The Jeep Wrangler was first sold by American Motors Company in 1987 as a successor to the original Jeep produced for the US Army in World War II. The current fourth-generation Wrangler was introduced for the 2018 model year. Like the vintage military Jeeps, the Wrangler features a separate body and frame, rigid live front and rear axles, a fold-flat windshield, and removable doors. The Wrangler is one of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ best-selling vehicles, selling more than 200,000 units in the US on an annual basis.

The Wrangler was rated as one of the least reliable vehicles on the market by Consumer Reports in 2020. It also receives unimpressive safety ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), primarily due to a heightened risk of rollover. Recent models of the Jeep Wrangler have been subject to numerous recalls and investigations by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The 2020 model has already generated 3 recalls while the 2019 model was subject to 4 recalls and 2 separate investigations (into weld deficiencies). The 2018 model has had 10 recalls and 4 investigations (into weld deficiencies, airbag issues, and fracturing seat belt buckles.). Investigations into weld deficiencies and airbag defects in these models are still continuing. Recalls on recent year models range from structural problems such as cracking removable tops and defective doorlatches to loss of steering and a risk of fire from overheating clutch pressure plates.

The Wrangler is renowned for the “death wobble” – a rapid oscillation/vibration in the vehicle’s steering and suspension components that results in the steering wheel moving very quickly from side to side (typically occurring after driving over a bump or other road imperfection at more than 45 miles per hour). Consumers also complain frequently about clutch malfunctions, leaks, axle and control arm weld failures, and interior electronic failures, including malfunctioning navigation, audio and phone systems. If you are experiencing these or other problems with your Jeep Wrangler, Timothy Abeel & Associates may be able to help. Contact us by phone or via our website to find out your rights under the law.