2011 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 2011 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
- Airbags14522.5%
- Fuel system9915.4%
- Electrical8312.9%
- Steering589.0%
- Engine426.5%
- Suspension396.1%
- Powertrain (other)325.0%
- Driver assistance294.5%
- Brakes284.3%
- Body & structure284.3%
- Visibility142.2%
- Seat belts111.7%
- Other / unspecified91.4%
- Interior & seats91.4%
- Exterior lighting81.2%
- Transmission81.2%
- Tires & wheels20.3%
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
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the air bag warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the clock spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 173,000.
Airbag deployed, vehicle collision did not occur
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
(1) Since October, I have had airbag failure in my Wrangler Rubicon. The failure is the 2nd time for the same defective parts. Jeep has failed to repair/replace the parts. I've been waiting for two months. I cannot drive with no airbags. It's a death sentence and SUICIDE to drive without airbags. There is a recall on this same defect issue, yet Jeep has continued to ignore this issue. (2) Jeep repaired a recall on my sidemirror defrosters a few years ago. After their repair, the defroster never worked again. (3) My heated seats failed to work, due to known defects. I've been without the deated seats for more than 2 years now! Jeep refuses to fix their defects.
The check-valve nipple on the gas tank of my 2011 Jeep Wrangler is broken. You can see it and smell the gas vapors leaking from this nipple. The vehicle has 86K miles. The Jeep failed our Delaware state inspection because the check engine light came on. The Jeep smells like gas and in addition to harmful vapors, it is a serious safety issue and an explosion danger. Two service stations attempted to fix this without success. The error code is P0455 for an emissions leak. The most recent service station ordered several previously-owned Jeep gas tanks but they all had this same failure. They next ordered a new gas tank from Jeep which was out of stock for several months, indicating they can not keep up with the demand for these failing nipples. When the new gas tank finally came in, this same nipple was broken and this was a brand new gas tank. If you go on line, you will see this is a common problem and a safety issue. As a former engineer for Ford Motor Company, it is clear Jeep has a design flaw that will break and cause a safety risk to customers. The material is wrong for this application, and there is not enough strain relief where this nipple is located. It will inevitably break on all Jeeps at some point in time causing this safety risk. I told the service station that there is no reason to replace the gas tank because this nipple will simply fail again. They have other Jeeps they are working on with this same problem so had no problem canceling my service request. Please address this problem with Jeep before someone is injured or killed.
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
Jeep just quit while driving. Towed to dealership….dealership told us it was the TIPM and they couldn’t get another one for at least a year. No other options given. Had to tow the vehicle to my house from there!!!!! This is a known problem/recall for my Jeep her but for some reason my VIN number is not part of the recall…even tho it is obviously the same exact issue of your recall!!!!
I have had my transmission in my jeep Wrangler fixed five times it is still barely working. As well as I am having an extremely bad death wobble when I drive, which is very unsafe for me and my son when we are in the vehicle. We have been trying to keep getting it fixed, but it seems like nothing is working. As well as my lights have been going in and out on my dashboard, which is again unsafe during the night. I am afraid for me and my sons safety and we are not wanting to keep driving this vehicle as well it barely passed emissions so I can get my tag for my plates. We are wanting to get something safer for me and my family.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag deployed, vehicle collision did not occur
My jeep wrangler Abs module has failed and needs to be replaced. But Jeep decided not to make this part anymore and now me and a LOT of others can’t get a new abs Module. My jeep is way too dangerous to drive now. When accelerating from a stop the vehicle barely kicks in like the tires don’t know what direction to move. When I’m coming to a stop the breaks don’t work right due to the ABS module. This is a big safety concern and jeep needs to be held accountable and fix this issue. This is a major issue and needs to addressed before people get into accidents. I’m sure some people already have.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
I have had my transmission in my jeep Wrangler fixed five times it is still barely working. As well as I am having an extremely bad death wobble when I drive, which is very unsafe for me and my son when we are in the vehicle. We have been trying to keep getting it fixed, but it seems like nothing is working. As well as my lights have been going in and out on my dashboard, which is again unsafe during the night. I am afraid for me and my sons safety and we are not wanting to keep driving this vehicle as well it barely passed emissions so I can get my tag for my plates. We are wanting to get something safer for me and my family.
My vehicle is having a start issue…if I can get it to start…it Wii die when trying to drive it…then takes numerous tries to get it to start if it will…. It is doing everything in the recall 14V-438 …not sure why my vehicle is not part of the 640,000 + vehicles that were recalled on this….especially since I am having this major issue…any help would b appreciated..this started in April right b4 we were headed to our main house and we had to leave the vehicle here because we had to be back north. Just got back to Florida and now needing to get this taken care of. I have a case # [XXXX] thru Jeep CS but they act like they can not help only you? Hopefully u can. [XXXX]. Thx in advance…INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
Airbag deployed, vehicle collision did not occur
All of my wires on the drivers side is unhooked and hanging. All of my emergency light have came on. The car is running hot and not catching up on proper speed. The car wobbles left and right when going over 40mph. My reverse camera is hanging covering my license plate causing m to consistently get pulled over. There are a lot of safety concerns. The dealer used profanity towards me and told me he was not fixing anything, I better use my warranty. I got what I got!
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
1. Battery, then alternator, now powertrain control module. 2. Yes, could have been stuck on one of the busiest roads in town. 3. Driving home from work and noticed my radio went off and the noticed lights flashing on my dashboard. My car was chugging so pulled off the road. Once on the side, it just shut down. Tried to restart and nothing happened. Called AAA and they said I needed a new battery and told me my alternator was in the danger mode. Took my jeep to a car repair service and told me they had to replace the alternator, but that this a common problem with my year jeep and it still won't be fixed and battery will still die again because the powertrain control module needs to be replaced. Gave me documents that show the number of jeeps brought into their service center with the same problem. Can't get into a jeep dealership for service until August 29, 2 2024. 4. The engine light has been on for a long time but everyone told me it wasn't anything to worry about, a electronic issue. Low tire light would come on and off at various times for a few years and tires would not be low. Also, my passenger side airbag light comes on and off all the time in the past 6 months. I believe this was a recall and was supposed to be fixed. Obviously this has all been part of the powertrain control module not working correctly. All other lights that came on when my battery died never came on before that incident.
I have been experiencing the "death Wobble" for many years, and have gone to various shops to find out the problem but have not been able to fix the "death wobble". The entire car shakes and vibrates uncontrollably when I drive on the free way over a bump, or even when I drive on a regular street and hit a bump. The shaking doesn't stop until I come to a complete stop, and that is very dangerous on the freeway. Once the "death wobble" is going on braking and controlling the jeep are nearly impossible. I have recently found out about a class action lawsuit for this very problem, and I believe my car qualifies to be part of this. I have not been able to document this because it doesn't always happen, and when it does I don't have a camera running.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
ABS Module problem that was affecting the performance of my 2011 Jeep Wrangler JKU to the point I almost had to stop driving it cause it wouldn't change out of 1st gear. This particular module in my jeep is on back order due to engineer review and the release date keeps getting pushed out. Dealer has to program VIN to match the Jeep if and when they ever get any in stock. The part needed is Anti-Lock Brake System Module - Mopar (68089120AB) I have found similar parts on Amazon, but I see prices from $500 - $3000.
The horn, cruise control and radio controls on the steering wheel don't work. The dealership has advised that this repair will cost $1,400 plus if it is not covered by a recall. The diagnostic does not show any codes, but the general consensus is that the symptoms are caused by a failed clock spring. I bought the jeep in this condition.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Brake, abs and traction dash lights come on permanently. Code pulled is C2200, abs internal failure. Replacement or repair parts unavailable due to manufacturer hold due to engineering issues. Can’t drive due to NC safety inspection fail.
My jeep wrangler Abs module has failed and needs to be replaced. But Jeep decided not to make this part anymore and now me and a LOT of others can’t get a new abs Module. My jeep is way too dangerous to drive now. When accelerating from a stop the vehicle barely kicks in like the tires don’t know what direction to move. When I’m coming to a stop the breaks don’t work right due to the ABS module. This is a big safety concern and jeep needs to be held accountable and fix this issue. This is a major issue and needs to addressed before people get into accidents. I’m sure some people already have.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hood latches failed 3 days after vehicle purchase. Hood blew into the windshield obstructing my view at highway speeds. Dealership claims they are not responsible for damages as the vehicle was sold as is, but states the vehicle passed safety inspections and was able to be driven on public roads. Insurance company is currently investigating. No warning lamps upon incident.
FUEL OVERFLOWS WHILE FILLING TANK. FUEL SPILLS ON PEOPLE, VEHICLE, AND GROUND.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wipers immediately stopped working during heavy snow and rain mix. After spending a lot of money and time trying to repair they still did not work. All fuses and wires as well as wiper arms were inspected, the wiper motor and multifunction swith were replaced, my battery was replaced and no wipers. After verifying electrical circuits and power to the wiper motor, it was determined to be an issue in the tipm, apparently a frequent issue with Jeep vehicles. This is a dangerous issue that can cause accidents and certainly does not allow a vehicle to pass a state safety inspection, as in my case. This is an expensive repair that Jeep should be responsible for bt recalling these units on the Wranglers that are so often affected!
TIPM failure. Lights, Turn Signals, Fuel Pump, Windshield wiper malfunctions. 89,000 miles on car. Wipers went to constant on. Lights went to off. Turn signals ceased working. This was a know issue for Chrysler. The TIPM was recalled on other Jeep and Chrysler models.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2011 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that occasionally while driving at various speeds, the air bags warning light illuminated. In addition, the seat belt warning light would illuminate while driving downhill. The check engine warning light illuminated on the day the vehicle was purchased. The contact scanned the vehicle with an OBD2 scanner and retrieved a code that the battery might have been disconnected. An appointment was scheduled with the dealer to inspect the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.
The clutch. I was driving down the freeway and the clutch went out. Yes, Champion Jeep Dodge confirm the clutch system went out. Yes, I was told they do not cover the clutch. There was no one he signed symptoms or problems. I did take it back to AutoNation on 2 other occasion complaining about the brakes and the emergency. I have had this vehicle less than 7 months and had nothing but problems. I paid Auto Nation $6,500 for this Lemon vehicle & purchase the extend warranty plus, because I was told if anything breaks down with this vehicle, I would be covered bumper to bumper on this vehicle within the 2-year time period, under this extended warranty plus. Todd told me It would cover everything under the warranty and specifically the clutch, transmission, motor & electronics. My brother asked Todd several times precisely about the clutch and was told yes with the extended warranty plus, it covers everything major on this vehicle. With the Extended Warranties Plus, You ARE COVERED BUMPER to BUMPER, this is the most comprehensive coverage. NOW, I am asking you to put me in another vehicle until you get this figured out. I am requesting Auto Nation to get me in another vehicle, because I believe this is a LEMON vehicle and I am tired of all the problems with this truck. If you can assure me that Y'all is going to handle this ongoing problem with my Jeep. This Jeep was at Delta World Tire June 13 – 19 and then I transferred to Champion Chrysler Dodge Jeep on the 19th of June waiting for approval. Auto Nation extended warranty denied claim on vehicle (Denial Reason for the Case [XXX]). Delta World tire was the Preferred shop but was behind in workload and short on mechanics. So, I had to tow it to Champion Jeep Dodge. So please let me know how much longer it is going to take to decide what you all going to do about the LEMON vehicle you sold me and when to come over to Mobile and pick up another vehicle. I Anticipate and answer immediately! I have a letter I wrote INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF IN
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Wheel studs sheared off on the highway and the tire dismounted from the vehicle while in transit. Wheel studs are being replaced but will be available for inspection. The wheel hit another car and this could have caused a worse accident as there were no functioning brakes and steering was impacted. No advanced warnings were present.
THE ON GOING DEATH WOBBLE ISSUE. THIS LAST INCIDENT , I WAS COMING HOME FROM WORK ON THE FLORIDA TURNPIKE DOING ABOUT 60 MPH AND IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND I LOST TOTAL CONTROL OF THE JEEP AND ALMOST GOT HIT BY AN 18 WHEELER... LUCKILY I MANAGED TO CUT TO MY RIGHT BEFORE HE HIT ME.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
Hood latches failed 3 days after vehicle purchase. Hood blew into the windshield obstructing my view at highway speeds. Dealership claims they are not responsible for damages as the vehicle was sold as is, but states the vehicle passed safety inspections and was able to be driven on public roads. Insurance company is currently investigating. No warning lamps upon incident.
(1) Since October, I have had airbag failure in my Wrangler Rubicon. The failure is the 2nd time for the same defective parts. Jeep has failed to repair/replace the parts. I've been waiting for two months. I cannot drive with no airbags. It's a death sentence and SUICIDE to drive without airbags. There is a recall on this same defect issue, yet Jeep has continued to ignore this issue. (2) Jeep repaired a recall on my sidemirror defrosters a few years ago. After their repair, the defroster never worked again. (3) My heated seats failed to work, due to known defects. I've been without the deated seats for more than 2 years now! Jeep refuses to fix their defects.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
TIPM failure. Lights, Turn Signals, Fuel Pump, Windshield wiper malfunctions. 89,000 miles on car. Wipers went to constant on. Lights went to off. Turn signals ceased working. This was a know issue for Chrysler. The TIPM was recalled on other Jeep and Chrysler models.
WHILE HEADLIGHTS/FOG LIGHTS ON, RIGHT TURN SIGNAL ON AS VEHICLE MAKING TURN FOG LIGHTS GO OFF. INTERMITTENT SOUND WITH AM-FM PART OF RADIO, SATELLITE PART WORKS FINE .
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 2011 JEEP WRANGLER. AT VARIOUS TIMES, THERE WAS AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND THE ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE HESITATED WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO LEAKING OIL FREQUENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TORQUE CONVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 69,000.
2011 JEEP WRANGLER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO VEHICLE CLUTCH ISSUES *TGW THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE SITTING IN TRAFFIC, SHE BEGAN TO SMELL TRANSMISSION FLUID AND THEN AN ELECTRICAL BURNING SMELL. THEN A YELLOW LIGHT ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD AND THERE WAS SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD ON THE PASSENGER SIDE. THE POLICE AND FIRE TRUCK WERE CALLED TO THE SCENE. THE FIRE FIGHTER LIFTED THE HOOD AND THERE WAS A SMELL OF TRANSMISSION FLUID AND A BURNING ELECTRICAL SMELL, BUT THE SMOKE HAD DISSIPATED AND THERE WAS NO FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER. A DIAGNOSIS REVEALED THE CLUTCH OVERHEATED BY DRIVING IN FIRST GEAR AS THE CONSUMER INCHED HER WAY UP A HILL. THE DEALER STATED THE PROBLEM STARTED WITH THE CLUTCH SENSOR OVERHEATING AND THAT LEAD TO THE FLYWHEEL OVERHEATING. THE CLUTCH PRESSURE PLATE WAS REPLACED. *JB
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2011 JEEP WRANGLER EQUIPPED WITH FEDERAL COURAGIA A/T TIRES, SIZE: 265/75R16. WHILE DRIVING AT ANY SPEED, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND MADE A LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A MECHANIC, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE VIN WAS EXCLUDED FROM NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13T003000 (TIRES). THE TIRES HAD NOT BEEN REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE VEHICLE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 60,000 AND THE TIRE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
WE HAD THREE BLOW OUTS ON GOODYEAR TIRES WITH LESS THAN 15,000 MILES ON A 50000 MILE TIRE IN LESS THAN 1 MILE ON A STATE GRAVEL ROAD. WE WERE ONLY GOING 20 MPH AND THE BELTS BROKE IN THE THICKEST PART OF THE TIRE. I WAS BEING FOLLOWED BY ANOTHER PERSON ON THE THIRD ONE. GOODYEAR IS NOT STANDING BEHIND TIRES SAYING I WAS OFF-ROADING ON A STATE ROAD. IF I WAS GOING ANY FASTER I WOULD OF FLIPPED. I TALKED WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND ARE HAVING PROBLEMS AFTER 15,000 MILES. I COULD UNDERSTAND WITH ONE , MAYBE TWO TIRES, BUT THREE AT20MPH WITH A SHORT DISTANCE. GOODYEAR TOLD ME THE TIRES ARE NOT TO BE DRIVEN ON GRAVEL. 90 PERCENT OF PEOPLE DRIVE ON SOME TYPE DURING THE LIFE OF TIRE. THEY WERE BEING SOLD IN A AREA WERE GRAVEL IS PREVALENT AND THEY ARE NOT SAFE. NO TIRE SHOULD FAIL IN THIS WAY AT 20 MPH WITH A BELT BREAK WITH A SMALL ROCK LIKE WOULD BE FOUND ON MANY HIGHWAYS IN MANY SITUATIONS. THESE ARE GOODYEAR WRANGLERS SR-A MADE FOR OFF ROAD VEHICLES SUCH AS 4X4S, TRUCKS AND MANY OTHER VEHICLES MADE FOR DIRT. *TR
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 .