2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
No verdict The 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 has a complaint index of 100, the highest of the 3 model years with data, ranking it worst overall with 341 complaints, 8 fires, and 3 crashes. No recalls are on file for this year.
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 years
- Verdict
- No verdict
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 341
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 0
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 8
- Injuries
- 2
- Top issue
- Fuel System
- Best nearby year
- —
- no alternative with data
Top 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Fuel System128 (38%)
- Airbags81 (24%)
- Electrical System50 (15%)
- Steering40 (12%)
- Transmission & Powertrain31 (9%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires29 (9%)
- Other13 (4%)
- Engine12 (4%)
- Visibility & Wipers12 (4%)
- Structure & Body11 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Transmission fluid overheats and leaks onto the exhaust, in some cases igniting a fire that spreads to the engine compartment.
- Brakes reportedly failed during driving, causing a low-speed collision, and one owner said a police officer confirmed the brakes were not working.
- Parking brake failed to hold the vehicle in place after it was set, allowing the Jeep to roll into another vehicle.
- Vehicle caught fire near the driver's side door and front passenger floorboard shortly after being started and left idling.
- Owners report the vehicle rolling forward on its own after the ignition was turned off and the keys removed.
- Dashboard electrical clusters lit up all at once with unresponsive gauges, wipers and headlights that could not be switched off, and repeated alarm sounds.
2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 recalls
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
2008 compared with other Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaints and recalls, the 2008 model has the highest complaint index (100) among the 3 model years with data and ranks worst overall, with 341 complaints including 8 fires and 3 crashes.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4?
- Fuel System complaints are the largest category, making up 38 percent of complaints (128 of 341), with a median failure mileage of 30,000 miles.
- Does the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4 have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2008 model year.
- How does the 2008 Wrangler compare to the 2007 and 2009 Wrangler?
- The 2008 model's complaint index of 100 is far higher than the 2007's index of 50 and the 2009's index of 0, making 2008 the highest-complaint year among the three.
- Were there fires reported in the 2008 Jeep Wrangler 2-DR 4X4?
- Yes, NHTSA complaints record 8 fires for the 2008 model, several linked to transmission fluid contacting the exhaust and to electrical system failures.