Defect Alert – Death Wobble in Jeep Wranglers
While we have repeatedly discussed the water leak problem that is occurring in thousands of Jeep Wrangler vehicles, we have also seen several Wrangler cases with a less-discussed problem, something called a “death wobble.” We have succeeded in cases regarding this issue and we thought it was important to bring the matter to Wrangler drivers’ attention.
The “death wobble” occurs when the axle begins oscillating at a very fast pace, causing the car to shake in an uncontrollable manner. It feels as if the driver has little to no control over the vehicle when this is happening.
While the problem is easy to diagnose, there is no simple way to fix it. Service managers may investigate your alignment, steering components, ball joints and tires, but they still may not be able to find a fix.
If you experience this problem, it is important that you bring your Wrangler to an authorized Jeep dealership as soon as possible. Offer to take the adviser on a test drive so they can duplicate the situation. Remember under State Lemon Laws, you could be entitled to remedy if the vehicle is in the shop an extended period of time to address the “death wobble.” In certain states, such as New Jersey and Ohio, the Lemon Law only allows the manufacturer one attempt to fix the problem, so if you have to return the Wrangler a second time, make sure that you contact us or another Lemon Law Firm to find our your rights and what you are entitled to.
This is not an issue which should be taken lightly. If you have experienced this issue, please share your story with us. We will be glad to help in any way possible.
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December 18th, 2011 at 1:07 am
I purchased this 2007 jeep wrangler on Nov. 28 this year and I didn’t even make it home and it did this *death wobble*. I took it back to the dealer and they said they would fix it. They kept it 2 days and said it was fixed. I drove it to work 2 days later and it did the same thing. I took it back again and they kept it 3 days and then the sales manager called me and said that he was not going to fix it nor was he going to spend any more money on it and for me to come and get it that he wanted it off his lot. He used more colorful language but I will leave that out. Now this jeep has been just sitting in my drive because I can’t drive it like that. I don’t know what to do. I am making payments on this vehicle and I can’t even drive it. Can someone please help me?
December 19th, 2011 at 5:53 pm
I want you to please contact a lawyer in your state ASAP: Visit http://www.lemonlaw.com/lemon-law-firm.html for a link.
December 26th, 2011 at 6:39 pm
I have a 2007 Sahara Unlimited 4×4 Jeep Wrangler. When my Jeep shook the 1st time I had no idea what was wrong. The entire thing started shaking & I pulled over on the side of the road & it stopped. It’s done it about 10 times, since I’ve purchased the Jeep. We are taking it to the dealership tomorrow.
January 5th, 2012 at 11:15 pm
I have had a 2009 Jeep Wrangler since March 2010. It did the “Death Wobble” for the first time last week. I was on the highway and I was lucky to keep it in my own lane, needless to say I was terrified when it happened. Since the Jeep is not under warranty, I have not taken it to a Jeep dealer, but had my local mechanic check it out. He had done some research and checked the Jeep out, and tightened some screws that apparently are not the right size for the vehicle. And it didn’t help. I e-mailed Jeep about it, and of course they just said to bring it into a dealership. That will be my next step. I am scared to drive it on bumpy roads or over 50 mph. Jeep seriously needs to do something about this!
February 20th, 2012 at 12:20 pm
I bought a new 2008 Jeep Wrangler X (2door) and have loved it. Last month I started experiencing the “death wobble” while driving to work. Now I am afraid to drive it anywhere. I live in the NYC area so bumps are more than common, making every road a very dangerous trip for my jeep. I am looking for a dealer who has had experience solving this problem since there are many websites about it and dealers in other parts of the country that claim to be very experienced with solving this issue; and there are even more websites with drivers saying the dealers charged $500 and still didn’t fix the problem. The northeast seems to be void of any experienced dealers.
March 5th, 2012 at 4:32 pm
Hi:
I have had my car for 7 years and now is the third time I’ve had to take the car in for the death wobble in the past two years. Chrysler says I have to pay to have a diagnosis done and the dealership wants me to pay to have them take apart the axle. I can’t afford that. Warranty department says they won’t cover it. I would love some advice.
Also anyone know why there hasn’t been a class action lawsuit filed against Chrysler for the death wobble? Everyone I have spoken to from customer care to warranty to service departments are well aware of it. If you’re interested in organizing or getting a class action lawsuit going, email me at UndiscoveredEarth@gmail.com
March 5th, 2012 at 8:50 pm
I have a 2007 Jeep Wrangler. It’s got the “Death Wobble”. Been to the shop twice now.
I want to be included in any action taken Jeep.
Please contact me.
March 6th, 2012 at 4:56 pm
Once you are in a third time, call us at 1 800 LEMON LAW.
March 24th, 2012 at 12:21 am
Ive own my 09 jeep wrangler jk (2 door) for three years. I just recently developed this death wobble. Being a college student I cannot afford dealer prices. From the research I’ve done, this does seem more as a malfunction in the jeep then simply miss use. I’d love to take part in any further steps in getting this problem fixed. Ps… I read a news report saying this problem has been sent to congress and is currently being addressed with the national agency of highway safety. There is said to be a responce no later then April 2. If you would like me to post more on this situation as it progresses let me know. Email me at acham2006@hotmail.com
April 17th, 2012 at 12:23 pm
Have a 2006 wrangler. Had death wobble last April 2011 took it to the dealership. They diagnosed a steering damper leak and replaced it. Then we had a cracked motor mount replaced. Was fine until a month ago and death wobble is back. Can not drive out of the wobble, have to stop completely which is extremely dangerous!! Bringing it back to dealership tomorrow. Scary stuff!!