Jeep Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Violent Vibrations Referred To As “Death Wobble” in Certain Wrangler, Gladiator Vehicles

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) faces a class action lawsuit over Jeep models sold in recent years, which allegedly contain a defective font axle, which may cause violent vibrations while the vehicle is in motion, commonly referred to as a “death wobble”.

The Chrysler class action complaint (PDF) was filed by Melinda Martinez in the United States District Court Central District of California on March 2, claiming that certain Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiator vehicles are prone to experience the “death wobble” problems, due to a defective solid front axle and damping system that causes the steering wheel to shake violently after encountering common and expected road variations while operating at highway speeds.

Martinez, of California, indicates that the phenomenon causes an uncontrollable and vigorous side-to-side shaking of the Jeep models’ front end steering components, which may increase the risk of an auto accident and serious injuries.

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Death-wobble typically occurs when traveling more than 45 mph, and while Fiat Chrysler has denied that there are safety hazards, Martinez indicates that it is the result of a known defect with the solid front axles used for the Jeep models over the last ten years.

The lawsuit also alleges Chrysler tried unsuccessfully to remedy the issue, noting previously ordered dealer work in June 2019 to replace the front suspension steering damper failed.

To date, at least 192,000 customers of model year 2018 through 2020 Jeep Wrangler and Jeep Gladiators have reported experiencing the death wobble and other steering-related complaints, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint alleges Chrysler has knowledge of the defective condition, yet still continued to sell the models without warning or disclosing the known issue to customers. Chrysler is alleged to have also conducted secretive repair orders to customers rather than issuing a public recall and notifying the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

The lawsuit claims Chrysler strategically refrained from acknowledging the defective condition as a “safety risk” to avoid costly recall and repair programs until the warranty coverage period expires, ultimately leaving the owners responsible for damages and costs of repairs.

As a result of these alleged wrongful acts, Martinez seeks class action status for the lawsuit, indicating she and other similarly situated should be entitled to damages due to the diminished value of their vehicles, reimbursement for parts and labor incurred and a temporary replacement vehicle until a repair remedy can be applied.

Martinez also wants Chrysler to issue a formal recall, in addition to compensatory and punitive damages.

Image Credit: Photo courtesy of halidCan! (: via Flickr Creative Commons

8 Comments

  • ButchOctober 28, 2022 at 11:43 am

    2019 Wrangler. Still death wobble after steering damper replaced. Dealership gives me the run around. Can I be included in the class action?

  • MargoJuly 9, 2022 at 7:52 am

    This is my second jeep wrangler. I had a 2007 which had the death wobble. I ended up trading it in. I bought a Honda. My second jeep wrangler 2018 is now experiencing a severe death wobble You think Jeep Wrangler would have recalled this problem. Eleven years like seriously. Still happening. But no they would rather put peoples lives at risk. I had to stop 3 times on the highway on Thursd[Show More]This is my second jeep wrangler. I had a 2007 which had the death wobble. I ended up trading it in. I bought a Honda. My second jeep wrangler 2018 is now experiencing a severe death wobble You think Jeep Wrangler would have recalled this problem. Eleven years like seriously. Still happening. But no they would rather put peoples lives at risk. I had to stop 3 times on the highway on Thursday because it was so bad. Very dangerous. I am thinking about getting a lawsuit in Canada.

  • PhillipSeptember 9, 2021 at 5:25 pm

    This death wobble happened to wife driving down the highway again. We have taken it to the dealership three times for the same cause (death wobble). Dealership installs new steering damper. It fixes the problem for a couple months then right back to doing the death wobble.

  • KarlJuly 30, 2021 at 11:53 am

    I just had this happen on my 2016 Jeep Sahara going 55 mph on the highway. I spend $1,550 to get it fixed at Pep Boys and they notified me that this is called the "dealth wobble" and to research it.

  • TonyApril 3, 2021 at 7:58 pm

    I had a severe case of the wobble with my 2018 Jeep Sahara. We feel it dangerous on the highway.

  • SusanAugust 25, 2020 at 7:24 pm

    How do you get in on this lawsuit. I have a 2007 4 door Jeep wrangler that we have had death wobble issues for 2 years. It is currently in the shop for the 5th week. Something has to be done at I was almost rear ended by an 18 wheeler....this is very dangerous.

  • CrystalMay 31, 2020 at 2:58 pm

    What was the outcome of this lawsuit? I have had the same issue in my 2015 Wrangler.

  • NoahApril 5, 2020 at 2:53 am

    I have experienced this wobble in my 2019 wrangler unlimited rubicon. It's very scary and feels like you could flip your jeep at any moment.

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