Is the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd reliable?

Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) among the 3 model years with data, ranking worst overall. Airbag-related clock spring failures make up 59% of its 41 complaints.

What is the most common problem on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd?

Airbags are the top problem area, with 24 complaints (59% of the total), mostly involving clock spring failures that trigger warning lights and disable the horn, at a median mileage of 50,300.

Are there recalls for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd?

NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 model year in this dataset.

How does the 2008 model compare to other Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd years?

The 2008 model year has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2007 (50) and 2009 (0), making it the worst-ranked of the three years for which data is available.

Did any 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd catch fire?

NHTSA data lists one fire complaint for the 2008 model year, involving an engine compartment fire reported at 155,000 miles.

2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

No verdict The 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd has 41 NHTSA complaints and ranks worst of the 3 model years covered, with a complaint index of 100. Airbags account for 59% of complaints, led by clock spring failures that disable the horn and airbag system.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index: 100/100; #1 of 3 Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd years
Verdict: No verdict; vs. other years of this model
Complaints: 41; unique NHTSA reports
Recalls: 0; distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes: 0; reported in complaints
Fires: 1
Injuries: 0
Top issue: Airbags
Best nearby year: —; no alternative with data

Top 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

Airbags24 (59%)
Electrical System11 (27%)
Fuel System7 (17%)
Steering4 (10%)
Brakes3 (7%)
Engine2 (5%)
Other2 (5%)
Suspension, Wheels & Tires2 (5%)
Transmission & Powertrain2 (5%)
Structure & Body1 (2%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

Airbag warning light comes on due to clock spring failures in the steering column, often disabling the horn and airbags at the same time.
Some owners report the clock spring failing more than once, with the issue returning after a prior repair.
Electrical problems include stop lamp switches detaching from their mounts, causing brake lights to stay on continuously.
Some vehicles will not start in Park and require shifting to Neutral to start the engine.
Fuel spills from the filler neck during refueling when the pump nozzle shuts off automatically.
One reported engine compartment fire occurred while the vehicle was being driven, with smoke and flames appearing after the vehicle was pulled over.

41 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2008 to Apr 2016; peak Apr 2011 (5).

2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd recalls

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

2008 compared with other Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd years

Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best

Year	Verdict	Index	Complaints	MPG
2007	No verdict	50	7	—
2008	No verdict	100	41	—
2009	No verdict	0	3	—

All Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd reliable?: Based on NHTSA owner complaints, the 2008 model year has the highest complaint index (100) among the 3 model years with data, ranking worst overall. Airbag-related clock spring failures make up 59% of its 41 complaints.
What is the most common problem on the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd?: Airbags are the top problem area, with 24 complaints (59% of the total), mostly involving clock spring failures that trigger warning lights and disable the horn, at a median mileage of 50,300.
Are there recalls for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd?: NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 model year in this dataset.
How does the 2008 model compare to other Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd years?: The 2008 model year has a complaint index of 100, higher than 2007 (50) and 2009 (0), making it the worst-ranked of the three years for which data is available.
Did any 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Rhd catch fire?: NHTSA data lists one fire complaint for the 2008 model year, involving an engine compartment fire reported at 155,000 miles.