Owners have filed 103 complaints
about the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 with NHTSA between 2009 and 2019.
The largest single group is the fuel & propulsion.
Across this model's run it ranks 3 of 3 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 5
1% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 86
51% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2009 compares with every other Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Manual Transmission
1150.0%
Front
522.7%
Body
29.1%
Driveline
14.5%
Latch
14.5%
Exhaust System
14.5%
Automatic Transmission
14.5%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
55.6%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1112.4%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
2325.8%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
1921.3%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1921.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
66.7%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
66.7%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jul 2009peak 5Jun 2019
NHTSA investigations into the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
EA15007Opened 4 Dec 2015Closed 6 Jul 2016AIR BAGS
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
On May 10, 2016, Fiat Chrysler America (FCA) submitted a Part 573 Defect Information Report announcing NHTSA recall 16V290 involving 394,258 model year (MY) 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler vehicles.Under the recall FCA will replace the clockspring and install a steering wheel back cover and steering wheel column shroud.This recall also includes approx. 4,524 MY2007-2010 right hand drive (RHD) Jeep Wrangler vehicles commonly used for rural postal delivery services.In addition 7,180 MY 2011-2016 right hand drive Jeep Wrangler vehicles were also recalled under 16V288, the same remedy repair will be used....
PE15025Opened 19 Jun 2015Closed 7 Dec 2015AIR BAGS
Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure
In it's response to ODI's PE15-025 Information Request letter, FCA identified 1,703 consumer complaints, field reports and legal claims responsive to the subject defect condition on the subject Wrangler vehicles.Six of these reports alleged an air bag non-deployment in a crash in which either the air bag warning light was allegedly on or came on afterward the crash, one of which also alleged injuries as a result of the non-deployment.FCA also provided data on other make, model and model year vehicles using the same clockspring.Additionally FCA provided 16,955 warranty claims related to the rep...
DP14004Opened 25 Sep 2014Closed 24 Jul 2015ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Totally Integrated Power Module Failure
In a letter dated August 21, 2014, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a defect investigation of alleged failures associated with the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM) installed in Chrysler SUV?s, trucks, and vans beginning in the 2007 model year. The petitioner alleges that TIPM defects may result in engine stall, airbag non-deployment, failure of fuel pump shutoff resulting in unintended acceleration, fire, and other symptoms. On September 25, 2014, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened DP14-004 to...
Complaints that involved harm
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 2,000 milesWestpoint, GAFire
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2009 JEEP WRANGLER 4X4. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO HEAT SHIELD UNDERNEATH THE EXHAUST SYSTEM. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, HE DETECTED SMOKE COMING FROM THE EXHAUST PIPE. HE PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER AND NOTICED FLAMES. THERE WAS MINOR DAMAGE TO THE HOSES AND WIRES. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED THAT THE VEHICLE NOT BE DRIVEN. THE VEHICLE WAS THEN TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP AND THE MECHANIC STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DESIGNED PROPERLY. THE VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN REPAIRED. THE DEALER ALSO STATED THAT THERE WERE NO RECALLS FOR THIS VEHICLE AND THAT IT WAS AN ISSUE FOR THE INSURANCE COMPANY. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 2,000.
NHTSA complaint #10276367 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 8,457 milesCollege Station, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
FAULTY INSTRUMENT CLUSTER: DISPLAYED FALSE WARNING ALARMS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE FIRST 30 MINUTES OF DRIVING. WHEN TAKEN IN FOR SAFETY RECALLS, JEEP SHOWED 81,000 MILES ON ENGINE COMPUTER, NOT THE 8457 SHOWING ON INSTRUMENT CLUSTER.
NHTSA complaint #11219508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
AIR BAGS
HORN DOESN'T WORK AND CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AIRBAG LIGHT ON N
NHTSA complaint #11209974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
HORN DOESN'T WORK AND CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AIRBAG LIGHT ON N
NHTSA complaint #11209974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lake Panasoffkee, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
HORN DOESN'T WORK AND CRUISE CONTROL DOESN'T WORK AIRBAG LIGHT ON N
NHTSA complaint #11209974 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 34,500 milesGreen BAY, WI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I WAS TRAVELING AROUND 50-55 MPH ON A STRAIGHT ROAD, WHEN THE JEEP STARTED SHAKING VIOLENTLY AND I ALMOST LOST CONTROL. I HAD TO PULL OVER AND COME TO A STOP. I WAS VERY SHAKEN UP. I DID HAVE IT LOOKED OVER TO SEE IF ANYTHING WAS WRONG. COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING (TIRES, TIE-IN RODS, BALL JOINTS, AND ALIGNMENT). THIS WAS THE FIRST TIME IT HAPPENED, IT HAPPENED AGAIN. I FOUND OUT THEY CALL THIS THE JEEP DEATH WOBBLE. I CHECKED TO SEE IF THERE WAS A RECALL, BUT DIDN'T SEE ONE. I CAN'T BELIEVE THERE ISN'T A RECALL ON THIS WITH ALL THE COMPLAINTS I'VE READ. DON'T WAIT TILL SOMEONE GETS KILLED.
NHTSA complaint #11196011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
POWER TRAIN
WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NOTICED IT MADE A NOICE , I HAD A MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND MENTIONED THE SUB FRAME WAS WELDED AND THAT THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED AND FALLING APART. I WENT BACK WITH IN THE 15 DAYS AND UNDER 500 MILES AND BROUGHT IT TO JASON'S ATTENTION (THE PERSON HO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE, JASON ARGUED THAT ALL JEEPS SUB FRAMES ARE LIKE THAT FROM FACTORY, EVEN TRIED COMPARING IT TO ANOTHER JEEP HE HAD. I HAD TOOK THE JEEP TO A FEW SHOPS FOR EVALUATION AND ALL OF THEM CAME BACK WITH THE SAME BAD RESULTS THAT THE CAR WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED AT DEALER "THAT CAR PLACE" AS A GOOD RELIABLE AND SAFE CAR. MY BIG COCERN IS THAT I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT CARS AND I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE IN A CAR THAT HAS SAFETY HAZARDS FOR OTHERS AND MY OWN SAFETY.I HAD REQUESTED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND THE REPLY I GT FROM JASON WAS THAT HE COULDN'T DO THAT BECAUSE HE HAD BROUGHT DOWN THE PRICE AN HAD GIVEN ME A DISCOUNT. I DON'T THINK ITS FAIR FOR HIM TO USE THAT EXCUSE AND DENY MY REQUEST JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK HIM TO IT WAS BY HIS CHOICE.
NHTSA complaint #11174532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
SUSPENSION
WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NOTICED IT MADE A NOICE , I HAD A MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND MENTIONED THE SUB FRAME WAS WELDED AND THAT THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED AND FALLING APART. I WENT BACK WITH IN THE 15 DAYS AND UNDER 500 MILES AND BROUGHT IT TO JASON'S ATTENTION (THE PERSON HO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE, JASON ARGUED THAT ALL JEEPS SUB FRAMES ARE LIKE THAT FROM FACTORY, EVEN TRIED COMPARING IT TO ANOTHER JEEP HE HAD. I HAD TOOK THE JEEP TO A FEW SHOPS FOR EVALUATION AND ALL OF THEM CAME BACK WITH THE SAME BAD RESULTS THAT THE CAR WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED AT DEALER "THAT CAR PLACE" AS A GOOD RELIABLE AND SAFE CAR. MY BIG COCERN IS THAT I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT CARS AND I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE IN A CAR THAT HAS SAFETY HAZARDS FOR OTHERS AND MY OWN SAFETY.I HAD REQUESTED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND THE REPLY I GT FROM JASON WAS THAT HE COULDN'T DO THAT BECAUSE HE HAD BROUGHT DOWN THE PRICE AN HAD GIVEN ME A DISCOUNT. I DON'T THINK ITS FAIR FOR HIM TO USE THAT EXCUSE AND DENY MY REQUEST JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK HIM TO IT WAS BY HIS CHOICE.
NHTSA complaint #11174532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Albuquerque, NM
ENGINE
WHEN I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE I HAD NOTICED IT MADE A NOICE , I HAD A MECHANIC TAKE A LOOK AT IT AND MENTIONED THE SUB FRAME WAS WELDED AND THAT THE CAR WAS VERY RUSTED AND FALLING APART. I WENT BACK WITH IN THE 15 DAYS AND UNDER 500 MILES AND BROUGHT IT TO JASON'S ATTENTION (THE PERSON HO SOLD ME THE VEHICLE, JASON ARGUED THAT ALL JEEPS SUB FRAMES ARE LIKE THAT FROM FACTORY, EVEN TRIED COMPARING IT TO ANOTHER JEEP HE HAD. I HAD TOOK THE JEEP TO A FEW SHOPS FOR EVALUATION AND ALL OF THEM CAME BACK WITH THE SAME BAD RESULTS THAT THE CAR WAS A SAFETY HAZARD. THE VEHICLE WAS ADVERTISED AT DEALER "THAT CAR PLACE" AS A GOOD RELIABLE AND SAFE CAR. MY BIG COCERN IS THAT I KNOW VERY LITTLE ABOUT CARS AND I DON'T FEEL COMFORTABLE IN A CAR THAT HAS SAFETY HAZARDS FOR OTHERS AND MY OWN SAFETY.I HAD REQUESTED A DIFFERENT VEHICLE AND THE REPLY I GT FROM JASON WAS THAT HE COULDN'T DO THAT BECAUSE HE HAD BROUGHT DOWN THE PRICE AN HAD GIVEN ME A DISCOUNT. I DON'T THINK ITS FAIR FOR HIM TO USE THAT EXCUSE AND DENY MY REQUEST JUST BECAUSE I DIDN'T ASK HIM TO IT WAS BY HIS CHOICE.
NHTSA complaint #11174532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Antonio, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING SEVERE WOBBLING OF OUR VEHICLE. THIS HAS OCCURRED THREE TIMES WHILE DRIVING APPROX. 65 MPH, ON A CITY FREE WAY. THE WOBBLING HAS BEEN INITIATED WHERE SLABS OF ROAD MEET, ESPECIALLY IF IT IS NOT EVEN ONE. ON ALL WOBBLING OCCASIONS WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO FIND OURSELVES ON AN OUTSIDE LINE. WE WERE ABLE TO CONTROL THE WOBBLING BY HOLDING THE STEERING WHEEL AND SLOWLY PULLING OVER ON TO THE SHOULDER. I HAVE HAD ALL THE BRAKES REPLACED, FRONT AND REAR SHOCKS AND COILS REPLACED AND TIRE LUBED. WE ARE STILL DRIVING THE VEHICLE VERY CAREFULLY BY AVOIDING ROUGH AREAS ON THE ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11171968 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Andover, MA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
LEFT FRONT DIRECTIONAL HAS REPLACED BULB BUT STILL FLASHES FAST. COMPUTER WAS SCANNED FOR CODES AND TIPM CODE PRESENT. LIGHT SOCKET AND WIRING ALL LOOK GOOD. 2007 WRANGLER HAD A TIPM RECALL. 2009 SHOULD AS WELL.
NHTSA complaint #11166331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Tustin, CA
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
FUEL SPITS BACK DURING REFUELING CAUSE: VALVE INTEGRATED IN FUEL TANK IS DEFECTIVE, TANK REQUIRES REPLACEMENT. PREVIOUS MODEL YEAR HAD THE SAME ISSUE AND A SERVICE-BULLETIN WAS ISSUED (14-001-11) WITH UNLIMITED TIME AND MILEAGE EXPIRATION. IT APPEARS TO ME THAT THE GAS TANK HAS A DESIGN FLAW AND SOMEHOW A DEFECTIVE TANK WAS PLACED IN MY VEHICLE, I BELIEVE MY VEHICLE SHOULD APPLY TO THE SERVICE BULLETIN THE SYMPTOMS AND CORRECTIVE ACTION ARE THE SAME
NHTSA complaint #11080657 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Madison, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
MY JEEP HAS BEEN HAVING AN ONGOING ISSUE WHILE FUELING. AFTER THE FUEL FILLING NOZZLE AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF IT WILL SPIT OUT FUEL ALL OVER ME AND MY VEHICLE. I UNDERSTAND THAT THE WARRANTY ON 2007-2008 JEEP WRANGLER JKS HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO BE A LIFETIME WARRANTY AND MINE DOES NOT FALL UNDER THE WARRANTY, EVEN THOUGH IT IS THE SAME ISSUE. THIS IS NOT JUST AN INCONVENIENCE. GASOLINE CAN CONTAIN HYDROCARBONS, PARAFINS, OLEFINS, CYCLOALKANES, OXYGENATORS, AND AROMATICS INCLUDING BENZENE WHICH IS A KNOWN HUMAN CARCINOGEN. THIS FUELING ISSUE IS NOT ONLY A SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN BUT IT IS ALSO A HEALTH CONCERN FOR YOUR CUSTOMERS.
NHTSA complaint #11073593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 49,000 milesCoxsackie, NY
WHEELS
CORRODED TIRE VALVE STEMS,AND SPLIT NUTS
NHTSA complaint #11061384 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 112,050 milesWheat Ridge, CO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
GAS/ACCELERATOR PEDAL STICKING, CAUSING VEHICLE TO THROTTLE AND ACCELERATE UNCONTROLLABLY AND THE ENGINE TO REV WHEN THE CLUTCH IS PRESSED. THIS HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING.
NHTSA complaint #11061290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 116 milesLebanon, OH
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN FILLING UP MY 2 DOOR JEEP WRANGLER IT NEVER FAILS TO OVERFLOW, IT DOESN'T MATTER WHAT PUMP I USE OR HOW FAST OR SLOW I FILL UP. I HAVE RESEARCHED THAT THEY FIXED A COUPLE YEARS AND MINE DOESN'T FIT INTO THAT. I FEEL IT IS VERY FRUSTRATING THAT THEY WON'T FIX ALL YEARS CONSIDERING THEY KNOW THIS IS A COMMON ISSUE AND A SAFETY HAZZARD AS THE GAS DOESN'T JUST GET ALL OVER MY VEHICLE AND THE GROUND BUT MYSELF AS WELL. THIS HAS BEEN HAPPENING FOR A COUPLE MONTHS, I THOUGHT IT WAS MAYBE THE PUMP OR THE WAY I WAS PUMPING THE GAS AND NOTHING I HAVE DONE TO CHANGE IT HAS HELPED.
NHTSA complaint #11055910 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 74,000 milesAurora, IL
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHEN I REFUEL, WHEN PUMP STOPS GAS COMES OUT.
NHTSA complaint #11048554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,597 milesAmarillo, TX
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
DASH CLUSTER FLICKERS, JEEP SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES STARTS THREW OUT STALL ON ITS OWN. WON'T START ALL THE TIME. HAVE AN ISSUE WE'RE MY BATTERY CABLES ARE MASSIVELY MELTED CAUSING SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #11013800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 62,597 milesAmarillo, TX
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
DASH CLUSTER FLICKERS, JEEP SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, SOMETIMES STARTS THREW OUT STALL ON ITS OWN. WON'T START ALL THE TIME. HAVE AN ISSUE WE'RE MY BATTERY CABLES ARE MASSIVELY MELTED CAUSING SMOKE.
NHTSA complaint #11013800 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 30,000 milesDedham, MA
STRUCTURE:BODY
THE GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING DUE TO THE SKID PLATE SUPPORTING IT ROTTING.I SAW THE GAS ON MY DRIVEWAY SO I TOOK IT TO MY MECHANIC WHO PUT IT ON A LIFT AND SHOWED ME THE PROBLEM
NHTSA complaint #10981047 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,011 milesSolon, IA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 45 AND 55 MPH THE JEEP WILL BEGIN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE SO BAD IT IS HARD TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS INTERMITTENT, I AM ABLE TO DRIVE THE SAME ROUTE WITH NO PROBLEM, AND OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10979205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,011 milesSolon, IA
SUSPENSION
WHEN DRIVING BETWEEN 45 AND 55 MPH THE JEEP WILL BEGIN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE SO BAD IT IS HARD TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL, AND THE ONLY REMEDY IS TO SLOW DOWN OR COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. THE VIOLENT SHAKING IS INTERMITTENT, I AM ABLE TO DRIVE THE SAME ROUTE WITH NO PROBLEM, AND OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WILL GO INTO A VIOLENT SHAKE.
NHTSA complaint #10979205 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 milesKnoxville, TN
AIR BAGS
TAKATA RECALL NO ONE SEEMS TO BE ABLE TO REMEDY S33 AND S43. TWO DEALERS HAVE TOLD ME THEY HAVE NO PARTS. ONE OF THEM TOLD ME SINCE IT WAS A 2009 NOTHING HAD HAPPENED YET, I TOLD HIM I HAVEN'T HAD A WRECK YET.
NHTSA complaint #10957575 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waterboro, ME
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
PURCHASED VEHICLE LAST YEAR, SUDDENLY WHEN FILLING THE FUEL, AT THE POINT THE PUMP AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS OFF THE GAS BACK BLOWS DUMPING A SUBSTANTIAL AMOUNT OF FUEL ON YOU AND THE GROUND. THIS NEVER HAPPENED BEFORE JANUARY OF THIS YEAR AND HAS HAPPENED THE LAST THREE TIMES I HAVE FUELED MY VEHICLE AT DIFFERENT PUMPS.
NHTSA complaint #10949194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Melbourne, FL
AIR BAGS
TAKATA INFLATORS: I RECEIVE WARRANTIES ON THE PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR AND THE AIRBAG CLOCK SPRING WHICH WAS PERFECT BECAUSE THE LIGHT HAS BEEN GOING ON AND OFF FOR SOME TIME. NOW I'M BEING TOLD THIS IS NOT WHY THE AIRBAG LIGHT IS ON I AM BEING TOLD THE DRIVER SIDE AIRBAG HAS SOMETHING WRONG WITH IT BEING ABLE TO DEPLOY. WOULD THIS HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH THE CLOCKSPRING? THEY ARE STILL REPLACING THE RECALLED PARTS BUT MY CONCERN IS WHY WOULD THIS ALL OF A SUDDEN HAPPEN WHEN THERE IS ISSUES WITH THE AIR BAGS AS IT STANDS NOW?
NHTSA complaint #10893140 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,500 milesNaperville, IL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
THE PROBLEM IS THE TOTALLY INTEGRATED POWER MODULE. THE FRONT WINDSHIELD WIPERS ACTIVATE ON THERE OWN WITH NO CONTROL. THE GAUGE CLUSTER SHUTS DOWN AND ALL THE DASH LIGHTS TURN ON. YOU LOOSE ABILITY TO CONTROL TURN SIGNALS AND HEADLIGHTS. THE RADIO TURNS OFF. THE AIRBAG LIGHT COMES ON. THIS MAY OCCOUR AT ANY TIME.
NHTSA complaint #10853428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.