← New search

2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Limited comparison data

There is not enough comparable history to draw a useful model-year comparison.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

151 reports with mileage · 14 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Air Bags. Review the 47 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Steering. Review the 34 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Suspension. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

2 crash reports3 fire reports3 injury reports

Suspension complaints

32 reports
Clear category filter
41,000 miles · Oct 21, 2011
SteeringSuspensionUnknown Or Other

JEEP FRONT END BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN CROSSING HIGHWAY SEAMS, SMALL BUMPS, ETC ESPECIALLY WHEN TIRES HIT THEM ONE TIRE AT A TIME. JEEP MUST BE STOPPED TO CORRECT SHAKING. NO MODIFICATIONS COMPLETELY STOCK. DEALER CLAIMS EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH VEHICLE AND IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. HAS HAPPENED MU…

Read full complaint

JEEP FRONT END BEGINS TO VIOLENTLY SHAKING CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN CROSSING HIGHWAY SEAMS, SMALL BUMPS, ETC ESPECIALLY WHEN TIRES HIT THEM ONE TIRE AT A TIME. JEEP MUST BE STOPPED TO CORRECT SHAKING. NO MODIFICATIONS COMPLETELY STOCK. DEALER CLAIMS EVERYTHING IS GOOD WITH VEHICLE AND IN PROPER WORKING ORDER. HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES OVER AND OVER. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10432296

28,000 miles · Sep 12, 2011
SteeringSuspension

AT 55 MPH ON INTERSTATE 35 SOUTH OF 635 IN DALLAS MY 2009 JEEP WRANGLER ( WITH 28,000 MILES ) UNLIMITED'S STEERING AND FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY UPON DRIVING ACROSS THE SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE ROAD AND OVERPASS SEAM MEETS ...I HAD TO SLOW TO 35MPH TO GET THE WOBBLING AND SHAKING TO STOP. I HAVE NOW…

Read full complaint

AT 55 MPH ON INTERSTATE 35 SOUTH OF 635 IN DALLAS MY 2009 JEEP WRANGLER ( WITH 28,000 MILES ) UNLIMITED'S STEERING AND FRONT SUSPENSION STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY UPON DRIVING ACROSS THE SECTION OF THE HIGHWAY WHERE THE ROAD AND OVERPASS SEAM MEETS ...I HAD TO SLOW TO 35MPH TO GET THE WOBBLING AND SHAKING TO STOP. I HAVE NOW HAD THIS RE-OCCUR AT LEAST 10 TIMES IN LESS THAN 2000 MILES WITH 6 SERVICES VISITS IN 2000 MILES! ON THE FOURTH VISIT TO THE JEEP DEALER THE SERVICE AGENT ACTUALLY WROTE THAT I WAS EXPERIENCING THE JEEP "DEATH WOBBLE" !! WHAT?!? THE ISSUE ACTUALLY HAS A NAME CALLED THE "DEATH WOBBLE, THAT A CHRYSLER JEEP SERVICE AGENT USES???? MY FIRST VISIT WAS TO NTB TIRE TO GET THE TIRES, ROTATED AND BALANCED, THEN TWO WEEKS LATER AFTER THE SECOND, SAME INCIDENT, I TOOK IT THE LAST 5 TIMES TO HUFFINES JEEP DEALER WHERE THEY , BALANCED THE TIRES 3 MORE TIMES , DID AN ALIGNMENT, TIGHTENED THE FRONT SUSPENSION AND REPLACED THE STEERING STABILIZER TWICE?!? I NOW VIDEO TAPED THE CAR SHAKING PROFUSELY ON HWY35 9/12/11 45 MILES AFTER THE LAST SERVICE VISIT .. NO CLASS ACTION, NO RECALL, HOW DO I SELL THIS DEFECTIVE CAR WITH CARFAX AND NOT TAKE A HUGE LOSS ON THIS MANUFACTURER DEFECT LEMON? *TR

NHTSA ODI #10425098

38,000 miles · Sep 11, 2011
SteeringSuspension

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED (STOCK) APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES INTO A TRIP THE VEHICLE HIT A DEFECT IN THE ROADWAY AT 65MPH AND WE EXPERIENCED SEVERE DEATH WOBBLE, IE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT WAS NOT STEERABLE. WHEN SLOWED TO 30MPH THE CAR RETURNED TO NORMAL …

Read full complaint

WHILE DRIVING ON INTERSTATE 95 IN A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED (STOCK) APPROXIMATELY 60 MILES INTO A TRIP THE VEHICLE HIT A DEFECT IN THE ROADWAY AT 65MPH AND WE EXPERIENCED SEVERE DEATH WOBBLE, IE THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE STARTED SHAKING SO VIOLENTLY THAT IT WAS NOT STEERABLE. WHEN SLOWED TO 30MPH THE CAR RETURNED TO NORMAL AND WE STOPPED TO CHECK THE FRONT COMPONENTS NOTHING WAS BROKEN OR APPEARED TO BE ASKEW. AS WE CONTINUED OUR TRIP WE ENCOUNTERED THE SAME CONDITION/PROBLEM 5 MORE TIMES AT SPEEDS OF ANYWHERE FROM 55-70 MPH AND THIS DID NOT HAPPEN EVERYTIME WE HIT A BUMP/POTHOLE ONLY ON SOME. AFTER THIS CONDITION HAPPENED FOR THE 3RD TIME I JACKED UP THE FRONT END AND CHECKED THELUGS AGAIN NOTHING VISUAL SHOWED WHY THIS WAS HAPPENING. WE HAD TO CANCEL OUR TRIP AT THAT TIME DUE TO THIS SAFETY CONCERN. THE 4TH AND 5TH TIMES WERE ON WHAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE THE RETURN HOME HOWEVER WE EVENTUALLY HAD TO PARK THE VEHICLE UNTIL IT COULD BE LOOKED AT AGAIN. ( MY BEST GUESS IS THAT THE DEALER WILL AGAIN SAY THERE IS NO PROBLEM) THIS VEHICLE WAS RECENTLY SERVICED BY A DEALER AND AFTER THEY WERE TOLD THAT WE HAD THIS PROBLEM WHEN GOING OVER RAILROAD TRACKS AT 40 MPH.THEY COULD NOT RECREATE THE PROBLEM AND TOLD US THAT THERE WAS NO DEFECTS IN THE FRONT SUSPENSION. IN ADDITION 3 DAYS PRIOR TO THIS TRIP WE ALSO HAD THE TIRES AND WHEELS ROTATED AND BALANCED TO SEE IF THIS WOULD FIX THIS CONDITION WHICH I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED ( HOWEVER OWNING A JEEP VEHICLES FOR 24 YEARS I HAVE EXPERIENCED DEATH WOBBLE BEFORE BUT NOT LIKE THIS) BUT MY WIFE HAD. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10424637

17,000 miles · May 24, 2011
Suspension

2009 JEEP WRANGLER X-UNLIMITED (COMPLETELY STOCK) WITH 20K MILES. THIS IS A NOTORIOUS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN LABELED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BY MANY OTHER JEEP OWNERS AFTER A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH, AS WELL AS HORRIFIC YOUTUBE VIDEOS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A POT HOLE OR BRIDGE JOINT INITIATES A HORRIFIC WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END. COUNTLESS I…

Read full complaint

2009 JEEP WRANGLER X-UNLIMITED (COMPLETELY STOCK) WITH 20K MILES. THIS IS A NOTORIOUS PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN LABELED THE "DEATH WOBBLE" BY MANY OTHER JEEP OWNERS AFTER A SIMPLE GOOGLE SEARCH, AS WELL AS HORRIFIC YOUTUBE VIDEOS. AT HIGHWAY SPEEDS, A POT HOLE OR BRIDGE JOINT INITIATES A HORRIFIC WOBBLE IN THE FRONT END. COUNTLESS INCIDENTS OVER THE LAST 3K MILES WHERE THE STEERING WHEEL BEGINS JERKING LEFT AND RIGHT AND TIRES BEGIN HOPPING ON THE ROAD. THE WOBBLE FORCES YOU TO HAVE TO IMMEDIATELY SLOW DOWN AS LOW AS 30 MPH OR EVEN ALMOST STOP TO ELIMINATE THE WOBBLE. ALTHOUGH WE HAVE NOT BEEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO THE WOBBLE, IT IS EXTREMELY LIKELY TO HAPPEN SOMEDAY. SLOWING OR STOPPING SUDDENLY ON A THREE LANE HIGHWAY WHEN OTHER MOTORISTS ARE NOT ANTICIPATING ANY NEED TO STOP OR SLOW WILL RESULT IN A REAR END COLLISION. IF UNABLE TO SAFELY SLOW DOWN, CONTINUING DRIVING WITH THE WOBBLE WILL LIKELY RESULT IN LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. EXTENSIVE RESEARCH ON THIS TOPIC CONCLUDED THAT THERE IS NO KNOWN FIX. MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED TEMPORARY IMPROVEMENT BY CHANGING VARIOUS FRONT END COMPONENTS BUT THE WOBBLE RETURNS. A JEEP ENGINEER STATED "IT IS NOT A JEEP ISSUE IT IS MORE OF AN ISSUE RELATED TO THE FUNDAMENTAL ARCHITECTURE OF A SOLID FRONT AXLE SUSPENSION SYSTEMS". A VERY COMMON PROBLEM, ONSET AT 17K MILES ON OUR JEEP AND AS LOW AS 6K MILES ON OTHER JEEPS, IS A JEEP PROBLEM. BASED ON ACCOUNTS OF MANY OTHER OWNERS, DEALING WITH A JEEP DEALERSHIP IS A VERY LONG PROCESS OF MANY EXPENSIVE REPAIRS, WITH NO END RESULT AND THE PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. THIS IS A SERIOUS PROBLEM THAT I FEEL NEEDS THE ATTENTION OF A HIGHER ENTITY BEFORE THE NUMBER OF PROPERTY DAMAGE OR WORSE, PERSONAL INJURY ACCIDENTS CLIMB AS A RESULT OF THIS 'NON-JEEP' PROBLEM. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10402550

24,923 miles · Apr 26, 2011
Suspension

I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN EXPERIENCING THE "DEATH WOBBLE" THAT A LOT OF JEEPS HAVE EXPERIENCED. I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET REPAIRED BUT THIS IS THE 2ND 4DR JEEP WRANGLER THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN. THE FIRST JEEP WAS MY FATHERS 2007 AND HIS ENDED UP BEING REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE STEERING STABILIZ…

Read full complaint

I HAVE RECENTLY BEEN EXPERIENCING THE "DEATH WOBBLE" THAT A LOT OF JEEPS HAVE EXPERIENCED. I HAVE NOT HAD TIME TO TAKE IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET REPAIRED BUT THIS IS THE 2ND 4DR JEEP WRANGLER THAT I HAVE EXPERIENCED THIS IN. THE FIRST JEEP WAS MY FATHERS 2007 AND HIS ENDED UP BEING REPAIRED BY REPLACING THE STEERING STABILIZER. MY JEEP RECENTLY HAS BEEN DOING THIS WHENEVER I AM ON THE HIGHWAY GOING OVER 60 MPH. THE STEERING WHEEL TURNS BACK AND FOURTH VIOLENTLY AND THE WHOLE FRONT END OF THE JEEP SHAKES SO HARD I FEEL LIKE I CAN HARDLY CONTROL IT. I HAVE TO REDUCE MY SPEED TO ABOUT 35 MPH FOR IT TO FINALLY RECOVER, WHICH IS NOT AN EASY TASK ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. MY WIFE HAS BECOME FRIGHTFUL TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE AND I AM NOT THAT COMFORTABLE MYSELF SINCE IT IS CERTAINLY LACK OF CONTROL OF A MASSIVE AMOUNT OF WEIGHT AT SUCH A HIGH SPEED. THIS IS DEFIANTLY A SAFETY CONCERN AND IT WILL BE AWFUL WHEN SOMEONE'S LIFE WILL BE THE COST TO HAVE THIS BROUGHT TO ATTENTION. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10397511

20,000 miles · Apr 6, 2011
Suspension

2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X 4 DOOR 4X4 STOCK: EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHILE TRAVELING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-65 MPH FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING SMALL OR LARGE BUMPS OR POT HOLES. HAS HAPPENED FOR THE PAST 10,000 MILES AND THE CAR HAS JUST UNDER 30K NOW. SHAKING WAS SO VIOLENT THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE BRO…

Read full complaint

2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X 4 DOOR 4X4 STOCK: EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHILE TRAVELING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 40-65 MPH FRONT END SHAKES VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING SMALL OR LARGE BUMPS OR POT HOLES. HAS HAPPENED FOR THE PAST 10,000 MILES AND THE CAR HAS JUST UNDER 30K NOW. SHAKING WAS SO VIOLENT THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETED STOP EVEN IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY. VERY DANGEROUS AS A CAR SLAMMED ON ITS BRAKES BEHIND ME ON THE LEFT LANE OF THE NJ GARDEN STATE PARKWAY NEARLY SETTING OFF A CHAIN REACTION ACCIDENT. STEERING DAMPER REPLACED BY DEALER CLAIMING THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP IT HAPPENED AGAIN. NEXT TIME THE DEALER REPLACED RUINED BALL BEARINGS DUE TO THE DEATH WOBBLE AND REALIGNED & WHEELS BALANCED AND ROTATED. A FEW DAYS LATER THE VEHICLE HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. MY WIFE IS AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR. PLEASE DON'T WAIT UNTIL SOMEONE IS HURT OR DIES TO INTERVENE. CLEARLY THIS IS A BIG PROBLEM FOR THESE JEEPS, JUST GOOGLE AND YOU WILL SEE MANY COMPLAINTS NOT FORMALLY LODGED HERE! MANUFACTURE NEEDS TO COME OUT WITH A VIABLE RESOLUTION AS THE DEALERS SEEM STUMPED. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10394407

30,000 miles · Mar 3, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED AND BALANCED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAIL…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO WOBBLE EXCESSIVELY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER MANY TIMES AND THEY WERE UNABLE TO RESOLVE THE FAILURE. THE TIRES WERE CHANGED AND BALANCED BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA ODI #10386267

24,564 miles · Feb 14, 2011
Suspension

DRIVING VEHICLE AT SPEEDS ABOVE 45 MPH, VEHICLE BEGINS TO SHAKE VIOLENTLY. COMMONLY CALLED "DEATH WOBBLE" ON JEEP FORUMS. WIFE IS NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE JEEP. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10382681

25,000 miles · Feb 12, 2011
Suspension

2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X 4 DOOR 4X4 STOCK: EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHILE TRAVELING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 50-65 MPH FRONT END WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR POT HOLE. SHAKING WAS SO VIOLENT THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETED STOP EVEN IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS BRO…

Read full complaint

2009 JEEP WRANGLER UNLIMITED X 4 DOOR 4X4 STOCK: EXPERIENCED "DEATH WOBBLE" WHILE TRAVELING ANYWHERE BETWEEN 50-65 MPH FRONT END WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY ESPECIALLY WHEN HITTING A BUMP OR POT HOLE. SHAKING WAS SO VIOLENT THAT VEHICLE HAD TO BE BROUGHT TO A COMPLETED STOP EVEN IN THE LANE OF TRAVEL ON THE HIGHWAY. VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO JEEP DEALER WHO REPLACED STEERING DAMPER, CLAIMING THAT SHOULD FIX THE PROBLEM. AFTER PICKING THE VEHICLE UP IT HAPPENED APROX 10 TIMES VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT BACK TO DEALER THE NEXT DAY, WHERE DAMPER, AS WELL AS TWO OTHER PIECES WERE REPLACED AND WHEELS BALANCED AND ROTATED. ONCE IT WAS PICKED UP TO DAYS AFTER IT WAS BROUGHT IN, THE VEHICLE DID THE SAME THING AGAIN. HOWEVER NOW IT DOES IT AT RANDOM TIMES WITHOUT HITTING A BUMP. DEALER CLAIM THEY WILL OPEN A CASE WITH JEEP TO INVESTIGATE. VEHICLE IS UNSAFE. *TR

NHTSA ODI #10381661

8,000 miles · Feb 11, 2011
Suspension

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE AND THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED TWICE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PRO…

Read full complaint

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN DRIVING OVER ANY UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, THE VEHICLE WOULD SHAKE VIOLENTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES IN REGARDS TO THE FAILURE AND THE FRONT SHOCK ABSORBERS WERE REPLACED TWICE BUT TO NO AVAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 8,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 34,000.

NHTSA ODI #10381529

Official recalls

1

09V118000 · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal; Electrical System:wiring

Apr 9, 2009

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Air Bags:frontal

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Air Bags

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Electrical System:wiring

CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 4,314 MY 2009 DODGE JOURNEY, JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE, COMMANDER AND WRANGLER VEHICLES. WIRING MAY BE REVERSED ON THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE DRIVER AIRBAG SQUIB CONNECTOR. THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY AS INTENDED.

Consequence: IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG MAY NOT PROPERLY INFLATE AND MAY NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT AN OCCUPANT, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.

Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE DRIVER'S AIRBAG SQUIB WIRES AND REPLACE THE STEERING COLUMN CONTROL MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MAY 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

3

EA15007 · Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure

Opened Dec 4, 2015 · Closed Jul 6, 2016

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal

On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.

Additional source detail variants (4)

Air Bags

On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.

Air Bags

On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.

Air Bags:frontal

On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.

Air Bags:frontal

On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used.Upon review of the 1,942 MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 17,195 warranty reports and field returned parts assessment, FCA concluded that a defect exists in the driver side clockspring assembly, a device that both connects (electrically) the driver air bag to the control module and allows rotational movement between the steering wheel and fixed steering column.Clockspring failure may compromise the air bag circuit causing illumination of the air bag warning lamp, and may result in non-deployment of the driver air bag in a frontal crash.FCA identified a contributing factor in that the recalled vehicles may be subjected to off-road dusty environments and/or usage with the vehicle roof top/doors removed thus allowing dust and moisture to enter the clockspring assembly.FCA advised that the MY 2011 and later Wrangler vehicles had an improved steering column cover/shroud that may reduce the amount of dirt/moisture that can enter the clockspring assembly.During the investigation FCA and the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) also reviewed 193 MY 2011-2012 Jeep Wrangler consumer complaints, 3,918 warranty reports and field returned parts along with reports from other FCA vehicles that use the same clockspring assembly.Based on this review, the rate of repair and the failure mode does not indicate a defect trend at this time in the later MY Wrangler or other FCA vehicles.During the field return parts review, FCA found a significant number of MY 2011-2012 Wrangler returned parts that operated normally, the so called ?no trouble found? or NTF parts where no fault could be identified through bench testing.On June 10, 2016, FCA informed ODI of its intention to conduct a 15-yr, 150k mile extended warranty program due to the NTF issue and the MY 2011 and later vehicles having a somewhat elevated level of warranty replacement.Consumers will be notified of the program in writing.FCA will collect clocksprings replaced under the warranty extension program to further examine and study the root cause failure.ODI will monitor FCA?s analysis to determine if any further field action is warranted.Based on the actions taken by FCA to recall the MY 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles and the MY 2008-2016 right hand drive Wrangler vehicles, this investigation is closed.FCA has also agreed to conduct a warranty extension and further evaluation of the MY 2011-2016 Wrangler.At the time of FCA's field data submission in PE 15-025 (September 2015), ODI was aware of a total of 416 MY 2007-2010 and 23 MY 2011-2012 VOQs relevant to this issue.In addition, there have been an additional 90 and 16 VOQs (respectively) received since the recall announcement (i.e., thru May 2016).The reports noted above can be viewed at SaferCar.gov under the reference (ODI) numbers cited on the attached listing.

PE15025 · Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure

Opened Jun 19, 2015 · Closed Dec 7, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Air Bags; Air Bags:frontal

In it's response to ODI's PE15-025 Information Request letter, FCA identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject Wrangler vehicles.Six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the air bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.FCA also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.Additionally FCA provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the replacement of the air bag clockspring wiring assembly.It should be noted that FCA initiated an Extended Warranty Program on the left hand drive MY 2007 Wrangler in late calendar year 2011.6,777 of these claims are from the MY 2007 left hand drive Wrangler.FCA advises that some of the warranty claims involved clockspring failures that would not affect the air bag operation, for example due to noise, cruise control and/or radio operation issues.Many of these claims involved newer model year subject vehicles.FCA also noted that Wrangler's removable roof and door configuration may make it more susceptible to outdoor water/moisture and dust ingress.ODI investigated the right hand drive Wrangler in calender year 2011 for a similar clockspring issue under PE11-019.That investigation lead to NHTSA Safety Recall 11V258 on right hand drive model year (MY) 2008-2012 Wranglers.FCA redesigned the remedy clockspring to improve its durability and environmental protection and revised the design of the steering wheel to column shroud.Base on the data reviewed, this Preliminary Analysis (PE) is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA).The reports cited above are listed in the public investigative file available at SaferCar.gov under this investigation ID.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Air Bags

In it's response to ODI's PE15-025 Information Request letter, FCA identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject Wrangler vehicles.Six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the air bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.FCA also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.Additionally FCA provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the replacement of the air bag clockspring wiring assembly.It should be noted that FCA initiated an Extended Warranty Program on the left hand drive MY 2007 Wrangler in late calendar year 2011.6,777 of these claims are from the MY 2007 left hand drive Wrangler.FCA advises that some of the warranty claims involved clockspring failures that would not affect the air bag operation, for example due to noise, cruise control and/or radio operation issues.Many of these claims involved newer model year subject vehicles.FCA also noted that Wrangler's removable roof and door configuration may make it more susceptible to outdoor water/moisture and dust ingress.ODI investigated the right hand drive Wrangler in calender year 2011 for a similar clockspring issue under PE11-019.That investigation lead to NHTSA Safety Recall 11V258 on right hand drive model year (MY) 2008-2012 Wranglers.FCA redesigned the remedy clockspring to improve its durability and environmental protection and revised the design of the steering wheel to column shroud.Base on the data reviewed, this Preliminary Analysis (PE) is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA).The reports cited above are listed in the public investigative file available at SaferCar.gov under this investigation ID.

Air Bags:frontal

In it's response to ODI's PE15-025 Information Request letter, FCA identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject Wrangler vehicles.Six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the air bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.FCA also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.Additionally FCA provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the replacement of the air bag clockspring wiring assembly.It should be noted that FCA initiated an Extended Warranty Program on the left hand drive MY 2007 Wrangler in late calendar year 2011.6,777 of these claims are from the MY 2007 left hand drive Wrangler.FCA advises that some of the warranty claims involved clockspring failures that would not affect the air bag operation, for example due to noise, cruise control and/or radio operation issues.Many of these claims involved newer model year subject vehicles.FCA also noted that Wrangler's removable roof and door configuration may make it more susceptible to outdoor water/moisture and dust ingress.ODI investigated the right hand drive Wrangler in calender year 2011 for a similar clockspring issue under PE11-019.That investigation lead to NHTSA Safety Recall 11V258 on right hand drive model year (MY) 2008-2012 Wranglers.FCA redesigned the remedy clockspring to improve its durability and environmental protection and revised the design of the steering wheel to column shroud.Base on the data reviewed, this Preliminary Analysis (PE) is being upgraded to an Engineering Analysis (EA).The reports cited above are listed in the public investigative file available at SaferCar.gov under this investigation ID.

DP14004 · Totally Integrated Power Module Failure

Opened Sep 25, 2014 · Closed Jul 24, 2015

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System

In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to evaluate the petition for a grant or deny decision. ODI analyzed complaint data provided by CAS as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 296 complaints submitted by the petitioner in the original petition and five supplements, including 271 complaints related to the subject vehicles equipped with TIPM-7. Approximately 3 percent of CAS complaints are related to vehicles equipped with TIPM-6 and ODI?s review of these complaints did not identify any safety defect trends. ODI conducted a detailed review of complaints narratives submitted by CAS and consumers including careful analysis of vehicle repair histories, warranty claims obtained from the manufacturer and any available Customer Assistance Inquiry reports (CAIR). Analysis of the field data indicated that MY2011-2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Dodge Durango vehicles exhibited significantly higher complaint rates related to fuel pump relay (FPR) failures than other subject vehicles. In a September 3, 2014 letter to NHTSA, Chrysler submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR) identifying a defect in the FPR within the TIPM-7 which can result in a no start or stall condition in approximately 188,723 model year (MY) 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee (WK) and Dodge Durango (WD) vehicles manufactured from January 5, 2010 through July 20, 2011 (14V-530).In a February 24, 2015 letter, Chrysler submitted a second DIR expanding the scope of the FPR defect condition to include an additional 338,216 MY 2012 through 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles manufactured from September 17, 2010 through August 19, 2013 and MY 2012 through 2013 Dodge Durango vehicles manufactured from January 18, 2011 through August 19, 2013 (15V-115).ODI analysis of the CAS allegations of TIPM defects resulting in stall while driving, airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration, fire and other faults identified a single defect condition related to 1 of over 60 different circuits in the TIPM assembly. The most common effect of this defect condition, related to the fuel pump relay, was a no-start concern, but it could also result in stall while driving (76 complaints). No valid evidence was presented in support of claims related to airbag non-deployment, unintended acceleration or fire resulting from TIPM faults and these claims were found to be wholly without merit based on review of the field data and design of the relevant systems and components.Except insofar as the petitioner's contentions relate to the defect condition addressed by the Chrysler recalls, the factual bases of the petitioner's contentions that any further investigation is necessary are unsupported. In our view, additional investigation is unlikely to result in a finding that a defect related to motor vehicle safety exists or a NHTSA order for the notification and remedy of a safety-related defect as alleged by the petitioner at the conclusion of the requested investigation. Therefore, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize NHTSA's limited resources to best accomplish the agency's safety mission, the petition is den