Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.
Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.
ProblemsByVinFile / 2008-JEEP-WRANGLERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2008 · Jeep
Jeep Wrangler problems
1,253 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 3 active recall campaigns on file.
Reliability score
6.0 / 10
Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.
0
Critical
3
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2008 Wrangler?
Avoid — the powertrain
The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced.
6 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system
Powertrain: 88 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–76,000 mi
Brakes: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,000–78,615 mi
Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
Embed this reliability snapshot
Free to use on your site, post, or video — keep the link back. Preview the widget →
What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2008 Wrangler· steering
I experience the "death wobble" daily. It starts around 45 MPH and continues until I stop. It makes the Jeep shake and hard to control. The shaking is so bad, it will cause drinks to get thrown from the cupholder. It has progressively gotten worse over the past year or so.
I started my 2008 Jeep wrangler jk and immediately got a check engine light with an audible sound. The engine was running very rough and shaking. I turned off the engine and it seemed fine but the check engine light was still on. I have a obd2 diagnostic code reader and it…
Fuel overflow from filler tube and sprays onto person pumping fuel, vehicle and surrounding environment. This happen every time we fuel Jeep. We have had the Jeep since 2008 and problem started in december 2010. This Jeep looks brand new and garage kept and never been off…
Vehicle when parked and / or while driving will start blaring the horn, spraying wiper fluid, wipers engage, lights go on and off / then off and the only way to make it stop is to battery or give the tipm an easy tap on the top. I have taken it to dealer and they want to start…
Had a problem with your 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
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
The tow bar can fail under certain driving conditions. This can result in the towed vehicle separating from the towing vehicle, possibly resulting in a crash.
Fix: 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.
Chrysler is recalling 1,585 my 2007-2008 Jeep wrangler, right hand drive only, vehicles
Prolonged brake tube contact could wear a hole in the tube and cause a partial brake system loss. This could cause a crash without warning.
Fix: 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 2008 Jeep wrangler vehicles manufactured from june 2006 through july 2008, equipped with automatic transmissions
Fluid could boil over and may come into contact with a hot engine or exhaust component and cause a fire.
Fix: 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.
Under investigation
1 open at NHTSA
EAAir Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021
NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →
It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.0 out of 10 based on 1,253 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2008 Jeep Wrangler has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.
Should you avoid the 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
On the NHTSA data, the 2008 Jeep Wrangler is one to avoid unless a specific vehicle proves otherwise. The data says walk unless this exact vehicle has documented proof the powertrain was repaired or replaced. The record behind that call: 6 fire-related complaints and 2 crash-related complaints on the electrical system; Powertrain: 88 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 28,000–76,000 mi; Brakes: 34 complaints, classified severe, failures cluster 45,000–78,615 mi; Reliability score 6.0/10 — around the segment average. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What's the most common problem on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 315 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 76,235 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 76,235 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Jeep Wrangler has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,253 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Jeep/Wrangler.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
We are not affiliated with Jeep. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we
may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.