Check a VIN

2008 Jeep Wrangler: won't start

30 of the 873 complaints about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler describe won't start.

owner complaints
30
of this car's complaints
3%
typical mileage
76,000
recalls
0
Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

What owners say

Filed Aug 15, 2021 · Electrical · GA

My Jeep just intermittently started the crank no start issue and gave code PO5013, incorrect immobilizer key. After extensive research I have found many Jeep owners to have this same problem and also found that Chrysler has confirmed it is a built in problem. After taking my Jeep to to dealer and having my keys checked along with the starter and ignition cylinder lock it is the (WCM) wireless control module that is the culprit of the crank but no start issue. This is an extremely unsafe problem due to my vehicle shutting down while driving on top of the other various problems the wcm has caused. Directions say to reset the WCM by pulling the IOD fuse for 30 seconds and then replacing however this method no longer works.

Filed Feb 24, 2021 · Electrical · 90,000 miles · OH

I was driving down a state highway at 40 MPH. When my horn started blowing, windshield wiper turned on, lights flashing so I had to turn onto a side road. Motor was still running so I turn it off. The engine stopped but everything else remained on. Horn was still blowing, wipers on...I disconnected the horn wires to stop the horn. I started to move some wires thinking that there may be a short somewhere. Finally everything stopped but now my car wouldn't start. I had to get it towed. Through some research I found it to be the tipm ( total integrated power module. It has been fine since I had it replaced. Fortunately this all took place during the day in good weather. Had it happened at night or in the winter snow or in some remote area it would have caused a great deal of pain or a dangerous situation. From what I have researched myself this is not a isolated incident. Please review this information. Thank you.

Filed Nov 8, 2020 · Electrical, Lights · 135,000 miles · MO

2008 jeep wrangler has had several issues with tipm. Wipers will come on, horn will sound, washer fluid sprays, and transmission will not shift (when the vehicle is in motion and this happens) intermittently and will sometimes create a no crank/no start condition after the malfunction happens while the vehicle is in motion and has been shut off. Defect has been traced back to tipm and tipm was replaced with an aftermarket remanufactured tipm. Problem resolved and now has reappeared with additional symptoms, such as when vehicle is put in reverse wipers will go off and engine will rev to higher rpms than necessary to allow for acceleration. The tipm defect creates a significant safety hazard when it interferes with the shifting, acceleration of vehicle. Most recent issue was 11/09/2020; issue has been ongoing since 06/2019.

Filed Oct 5, 2020 · Electrical · 108,900 miles · NC

Over the past four months my jeep has had starting issues. Everything is running fine, go outside and it won't crank. Sometimes it will turn over other times, nothing at all. I've had it towed, purchased a new battery, had the starter, alternator, etc. Checked and all good. Jeep runs good for a couple weeks and then again this morning I'm stranded. This is getting old!

Filed Aug 6, 2020 · Electrical · 80,000 miles · NJ

Since I purchased this jeep I have had starting issues where the jeep just clicks and won't turn over. Have replaced the battery, starter and the problem continues. Sometimes takes 5 - 8 attempts and sometimes it starts other times nothing. Have gotten it towed and gotten it to the mechanic and it starts when arrived at mechanic. This is frustrating on all accounts and to all involved.

Filed Dec 17, 2019 · Engine · 123,000 miles · MA · crash

With no warning while driving the jeep it just shut off. No steering, no brakes. Wouldn't start back up after. We brought it to the repair shop and the motor is totally ceased and needs a new motor.

Filed Sep 20, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · SC

Jeep has mind of its own. No start, no headlights, wipers work on their own and spray all fluid. Jeep shuts off driving, then cant shut engine off with key.

Filed Nov 28, 2018 · Transmission · 80,000 miles · AE

Vehicle will not start right away after it has rained or when it is cold. It is not certain if the vehicle will start after a few attempts. This is very similar to the complaints related to the electrical system: ignition switch recall for some jeeps, which was recalled for the possibility of resulting in a vehicle fire. There has not been a recall for the 2008 jeep wrangler sahara yet even though many owners have made similar complaints.

Filed Oct 31, 2017 · Driver assistance, Electrical · FL

Abnormal flashing of instruments panel. Speedometer and gauges turn off while vehicle was in motion, turn signal indicator go off and on. Vehicle temporarily loses engine power. Intermittent loss of electrical power to all dashboard components. Radio, blinkers, wipers go on or off on their own. Vehicle ignition won't start. Diagnosed by dealership as: tipcm failure; "computer fried" I had to pay for a new wiring harness, had to replace fuse box, brand new sway bar control module along with a brand new tipcm computer bought from dealer. Dealership won't cover repair cost nor is covered by jeep manufacturer's warranty.

Filed Apr 11, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 6 miles · PA

Car at random will not start, lights will not work or radio will stop working ... Check engine light stays on without any engine issues ... To pump fuel it takes 20 minutes to fill it up you can't walk away or it will over flow ... Jeep left me sit the other day and no garage can tell me whats wrong with it... Its not the starter ...

Filed Oct 30, 2016 · Electrical · 129,000 miles · NY

While driving the wipers horn and windshield washer fluid randomly comes on and the jeep will just stall wherever you are and won't start back up.

Filed Jan 11, 2016 · Electrical · 36,000 miles · VA

To date this is the 3rd time in a year I have parked my jeep got out key in hand and for no apparent reason my horn and wipers have gone crazy had to pull battery terminals to get it to stop and now will not start back

Service bulletins that may apply

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

Questions about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler won't start

Is won't start a common problem on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler?

30 of 873 owner complaints about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler (3%) mention won't start. The model year with the most reports is 2008.

Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler?

There are 0 recalls and 12 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.

Other symptoms on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler

Airbag light 202Wipers 67Fire or smoke 22Headlights 18ABS 16Ball joint 15Adaptive cruise 12Coil spring 12Stalling 12Brake failure 10Fuel pump 8Check engine light 7Door locks 7Engine failure 7Loss of power 7Overheating 7Warning lights 7No deployment 6Fuel smell 6Jerking 5Transmission failure 5

All model years of the Jeep Wrangler

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2008 Jeep Wrangler?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history