2008 Jeep Wrangler: problems, recalls and reliability
9 recalls and 873 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is air bags (30% of complaints); the 2009 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall May 2016
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 873 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“ABS systems not functioning properly, showing engine code U0121 that states lost communication with ABS module. This is a common occurrence with jeeps and is a safety issue due to the abs system not working properly. Also causes the brakes to randomly engage and disengage.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Dec 2025
“While driving at speed, vehicle electrical went haywire. Headlights went on and off. Horn sounding on and off, Wipers and washers going on and off, HVAC blower on and off. Pulled over vehicle and turned off and removed key and it still remained running, all horn, lights, and wipers still going on and off. Opened hood, removed negative battery terminal, and with that, car still ran! Was several minutes and car finally shut itself off. Scary that the car went completely haywire and would not shut off, even with key out, and battery disconnected!”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2025
“The ABS computer brake module is bad in my jeep. It needs a replacement. Confirmed by Chrysler Jeep dealership. However, Chrysler does not offer a replacement module. ABS does not work on my vehicle. This is a huge safety issue and is common problem among this year Jeep. Chrysler shouldn't be allowed to NOT have a replacement OEM ABS module. Huge safety risk and lawsuit”Owner report · Electrical System · Sep 2025
Show 7 more owner reports
“I was driving down the road in my 2008 wrangler and all of the sudden every light flashed on my dash board then it felt like I could not shift gears then smoke came pouring out of my air vents. I pulled over and got out realizing it was on fire. Climbed in to save my dog just before the fire got huge. My entire Jeep is gone.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Jul 2025
“April 22, 2025 my 2008 Jeep lost power. There was a sequence, where one warning light was followed by another, followed by a complete loss of power. I charged the battery, car started up, I drove to dealer (a 5-minute trip), and by my arrival the Jeep had again lost all power. Dealer checked the vehicle, and told me the battery and charging system were fine, but the ABS brake modulator was draining the power. They have not been able to get another modulator and the vehicle is still at the dealer (Crown Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Dublin, OH). Losing power precipitously presents a safety hazard.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Apr 2025
“ABS Module Yes As I was driving and going to turn left into a shopping center and stepped on the break, I had none, I did almost crash. It happened all of a sudden out of nowhere no lights, no icons lit. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer stating that this is a nationwide issue that's currently going on that the parts are back ordered because there is nothing in production right now for the part. The vehicle is not drivable.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Mar 2025
“The vehicle requires an ABS module. I have been waiting for over 4 months for part availability. According to dealer they dont have any ETA on availability and have been told it may not be something they ever go back to producing. My state requires safety inspection which it will not pass due to this issue. Seems to me that someone needs to be responsible to make a part for these issues.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Feb 2025
“The fuel filler neck has an issue. When I refuel, I have to stop the pump manually or the filler cap will overflow. This creates a significant risk for fire or explosion unless I very carefully monitor how much fuel I am putting in the vehicle. I see several other owners experiencing this issue from online information I'm reading. I feel that this is an issue which should be repaired by the manufacturer.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Nov 2024
“The contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler equipped with Powerstop Brake Hoses, Part Number: (N/A). The contact stated that after installing the brake hoses to the rear driver's and passenger's side brake assemblies, there was smoke coming from the rear driver's side brake rotors while operating the vehicle due to brake fluid leaking from the hose. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The contact was informed of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 24E053000 (SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was not provided.”Owner report · Equipment · Oct 2024
“The RHD Jeep Wranglers had a recall on all the clock springs. I had mine fixed, it lasted a year and then broke again. Every mail carrier I know has the same issue. I believe the recall needs to become a lifetime recall, not a singular recall. They are all failing again causing postal employees to be at risk for fatality with the airbag failing to deploy.”Owner report · Air Bags · Jul 2024
When filing, owners marked a crash in 15 of these complaints and injuries in 5 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 9 campaigns
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD) JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLIES THAT COULD EXPERIENCE A COMPROMISED AIRBAG CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REMEDY THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER WILL MAIL TO OWNERS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2008 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 2006 THROUGH JULY 2008, EQUIPPED WITH AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSIONS. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH A TRANSMISSION FLUID TEMPERATURE WARNING SYSTEM.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND INSTALL A "HOTOIL" MESSAGE IN THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND A CHIME INDICATING AN ELEVATED TRANSMISSION FLUID CONDITION. THE RECALL BEGAN ON FEBRUARY 22, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-835-1403.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles manufactured March 2, 2006, to August 13, 2010. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S33.
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Jeep Wrangler right-hand drive vehicles manufactured February 1, 2007, through October 10, 2011. The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11V-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is M31.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 1,585 MY 2007-2008 JEEP WRANGLER, RIGHT HAND DRIVE ONLY, VEHICLES. SOME VEHICLES MAY HAVE INSUFFICIENT CLEARANCE BETWEEN THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT AND REAR BRAKE TUBES.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSTALL A REVISED BRAKE TUBE CLIP TO RETAIN THE TUBES, INSPECT THE BRAKE TUBES FOR DAMAGE DUE TO POTENTIAL CONTACT WITH THE STEERING INTERMEDIATE SHAFT, AND REPLACE THE BRAKE TUBES IF NECESSARY. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 30, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 JEEP WRANGLER LEFT AND RIGHT HAND DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 15, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2010. THERE MAY BE CONTACT BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT INNER FENDER LINERS AND THE RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBES WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE TUBES CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING 308 AFTERMARKET MOPAR TOW BAR ASSEMBLIES, P/N 82209758, SOLD DURING 2007 AND 2008 CALENDAR YEAR WHICH ARE USED TO TOW MODEL YEAR 2007 AND 2008 JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES.
Remedy: CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY THE OWNERS OF ALL 2007 AND 2008 MODEL YEAR JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES WHO COULD HAVE PURCHASED A RECALLED TOW BAR AND WILL REPLACE THE TOW BARS FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 23, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Quadratec, Inc. is recalling certain aftermarket accessory, driver-side, Ultimate Floor Liners part numbers 14254.0301 07, 14254.0301 08, 14254.0301Q, 14254.0302 07, 14254.0302 08, 14254.0302Q, 14254.0303 07, 14254.0303 08, 14254.0303Q, 14254.0309 07, 14254.0309 08, and 14254.0309Q sold from May 1, 2012, through February 14, 2013. The liners are for use in 2007-2013 Jeep Wranglers. The anchor point for the affected floor liners may tear during use, particularly when exposed to high temperatures. The tearing may allow the floor liner to shift forward.
Remedy: Quadratec will notify owners and either exchange the liners or provide them with a hook guard kit to help secure the driver-side mat, free of charge. The recall began on April 4, 2013. Owners may contact Quadratec at 1-800-463-2998 or info@quadratec.com.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Wrangler by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Jeep Wrangler reliable?
NHTSA has 873 owner complaints and 9 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The most complained-about area is air bags (30% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Wrangler problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 64,000 miles or less.
Does the 2008 Jeep Wrangler have open recalls?
9 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning air bags:frontal. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.