9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$960
Average Mileage:
94,400 miles
Total Complaints:
77 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. replace the module (47 reports)
  2. not sure (29 reports)
  3. flash update TIPM and pcm (1 reports)
2008 Jeep Wrangler electrical problems

electrical problem

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2008 Jeep Wrangler Owner Comments (Page 4 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #17

Jan 282015

Wrangler Limited 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 77,605 miles

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

This problem is very annoying it started out very simple just the horn going off once and a while and slowly got worse over time. I took it to the dealer it wouldn't do it. Now its like a car possessed. I have been doing research and it seems to be a common problem with all Jeep products in my Jeeps year. I don't know if I can afford to pay for this fix myself it looks like it be unto $1200 this should be a recall

- Charles H., New Hartford, CT, US

problem #16

Dec 012014

Wrangler Sahara V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

2008 JEEP WRANGLER SAHARA TRAIL RATED HORN, LOCKS, WIPER FLUID WILL COME ON WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD FOR NO APPARENT REASON, CAUSING OTHER DRIVERS TO STOP OR LOOK AROUND DUE TO THE HORN GOING OFF AND THE DRIVER OF THE JEEP CANNOT SEE DUE TO THE WATER BEING SPRAYED ALL OVER THE WINDSHIELD UNEXPECTEDLY. THE ONLY WAY TO STOP THIS IS TO PULL OVER AND PULL THE FUSES OR BATTERY TERMINALS ONCE YOU GET HOME. THIS IS A SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE.

- Mark B., Jacksonville, NC, US

problem #15

Jan 052015

Wrangler 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,304 miles

On my way home from work today my horn randomly started honking, windshield washer fluid was spraying from the front and back windows, windshield wipers were moving ever so slowly, doors were locking/unlocking and parking lights were flashing on and off. I am livid as I read the stories of people who are experiencing the same problem and yet, there is no fix from the company! I love this Jeep. I enjoy every minute of driving it, especially in the summer, but the amount of annoying repairs I've had are driving me nuts! We're due to have a heavy snow tonight and I really need my four-wheel drive. Wake up Chrysler and do the right thing! It's safe to say, I will never purchase another Chrysler brand product again. I should have known better this last time. I had an Eagle Premier back in the early 90's. Another great Chrysler product....... (heavy sarcasm)

- Erin W., Nashport, OH, US

problem #14

Nov 012010

Wrangler Limited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles

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

I have for about 4 years dealt with electrical gremlins in the car since purchasing. A few trips to the Chrysler/Jeep dealer I purchased the vehicle from and they would claim that they cannot verify the problems, therefore there appears to be nothing wrong.

The symptoms have been sporadic- doesn't appear to be weather related- but primarily happens when cruising at highway speeds- sometimes when at a stop. The following issues occur one at a time, or in unison:

1) Wiper turn on intermittently- at half speed, sometimes stopping mid-wipe. 2) Window washing fluid sprays on the windshield in short bursts. 3) Horn honks- only half as loud as normal, but sometimes continuous- very embarrassing when behind someone at a stop light. 4) Power locks operate independently, sometimes locking/unlocking for up to 5 seconds at a time. 5) Heater and AC controls stop working- an engine warning light will appear- thermostat failure when coded. This will eventually reset itself when the car is turned off for a period of time- then seems to work just fine. 6) All interior accessory lights (power door lock LED's on doors, transmission shifter bezel light, and thermostat control knob back light) have all failed and do not light up. This was the first symptom of any problems, and it occurred within a year of purchase. Chrysler told me it is not a warranty item (I have a lifetime powertrain warranty) and refused to replace. Have not repaired it because it is more cost than it is worth.

I have been told by an independent mechanic this is the control module (TIPM) that is causing the issue. These things run $800-1200 for replacement. I am also aware they recalled the 2007 Jeep Wrangler TIPM's with this issue. Apparently Chrysler believes they have repaired these- I see lots of issues on the web from other 2008/09 owners with the same issue.

- climbingdanewa, Bellevue, WA, US

problem #13

Dec 182014

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L

  • Manual transmission
  • 71,000 miles

The symptoms for my defective TIPM in my case was horn, washers, door locks, wipers all going off randomly or at the same time. At times the engine would stall and would not start.

Update from Jan 10, 2015: The replacement part appears to be unavailable from all dealerships and second hand markets leaving my vehicle utterly useless.

- Aaron R., Atlanta, GA, US

problem #12

Apr 152014

Wrangler Sahara 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 54,600 miles

After dealer telling me in April 2014 that there is nothing wrong, the jeep flips out on me again last week Nov 2014. . Now they say it is a bad TIPM that needs replaced and the part won't be available for months. I hit the unlock button on my keypad and the jeep flips out, flashing all lights, windshield wipers going at 100 mph, continuous horn. It keeps going for a full minute after unplugging battery. Chrysler knows about this issue and will not issue a recall on my model. They are having problems with bad TIPMS and I have to pay 1000 repair and wait months for the part. I have to keep my Jeep unlocked until then, and hope it doesn't freak out again. It is my only vehicle.

- runnercat57, Kettering, OH, US

problem #11

Jul 252014

Wrangler V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,000 miles

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

The problem started when the ESB and traction control lights came on. This went on for a week or two, on then off, OK, no big deal. Then one day, bam, every light on my dash board lite up and my car stalled! After reading about this problem I am so happy my Jeep stalled when I was moving 15mph in the city. I can image what would have happened if it stalled at 50 mph as I've heard from others.

So I got the car home, parked it and went to town trying to figure out what the problem was. I checked all the grounds, the battery, the dash connection and it was all fine. Took it out for a test drive and it happened again. We disconnected the battery to see if that would help, well it didn't made this worse. That's when the emergency lights and horns went off and would not stop. Finally pulled the horn fuses to make it stop.

Brought it to the dealership where they told me it was the TIPM, then I discovered all the horror stories about the TIPM failures. I just don't get how this isn't a recall from Jeep, there are thousands of people replacing these. I get normal fixes where things wear out and they need to be replaced, but this breaks from no fault of the owner and it causes a huge safety issue when the car stalls! I'm hopeful that the awareness of this issue continues and we can get our $800 back from having to replace this. 60 Minutes, where are you?

- kimri, Riverside, RI, US

problem #10

Sep 182014

Wrangler X V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 99,246 miles

Getting ready to open my door to get in and go to work the horn started blowing and would not stop, wiper fluid squirting everywhere and not stopping, windshield wipers constantly going, internal lights blinking, all lights on the dash come on, the headlights flashing as they please. I had to get my boyfriend to disconnect my horn because at 7 A.M. it is very embarrassing to wake the neighbors! To get this to stop I have to open the hood and slap the fuse box. Sometimes this does not work and my car won't shut off with the key taken out so I have to let it jump in first gear to cut off.

This happens whenever it wants to and now that it is getting darker earlier in the day I have to worry about transporting my child with no headlights at night because I have no other means of transportation.

Took the car to the dealership, had to wait almost two weeks before they could look at it. They could not find the issue because when they checked everything it did not do anything but acted normal for them. SO ANNOYED! I don't want to waste $1000 + on getting this fixed as I see this is a common issue with Wranglers lately and am waiting for the answer on the petition and investigation before I decide if this is worth fixing and keeping. Not safe at all!!!!

- Jamie S., Memphis, TN, US

problem #9

Aug 032014

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,600 miles

Hit the unlock button to go to church at 10:30 Sunday morning. Once again, the horn wouldn't stop, washer fluid was shooting all over, locks were going like crazy, wipers moving, etc. No matter what I did, it wouldn't stop. This has become a regularly occurring problem and considering the headlights flash on and off I would think (as an EMT Instructor AND a police employee) that this would be a SAFETY concern and would be dealt with through a recall ASAP. Not forcing me to pay "around $600" for a part on nationwide backorder.

- Kate F., Ringwood, NJ, US

problem #8

Oct 262014

Wrangler Unlimited X 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles

I WAS GOING OUT TO MY JEEP TO GET SOMETHING OUT AND PRESSED UNLOCK ON KEYPAD AND THEN HORN, WIPERS BOTH FRONT AND REAR WERE GOING AND WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID ALL STARTED TO WORK WITHOUT THE JEEP TURNED ON. SO I HAD TO DISCONNECT BATTERY TO STOP THIS. I'VE SEEN ONLINE MANY OF THE SAME ISSUES I'M HAVING WITH THIS JEEP. IT ALSO HAPPENED TWO WEEKS PRIOR WHEN I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET. I PULLED OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. TURNED JEEP OFF BUT STILL WAS DOING THE SAME ISSUES, HORN BLASTING, WIPERS RUNNING, FLUID SPRAYING. NOW STUCK WITH A HUGE REPAIR BILL THAT SHOULD BE COVERED BY A RECALL! ! !

- Sean M., PALM HARBOR, FL, US

problem #7

Oct 162014

Wrangler 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,500 miles

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

The problem with the TIPM IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! My 2008 Jeep Wrangler engine shuts off while driving it. Then when the motor is off the horn sounds, the windshield wipers start wiping and the windshield wiper fluid starts spraying out. I have had the dealer replace the clock spring costing me over $800 dollars. Now it is back in the shop (after only one night being home and a costly towing fee by an independent towing company!) with they're telling me it will cost even more money to repair!

The TIPM is a well documented problem that Chrysler is very much aware of but refuses to admit to, correct or recall. Honestly, what will it take, people getting hurt or killed in these Jeep Wranglers for this issue to be corrected????

- owensd, Jackson, MO, US

problem #6

Jul 012014

Wrangler LS

  • Manual transmission
  • 50,000 miles

Started with windshield wipers just coming on and horn beeping when the drivers side door opened. Then head lights would not come on. Then intermittent car would not start. Tapped TIPM and it would start. Once after starting, turned ignition off and removed key and Jeep continued running. Now the vehicle will just shut off when driving down the road. Seems to be corrected when you rap on the TIPM for awhile.

- David M., Owensboro, KY, US

problem #5

Jul 272014

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 131,300 miles

I suspected for a long time that I had a problem with the TIPM but was unable to verify it definitively. In the past the heater/defroster/AC would randomly stop working on and off. One mechanic told me it happened because my coolant level got too low. Even after religiously keeping an eye on the coolant level, the problem would still happen. I spoke with my friend who is a mechanic and after doing a whole bunch of tests he said the only thing left that made sense was the TIPM. At the time I didn't have the money to replace it and it appears that Jeep/Chrysler refuses to own up to the fact this is a consistent issue in Wranglers and do something about it.

Then this morning when trying to leave for work, I hit the unlock button and all hell broke loose. The lights started flashing, horn was honking with no regular rhythm, locks were locking & unlocking, wipers were going, washer fluid was shooting all over, etc. It took several attempts with the remote and ignition to get it to stop. After some research, this morning's incident verified for me that my TIPM has gone bad. I see there is a class action suit for other Jeep/Chrysler vehicles experiencing this issue, I want to know why the Wrangler was not included.

- Kate F., Ringwood, NJ, US

problem #4

Oct 122011

Wrangler Rubicon

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,000 miles

I am having a problem with my Integrated Power Module (IPM). It is causing my Safety Bag Light to come on (not knowing if it would deploy) but that is not the only problem with the module. It's also causing my front lights to come on when the car is off and I am getting electrical shocks every time I touch my door. The most important issue is it sometimes turns off or I can't turn it on because my electronics goes completely off. I know this because when it happens I go into the box remove and replace the cable or plugs and it starts working. I would hate this to happen when I'm driving, which would cause my power steering and shifting to lockup leaving me with no options and maybe with no safety bag. I know this to be true because the vehicle has turned off on me when I was leave my parking space at work. I could not turn or shift the vehicle because all the electronic turned off. I have already replace my battery terminal cable (battery to the IPM) due to corrosion.

As a true Jeep owner, I do my own checks/research before taking to a dealer. This dealer wants $108 for a diagnostic check and a stay of up to 3 days. I asked if the diagnostic fees are removed if it's a dealer defect and he said, "only if the Chryler Corporation participates in the recall. More to come. Will

- esperon, San Antonio, TX, US

problem #3

Apr 162014

Wrangler Unlimited, Rubicon 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,836 miles

Wipers horn and washer fluid have been activated twice. It is like the jeep is having a seizure. It happened with no keys in ignition and I opened the door. The next day it happened while driving it. Everything else operated normally though. Very disturbing. I have thought of selling and not getting another jeep. Makes me sad. I like my jeep.

- Wes A., Peachland, BC, canada

problem #2

Mar 272014

Wrangler Unlimited 3.8L V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 70,000 miles

Has really out done itself on this one!?? The only vehicle manufactured on all seven continents but won't stand behind their. Vehicle at roughly @ a $1200 fix. The TIPM, which by the way this is a Mopar part, is malfunctioning on just about all 2007 and 2008 model Jeep Wranglers.

I recently just traded in a 2005 f350 Dually on a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara unlimited. With Ford having so many issues on 6.0 diesel I got a little scared as my warranty was getting ready to run out. I traded in the 2008 Jeep Wrangler Sahara unlimited as I have always heard how good and dependable Jeep vehicles are so I decide on a Jeep. As a single father of two I need to make sure that I did get dependability, what a joke that was!

I just think there should be something that Jeep should have to do about fixing this problem being there so many forms and complaints on the Internet. I'm not the only person having this problem there are lots of people having same issues, horn blows, windshield wipers spraying and turning back and forth, lights flashing, sounds like something arcing under the hood . This is a safety hazard and should be a recall immediately!

- Chad C., Hedgesville, WV, US

problem #1

Dec 072011

Wrangler Sahara V6

  • Manual transmission
  • 52,296 miles

On December 7, my wife and I were on our way to have brake work done (for the 2nd time in 52,000 miles) to our Wrangler Sahara. When my wife opened the door, the horn and windshield wipers began to operate incessantly and electrical arcing could be heard under the hood. I started the engine to see if I could gain some control over the situation, but couldn't. I then searched the owner's manual to locate the horn fuse so that I could at least concentrate on the problem. When I located the "Integrated Power Module" (TIPM) and attempted to open it, the volume of the horn decreased. When I tapped the top of the module, everything stopped, including the engine. When I restarted the engine, I had no problems with the horn or wipers, but the "Check Engine" light was on. After having the brake work done, we drove immediately to the Jeep dealer who diagnosed the problem as a faulty TIPM which will cost around $200 and two hours of labor to install and program. As though all of this is not outrageous enough, he then told us that there are more than 20 of these modules backordered nationally and couldn't tell us whether it would be days or weeks until it would be available. It's now been two weeks and he still can't say. When I asked the service manager if the vehicle would be safe to drive, he said that we could lose total control at any time without warning. Considering this and the electrical arcing we heard under the hood, WHY DOES THIS NOT CONSTITUTE A SAFETY RECALL!

My wife and I literally waited a couple of years to reward ourselves with this vehicle because we love the body style and convertible roof and thought it would suit our rural lifestyle so well. In fact, before this happened we tried to trade on a 2012 model until we realized how much the price had gone up and how little the dealer was willing to give us on a vehicle that we had bought and serviced with him. We've owned several Toyota 4WD's, a Camry, and a Honda Del Sol, putting close to 200,000 miles on some of them without serious repair problems, so the problems with our Jeep are not related to local driving conditions or driving habits. Even though we do not use this vehicle off-road, it was supposed to be designed to climb hills, ford streams, and provide dependable service in all types of rigorous climates. Who would have thought it would be so fragile? We were fools to trust this company that has cost the American taxpayer so much and has proven itself to be as incompetent as it is financially irresponsible. Considering our love for the Wrangler image, we can only hope that Chrysler finally goes bankrupt and the Wrangler line is taken over by Honda or Toyota.

- Dennis K., Rockport, WV, US

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