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2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4x4 steering complaints

Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 34 of 34, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4x4 steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 14, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 44,400 miles · OH

While driving on the highway around 65 MPH I encountered a bump in the road and the front of the car began to shake uncontrollably. I had to come to a complete stop on the highway to regain control of the vehicle. I got out of the vehicle and checked for any visible issues, but found nothing, so I continued with my trip. This occurred again later that same day in very similar circumstances, I was traveling around 65 MPH hit a dip in the road, at a transition where the bridge overpass meets the asphalt, the car again began to shake uncontrollably in the front of the vehicle, and I had to stop the vehicle again to regain control and stop the shaking. After a little research I learned this is a know issue with jeeps know as the jeep death wobble.

Filed Jan 22, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 36,000 miles · AZ

When my jeep hits a bump the front end shakes violently. It will continue until I come to a complete stop.

Filed Sep 27, 2013 · Driver assistance, Steering · 41,000 miles · CA

Driving down the road at approx 50mph, hit a small bump and the jeep started to shake violently back and forth. I had to grab the wheel with both hands push on the brake. I pulled to the side of the road, thinking my tire had fallen off (everything was still there). When I got home I did some research on the internet and found this is a common problem with jeeps, they have labelled it "jeep death wobble". I live in yosemite national park, which has windy roads with no guard rails. If this happens again while driving on tioga rd. I don't doubt it could end in a fatality. This "death wobble" now has me scared to drive my jeep and I'm not the only jeep owner that feels the same way.

Filed Sep 3, 2013 · Airbags, Electrical · 106,500 miles · FL

On the 2009 jeep wrangler (lhd) dashboard, the airbag warning light flashes on every other minute with a chime, an indication that there is something malfunctioning or interfering with the vehicle's airbags. This has been a recurring issue and concern for many 2007-2010 jeep wrangler (lhd) owners, including myself, and has been shown time and time again to be caused by a faulty clockspring within the vehicle's steering wheel. In conversations with my dealership as well as chrysler, there was an extended warranty (10yr/150,000mi) issued to the 2007 model year and a recall issued for 2008 (rhd) models. For any other model years, chrysler has refused to address the safety concern of their faulty clockspring, knowing that it can cause failure of the vehicle's airbags from properly deploying, thus putting vehicle occupants at risk. This has been going on for approx a week at this point, at varying speeds and varying road conditions. Being that I drive approx 30,000mi per year, this is a major concern!

Filed Aug 12, 2013 · Steering · 7,500 miles · WV

After about 7500 miles on my odometer, I encountered a problem when driving at speeds of approximately 60 MPH; when I encounter a rough spot on the highway the vehicle started vibrating so bad that I had to slow to about 5 MPH to get it to stop. The dealer replaced the steering shock. I had to have it replaced again after about 7500 additional miles and again after about 3,000 additional miles and now I am having the same problem after about 3,000 additional miles.

Filed Jul 19, 2013 · Airbags, Steering · 126,000 miles · TX

On the 2009 jeep wrangler (lhd) dashboard, the airbag warning light flashes on every other minute with a chime, an indication that there is something malfunctioning or interfering with the vehicle's airbags.this has been a recurring issue and concern for many 2009 jeep wrangler (lhd) owners, including myself, and has been shown time and time again to be caused by a faulty clockspring within the vehicle's steering wheel. This faulty clockspring is the culprit for potential airbag failure in the 2009 jeep wrangler (lhd) during an accident or premature deployment when simply driving around. Daimler chrysler has refused to address the safety concern of their faulty clockspring that can cause failure of the vehicle's airbags from properly deploying. A recall is in effect for the same issue but only for rhd 2008-2012 jeep wranglers.

Filed Apr 4, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 39,000 miles · CO

The whole jeep started shaking violently, and the steering wheel was difficult to hold on to. Had to slow down almost to a stop before the shaking stopped. My jeep is stock, and the dealer has replaced the trackbar which seemed to help for a while, but it's back again.

Filed Mar 23, 2013 · Steering · 33,500 miles · NE

I hit a bump in the road and the front end began shaking so badly I had to slow down to almost a complete stop to get it to quit. Since then this has happened a number of times but it is very random when it happens and tyically I need to slow down to almost a stop to get it to quit. This will be very dangerous if it happens on a busy roadway and I have to slowdown to almost a stop to get it to quit.

Filed Jan 10, 2013 · Steering · 22,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep wrangler 4dr 4x4. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the front end of the vehicle began to shake violently. The failure occurred whenever driving over a bump. The vehicle was maneuvered to the side of the road and inspected. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who informed the contact that the front end linkage and rack bar needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 22,000.

Filed Oct 25, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 46,000 miles · PA

I was driving the jeep down the highway through construction zone and it vibrated violently after I drove over a bump. I had to slow down very quickly during rush hour and was almost hit in the rear by another care so the wobble would go away. I took it to have it fixed and was told this is common. I looked it up online and was amazed. For a newer vehicle I was floored that it was not covered by jeep. I have an extended warranty too. I took it to jeep and they told me I had to pay to fix it, so what was I going to do drive and unsafe car (and it is unsafe, another car almost hit me). I paid to have it fixed. They replaced a damper and guess what there is still a wobble. This is the most ridiculous issue and yet jeep will not stand behind a poor design that they clearly know is a problem. So, I am looking for help making it know that if there is an accident involving this problem I have advised jeep and now the federal safety agency. I will surely contact an attorney and become very public that there has been warning of this. All I want is for my wife and kids to be safe in a car. Jeep should step up and correct there problem.

Filed Oct 19, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 45,000 miles · NJ

Driving on the highway and the vehicle started to shake uncontrollably. You have to slow down to a dangerous speed if you cant pull over right away to stop. The car shakes as if it is falling apart. This has happened on several occasions and we brought it to our mechanic. They informed us that it was the steering dampener and it needed to be replaced and that it is happening to jeeps all over and that chrysler is not covering repairs. After my mechanic fixed the steering dampener, they test drove it and found the shake to still be there and did further investigating. They found that most of the parts in the steering system were damaged, ie. Tie rods and steering drag link. I am bringing the vehicle to my jeep dealer and have informed chrysler of the situation. I am hoping that they will replace the bad parts but do not have a good feeling.

Filed Sep 11, 2012 · Steering · 54,500 miles · NM

Driving down a 2 lane road at 55 MPH I hit a bump on a small bridge. The vehicle started shaking violently and moved into the oncoming traffics lane and almost off the road. The vehicle was difficult to stop due the front tires shaking so bad. It has happened at least 5 more times at higher speeds (65-75 MPH) and usually on small bridges where the pavement is slightly uneven and on the highway when I hit a large pot hole. I have replaced the front track bar, steering damper, upper and lower control arms, tie rod ends, and drag link mostly with upgraded parts in an attempt to stop it but it continues to happen. It has also been aligned 4 times at 2 different shops and this does not help. When this happens traffic on the highway moves to get away from vehicle. With all new parts this is definitely a defect in design by jeep. If nothing is done by jeep someone is going to get hurt or killed due to this problem.

Filed May 24, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 40,000 miles · NY

Violent front wheels wobble after hitting a bump on a road.

Filed May 22, 2012 · Steering · 25,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2009 jeep wrangler 4-dr 4x4. While driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact drove over an uneven road surface and noticed that the front end of the vehicle suddenly began to wobble abnormally. The steering became difficult to maneuver and became uncontrollable until the contact decreased speed to approximately 45 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer twice for diagnostic testing. The technicians were unable to diagnose the failure and the vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 25,000.

Filed May 17, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 25,000 miles · NY

The vehicle's suspension and steering became uncontrollable when driving 60 MPH and I hit a small bump in the road. This is commonly known as the jeep death wobble. I was unable to control jeep until I slammed on my brakes and brought the jeep to under 40 MPH or a complete stop.

Filed Apr 14, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 30,000 miles · AR

Driving down the road and I hit a unleveled surfaced jeep went jumping all over the road. I thought it was a fluke and didn't think about it later. But it is continuing to get worse. I have a appt. Tuesday with dealership and they don't know if my warranty will cover this. I didn't know anything about this death wobble until the service man told me it sounded like I have the death wobble. Why is there not a recall on this? This is my only vehicle so I don't have a choice but drive it. This is a severe safety issue!!!!!!!!

Filed Mar 22, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 38,600 miles · CA

I live in sacramento, california. I experienced what is being referred to as "wrangler death wobble" on or about 11:55 p.m. On march 15, 2012, while I driving southbound on interstate 5 near east los angeles. This incident resulted in and substantial physical damage to the undercarriage/suspension/steering components of the vehicle. The weld of the track bar housing/bracket on the axle side was ripped completely off of the front axle. There was a total loss of control of the vehicle. It took about 30 seconds to bring it under control by applying brakes and holding on to the violently shaking steering wheel. The car swerved into adjacent lanes. Fortunately, there were no cars next to me a the time. I purchased the 2009 wrangler from folsom lake ford in folsom, ca on january 28, 2012, only 46 days before I experienced the wrangler death wobble. The track bar housing was re-welded to the axle and a gusset added in los angeles to allow me to return home. I incurred significant costs for repairs. Two expert technicians have examined the suspension and concluded that there is no question the defect existed when I purchased the vehicle and that the obvious defect and "play" should have been detected by routine visual inspection. Folsom lake ford v.p. Of operations, john sears refuses to even inspect the vehicle to see whether it is now safe to drive or take any action at all to fix the damage. [xxx] has stated in writing that my only recourse is to take legal action against folsom lake ford. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Filed Oct 21, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 41,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Sep 12, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 28,000 miles · TX

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?

Filed Sep 11, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 38,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed May 11, 2011 · Steering · 850 miles · TX

500 miles after purchasing new the front end went into uncontrollable vibration after hitting minor seam in pavement. Had to slam on brakes and come to complete stop to kill vibration.

Filed Apr 4, 2011 · Steering · 34,000 miles · KY

On 03/31/2011 I was traveling at 65 MPH when my jeep wrangler hit a bump causing death wobble. The wobble was so violent that I had to come to almost a complete stop in traffic to get it to stop. I have had the vehicle checked out once before for this event and was told it was a balance issue with the tires. I can feel and hear a slight clunk from time to time in the steering area, most likely the trac bar bushings are failing. The vehicle is stock no modifications except a steering stabilizer replacement to heavy duty. This has happened to me twice now. Jeep says it is related to the alignment or balancing but definitely not related to bushing or stabilizer issues. I disagree this is a design flaw the trac bar needs to be beefed up.

Filed Oct 16, 2010 · Steering · 12,000 miles · CA

Clunking in the steering system. Seems to affect every jeep jk wrangler from 2007 on. Cheap/defective ball joints and steering shafts.

Filed Sep 21, 2010 · Steering, Suspension · 19,000 miles · PA

I experienced the"death wobble" in a 2009 4dr jeep wrangler last week. Shortly after hitting a small bump in the road,we experienced very erratic shaking of the steering wheel and the front wheels were shaking as if they were going to fall off. When we slowed down to a slow speed of about 25 MPH,the shaking stopped. We proceeded to our destination and two more times this action happened after hitting small bumps in the road. One time on a three lane highway in new jersey,we had a tractor trailer driver pull up next to us and tell us to pull over,because it looked like our front wheel was falling off.we had the vehicle taken to a nearby chrysler dealer where they diagnosed the problem as the jeep death wobble which happens when something goes wrong in the front suspension. He made it out to be a common problem and I just wonder why I've never heard of this anywhere before.I searched death wobble" on my web browser and got thousands of hits and video on u-tube. Could you please check into this and find out why this so secret ,but yet so common.

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