Problems · by component
2008 Jeep Wrangler wheels problems
34 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2008 Jeep Wrangler cite wheels, 3% of all 1,255 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
34
3% of all complaints
Crashes
0
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
0
Reported by owners
What owners say about the wheels
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Defective Wheel Spacers Causing Vehicle Failure and Safety Hazard While driving, the front driver-side wheel spacer failed, leading to the complete detachment of the wheel from my vehicle. This unexpected and catastrophic failure left us stranded on the highway for several hours, waiting for roadside assistance. Additionally, the front end of the Jeep sustained significant damage, requiring extensive repairs. Fortunately, we were able to bring the vehicle to a stop without injuries, but the situation could have resulted in a far more serious accident. Upon further inspection by road side assistance, it became evident that the wheel spacer had completely failed, raising concerns about the safety and reliability of this product. I immediately contacted Yitamotor to seek an explanation, reimbursement for damages, and information on whether this issue is a known defect in their product. In my formal request to the company, I outlined the following concerns: Investigation: I requested a thorough investigation into why the wheel spacer failed and whether similar failures have been reported. The supplier has no interest in investigating the failure. The part failed…”
“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.”
“WHILE TRAVELING DOWN THE ROAD WHEN YOU SLOW TO TURN A SLIGHT CURVE AND PRESS BRAKES THE JEEP GOES INTO A UNCONTROLLABLE SHAKE IN THE ENTIRE FRONT END. YOU CAN NOT STOP IT BY APPLYING BRAKES BECAUSE IT MAKES IT WORSE. YOU HAVE NO CONTROL OF THE SHAKE AND IT EVEN SHAKES THE STEERING WHEEL AND WHOLE FRONT END OF THE JEEP. EVENTUALLY IT PULLS OUT OF IT AFTER SEVERAL FEET BUT YOU FEEL THE WHOLE FRONT END IS GONG TO COME OFF THE SHAKE IS THAT VIOLENT. I HAVE ALMOST WRECKED MY VEHICLE TRYING TO HOLD IT ON THE ROAD WHILE TURNING AND HAD OTHER CARS ALMOST PLOW ME FROM THE BACK. IT IS VERY SCAREY AND YOU HAVE NO WARNING WHEN IT IS GOING TO HAPPEN.”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 JEEP WRANGLER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE AND STEERING WHEEL SHOOK WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC OR DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE CONTACT MENTIONED THE FAILURE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO STATED THAT THE ISSUE COULD BE RELATED TO THE TIRES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND ADVISED THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A JEEP DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. *TT *TR”
“WHILE DRIVING APPROX 60 MPH I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD...CAR STARTED SHAKING UNCONTROLLABLY..STEERING WHEEL WAS SHAKING ..HAD TO SLOW IMMEDIATELY...WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED ON HIGHWAY...LUCKILY THE PERSON BEHIND ME WASN'T TOO CLOSE AND ABLE TO SLOW TO A STOP...THIS IS AN INCREDIBLY DANGEROUS SITUATION AND JEEP IS CLAIMING THERE IS NOTHING WRONG...MY CAR WAS PURCHASED NEW AND IS TOTALLY STOCK...I READ THAT ITS DESCRIBED AS THE "DEATH WOBBLE". IS JEEP WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO DIE BEFORE ACKNOWLEDGING THE PROBLEM?”
“AT HIGHWAY SPEED, APPROXIMATELY 50+ MPH, WHEN THE CAR GOES OVER A BUMP OR POTHOLE (IT DOESN'T NEED TO BE A MAJOR BUMP OR HOLE) THE FRONT SHAKES VIOLENTLY UNTIL THE CAR IS SLOWED AND THEN IT RETURNS TO NORMAL. SEARCHING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND DISCUSSIONS DESCRIBING THIS EXACT SITUATION. THEY CALL IT THE "DEATH WOBBLE".”
Showing 6 of 34 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.