Jeep Wrangler JK (2007–2018) Problems to Check Before You Bid

The JK Wrangler (2007–2018) is one of the easiest vehicles to resell: Jeep people love them, parts are everywhere, and the aftermarket is endless. That's also why so many end up at auction after accidents, rollovers and hard off-road lives. Here's what to check.

011. Death wobble

The famous one. Death wobble is a violent shaking of the front end, usually at highway speed after hitting a bump.

• Cause: worn or loose front steering and suspension parts, most often the track bar, plus tie rod ends, ball joints, wheel bearings or the steering box. It's usually a combination of worn parts, not one thing.
• Lifted Jeeps with bigger tires and no proper geometry fixes are more prone.
• Price it in: on any JK, especially a lifted one, budget for front-end parts.

022. 3.8L oil consumption (2007–2011)

The early 3.8L V6 is known for burning oil and being underpowered.

• Check: oil level and condition in person, blue smoke in a video.

033. The 3.6L Pentastar (2012–2018)

The 3.6L that replaced it is a big improvement, but some early ones (especially 2012) had cylinder head problems, and oil cooler leaks are common over time.

044. TIPM electrical problems (2007–2016)

The Totally Integrated Power Module controls a lot of the electrical system. Failures can cause odd problems: fuel pump not running, horn or wipers acting up, no-starts.

055. Leaks

Hardtops and soft tops leak. Freedom panels, door seals and the windshield frame let water in. Check carpets for water damage, and don't confuse leaky-top water with flood damage. See flood cars at auction.

066. Off-road abuse

• Bent control arms, tie rods and axle housings.
• Rock rash on rockers and skid plates.
• Aftermarket parts of varying quality: lift kits, big tires, re-gears, lockers. Good parts add value; bad installs subtract it.
• Water fording that went wrong.

077. Rollovers

Wranglers roll more often than most vehicles. Check the roll bar, windshield frame, body tub and frame. A frame-damaged JK is usually a parts Jeep.

088. Frame rust

JK frames are generally better than older Jeeps, but check salt-belt Jeeps carefully, especially at the rear control arm mounts.

09How to bid it

Know what the specific trim (Sport, Sahara, Rubicon; 2-door vs. Unlimited) is worth fixed, then subtract damage, front-end parts, any engine issues, fees and transport. Rubicons with clean frames sell fast.

See how to judge an auction vehicle you can't drive and pricing a salvage flip.

Sources (2)

JK Guide: JK common problems by year; Coverage X: Jeep Wrangler common problems.

Photo: Blue and Red Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JK on Jones Boulevard (2).jpg) by Noah Wulf, CC BY-SA 3.0.

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