Common Jeep Issues, Problems & Other Reliability Concerns

Some say it’s a Jeep thing — and we’re not talking about going four-wheeling or giving the Jeep wave to fellow Wrangler drivers. No, we’re talking reliability — or the lack thereof on some of their new models. The brand has long had a less-than-stellar reputation for reliability, and it’s not unusual to hear about people who purchased a new Jeep and promptly began dealing with electrical gremlins, mechanical issues and other frustrations.

If this sounds familiar, know that you’re not alone. Our attorneys at Bad Vehicle have dealt with cases concerning Jeep Lemon Law buybacks, so we know a thing or two about the most persistent and frequently seen issues plaguing today’s new Jeeps. If your fresh-off-the-showroom Compass or Grand Cherokee is already suffering from any of the common Jeep issues detailed below, give us a call for a free consultation. With the help of our attorneys, you might be able to dump your lemon and get the reliable SUV you deserve.

Today’s Most Common Jeep Problems

You don’t have to dig for long on the internet or enthusiast forums to find documented instances of unreliable Jeeps. Some problems are primarily contained to certain models, such as the infamous ‘death wobble’ that is a known condition suffered by solid-axle Wranglers; others have cropped up across the brand’s different nameplates. Here’s a rundown of some common problems you might encounter in a new or newer Jeep:

Short-circuiting instrument clusters
Non-functioning rearview cameras
Defective infotainment systems
Defective sway-bar disconnect seals
Failing piston rings & excessive oil consumption (2.4-liter TigerShark engines)
Failing high-voltage batteries (4xe models)
Various suspension issues

Death Wobble: What Is It?

Of all the common issues that can sideline models like the Gladiator or Wrangler, none have quite the infamy of the Jeep Death Wobble. Simply put, the death wobble is an ominous name for a significant and uncontrollable suspension oscillation that can occur suddenly and at higher speeds. It’s an instantly recognizable problem, but one without an easy, cut-and-dry solution. Anything from poor front-end alignment to worn suspension parts can be the culprit.

When Does a Jeep Qualify for a Lemon Law Claim?

In most states, a vehicle is eligible for a Lemon Law claim if it meets these three criteria:

It was purchased or leased new from a dealership within the last 24 months.
You have made at least 3 attempts to fix the same problem.
The vehicle has spent at least 30 nonconsecutive days in the shop for repairs.

Don’t worry if you don’t know the details about lemon law claims — that’s what our team is here for. You can speak directly to an attorney when you call us for your free consultation, so reach out today. Your Jeep’s constant issues don’t need to leave you worried about making it home every time you hit the road — just contact Bad Vehicle and discover what we can do for you.