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2008 Jeep Wrangler transmission complaints

Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 67 of 67, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2008 Jeep Wrangler transmission problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Feb 11, 2013 · Transmission · 72,000 miles · TX

The vehicle jumps out of first gear when starting from a full stop. The stick shift violently jumps back into neutral and occurs unpredictably. It is extremely dangerous when this happens when I'm turning into traffic (risk of being t-boned) or else from dead stops when somebody is behind me (risk of being rear-ended).

Filed Feb 11, 2013 · Driver assistance, Steering · 13,800 miles · CA

On approximately 01/21/13 at about 8:00am, while traveling on the 405 freeway at about 50mph, my jeep got the "death wobbles". It was found the entire front housing snapped off. It was fixed and returned to me. On 02/11/13 at about 10:30am, I was merging on to the I-5 n/b from sand canyon in irvine. When I reached 45mph, I got the "death wobbles" again. This time, the dealer said it was because I had cheap tires on the vehicle. I have nitto tires which are about $250 each. I have looked into the death wobbles and it appears jeep has a real problem. The vehicle shakes so violently you feel like you are losing control. Someone is going to get killed and jeep knows it. I have had my vehicle in twice now for the same thing. Once more and I am going lemon law. If they give it back and my family is injured as a result of a known flaw. Stand by! This is crap. You cannot knowingly sell a defective vehicle can you? Seems like it would be criminal to defraud or fail to disclose this death wobble issue to buyers. I did not know anything about this until it happened to me.

Filed Jan 23, 2013 · Transmission · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle was losing transmission coolant fluid. As a result, the engine would overheat and steam would bellow from the engine in warmer temperatures. The contact took the vehicle to a mechanic and was told that transmission coolant fluid was leaking where the soft line met the hard line for the transmission coolant. The contact spoke to the manufacturer about the federal safety agency campaign id number: 09v436000 (power train: automatic transmission), but was advised that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was unknown, but the current mileage was 73,000.

Filed Jan 8, 2013 · Transmission · 8,000 miles · OK

Upon acceleration from a complete stop, manual transmission violently pops out of first gear. Stick shift lever pops out with dangerous force and can injure hand or arm if it is in the path of ejected shift lever. Condition extremely dangerous when turning in traffic and losing drive. Also can cause rear end collision as drive loss is immediate and no brakes are applied so no brake lights warn drivers behind the vehicle.

Filed Dec 18, 2012 · Transmission · 75,000 miles · NY

When trying to pull away in first gear the transmission will suddenly and violently slam out of first gear. The first occurrence was while pulling away from a light after it had turned from red to green, how ever subsequent occurrences have happened while attempting to make left turns and one such occurrence LED to a near collision on october 16th 2012 while driving with my pregnant wife in the vehicle. This seems to be happening more frequently, once a week now. Chrysler is aware of the problem and has issued a service bulletin about it but no safety recall. This is a major safety issue for people with manual transmissions. The tsb number from chrysler is 21-001-10 rev. A.

Filed Aug 21, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 27,000 miles · PA

Hit bumps in the road and the front end starting shaking very badly. Had to come to a stop for the shaking to stop. The famous jeep death wobble. At the dealership they acted like they never heard of the problem before. After seeing these complaints I realize its a common problem and jeep should of fixed it. It cost me $400.00 to fix it. Also since I purchased this vehicle I complained to the dealership that the transmission shifts funny. They keep telling me there is no fix for this and it is a common problem with this transmission.

Filed Aug 14, 2012 · Airbags, Transmission · 79,000 miles · NC

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated the air bag warning light illuminated and the clock spring failed. The contact mentioned that the failure may have been directly related to the federal safety agency campaign id number: 11v528000 (air bag: frontal). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included on any recalls. The failure mileage was 79,000 and the current mileage was 89,000. Updated 10/10/12 *cn the consumer also stated the 1st gear in the transmission was also defective, which caused the transmission to pop out of gear. Updated 10/17/12

Filed Aug 10, 2012 · Transmission · 90,000 miles · KY

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact was driving 70 MPH when the vehicle stalled and could not be restarted. The contact heard a humming noise coming from the gear shift area. After some time, the wipers and the vehicle independently started. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnosis but the failure could not be replicated. The failure and the current mileages were 90,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2012 · Transmission · 10,000 miles · PA

During mild acceleration from a full stop, in first gear, the manual transmission jumped out of first gear into neutral. A very loud and jarring clang occurred simultaneously with the incident. During the next three years this was a rare and consistent occurrence. As of the summer of 2012 this has become a daily occurrence. This creates a dangerous situation where vehicle drivers behind me may assume that the forward motion of my vehicle will continue and accelerate where in reality the acceleration of my vehicle comes to an abrupt halt and the vehicle speed decreases until I am able to re-engage the transmission.

Filed Jul 21, 2012 · Transmission · 72,200 miles · WA

The total integrated power module failed while accelerating onto freeway. The jeep got stuck in second gear while merging. Happened about three times. Took two weeks to repair because of back orders for the part.

Filed Jun 22, 2012 · Transmission · 19,000 miles · SC

When starting from a stop the transmission violently slams out of 1st gear into neutral leaving the car stalled in traffic. This is an extremely dangerous condition. When asking the jeep dealership about the problem they acknowledge the issue, but said there probably will not be a recall until someone is injured.

Filed Jun 8, 2012 · Transmission · 57,000 miles · CT

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while stopped and changing gears from neutral to drive, the vehicle made a loud noise and jolted as the contact attempted to accelerate. The failure recurred several times. In addition, the contact stated that the gear shifter was loose and able to be moved easily while the vehicle was in motion. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a mechanic or the dealer for inspection or repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure however, no assistance was provided. The current mileage was 58,199 and the approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

Filed Jun 6, 2012 · Transmission · TX

2008 jeep wrangler unlimited the shifter pops out of first gear violently, with a very loud noise. This has occurred over 20 times. Especially dangerous when pulling out to oncoming traffic and it pops out of gear.

Filed Mar 27, 2012 · Steering, Suspension · 35,000 miles · VT

Known to many who have jeeps, the "death wobble". When this first happened to my daughter's car, thankfully I was the one driving. It was on the interstate and I thought a tire had blown. The steering wheel vibrated uncontrollably and I pulled over. Nothing looked wrong but I called a tow truck regardless. They looked at it at the station and could not find anything wrong. I had no idea this was a problem jeep created when they built the vehicle. It is a situation where the front axle begins oscillating with such violence that control of the jeep is difficult until slowed down, and the entire vehicle shakes to the point you feel it will come apart.

Filed Mar 8, 2012 · Transmission · TX

Manual transmission pops out of gear.

Filed Feb 14, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · MT

2008 jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to mechanical problems and brake line routing defect *tgw the consumer stated the first problem he had with the vehicle was the transmission. It began failing to engage and shifting out of gear. The dealer discovered that the transmission oil filter had not been installed and was lying on the bottom of the transmission oil pan. In january 2011, while driving at highway speeds, the consumer began to experience intermittent violent shaking of the entire vehicle, which seemed to be originating from the front end. The consumer stated it felt as though a wheel was loose. The consumer went to a repair shop, where the tie rod and pitman were replaced. Two weeks later, the shaking occurred again and soon it became increasingly violent ,making it nearly impossible to control the vehicle and stay in his lane. The consumer returned to the repair shop where they replaced the steering damper, which seemed to correct the problem for awhile. In july, the consumer took the vehicle for a routine maintenance check. While checking the front end, the mechanic was able to get two full turns on a nut on the track bar. Since then, the shaking has not occurred. The consumer stated as he approached a line of vehicles stopped at a light, he attempted to apply the brake, but it went soft and to the floor. An inspection revealed a hole in the brake line above the right front wheel, where the line left the wheel well and went into the engine compartment. The hole was caused by rubbing on the line by the edge of the plastic wheel well lining.

Filed Dec 28, 2011 · Brakes, Engine · AL

Fuel overflows when refueling. Overflow occurs even without filling the tank. Parking brake doesn't work unless you pull it up very hard and still doesn't keep it from rolling. Air conditioner doesn't cool. It has been in the service department several times for repair. Blows "smoke" from vents. A loud "knock" sound when you turn the A/C on/off or when you crank the vehicle and the A/C control is on. Soft top leaks over both doors when it rains. Service department has confirmed proper top installation. Sharp edges on the roll bars. Roll bar covers have ripped as a result of putting the top up or down. Dangerous "wobble" when you hit a small pothole, change uneven lanes, etc. Hood lifts approx. 2 inches when a large truck or trailer passes or meets the jeep. Manual transmission "grinds or catches" when shifting into 2nd gear, worse when cold.

Filed Apr 18, 2011 · Transmission · 35,844 miles · LA · fire

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving up an incline, smoke was emitting from the transmission area. He pulled over and shut the vehicle off for 30 minutes. He was able to continue driving but he still smelled smoke. A couple days later, he noticed that the transmission was difficult to maneuver. The vehicle had not been inspected or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileages were 35,844.

Filed Mar 22, 2011 · Transmission · 40,000 miles · NH

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while driving and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would shift into neutral. The failure would recur sporadically and the vehicle was taken to the dealer who was unable to diagnose the failure. The dealer replaced the transmission twice in an attempt to correct the failure but to no avail and the failure would recur within six months following repairs. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that it would be left up to the dealer to repair the failure and offered no further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 40,000 and the current mileage 81,850.

Filed Feb 3, 2011 · Transmission · 50,000 miles · MA

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate, the vehicle independently shifted from first gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who advised that the shifter boot would need replacing. The vehicle was repaired yet the failure persisted. The dealer then replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 50, 000 and the current mileage was 66,000. Updated 03/31/11*lj updated 04/05/11

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Transmission · 47,063 miles · FL

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. While driving approximately 5 MPH he attempted to accelerate further but the vehicle hesitated before lunging forward. The failure continued to occur before the vehicle would no longer accelerate. The vehicle was driven onto the emergency lane and turned off. Upon examination he noticed that transmission fluid was leaking from the transfer case. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer but it was not repaired. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic who stated that the transmission needed to be rebuilt. The vehicle was repaired. The failure and current mileages were 47,063.

Filed Nov 11, 2010 · Transmission · 29,000 miles · MI

Tsb 21-001-10 was issued on 03/2/2010 "manual transmission may intermittently jump out of first gear" they know they have a problem with it and since my dealer cannot "duplicate" this situation they will not do anything about it even with my lifetime warranty. Pulling out into traffic and having your shifter popping out of gear while some body is barreling down on you is awesome. I feel so safe.

Filed Jul 21, 2010 · Transmission · 24,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. The contact was driving approximately 15 MPH approaching a stop sign when the clutch engaged, the vehicle shifted into neutral gear violently without warning. The failure occurred sporadically after the contact engage the accelerator pedal from a complete stop. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on two occasions for the identical failure. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

Filed May 13, 2010 · Transmission · 60,000 miles · FL

I have a 2008 jeep wrangler x, manual transmission. The vehicle keeps popping our of gear on its own which often results in a sudden and unpredictable stop in the middle of the road. This occurs when the vehicle is accelerated after a complete stop, the problem also displays anytime while driving on 1st , 2nd or 3rd gear. Sometimes, after having stop for a red light or a stop sign, I put the car on 1st gear to drive away but the car would move a few feet but then it pops out right back to neutral. As a result, my vehicle would stop completely and the driver behind me often almost hits my vehicle from the back. The same thing happens when I am turning a curve. I must add that the vehicle makes a loud noise when it pops out of gear causing me, as the driver, to loose some control and concentration. I believe, because of this problem, my car is an accident waiting to happen. I have reported the problems to the manufacturer and the dealer at least five times but they keep saying they do not know what the problem is and are not able to fix it. I am fearful for my safety and that of other drivers because of this problem with my car. I would strongly urge your organization to immediately investigate this matter.

Filed May 11, 2010 · Transmission · MI

2008 jeep wrangler. Consumer would like answers to questions regarding issues with chrysler recalls.

Filed Mar 5, 2010 · Transmission · 13,900 miles · WA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler. He stated that while driving at 25 MPH, while going over a path, he noticed a hot fluid smell. When he pulled over he noticed that there were flames coming from underneath the vehicle. He opened the hood and the vehicle it burst into flames, the fire was put out with a fire extinguisher. There were damages to the engine compartment.the vehicle was towed to his residence. The dealer was contacted and they stated that it will be covered under warranty, however they don't know what caused the fire. There were repairs done to the vehicle. The failure mileage was 13900 and current mileage was 14000.

Filed Feb 5, 2009 · Transmission · 2,600 miles · NJ

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 jeep wrangler sahara. While driving approximately 15 MPH on normal road conditions, the transmission slipped erratically between second gear. The failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing and they stated that the failure was related to the transmission plate. The vehicle was repaired. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 2,600 and current mileage was 2,900.

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