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A recent Jeep class action lawsuit claims that Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles are subject to a “death wobble” defect when moving at highway speeds.
Plaintiff Melinda Martinez states that 2018 to 2020 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicles are affected by the defect.
According to the Jeep class action lawsuit, the death wobble stems from a defective solid front axle and damping system.
These components were reportedly designed or manufactured in a defective way, causing the steering wheel to “shake violently” after encountering normal highway speeds.
This “death wobble” allegedly causes the affected vehicles to uncontrollably shake from side to side. Reportedly, the defect is associated with significant risks that make the vehicles unsafe.
The plaintiff argues the affected vehicles are difficult to steer and control, “presenting a safety risk to the occupants and others on the road.”
Martinez allegedly experienced the issue in her 2018 Jeep Wrangler. When she was driving with her child on a freeway overpass, her vehicle started to shake uncontrollably. The shaking was reportedly so severe that Martinez feared she would lose control of her vehicle. The Jeep Wrangler class action claims that she was “absolutely terrified, fearing for her safety and the safety of her child.”
After experiencing the issue, Martinez says she brought her vehicle to a local dealership in January 2020, and explained her frightening experience. In response to her concerns, the dealership employee allegedly laughed and explained to her that the issue is commonly called the “death shake” but that “it happens.” Martinez says she was offered repairs but it did not resolve the issue. Allegedly, the “death wobble” continues to plague her vehicle.
Martinez claims that Jeep manufacturer Fiat Chrysler knew or should have known the vehicles were prone to the “death wobble” defect. According to the Jeep class action lawsuit, the company was aware of the defect for more than a decade. In 2019, following “thousands of steering-related complaints,” Fiat Chrysler reportedly acknowledged the defect but failed to offer effective repairs for the issue.
“Rather than address this defective condition—or disclose its possibility and/or warn drivers at the point of sale — [Fiat Chrysler] claims the ‘Death Wobble’ is not a ‘safety issue’ and that it ‘can happen with any vehicle that has a solid front axle (rather than an independent front suspension), such as the Wrangler,’” the Jeep class action lawsuit claims.
“This strategically allows Defendant to continue its failed repair efforts until the warranty expires and the problem rests exclusively with the owner.”
Martinez seeks to represent a Class of consumers who purchased or leased a 2018 to 2020 Jeep Wrangler or 2020 Jeep Gladiator vehicle. She also seeks to represent a subclass of the same consumers from California.
Did you experience the “death wobble” on your Jeep vehicle? Share your experiences in the comments section below.
Martinez and the proposed Class are represented by Christopher D. Moon and Kevin O. Moon of Moon Law APC.
The Jeep Death Wobble Class Action Lawsuit is Martinez v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 5:20-cv-00463, in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
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109 thoughts onJeep Class Action Claims Dangerous ‘Death Wobble’
2020 gladiator and experienced death wobble. I thought my life flashed before my eyes. Contacted the dealership and nonchalantly mentioned it’s probably the jeep death wobble. I said excuse me!!!!! Cause that is exactly how I would explain it. Got it fixed since there were only about 5k miles but nevertheless traumatic!
I have experienced this with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler 4 Door, I am located in Fountain Hills, AZ – I am the original owner… really not cool Jeep and I’m a big fan, lets get this resolved so I can keep enjoying Jeeps for years to come with my kids. Thanks!
I purchased a New 2022 Jeep Gladiator. Soon after I notified the dealership where I purchased it. On the second time I experienced the Death Wobble while traveling on an interstate Highway I didn’t feel it was safe to drive I limbed the Jeep Gladiator to safe place and had it towed to the dealership. They told me that my rims and wheels were out of balance. I trusted them. Today on January 9, 2023 I had the same problem with the Death Wobble I was only able to drive the vehicle home traveling at a very low rate of speed at about 45 mph. Tomorrow I will be contacting the Dealership for the last time.
2020 Jeep Wrangler I there is a class action suit for death wobble please contact me scary as hell.
I have a 2020 Gladiator that began the wobble just 40,000 miles. Just over the warranty. The dealership has been no help… It is not only scary it’s dangerous… This is my fifth jeep. My first was a 79 Cj9. This will be my last because Chrysler is charging a premium price for a piece of junk and they know it… Someone needs to make them be acceptable…
Accountable… Not acceptable… Thanks spell check…
Our 2010 Jeep Wrangler unlimited also had the wobble. I say also because as my daughter was driving back to college on the highway, she hit a bump, it started to death wobble, she hit the culvert, flipped multiple times and landed in a ditch full of water. Broke multiple vertebrae. It’s a very dangerous problem and a real threat. Take this serious. Thankfully she is alive by the grace of God.
I own a 2008 JEEP Wrangler Sahara Unlimited, original owner and bought brand new in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I have experienced the “Death Warble” (with a southern accent) several times since owning it. It is currently at the repair shop as it is happening again.
For the record, “I will NEVER” buy a Jeep again. I’ve owned two. A Jeep Grand Cherokee and my Sahara, both bought brand new and both were in the shop for issues while owning less than 6 months.
Vehicle manufacturers need to be held accountable!
I have a 2018 Jeep Wrangler and have experienced the death wobble several times now. Sometimes I can get it to stop by hitting another bump that seems to dampen the wobble and it goes back to a smooth ride. Most of the time I have to slow way down before it stops. It feels like my entire car is about to fall apart!
Purchased my 2021 Jeep gladiator Sport S in January 2021. After leaving that day I had the death wobble experience. Returned it. They blamed low tire pressure. Happened again 6 weeks later. They said needed a damper update. They replaced it. Came back again 2 weeks ago. My front tires are wore out. At 26000 miles
Dealer said they would order another damper. But I have to pay for tires.
I called Chrysler Jeep (as directed by dealer). To start a claim for the tires
Was told be lucky you got 26000 miles out of the tires
Got a survey from Chrysler about my experience
My response
I have a note and all the receipts for the front end issues taped to my dashboard. So when, not if I can’t control my steering and either go into oncoming traffic or I hit a bridge. The authorities and my families attorneys will know what happened
I have had this occur in tow different Jeeps since 2015 and now again in 2022 with A Gladiator. How to I join a class action suit?
I experienced the death wobble 5 times today with 9,547 miles on my 2022 Gladiator Sport S with the stock Bridgestone Dueller A/T 245/75R17 tires. Called a dealership and was told it was the tires. Fiat/Chrysler customer service was decent but now, I am waiting on the dealer.