Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (wheels, lug nuts, original-equipment tires, TPMS).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
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. …
This Jeep has been nothing but a issue. Have been to shops for a year. Check engine light wont stay off, wheels shake at certain speeds, over heats, radiator issues, you name it. The dealer would not cover anything and went out of business shortly after. This Jeep is a lemon. There has to be recalls on this. Jeep is currently at garage again and they are saying possible computer issues again maybe 02 yada. Came out of grocery store the other night and the Jeep would not start. Not the battery. Again the garage called and said it May be a electrical issue with the security of the vehicle. Just had new plugs and wires installed. This is absurd and there should be recalls on these jeeps. There is definitely safety concerns!!!!!!!! Haven't been able to get the engine light off as previously stated and thus still cant get a inspection going on a year! Someone please help!!!
While driving and when speed reached 55 -60 MPH, the steering had a small shaking to it. As time and more miles went by, it turned into uncontrollable steering. I had to let off the accelerator and coast to a slower speed. Eventually I could not drive the Jeep until I changed the torsion bar, tie rod ends and steering stabilizer, (twice, the last time with a heavy duty one) and then what fixed it was the steering gear box. But once I changed it, the wobble or uncontrollable shaking stopped so I got a front end alignment and had to change all four ball joints due to the damage the wobble caused. That has been about 10 months and the small shaking has started up again. Getting worse to worse as time and mileage goes by.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. While traveling at an unknown speed, the rear tires started wobbling. The contact heard the sound, but the failure was not visible unless someone was traveling behind the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who diagnosed that the axle housing and the cv joints needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who diagnosed that the axle shafts needed to be replaced due to the axle shaft being bent. There was also a presence of a leak. The seal on the passenger side fractured without warning. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,350.
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.
While driving at speeds of 60 MPH and above, when braking or hitting a bump in the road the wheels wobble, steering is uncontrollable and you cannot accelerate or stop completely until the wobbling subsides. I was passing a semi truck when a slower vehicle pulled in front of me, I gently braked to slow down and the wobbling was so bad I could not steer, brake further or accelerate to stop the wobbling or move out of the way of cars behind me. I ended up in the median since I could not follow the curve of the road and was lucky to not be hit by other cars or the semi-truck.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Jeep Wrangler. While driving 45 to 65 MPH, the front end of the vehicle shook violently out of control and caused the suspension to become unstable. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the tires needed to be balanced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic who replaced the steering damper, but the failure recurred two days after the repair was performed. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
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?
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.
In three separate instances wheel studs have busted off the back tires. 1st time all 5 broke. 2nd time - 2 broke and this 3rd time - 1 broke. Jeep customer service is of no help with the problem. We have to put on new studs and lugs every time and if the tire comes fully off, this could cause a serious accident. Twice the Jeep was in motion when it happened and once while during a tire rotation, taking off a lug by hand the wheel stud snapped in half.
Wheel & Tire complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are wheel & tire problems on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 58 complaints about the wheels & tires of the 2008 Jeep Wrangler, 3% of the model year's 1,863 complaints. The component named most often is pressure monitoring and regulating systems (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Jeep Wrangler wheel & tire problems?
No. NHTSA lists no wheels & tires recall for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Jeep Wrangler wheel & tire problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 46,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 0 injuries to wheels & tires problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.