Five problems related to steering wheel vibrate have been reported for the 2004 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
I have a right hand drive 2004 Jeep Wrangler. The right seat belt latch is always sticking causing my seat belt to come loose. The steering wheel starts shaking violently when reaching speeds above 50 mph,if you hit a bump, or if it's windy or an 18 wheeler passes you on highway, the Jeep will rock side to side like it's going to turn over. It's very hard to control the vehicle. I have children to haul around.
Sudden onset of violent front end and steering wheel vibration, requiring 2 hands tightly gripping the steering wheel to coax it onto the shoulder. 5 incidents in 8 months at 60mph on both smooth and rough pavement. Narrowly missed smashing into a cement barrier, tractor trailer and car during 3 of the 5 incidents.
When traveling west bound on I-10 through phoenix, after hitting slight bump in the highway, my steering wheel began to shake violently for approximately 5 to 10 seconds. I immediately began to slow down and the powerful wobble subsided. I had an additional incident with powerful shaking in my steering wheel about a month later, again traveling at approximately 50 mph on an interstate highway. This sudden and unexpected shaking of the Jeep's front end is scary.
What seems to be a very common problem with the Jeep Wrangler model line is a problem known throughout the community as the "death wobble. " I purchased a used Jeep Wrangler rubicon almost two years ago, and have been experiencing this problem ever since. My Jeep, along with many others like it, has absolutely no aftermarket modifications, yet has a very dangerous symptom which makes me scared to drive it over 40 mph. The "death wobble" can only be described as an incredibly violent shake of the steering wheel from left to right after going over a bump or imperfection in the road. It will usually start off slowly, but within half a second the entire front end of the car is shaking out of control, and only stops when the vehicle is brought to a stop. With the steering wheel shaking violently, it is very difficult to maintain directional control of the vehicle, which at highway speeds can be very dangerous. Also, since the only way to stop this problem is to slow down rapidly, this creates a very hazardous traffic situation. This problem has been well documented throughout the history of the Jeep Wrangler, and Chrysler has only issued a temporary solution to replace the steering stabilizer. I have done this twice now, and it is only a band-aid to mask the underlying problem, which Jeep refuses to issue a recall or pay the bill to fix. I am literally scared to drive my vehicle on any highway, and I am sure thousands of other Jeep Wrangler owners out there are in the exact same position I am in.
Steering wheel shakes, most recently made whole vehicle shake uncontrollably. Has not been off road or altered in any way. Lady driven only.