONTROL). MY JEEP HIT A DIP AND SHOOK SO UNCONTROLLABLY I ALMOST HAD TO DO A COMPLETE STOP ON THE FREEWAY. I TRIED THE BEST I COULD TO MERGE TO THE SLOW SPEED LANE TO POSSIBLY EXIT THE FREEWAY. A FEW VEHICLES WERE BEHIND ME WHEN THIS HAPPENED AND IT ALMOST CAUSED A SEVERE ACCIDENT. IT LITERALLY FEELS LIKE THE AXEL IS GOING TO SNAP IN HALF OR THE VEHICLE MAY EVEN FLIP IF THE SHAKING WERE TO CONTINUE. WHEN THE VEHICLE IS SHAKING LIKE THIS THE ONLY WAY I'VE EXPERIENCED FOR IT TO STOP IS QUICKLY SLOWING DOWN ALMOST TO A COMPLETE STOP. IF I SLOW DOWN SLOWLY IT STILL SHAKES UNCONTROLLABLY SO MUCH SO THAT IT PUTS ME IN THE OTHER LANE. THIS ISSUE NEEDS TO BE FIXED AND CAN MOST DEFINITELY KILL SOMEONE. THIS HAPPENED TODAY AT LEAST 3 TIMES. I THEN FINALLY PUT MY VEHICLE IN FOUR WHEEL DRIVE AT 2H WHILE DRIVING FEARING IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN, MY AXEL MAY BREAK; OR WORSE MY LIFE TAKEN. BEFORE THIS INCIDENT I'D SAY IT'S HAPPENED EVERY NOW AND THEN. APPROX. ONCE EVERY 3-6 MONTHS SINCE I GOT THE VEHICLE. I ALSO HAVE MY TIRES ROTATED EVERY TIME I GET MY OIL CHANGED AT 3,000 MILES. THIS SHOULD NOT BE HAPPENING
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The muffler heat shield has become detached from all 4 fasteners and drops onto the top of the muffler. When starting the engine could hear a loud metal banging noise from the rear of the vehicle. Where the heat shield attaches to the body on 4 studs and is held in place by 4 zinc plated pal nuts, around the pal nuts the heat shield corrodes and separates from the zinc pal nuts allowing the heat shield to fall onto the muffler. On the Jeep Wrangler forums this is a widely discussed topic happening to many Jeep Wrangler owners from about the 2007 model year to about the 2015 model year. Some have just removed the heat shield by themselves and other have reportedly taken the Jeep Wrangler to Jeep or Chrysler dealerships where they have removed the heat shield. Is there a safety risk?? Not sure, but the manufacture installed the heat shield for a reason. This component, if there for a safety reason, should last almost the life of the vehicle. Only have 48K on the odometer.
JEEP HOOD FLUTTER AT 55MPH OR GREATER WITH NO MODIFICATIONS FROM STOCK HOOD. HOOD FLUTTER BECOMES VIOLENT AT 70MPH OR GREATER TO WHERE HOOD APPEARS TO LIFT OFF THE JEEP WHILE BEING LATCHED DOWN.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have a blank instrument cluster, my lights are on and wipers run constantly. No warning before this happened. I cannot turn wipers off or control lights. No safety at night with no interior lights and not to mention. I cannot know how much fuel I have. I have found from research that many Jeep Wrangler owners have the same issue from reading forums. I can disconnect the negative battery cable and it temporarily resets then reverts to the same problem. I have also checked the multifunction switch as I was told could be causing the issue and this is not the case because the issue is still there when the switch was unplugged. I then checked the instrument cluster . Unplugged and plugged back in with only a momentary reset and then back where I started. This is not safe and very frustrating when I know there are Many people with the same issue.
THE CENTER CONSOLE GETS HOT (LIKE WORRY ABOUT A FIRE HOT) , THE RADIO WILL NOT WORK SOMETIMES, SOMETIMES THE RADIO WILL BE ON BUT YOU CAN NOT SHUT IT OFF OR TURN THE STATION OR ANYTHING WITH IT, NOW THE WIPERS WILL NOT SHUT OFF, IT WILL NOT COME OUT OF PARK, RANDOM LIGHTS COME ON ON THE DASH AND GO OFF, THE WINDOWS AND BLINKERS DO NOT WORK. THANK GOD MINE HAPPENED WHILE IN THE PARKING LOT AT WORK AND NOT DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH HEADING HOME AS I TAKE 95 HOME FROM WORK. .SO MANY PEOPLE ARE COMPLAINING ON LINE. LOOK IT UP
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
I WAS DRIVING ON THE PA TURNPIKE. I WAS DOING THE SPEED LIMIT. NOTHING ON THE ROAD, NO IMPACT. ALL OF A SUDDEN THE CAR STARTS TO SHAKE AND I COULD TELL SOMETHING WAS WRONG. *TR
I HAVE A 2010 JEEP WRANGLER THAT I RUN ON MAIL ROUTES. THE TPMS ALWAYS GOES OFF AND I TAKE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THIS. FOR SAFETY REASONS, I PUT THE SPARE TIRE INSIDE SO I HAVE A BETTER VIEW IN MY REAR WINDOW SO I CAN SEE WHO IS BEHIND ME. I DROVE THE JEEP A FEW MONTHS LIKE THIS AND HAD NO PROBLEM THEN ONE DAY THE TPMS LIGHT AND CHIME GOES OFF EACH TIME I START THE JEEP. THE DEALERSHIP IS GUESSING IT MIGHT BE THE SPARE TIRE THAT IS INSIDE. I EMAILED CHRYSLER A NUMBER OF TIMES TO FIX THE ISSUE AND THEY REFUSE TO FIX THE ISSUE BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP EXCUSE IS THE SPARE TIRE IS ON THE INSIDE INSTEAD OF THE OUTSIDE. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO GET THIS FIXED OR IS THERE NOTHING I CAN DO AT ALL BECAUSE THE DEALERSHIP AND CHRYSLER REFUSES TO HELP? WOULD THIS NOT BE AGAINST THE LAW IF THIS IS FAULTY AND THEY ALSO TOLD ME IT WOULD BE AGAINST THE LAW TO TURN THE TPMS OFF OR LOWER THE POUNDS PER TIRE? THE DEALERSHIP SAID THEY WENT OVER ALL THE TROUBLESHOOTING INSTRUCTIONS FROM CHRYSLER AND THEY CAN NOT FIND THE ISSUE TO FIX THIS PROBLEM. *TR
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
2010 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE HOOD PROBLEMS. *SMD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE DRIVING IN WINDY CONDITIONS, THE HOOD WOULD RAPIDLY MOVE UP AND DOWN, ONE TO TWO INCHES. THE DEALERSHIP RECOMMENDED BUYING AFTER MARKET HOOD LATCHES TO HELP PREVENT THE PROBLEM.
THE PASSENGER SEAT ON THE JEEP DOES NOT LOCK IN PLACE, WHEN YOU TRY TO ENTER THE BACK SEAT. THE PASSENGER NORMALLY WILL GRAB HOLD OF THE SEAT ON ENTRY, OR EXIT OF THE JEEP. IT IS USTABLE AND SLIDES AND CAUSES THE PASSENGER TO FALL OR STUMBLE OUT OF REAR SEAT. IT NEEDS TO BE ABLE TO MOVE FORWARD AND LOCK. *KB
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO USE THE PASSENGER SIDE SEAT BELT, THE SEAT BELT WOULD NOT LATCH TO SECURE THE CONTACT. THE FAILURE WAS INTERMITTENT. ALSO, WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE FUEL CAP WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING, BUT THE DETAILS OF THE DIAGNOSIS COULD NOT BE PROVIDED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 48,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 JEEP WRANGLER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE SEAT BELT BUCKLE WOULD NOT LATCH SECURELY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE PROBLEM. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.
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 .