Five problems related to radio/tape cd player have been reported for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
*possible takata recall* but recall was completed and now unknown, reason I say that is the the smoke seemed to becoming from the passenger side near the air bag. Jeep was stationary and was started up to drive and began to smoke while parked in the drive way. The smoke smoke continued for approximately 3-4 seconds and was whitish blue in color. After the had dissipated there was a distinct smell of an electrical burn. All windows, blower, ac, heat controls work as normal, radio and speakers work as normal too. I've had my Jeep sense 2012 and have never seen or experienced this issue before.
Last year (2016) I had a piece of plastic (looks like tape) coming out between the steering wheel and steering column while driving on our local street. I didn't realize it was wires at first. This wire 'tape' eventually broke which means you don't have a working airbag, horn, etc. Brought it to a local garage last fall (2016) and was told the clock spring caused this and there was a recall on it. Put the Jeep in the garage for the winter and today (3/2/2017) called the dealer to make an appointment. After giving them the VIN # I was told that the recall didn't apply to my Jeep Wrangler. Btw it only had 40,920 miles on it!.
In 2009 my tipm failed and I experienced the 'possessed Jeep' condition where everything turned on (lights, turn signals, horn, radio blasting with no display). I took it to the dealer and they replaced free of charge (under 5 year warranty). In 2012 my rear brake calipers seized on both the passenger and driver side, they were glowing cherry-red after a 1 hour commute into work, perfect to start a fire if I had pulled into a gas station with some gas spilled on the ground or something. I got after-market calipers because the guy at auto zone said that he had several customers with the same issue that replaced it with factory calipers and they failed within 40000 miles, they went with after-market calipers and never had a problem, I have not had a problem since myself. Well now all of a sudden my horn, front passenger parking lamp/turn signal stopped working. There are no blown fuses or unhooked wires, everything is stock (I bought the vehicle brand new). At this same time, my passenger seat keeps coming unlatched and flying forward and back (as if someone were trying to enter the back seat). I can push the seat back into position, but it will fly forward all by itself at random. This started immediately with the horn and passenger parking lamp issue. This is dangerous and presents a choking hazard, especially if someone is sitting in the seat with the seat belt fastened. Since the horn has stopped working, I am concerned that my air-bag may not deploy (clock-spring issue) or if it is that tipm again. I don't think I should need to pay for yet another tipm this should be covered for the life of the vehicle since it is a safety hazard.
Leaving a parking lot all my electrical components began going haywire (wipers came on, wiper fluid started spraying, radio turned on and off, heat turned on and off, horn was blaring, door locks locking/unlocking at random). I removed the keys and the electrical failure continued. I began to smell burning plastic and noticed smoke/flames coming out from under the hood on the passenger side of the vehicle. After opening the engine compartment the fuse box was engulfed in flames. I was able to put the fire out with a fountain drink and a few bottles of water from bystanders. The wiring harness continued to smolder until the battery cable was removed. It is now in the shop to be repaired and will cost me 500 dollars out of pocket for my deductible. Thankfully no one was injured or killed and the vehicle wasn't a complete loss. This car also has no after market modifications.
Death wobble********************************* (main concern) I have almost died a 1000xs due to this death wobble. I went through hell with the previous dealer dealership . It has been many years bringing the Jeep in to garages and no one can figure it out. I had to deliver a part 77 miles to and back and had to stop over a million times with myheart pounding. I am sick of worrying about dying. This is a serious serious issue god forbid people that have children in car seats. This has happened onthe freeway and local roads. Very close deadly situations. I am tired of noone believing this! this is a known issue with Jeep and noone hears it! how are they not legally responsible ???this is the worst-feeling in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!many garages and no one says anything is wrong. There is serious issues and I am going to die! please help! please! there has always been problems with this overheating and electrical. . . Radio hasn't worked in months once in a while it comes on intermediately. . . Seatbelt lights on dashboard and have been told this has a electrical problem from many garages and they also can not find where or why. . . . This is the worst vehicle! the death wobble is the main concern because it will kill me and anybody else that is having this issue. Its just horrible. This vehicle took me over a year to get inspected because of this electrical/computer issue!.