If you own a Jeep and have experienced violent front-end shaking, often described by drivers as the “Death Wobble,” you’re not alone—and you’re not imagining it. This dangerous phenomenon has affected thousands of Jeep owners across the country, especially those driving Wrangler, Gladiator, and Grand Cherokee models.
In California, you may be entitled to relief under the Lemon Law if your Jeep is experiencing persistent suspension or steering issues, and the dealership hasn’t been able to fix them after multiple attempts.
⚠️ What Is the Jeep "Death Wobble"?
The “Death Wobble” refers to a sudden, uncontrollable shaking of the front wheels, usually triggered after hitting a bump at highway speeds. It can feel like the entire front end is falling apart. The shaking often doesn’t stop until the driver slows down or pulls over.
Common symptoms include:
- Violent steering wheel vibration
- Loud clunking or rattling noises
- Difficulty controlling the vehicle at speed
- Recurring suspension or steering issues
🚙 Which Jeep Models Are Affected?
Numerous complaints and lawsuits have centered around:
- Jeep Wrangler (especially 2007–2023 models)
- Jeep Gladiator
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep’s parent company, FCA or Stellantis, has acknowledged the issue in part and has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) and repairs, including replacing the steering damper, but many owners report the problem comes back or is never fully fixed.
⚖️ The California Lemon Law & Jeep Suspension Issues
Under the California Lemon Law (Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act), you may qualify for a buyback, replacement, or cash settlement if:
- Your Jeep was purchased new or as a certified pre-owned vehicle, and
- The dealership attempted multiple repairs under warranty for the same dangerous condition (like the wobble), without success.
You don’t need to have experienced a crash, safety-related issues that reduce vehicle value, or use quality. Multiple visits for the same steering or suspension issue may be enough.
🔎 What Should You Do If You Experience the Death Wobble?
- Take your Jeep to an authorized dealer immediately.
- Document each repair visit—keep invoices and work orders.
- Take videos (if safe) of the wobble in action to show the problem.
- Don’t accept “normal operation” as an answer—this is a known and documented defect.
- Contact O’Connor Law Group—we offer free consultations and charge the manufacturer, not you, if you have a valid case.
📝 Legal Help is Available
The Jeep Death Wobble is more than just an annoyance—it’s a serious safety hazard. If you’ve brought your Jeep in for repairs and the problem keeps coming back, your vehicle may legally qualify as a lemon.
Feel free to contact O’Connor Law Group if you have questions. If you are experiencing a death wobble, unsafe vibration, shimmy, or other concerns, contact O’Connor Law Group for a free consultation.