9.1

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$920
Average Mileage:
85,050 miles
Total Complaints:
25 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (14 reports)
  2. replace clock spring (2 reports)
  3. replace TIPM (2 reports)
  4. apparently a new radio (1 reports)
  5. bad ground (1 reports)
  6. horn wipers (1 reports)
2008 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 1 of 2)

problem #25

Aug 262022

Wrangler Rubicon 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 191,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

electrical issues

Went to start my 2008 Wrangler Rubicon at 3 AM to go to work and nothing, no crank, no click but lights radio etc did work. Thank God I had another car to get to work. Came home and went try to start car and this time it started and all lights were on - the dash was lit up like a xmas tree and my remote to unlock and arm security was also on and unable to use. Had to take it to the dealer which then plugged in, and it had 36 plus codes and an airbag recall issued. Basically Jeep sat for a week due to internal dealership cleaning house. I was already beyond aggravated because I had a week to research this issue with the sway bar edisco problem.

They told me on Friday of that week that when they put it on a computer which loaded into a Canbus? They couldn't find the problem and told me to try to drive it and see what happens. Lol really? So I took the car with all lights flashing etc home and had same issues over the weekend along with hot oil light flashing and alarms and dings chiming. Apparently dealership did not care or find these issues to be of concern. I took it back on Monday again to see if someone could actually find the problem. They called that same afternoon now stating and sending a picture of the electronic sway bar motor totally burned up along with the pigtail plug. They stated they said I was very lucky that it did not catch on fire! Really? But it was okay 2 days before to drive home.

They also stated that my TIPM was bad and that all this would cost 5600 dollars to repair. Are you kidding me? After all this and research I did on this problem, this is the biggest safety issue where you could cause an accident, be killed or kill someone and catch fire on top of that. Apparently Chrysler etc. does not want to do a recall because clearly they have a scam to make you pay for more defective parts to fix this. This is totally unacceptable and apparently safety is not their concern. I'm very irate and I will never buy another Chrysler/Dodge product again.

- Kellie T., McAlester, US

problem #24

Mar 012016

Wrangler Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

Our issue with this Jeep started when we bought it used in 2016. I'm thinking maybe this is the reason it was traded in, and what really irritates me is the dealer knew it.

The issue is if you lock the doors with the fob, the vehicle may not start or multiple warning lights go on, such as ESP BAG, SWAY BAR , TRACTION, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT. Sometimes all the warning lights flash. if you lock and unlock the door with the switch it will work. But not always. Sometimes you have to keep trying it, or another set of keys, but it is not always the same. We took it back to dealer and they wanted 100.00 dollars just to scope it, right after we bought it. I asked if they did, would they fix it, and they could not give me a good answer.

- Mark G., Fennville, US

problem #23

Nov 262019

Wrangler JK X V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 111,000 miles

I got lucky about when the lights and wipers came on by themselves, since it is storming right now. It was night when my car became possessed, but I can only imagine if the table was turned and the possession happened the other way and I was left with no lights, wipers, turn signals (which actually would not come on), etc., etc., etc.

- ToniAnn T., Oakdale, CA, US

problem #22

Aug 172018

Wrangler Wrangler X Unlimted 3.8

  • Automatic transmission
  • 141,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I recently had a blinker stop working and that annoying quick blinker sound, so I figured the bulb was dead. I replaced bulb and same issue occurred. It seemed like it was cutting out when I turned the running lights on. Me and my mechanic were able to get it to stop working every time. So he cut the ground wire in the connector that the comes from engine bay and re ran the ground wire. He did this rather then spending ours trying to find the possible short. Now it works with running lights and headlights on.

I also had an issue with my horn sound for alarm stopped working. I have to test the horn to make sure its not just bad. I will make a new complaint about the horn when i look into it. So just check grounds!!!! I also had to run a ground from battery to alternator because I had that click click click then jeep would start. so that fixed that. I have had jeep about 8 months and just keep having weird issues. I still love it though... for now... lol

- Nathan W., Grand Island, NY, US

problem #21

Mar 052017

Wrangler Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,000 miles

Jeep is having serious electrical issues-this has been an ongoing problem for me and many other jeep owners per web complaints. Horn, alarm, windshield wipers and fluid, lights, locks, windows all go on and off on their own sometimes just by pushing the unlock button -key doesn't have to be in the ignition-this is a serious problem that is going to eventually cause a major accident and possibly serious injure someone or cause a death-this issue needs to be taken care of -a recall should have already been placed on jeeps regarding these serious electrical issues.

- Stacey H., Fayetteville, AR, US

problem #20

Oct 142016

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles

Multiple warning lights started coming on intermittently. Engine analysis done and shop advised and performed: New fuel cap Replace ESIM-EVAP module Whole bunch of stuff done to supremely tune it up Replace transmission cooler and pipes $1203

Well, that worked for a week.

- Pam P., Agawam, MA, US

problem #19

Aug 272016

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 102,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Lost communication with radio, then vehicle hesitated. Wipers went on a couple times and vehicle stalled in middle of road. It started after a couple attempts and I drove to repair shop. Diagnostics done but were inconclusive. Advised to monitor.

- Pam P., Agawam, MA, US

problem #18

Jan 072017

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 106,000 miles

The freakin warning lights came on again. It's been out of the shop for ten weeks. This time they did another 'computerized engine analysis' and replaced spark plug wires.

This 'fix' worked for a stretch! Next problem, and it was a big one, came six months later...

- Pam P., Agawam, MA, US

problem #17

Apr 012017

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

After my vehicle sitting outside of my job for 8 hours running without my knowledge I then come out to a dead jeep!, I was told I needed a new TIPM. Why wasn't this recalled and why is the dealership making me responsible for something when I had my jeep 1 month!

Sad to say JEEP is not taking responsibility for this. It is very dangerous that my vehicle can stay on and cut off when ever it wants to!

- Darrell F., Aubrey, US

problem #16

Apr 012016

Wrangler Unlimited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,000 miles

Still waiting for part it has been almost 6 months. They say the part is due in 09/29/2016 but this is the 5th time I was promised a date. I contacted Chrysler and they stated they would look into it, I have my doubts. I will never buy another Chrysler product again. If you have to wait half a year for a part that may or may not be available there is a problem. I cant drive the jeep because the new instrument clusters mileage has to match the existing one. You would think Chrysler would do the right thing, but after seeing how many electrical problems the jeeps are having steer clear.

- Barry M., Houston, TX, US

problem #15

Nov 162016

Wrangler Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle has serious electrical issues-horn will start honking on its own, power locks will go on and off on their own, windshield wipers and fluids will go off on their own as well as jeep lights-all of this will occur whether or not the key is in the ignition.

- Stacey H., Fayetteville, AR, US

problem #14

Feb 092017

Wrangler Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 124,000 miles

Jeep is possessed-major electrical issues that occur regardless of whether or not key is in the ignition. Horn honks, alarm sounds, locks go on and off on their own, lights come on, windows don't work, windshield wipers and fluids go off without turning them on. All of this happens on its own. No matter what you do you can not get the Jeep to turn off. Very scary.

- Stacey H., Fayetteville, AR, US

problem #13

Mar 072016

Wrangler Rubicon 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,500 miles

The issue is that in 2007 and newer Jeep wrangler's the clock spring has been known to fail causing a light and alarm on your dash to pop up indicating that your airbag may fail or may be set off. The clock spring can also cause your windshield wipers to start on their own, your horn to go off by itself and your turn signals to operate on their own too. Basically it is an electrical contact point that controls all those things all the time. If it gets wet, dusty, or just old it will stop working for no reason and all of the above mentioned things can start happening to your Jeep.

So unless you like your car to look possessed or you are comfortable with the possibility of your airbag going off when not wanted or not going off when needed you may want to file a complaint here and with the NHTSA too. Jeep claims that only RHD vehicles are effected like mail carrier jeeps. There are many reports from LHD (Left Hand Drive) jeeps on the internet and if enough are posted the NHTSA may be able to make jeep issue a recall for these. Do your part and help us all out. Fill it out here and on the link below!!! Thanks!!! This is a serious safety issue that should be covered by Jeep.

https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/

- jp_guy, Reno, NV, US

problem #12

Jul 152015

Wrangler Sahara

  • Automatic transmission
  • 169,000 miles

2008 Jeep Wrangler was my daughters dream car. Now she has more problems than a Lil bit. The electrical system went crazy. Horn blows, wiper fluid blowing out, locks going by themselves, lights on dash going wacky....all at the same time! No recall but have seen many complaints. Her dream car has turned into a nightmare. She's 17 with two jobs and going to high school but doesn't make enough to fix it parents work and pay three car payments with full coverage.... JEEP, you can bet this will be the last we spend on you! Terrible! I can't believe they haven't recalled this system uuuugh! Not a happy mom!

- alaberge, Smyrna, DE, US

problem #11

Oct 212014

Wrangler X

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,000 miles

I was in my car and the horn and wipers started blaring and going out of control for about a minute and before this, when I had just put my key in the ignition, air was blowing out of my vents.

- rrphilip, Olathe, KS, US

problem #10

Aug 292014

Wrangler V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 41,610 miles

Wrangler is sitting in my garage and I got in. No keys in the ignition. The horn is blasting, windshield wipers going and engine running. I panic and don't know what to do. Disconnected battery cables but it just keeps going. The neighbors come running and try to help. One finally opens the computer and disconnects K4, whatever that is. A while back something similar happened, but I thought it was just a fluke. I was driving down a major road and the horn started blasting, windshield wipers running and the Jeep shut down in the middle of traffic. It was in drive at the time. I got it restarted and went home.

Thank goodness this is a Labor day weekend and the Jeep dealer is not open otherwise he would hear some choice words. Know I won't buy another Chrysler product.

- Larry L., Fort Worth, TX, US

problem #9

Oct 302010

Wrangler JK 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 20,000 miles

5 am-ish woke up from loud annoying noise, sent boyfriend outside to discover my Jeep possessed in the driveway. Horn stuck on, wipers full blast, headlights on, and smoke pouring out from under the hood. Not sure exact date and mileage seeing as I unfortunately had to pay a shop to fix the PROBLEMS. Ended up popping hood and quick disconnecting battery to stop fire before spreading (since it was electrical)

Called Chrysler, they sent out a inspector that, long story short, denied all work. Than called insurance company who unfortunately dropped me off their policy because it didn't cover salvage vehicles... So why were they taking my money and providing me insurance, ya, I don't know either.

Come to find out, from fuse box electrical short... burned up all wiring harnesses from front to rear.

Need I say the $1900 is just in PARTS from West Herr Chrysler & Jeep

- danielle4345, Buffalo, NY, US

problem #8

Jun 012013

Wrangler Unlimited 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Electrical Component that works with the module that activates the air bag, if the horn is also connected. was I left in an unsafe position by not having this. Fidelity Extended Warranty would not cover this component. Neither would Jeep!

- David R., Elizabeth, CO, US

problem #7

May 172013

Wrangler

  • Automatic transmission
  • 78,000 miles

The piece of crap 2008 Jeep Wrangler .. While driving to take my Nephew on a Graduation vacation. On a dark stretch ovvf road... The horn, windshield wipers and sprayer lights dash lights radio started gong crazy. I pulled over turn the car off, but it wouldn't shut down , the washer tank went empty but it continued running.after sitting on the side of the road for 30 min. I started the vehicle up 5 min later the same thing at that time I called a friend with a trailer and waited 3 hours for a tow to his house.. where the Jeep is sitting. I had to rent a car to get back home.. Called the Chrysler Customer service after reading over 100 reports of the same electrical failure. they said there is no RECALL I checked around for pricing on the repair and I'm not happy with the answer.. close to 1,000.00 for parts and labor... ARE YOU KIDDING ME

- tinandash1, Golden Beach, MD, US

problem #6

Dec 072011

Wrangler Sahara V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 52,296 miles

On December 7 my wife and I were on our way to have the rear brakes replaced (2nd time in 52,000 miles). When she opened the door of our Wrangler, the horns and windshield wipers went off incessantly and electrical sparking could be heard under the hood. In an attempt to gain control, I started the engine and began to check the manual to remove the horn fuse so that I could concentrate.

I then located the main electrical module and, while attempting to remove the cover, noticed that the horn volume changed when I touched the module. I then gave the top of the module a light tap and everything stopped, including the engine.

We drove the car to a local garage for the brake work (since the dealer had done such a poor job only 12,000 miles previously) with the check engine light on. After the brakes were completed, we drove immediately to the Jeep dealer who diagnosed the problem as a defective "Totally Integrated Power Module" (TIPM). He estimates the cost at around $200 plus 2 hours to install and program the module.

The most outrageous part of this incident is when he told us that there are more than 20 of these modules backordered as of 12/07 and had no idea whether it would be days or weeks until he could get it!

The Sahara is the top of the line highway Wrangler and is a vehicle that my wife and I literally waited years to purchase and, after experiencing how underpowered it was and how cumbersome it was to constantly shift up and down through all six gears, we still wanted to trade on the 2012 model with its more powerful engine and new automatic transmission (until we found out how much the price increased for the same model and how little the dealer was willing to give us for a vehicle that we had purchased from him and had exclusively serviced by him. We love the body style of the Wrangler because it's high ground clearance and convertible top are suited to our rural lifestyle, even though we do no off-roading. As others have mentioned, this is a vehicle that is marketed to people who drive off road, ford streams, climb hills in all kinds of climates. Why would it be so fragile? Needless to say, we feel thoroughly "taken" by Chrysler and hope the company fails and a reputable company like Toyota or Honda buys the Wrangler line. In addition to the problem described above, other problems that we have experienced in four years of ownership include a leaky "Freedom Top", difficult to engage reverse gear, a useless handbrake that is unable to hold the vehicle on even the slightest of grades after several attempts at adjustment, poor fuel mileage, and the previously mentioned defective brakes. By the way, anyone who would like to chalk any of these problems up to our driving practices or local conditions should consider that we have owned several Toyota Tacoma 4WD pickups, a Camry, and a Honda Del Sol several of which we have driven close to 200,000 miles without similar problems or significant problems of any kind. We were fools to put our faith in Chrysler.

- Dennis K., Rockport, WV, US

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