Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Jeep Wrangler owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have experienced on a number of occasions, when traveling on the highway at speeds greater than 60 MPH and the vehicle his a bump in the road (expansion joint, pothole, etc), the vehicle begins to bounce uncontrollably. The steering wheel vibrates uncontrollably and it feels like the front end of the vehicle is bouncing on the highway. Its doesn't stop until you slow the vehicle down below 60 mph or so.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a "death wobble". While driving approximately 50 MPH, the steering column shook from side to side and the wheels lifted off the pavement. The vehicle was taken to lakeland Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (2875 mall hill dr, lakeland, fl 33810, [phone]) to be diagnosed, but they could find the cause of the "death wobble." the dealer suggested replacing several parts, including the axle, which alone would cost over $3,000. The contact had the vehicle serviced for wheel alignments, new tires, new rims, new wheel bearings, new axles, new hubs, new half shafts, new ball joints, new tie rods, anti-sway bars, bushing springs, shocks, alignment brackets, and steering dampeners. The failure recurred. The manufacturer had not been contacted. …
I had already experienced the death wobble in my Jeep prior to today's date, I had everything under the front end tightened and the front track bar replaced, cost, approximately 700 dollars. The track bar was replaced April 30 2015, today May 1 2015 I got on the highway ramp as soon. As I hit 65 and a bump the Jeep began to go into a violent shaking. In order to maintain control I had to grip the steering wheel very tight, white knuckle, and pull off to the side of the highway during morning rush hour. After coming to a complete stop the wobble stopped. I bright to Jeep and the said probably the steering. The called me later and said it was the upper lower ball joints, tie rods, alignment, and steering. 2200 bucks. For a car that's only a few years old no reason something like the ball joints should be that worn or that I should experience a death wobble in the first place. …
The death wobble is a terrifying experience, especially when it occurs for the first time. So far, the issue has occurred at 40-50 MPH on a two way road. During the several times that it has occurred, I thought that a crash would be inevitable if I didn't stop the car right away. The steering is barely controllable and it gets to the point where you think that the car will swerve off the road or likely flip. I am not only worried about my own safety, but also the safety of other on the road. I have been lucky and have been able to stop the car in time. I am very hesitant to let anyone drive the vehicle because of this issue. If you are not expecting it, the wobble is truly terrifying. I cannot believe that a company has such poor design quality. This issue should be acknowledged by the company and a fix should be provided before someone gets hurt. …
Jeep sahara unlimited goes nearly unstable (aggressive front end oscillation) when hitting potholes/bumps at speed (~50-60 MPH), only way to stop is to slow down to nearly 10-20 MPH. Very dangerous on highway or any road going at speed for fear of getting hit in rear as you slow down. Has happened numerous (100+) times since I bought the car, I minimize the issue by avoiding known potholes/bumps on roads I use. This is apparently known by Fiat Chrysler automobiles and they apparently have a fix (new steering damper), just search "Jeep death wobble" or "FCA safety issues" on google, hundreds having this problem, apparently now a lawsuit. Have brought car in and Jeep service and they act like they are unaware of it. Same with FCA / mopar service. They act like they have not heard of it. This is absolutely a safety issue and all jeeps with this issue should be recalled. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that since early November of 2019, the vehicle experienced the "death wobble" four separate times while driving. The most recent failure occurred while driving 45 MPH. The steering wheel started to turn left and right without warning and the front of the vehicle shook violently. The contact attempted to hold the steering wheel steady and brake slowly. The vehicle was finally able to be controlled when it slowed down to approximately 15 MPH. Moss bros. Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (27810 eucalyptus ave, moreno valley, ca 92555, [phone]) stated that they had not heard of the "death wobble" and attempted to schedule an appointment and charge for diagnostic testing. The manufacturer stated that there was nothing they could do to assist with the repair cost and referred the contact to NHTSA. The failure mileage was 110,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that the vehicle jerked, rattled, and wobbled out of control while driving 45 MPH. The contact had to apply force to the steering wheel to be able to keep the vehicle under control. The failure was experienced numerous times. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection. The dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer found nothing wrong with the vehicle. The contact also took the vehicle to a specialized mechanic, but was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 25,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the vehicle experienced the death wobble. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge of twin falls located at 1310 pole line rd e, twin falls, id 83301, [phone] however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of failure. The failure mileage was 100,002.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle wobbled and vibrated. The failure recurred multiple times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for diagnostic testing. The mechanic replaced the dry shaft, the tires were balanced, and a larger u joint on the dry shaft was replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 17,000.
This Jeep has been difficult to drive since first month purchased. Been in shop numerous times, not a few, numerous times for this issue. Recently it become totally uncontrollable and could not handle it at all. "death wobble" dealer in which I purchased refuses to back up the issue & left me on my own to fix. When you google "death wobble" which is the term I was given by dealership that I had never heard of, you will find what my Jeep had been doing all along.
Suspension complaints in other Wrangler years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2012 Jeep Wrangler?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2% of the model year's 835 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2012 Jeep Wrangler suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, though it has 9 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 2012 Jeep Wrangler suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
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.