Legally reviewed by: Jessica Anvar Stotz, JD, MBA
If you are an all-terrain enthusiast or like to get out on the open road in your Jeep, you may be familiar with the dreaded Jeep death wobble. The wobble often terrifies even the most experienced Jeep owners.
The Jeep death wobble is an unnerving suspension defect or forced loss of control in some Jeep vehicles. This can lead to violent shaking when the car is in operation. When your car shakes uncontrollably due to this issue, drivers often need to stop suddenly to get the shaking to cease. Coming to a sudden stop due to a mechanical defect is dangerous for the Jeep’s occupants and other California drivers.
In this post, the Lemon Law Experts will explain the Jeep death wobble. If your Wrangler or other Jeep vehicle has experienced this violent, uncontrolled shaking, we will also help you understand your rights and how you can potentially recover if you were damaged by a Jeep death wobble defect.
What Is the Jeep Death Wobble?
The Jeep death wobble is a mechanical defect in your Jeep vehicle. The death wobble is caused by loose, damaged, or misaligned parts in your Jeep’s suspension or steering system. Due to the mechanical defect in your car, the parts can shake loudly or violently when you travel at high rates of speed or on rough terrain. In some situations, this can cause even an experienced all-terrain driver to lose control of their Jeep.
Why Does My Jeep Shake Uncontrollably?
Any number of critical parts may cause or contribute to a Jeep death wobble. If you have taken your Jeep to a mechanic or the dealer for vibration or shaking, be sure to keep a record of the replaced parts and service performed.
If you feel the wild vibrating of a death wobble in your Jeep, any of the following parts may be defective, including:
- Tire pressure sensors,
- Spark plugs,
- Alignment, especially if your Jeep has been lifted or lowered,
- Track bar,
- Tire rod,
- Ball joints,
- Steering stabilizer,
- Control arm, and
- Wheel bearings and steering box.
As we mentioned, keeping service records is essential if you experience death wobble. Having your car’s key information handy will be helpful if you need to provide it to a lawyer later. If you believe that a defective car part has caused a dangerous Jeep death wobble has put your life or the lives of others in jeopardy, contact an experienced California lemon lawyer today.
FCA’s Failed Attempts to Fix the Death Wobble
FCA issued multiple service bulletins and even issued a recall. FCA’s remedy for 2018 to 2019 Jeep Wranglers was installing a steering damper that it claims would absorb unnecessary vibrations. According to customers, the Fiat Chrysler death wobble fixes missed the mark. Customers who had their steering dampers replaced reported that they’d experience the death wobble within months.
Because of its failure to adequately address the death wobble, FCA is defending numerous lawsuits, including a class action. Additionally, in 2019, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) started investigating the FCA death wobble affecting 2018 to 2019 Jeep Wranglers.
What Actions Can I Take If My Jeep Vehicle Has This Mechanical Defect?
You can take several actions if you think you’ve been the victim of a Jeep death wobble defect. The first step is determining whether your vehicle has been recalled.
Jeep Recall
Jeep death wobble defects are not new, particularly on the popular Jeep Wrangler model. Many believe that Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the former parent company of Jeep, knew about the manufacturing defect for a long time. However, FCA was not motivated to issue a fix for the issue until Jeep customers filed a federal lawsuit in 2019.
In settling that lawsuit, FCA never admitted wrongdoing, nor did they issue a recall. But they did issue a “service letter” and offer a fix. If you have a Jeep vehicle with a model year between 2015 and 2018 that is experiencing uncontrollable shaking or similar mechanical problems, be sure to check for a service notice. Contact the Lemon Law Experts today if you have suffered any accidents or injuries because of these defects.
Damages for Victims
California victims of Jeep death wobbles may be entitled to compensation, especially if they have suffered a loss of vehicle control, been in an accident, or were injured. If your Jeep vehicle has become too dangerous to drive due to Jeep death wobble issues and other suspension defects, call the Lemon Law Experts as soon as possible.
Don’t sign on to a class action lawsuit or accept a settlement that may not cover your damages. We can help you get the compensation you deserve and recover for any damages you may have suffered from driving your defective Jeep.
Filing a Lemon Law Claim
If your vehicle is still under warranty, you may be able to file a claim under California’s expansive Lemon Law. Your purchased or leased vehicle is protected under the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, also known as the Lemon Law, so long as it is still under warranty. California’s Lemon Law requires manufacturers to take responsibility for their problematic and defective vehicles. Under the law, a manufacturer must:
- Provide adequate repair facilities,
- Repair a vehicle under warranty,
- Replace or repurchase a vehicle if they’re unable to fix the issue, and
- Pay the customer’s attorney fees and costs.
Plus, a customer can recover civil damages up to two times the cost of the vehicle if the manufacturer deliberately violated California’s Lemon Law. A Lemon Law attorney can investigate whether the manufacturer acted intentionally.
How the Lemon Law Experts Can Help
If you have opted out of one or more class action lawsuits that cover your Jeep vehicle, you may be able to pursue a California lemon law claim due to a Jeep death wobble. Under the California Lemon Law, you may be entitled to a refund, replacement, or cash compensation for your vehicle.
Our California Lemon Law Experts are here to help. If you have questions about the Jeep death wobble or your California lemon law rights, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
