10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
501 miles

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problem #67

Jan 152025

Gladiator

  • miles
On [XXX] at approximately [XXX] I was travelling West on [XXX], between Hamlin and Kimballton, Iowa. I had been driving with my cruise control set at 60MPH, until I caught up to an 18 wheel livestock semi truck. The semi was travelling near 40MPH due to curves in the road in this area. With no traffic coming from the West and an acceptable stretch of passing zone, I decided to pass the semi. As I entered the Eastbound lane to begin my pass, I pressed the accelerator pedal all the way to the floor and accelerated past the semi. As I was completing the pass, the road began to curve to the left, which naturally caused the Jeep to re-enter the Westbound lane, which is what was expected and is what I wanted to do, as I was well clear of the semi. What startled me, actually scared me to death, is when I attempted to steer to the left in order to remain centered in the Westbound lane. When I attempted to steer, the steering wheel seemed to be locked in the straight forward position. I grabbed the steering wheel with both hands and it took pretty much all I had to force the steering wheel to turn left at all. I had to have come within inches of dropping off the shoulder on the right (North) side of the road, while still in the left curve. The steering remained very "tight" and very hard to move much outside of the centered position. I continued driving as there was very little traffic. Upon reaching the town of Harlan, IA I had planned to stop and access the situation. However, when the vehicle speed slowed to somewhere around 30MPH, the steering system corrected itself and began to function normally. I continued to my destination in Omaha, NE without further issue. To say that this event scared me is an understatement. It could not have happened at a worse time and I believe I was within inches of exiting the roadway due to the inability to control the vehicle. I am certain that if my wife or kids had been driving, a crash would have INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FO

- Johnston, IA, USA

problem #66

Dec 012024

Gladiator

  • miles
My 2021 Jeep Gladiator Mojave began experiencing "Death Wobble" in early December, 2024, at highway speeds after hitting a bump in the road. I purchased this vehicle new from the dealer in 2021. I put new tires on the vehicle at 60,000 miles in September, 2024. The wobble is violent and sustained resonant shaking of the front end that continues until the vehicle speed decreases below 30 MPH. I had the front end inspected and the wheels re-balanced and rotated by Big-O, but the problem persists. Big-O indicated that the bushings, stabilizers, tie-rods, ball joints and bearings appeared tight, but the steering damper may need to be replaced. I've attempted numerous times to schedule investigation and repair with the Stoneridge Dodge Chrysler dealer in Pleasanton, CA, but so far have been unsuccessful. The dealer does not appear to take this issue seriously, and said I may need to leave the vehicle with them for a week or two until they could get around to looking at it. I've started researching this issue and discovered that there are pages of complaints on NHTSA and the blogs are full of horror stories regarding this issue. There was a class-action lawsuit settled by FCA but it appears to apply only to the 2020 Gladiator and 2018-2020 Wranglers. Service Bulletin 02-004-21 has some instruction for re-torquing the lower ball joints and Mopar Case Number [XXX] has instruction for replacement of the Steering Damper 68251580AF and outboard attachment bolt 06513445AA. Hopefully, FCA will step up and correct this issue before someone is seriously injured or killed. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Pleasanton, CA, USA

problem #65

Dec 222024

Gladiator

  • miles
I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a serious safety issue with my 2021 Jeep Gladiator (VIN: [XXX] ). On Sunday, [XXX], while my wife was driving the vehicle on the highway near our home in southeast Boston, she experienced intense and violent shaking that did not subside until she slowed down and pulled over. She was alone at the time, and the event was frightening and could have led to a severe accident. Upon researching the issue, she discovered it is commonly referred to as the "Death Wobble, " a phenomenon widely reported online and even acknowledged by Jeep dealers, including Chrysler Dodge Jeep of Columbia. Following the incident, I contacted our local Jeep dealer, Best Jeep in Plymouth, MA, to have the vehicle inspected. Their service team identified the issue and replaced the following parts: -??Damper Steering -??Bolt Shoulder Square Neck -??Nut Hex Flange Lock -??Bolt Hex Flange Head -??Nut Hex Nut Coned Washer When I inquired with Service Advisor Matthew Preston about warranty coverage, he informed me that the repairs were not covered because the vehicle is outside the warranty period. However, he also mentioned that this problem is common in other Jeeps, further emphasizing its systemic nature. From my research, I learned that Jeep has acknowledged this issue in the past. A proposed settlement in 2022 extended warranty coverage for specific models, including certain Jeep Gladiators, to cover the replacement of front suspension dampers. This settlement highlights the widespread nature of the "Death Wobble" and the manufacturer-??s recognition of the problem. Numerous Jeep owners have reported similar issues, and the phenomenon is so concerning that it has been the subject of widespread media. I firmly believe that it should be addressed through a factory recall. A vehicle as recent as our 2021 Jeep Gladiator should not be experiencing such critical safety issues. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Duxbury, MA, USA

problem #64

Dec 152021

Gladiator

  • miles
I purchased my Gladiator in May of 2021 and the "Death Wobble" started in December of the same year. I took it to the dealership that I purchased my Jeep from and they told me that "it was due to the overly aggressive tires that were on the jeep". I told them that I purchased the jeep from them with those tires on it! Since then I have had out of pocket repairs totaling in excess of $3000. The "wobble" has been reproduced for them but that was the answer I got. The wobble happens every month or so but definitely happens when I hit a bump in the road or when I hit 60 mph and there is a deviation in the road (i.e. a divit, curve or sometimes even if I change lanes). The wobble is so bad that I have to immediately brake and drop my speed below 25 mph to eliminate the wobble. This has been a safety hazard where I have had cars behind me almost rear-end me because I had to slow down or I would lose control of the entire car. I don't drive my car for any distances longer than 10 miles from my home.

- Denver, CO, USA

problem #63

Nov 142024

Gladiator

  • miles
Just purchased this vehicle from Anderson Nissan of Lake Havasu City, AZ with 4759 miles. After leaving the city and driving on [XXX] heading [XXX], I immediately encountered fairly serious speed wobbles at 70 mph after driving over the bridges for drainage under the highway. Immediately slowed to 60 mph to stop wobble. This occurred approximately 8 times on [XXX] after driving over these bridges or irregular pavement. Nearly home, I was involved in an extremely serious speed wobble at 70 - 75 mph in an area of [XXX] in [XXX]. A slight vibration occurred then an extremely violent speed wobble ensued. Cars in this area drive at very high speeds. Fortunately, I was able to get the car to the side of the road without getting hit or wrecking. I barely kept control of it and very surprised I did not wreck with the other cars. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Fontana, CA, USA

problem #62

Nov 072024

Gladiator

  • 32,000 miles
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact stated that while her husband was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to wobble. The contact's husband researched the failure and determined that the vehicle was experiencing the death wobble. The vehicle was uncontrollable while driving. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact called the local dealer, where it was determined that the steering damper needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer informed the contact that there was no recall for the failure. The contact called the recall center and was referred to the NHTSA Hotline. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 32,000.

- Kenosha, WI, USA

problem #61

Jun 262024

Gladiator

  • miles
My 2021 Jeep Gladiator received the 19A Clutch Recall in late June 2024. The recall was issued due to clutch pressure plates disintegrating, blowing a hole in the transmission housing, and causing vehicle fires. Upon return, my vehicle was unable to drive smoothly. After further investigation, I determined that if the clutch and throttle were operated concurrently, the engine would shut off. The engine would shut off anywhere between 1 MPH and highway speed causing issues with operating hydraulically assisted systems (power brakes and power steering). In practice, this led to the engine shutting off between most gear shifts causing a jerky driving condition due to the engine needing to clutch start itself. I did not test how well the steering or brakes worked while the engine was shut off due to safety concerns. While pulling into my driveway, I momentarily lost control of the vehicle when the engine died while traveling at low speed and with the steering wheel turned. I lost power steering and was unable to correct the direction in travel before driving onto my lawn. I returned the vehicle to the dealership and replicated the issue for them. They confirmed the issue was present. The issue was determined to be a faulty ECU flash causing the issue. A revised flash was made available to dealerships 7/12/24 and installed in my vehicle 7/15/24. Component that Failed: Faulty ECU flash Safety: The vehicle's engine would shut off while moving Reproduced by Dealership: Yes Inspected by Manufacturer: No Warning lights or messages: No Additional Info: I have been in contact with other owners with the same issue. This faulty ECU flash seems to only have had this effect on 2021 models. The following is personal input. I hope the irony is not lost on you all that a safety recall fix caused an arguably more pronounced and repeatable safety problem. Additionally, I notified Jeep Cares that this could kill or injure someone and they told me to send Chrysler a letter.

- Arlington, TX, USA

problem #60

Apr 052024

Gladiator

  • miles
Several times a day when I drive over un-even pavement the front end, wheels, & steering wheel start violently shaking and become uncontrollable to the point other vehicles move out of the way. It will only stop when speed is lowered low 5 mph. This has happened between 25-40 mph. Too afraid to drive at highway speeds. This vehicle is a 2021 with only 12,800 miles on it. Very scary situation to be in, especially for a vehicle I bought new and have never taken off road.

- Kingman, AZ, USA

problem #59

Mar 032024

Gladiator

  • miles
At speeds of 45-70mph the Jeep randomly begins a violent shaking of the steering wheel/tires/suspension components. The Jeep is completely stock and the tires have been rotated and rebalanced which did not assist in resolving the issue.

- White House, TN, USA

problem #58

Oct 112023

Gladiator

  • miles
Driving on the freeway at freeway speed. Hit a bridge transition point and the front end started to shake uncontrollably. I braked and was able to pull to the side. Got out and checked. No visible damage. Took the truck to the dealer. They replaced my steering damper and track bar. The truck only had 6K miles. Again at 20,000 miles the same parts needed to be replaced as the same thing was happening. There has been a class action lawsuit settled on this same model. My vehicle is completely stock. This is a huge safety concern.

- Bermuda Dunes , CA, USA

problem #57

Jan 162024

Gladiator

  • miles
When driving on the interstate at interstate speeds, the steering randomly locked up. The steering wheel could not be turned.

- Marietta, GA, USA

problem #56

Jan 102024

Gladiator

  • miles
While driving on a highway around 70 MPH upon traveling on a bumpy portion of roadway or a transition from an overpass back to roadway the steering starts to Shimmy extremely bad. The only way to get this to stop is pull over and bring the vehicle to a complete stop. I was almost killed when there was no shoulder available In a construction zone on [XXX] in Florida and I had to stop in the lane of traffic and was almost rear ended by a semi tractor trailer. I-??ve made a complaint about this before. The dealer previously changed the steering damper but unfortunately the new damper is not the fix to this safety issue. Luckily I-??m an experienced driver and a retired law enforcement officer and have calmness to work through this issue. If it was a young driver with little experience the outcome would be sadly different. Sooner or later I believe a fatality will occur due to this. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Bradenton, FL, USA

problem #55

Dec 162023

Gladiator

  • miles
This vehicle has around 8000 miles on it. While driving at highways speeds, several times the steering would start to wobble violently. Normally after hitting a small bump in the road. After researching this was called a death wobble. The vehicle is stock and has not been modified. Has jeep issued a remedy?

- Lathrop, MO, USA

problem #54

Dec 062023

Gladiator

  • miles
At highway speed and encountering a small bump the front-end will jump violently side to side. This can only be stopped by braking to below 50 MPH. Nearly got rear-ended numerous times.

- Coffeyville, KS, USA

problem #53

Nov 102023

Gladiator

  • miles
Each time I drive my 2021 Jeep Gladiator Diesel over 55-60mph, I experience the 'death wobble' and i have to brake /slow down to under 50mph before it will stop. This is really dangerous on the Atlanta highways where people are driving far in excess of 60mph and tend to tailgate & change lanes quickly. When I first bought the truck, I didn't experience this but in the past year, it has been happening pretty much every time I drive on the highway (which I avoid now). The most recent time was the WORST, which is prompting this complaint.

- Cumming, GA, USA

problem #52

Sep 162023

Gladiator

  • miles
Experiencing the well known Jeep "death wobble" at highway speeds above 65MPH when riding over a minor surface bump. Very violent shaking of entire vehicle. I have to immediately reduce speed to below 45mph to stop shacking. Reducing this speed at highway speeds is very dangerous, especially if occurring in the passing lane.

- Portage, IN, USA

problem #51

Aug 072023

Gladiator

  • miles
Truck has death wobble. Truck steering motor gets stuck at times. Truck has electrical problems and computer problems. The steering is bad and the suspension is loose. I feel unsafe driving this truck.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #50

Mar 152023

Gladiator

  • miles
Multiple attempts to correct -??death wobble -??. Problem began in March 2023. Available for inspection upon request. Steering issues caused safety concerns for the driver and passengers, as well as other drivers and passengers on the road. Problem confirmed and multiple attempts to repair were made by Jeep dealership. No inspection by anyone besides the dealership service department. No warning lights activated.

- Gardner , KS, USA

problem #49

Apr 212023

Gladiator

  • miles
Uncontrollable wobble in the front end that starts after 50mph. I have seen many other online comments about this, and they are saying Jeep cannot fix it. This is absolute fatality waiting to happen. This needs to be addressed immediately before someone dies, if it hasn't already happened. This issue goes back quite a number of years. There has not been a recall on this and I cannot believe that. I have seen that there has been a class action law suit filed by Jeep owners, and I am astounded that nothing has been done. I am hoping NHTSA can help us before something happens. Thank You.

- Bismarck, ND, USA

problem #48

Oct 192022

Gladiator

  • miles
While driving at highway speeds and the vehicle goes over a bump, bridge connection, etc the vehicle goes into an uncontrollable -??death wobble-??. This began with less than 10,000 miles on the vehicle, and the vehicle has not had any alterations from factory (factory wheels, tires, suspension, etc.). I brought the vehicle to the dealer in Oct 2022, and a part was on national backorder, after 2 months it arrived and was installed Dec 2022, and the problem persists and now the dealership says a different part is needed, also on nation back order. When you are driving the vehicle and the -??death wobble-?? starts it is extreme shaking of the vehicle front end, and steering wheel. The only way to fix is to slow the vehicle down to 25-30 mph, which can be very dangerous on the highway, especially when in the fast lane on a busy highway with other traffic traveling between 65-80 mph. This has occurred well over a dozen times, and has not only been frightening each time but a few of those times my vehicle has become a hazard to other drivers to avoid. Currently I cannot feel safe driving the vehicle on the highway and have been confined to local driving on city roads.

- Fernandina Beach, FL, USA

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