What in the Weld is Going on With the Wrangler?
The petition points to a laundry list of weld problems, including splatters, porous areas, and excessive slag. This is a strange turn in the history of a vehicle built on such a rugged reputation.
Wrangler Weld Realted Recalls ∞
To some extent, the feds are already aware of weld issues in this latest generation of Wranglers. There have already been multiple recalls realted to issues outlined in the petition in 2018.
An improper weld found in the intermediate steering shaft ∞
The first sign of problems came in June 2018 when an improper weld on the steering shaft forced Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) to recall 540 Wranglers.
A split in the steering shaft would make the steering wheel lose center positioning and drivers noticed a lack of steering response.
Track bar brackets start falling off the frames ∞
A few months later track bar brackets were recalled because they could seperate from the frames after not being welded properly. The issue affected over 18,000 Wranglers.
Luckily, drivers should receive multiple indications of a problem before the brackets seperate completely, including:
- A front-end noise
- An off-center steering wheel
- And a service electronic stability control warning light
What's Next? ∞
With the dreaded death wobble still a very real threat, who knows how long all these weak welds will hold together.
Generations Where This Problem Has Been Reported
This problem has popped up in the following Jeep generations.
Most years within a generation share the same parts and manufacturing process. You can also expect them to share the same problems. So while it may not be a problem in every year yet, it's worth looking out for.
4th Generation Wrangler
- Years
- 2018–2021
- Reliability
- 6th out of 18
- PainRank™
- 4.48
- Complaints
- 38
Further Reading
A timeline of stories related to this problem. We try to boil these stories down to the most important bits so you can quickly see where things stand. Interested in getting these stories in an email? Signup for free email alerts for your vehicle over at CarComplaints.com.
A petition is asking federal regulators to look into a slew of welding issues with the 2018-2019 Wrangler frames.
keep reading article "Feds Petitioned to Look Into Welding Defects in Wrangler Frame"NHTSA says the petitioner provides a laundry list of problems with the frame welds, including problems with weld penetration, areas where the welds dripped or splashed, porous welds and areas of "excessive slag.”
…Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) is recalling 24,000 Wranglers because the front track bar brackets weren’t welded properly and could separate from the frame.
Before the bracket completely separates from the frame, a driver may hear noise from the front-end and notice the steering wheel is off-center. In addition, a “Service Electronic Stability Control” message may appear and the stability control light will illuminate.
The affected Wranglers are all from the 2018-2019 model years, and built between 05/07/2018 and 08/21/2018 at the Toledo assembly plant.
keep reading article "4th Generation Wrangler Track Bars Weren’t Welded Properly"The 2018 Wrangler is being recalled to repair a steering shaft weld that can create a dangerous driving situation.
Engineers found the Wranglers have incomplete long seam welds that can cause a split, and combined with high steering wheel torque, the steering wheel will lose center positioning.…
keep reading article "Steering Shaft Welding Problem Can Cause a Loss of Control"