Jeep Wrangler "Death Wobble" Still Problematic in 2021 Models

Owners of Jeep Wranglers are familiar with the infamous term “Death Wobble,” and yet despite repeated complaints over the years to Chrysler, the problem continues in 2021 models.

First, let’s take a look at what the death wobble or speed wobble is.

Drivers report it’s almost impossible to control the steering wheel in a Jeep Wrangler when the death wobble begins shaking violently from side to side. This happens when the axle begins oscillating at a fast pace and the vehicle shakes uncontrollably. Some describe it as feeling like the Wrangler is shaking itself apart. Most people say it happens at higher speeds above 45 mph after hitting a bump, pot hole or other road imperfection. However, it can happen at lower speeds as well. They find they have to pull take their foot off the gas pedal, slow down and stop. Sometimes they lose control and sometimes they crash. Usually, the cause is some loose suspension components underneath the vehicle.

The issue is common in vehicles such as the Jeep with a solid front axle as opposed to an independent front suspension in most other vehicles. Therefore, any vehicle with a solid front axle is susceptible to the issue. The design permits connections to become loose the more miles it racks up on the roadway.

2021 Jeep Wrangler Owners Report Death Wobble

The problem in Jeep models goes as far back as 2006 and now as recent as 2021. Numerous owners have filed complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) due to the problem. There is a service bulletin and a 2019 class-action lawsuit filed in US District Court on behalf of the owners of 2015-2018 Jeep Wranglers. However, the problem has not gone away. In fact, there are already 129 complaints for the 2021 Wrangler on the NHTSA website with many for the “death wobble” problem.

Now for the fix

Recently, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) came up with a way to apparently fix the issue. They issued a Service Bulletin for 2018-2019 models. According to a report from the Detroit Free Press, the automaker informed owners about the free repair made by replacing the steering damper or stabilizer with a new piece. This is designed to better mitigate any vibrations that come through the front suspension.

This fix came about two months after Wrangler owners filed a class-action lawsuit against Jeep’s parent company, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. The suit alleges FCA knew about the issue and failed to warn buyers about the potential problem. The company’s fix may be temporary and buyers should know the problem could return.

Owners of Jeep Wranglers who experience the “death wobble” or any other problem, should immediately bring the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership. If the problem is not fixable, is a safety issue or the vehicle remains in the repair shop for an extended period, you may be protected by California lemon law. This covers vehicles still under the original factory warranty. In some cases, you may be eligible for a buyback from the auto manufacturer or replacement vehicle.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson

Did you purchase Jeep Wrangler with a major safety issue such as the infamous “death wobble?” Have you repaired the vehicle repeatedly, but it keeps failing? Has the vehicle been stuck in the shop for 30 days or more? It’s possible you may have a cause for legal action and that’s where we can help.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.

We recommend that you obtain an invoice for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 800-558-1087.