What's Wrong with the 3rd Generation (2007–2017) Wrangler?

Wrangler owners have made 1,590 complaints about the 2007–2017 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it second to last in overall reliaibility, with significant electrical and suspension concerns.

Compare With Other Wrangler Generations

Common 2007-2017 Jeep Wrangler Problems

Some of the worst issues 3rd generation Wrangler owners have to deal with.

  1. Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect

    Make room, death wobble. You're not the only terrible Jeep suspension problem out there. Consider the electronic sway bar disconnect system that's great until you drive through a puddle and fry the system's electronics. …

    Continue reading article "Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect" A red circle highlights the sway bar disconnect system on the bottom front of a Jeep hoisted up on lifts.

  3. Jeep Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags

    Parts supplier, Takata, manufactured defective, shrapnel-hurling airbag inflators that need to be recalled. The issue affects 37 million+ vehicles spread out across 24 brands, making it one of the largest (and most dangerous) recalls in aut…

    Continue reading article "Jeep Vehicles with Recalled Takata Airbags" A crash test dummy about to hit an airbag with the Takata logo superimposed

  4. Jeep TIPM Electrical Problems

    If you've heard of a TIPM, chances are you own a vehicle from Fiat-Chrysler (FCA). Think of it like a command center for all the electrical functions of your car, and in FCA's case a very, very disfunctional one.

    Continue reading article "Jeep TIPM Electrical Problems" A TIPM pulled apart to show complicated electronics

  5. Death Wobble

    The death wobble is a creative term coined by Jeep owners that describes a situation when the front axle begins violently oscillating, causing the car to shake (or wobble) in a manner which makes the vehicle hard to control.

    Continue reading article "Death Wobble" A red Wrangler climbing over rocks

  6. Window Regulator Failure

    Without the window regulator, power windows become useless. That's exactly what has happened to thousands of Jeep owners; hundreds have complained about their windows falling into the door, sometimes at highway speeds!…

    Continue reading article "Window Regulator Failure" A missing Jeep window that's all taped up

  7. Wrangler Gas Overflow Complaints

    Jeep owners are up in gasoline-covered arms about how fuel overflows from their tank during the refueling process. The fuel system does not seem to respond to the shut-off mechanism, which means gas spills out onto the ground, the car and e…

    Continue reading article "Wrangler Gas Overflow Complaints" Fuel spraying out during a fill-up

What Owners Complain About

Sometimes it helps just to tally up the complaints and see where the biggest stacks are. Use this information to learn about troublespots or to run for the hills.

Worst Issues

What Breaks the Most

Years to Avoid

3rd Generation (2007–2017) Wrangler Key Numbers

  1. 11 model years

    Grouping all models by their year can reveal some baddies.

  2. 1,590 complaints

    Running tally of owner grievances filed to CarComplaints.com.

  3. 17th in reliability

    Overall reliability rank out of 18 eligible generations.

Recent Lawsuits for 3rd Generation Wrangler Owners

  • Partially dismissed

    Flores, et al., v. FCA US LLC

    1. Partially dismissed

      The judge ruled the plaintiffs lack standing to bring claims on behalf of a nationwide class of vehicle owners, therefore nationwide class action allegations are dismissed.

    2. Case Filed

      A Jeep sway bar lawsuit alleges the electronic disconnect fails and forces the owner to drive their Jeep or Ram vehicle on highways and roads without the sway bar, creating dangerous driving conditions.

    Problem
    Electronic Sway Bar Disconnect
    Class Vehicles
    • 2007-2017 Wrangler Rubicon (JK)
    • 2007-2017 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (JKU)
    • 2018-2020 Wrangler Rubicon (JL)
    • 2018-2020 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon (JLU)
    • 2020 Gladiator Rubicon
    Class Members
    California,Michigan,New Jersey,New York and Texas owners and lessees
    Location
    Michigan

Recent 3rd Generation (2007–2017) Wrangler News

There's a lot of news out there, but not all of it matters. We try to boil down it to the most important bits about things that actually help you with your car problem. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts over at CarComplaints.com.

What Wrangler Owners Say About This Generation

The Dreaded Death Wobble

I have it every day on the highway between 45 - 60 MPH when the jeep hits some bumps or expansion joints on the highway. It shakes like hell. I usually do not drive in that speed range. I go faster or slower. I also avoid lanes on the highway with a lot of bumps where the death wobble has occurred in the past. Jeep needs to fix this for free immediately!!!

2008 Wrangler Owner in DE

The Dreaded Death Wobble

Everything was fine on my 2007 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited until I hit a pot hole on day and the Jeep started shaking outrageously bad. I thought the wheels would break off and I was going to crash. I never felt a vehicle do anything so violent. After that it would happen a lot anywhere above 65mph or a bump over 35mph. I replaced the inner and outer tie rods and it was fine for a little while. Then it started again on bumps over 65mph.

2007 Wrangler Owner in VA

Electrical Nightmares Thanks to a Faulty TIPM

Cannot use 2012 Jeep Wrangler because exterior lights and directionals do not work. The estimate to replace the tipm (fuse box) is over $1000.00 USD. I have been told this is a common problem and a defect, yet I am supposed to pay for the repairs. Not fair. Too much money.

2012 Wrangler Owner in MA