The Jeep Wrangler is one of the most recognizable vehicles on the road, but it has a well-known history of steering-related defects that have alarmed owners for years. The most notorious of these is the “death wobble,” a violent shaking of the front end that typically occurs at highway speeds after hitting a bump or uneven pavement. Beyond the death wobble, however, Wrangler owners have also reported problems with loose steering, wandering on the road, and premature wear of steering components.
These defects can make the vehicle dangerous to drive. If your dealer has not been able to resolve them after repeated service visits, your Wrangler may qualify as a lemon under California law. Read on for a closer look at the steering issues affecting the Jeep Wrangler and what steps you can take if your vehicle is affected. Contact our Southern California lemon law attorney today for a free consultation.
What Is the Death Wobble?
The death wobble is a term used to describe an intense, uncontrollable vibration that originates in the front axle and shakes the entire vehicle. It most commonly strikes Jeep Wranglers at speeds above 45 mph and is usually triggered by hitting a pothole or other imperfection in the pavement. When it happens, the steering wheel shakes so violently that many drivers feel they are about to lose control of the vehicle.
The death wobble has been linked to several potential causes, including:
- Defective track bar
- Failing steering stabilizer
- Loose ball joints
- Worn tie rod ends
- Improperly balanced wheels
Many owners report that the problem returns even after parts are replaced, which is one of the primary considerations that could qualify the vehicle as defective under the California lemon law.
Other Steering Problems in the Wrangler
The death wobble gets the most attention, but it’s far from the only steering concern Wrangler owners face. Other commonly reported issues include:
- Excessive play in the steering wheel
- The vehicle drifting to one side
- Clunking noises when turning
- Steering gear box leaks
- Premature failure of front-end components
These problems can make the Wrangler feel unpredictable on the road, particularly at higher speeds and in heavy traffic. When steering components wear out faster than they should on a vehicle that’s still under warranty, that points to a manufacturing defect rather than normal wear and tear.
Contact a Lemon Law Lawyer in California for a Free Consultation
Steering defects and the death wobble are more than just an annoyance; they can put you and everyone else on the road in real danger. If your Jeep Wrangler keeps experiencing these problems and the dealer can’t seem to fix them for good, California’s lemon law may give you a way out.
Contact a lemon law attorney with My Lemon Firm today at (844) 40-Lemon for a free consultation. We handle lemon law cases exclusively and work on contingency, so you can hire us without paying anything up front. There’s also no financial risk to you because the manufacturer generally has to pay your legal fees if your case is successful.