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2008 Jeep Wrangler

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Jeep Wrangler
Pictured: 2018 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Unlimited Multijet 2.1 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
2dr SUV 4WD X/Sahara/Rubicon, Unlimited X/Sahara/Rubicon 4dr SUV 4
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 16 city / 21 hwy
Length
155.9–173.2 in
Curb weight
4,087–4,268 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints619 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 6 for similar models — most often about the air bags.
  • "Do not drive" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 5 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Jeep Wrangler is a SUV - offered with a 3.8L 6-cyl engine and rear-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 156 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 95-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,087 lb (2dr SUV 4WD X/Sahara/Rubicon).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (16 city / 21 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 619 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2008

  • New body dimensions: 3.1 in longer — most likely a redesign or new generation

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Wrangler →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
2dr SUV 4WD X/Sahara/Rubicon155.9 in73.6 in72.4 in95.3 in62.6 / 62.6 in4,087 lb50/50
Unlimited X/Sahara/Rubicon 4dr SUV 4173.2 in74 in70.9 in116.1 in61.4 / 61.8 in4,268 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Wrangler 2WD3.8L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-5%$3,700494
Wrangler 2WD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive15 / 20 / 17-10%$3,950523
Wrangler 4WD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-2%$3,950523
Wrangler 4WD3.8L 6-cylManual 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 16-8%$4,200555
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Jeep Wrangler (this car)18 MPGNot rated5
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Subaru Legacy/Outback22 MPGNot rated0
2008 Mercury Mariner32 MPGNot rated3
2008 Mercury Mountaineer16 MPGNot rated0
2008 Isuzu Ascender16 MPGNot rated1

Recalls (5)

Safety advisory: 1 recall for this model year carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · May 24, 2016 Do not drive

NHTSA campaign 16V352000 · 4,648,270 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) expanded the affected population to include 73,712 2005-2009 RAM 2500 trucks produced at the St. Louis North Assembly Plant. With this change, Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2010 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2010 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2012 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2012 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2012 Chrysler 300, 2006-2012 Dodge Charger, 2005-2011 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AL, CA, FL, GA, HI, LA, MS, SC, TX, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Chrysler is also recalling 2004-2008 RAM 1500, 2005-2009 RAM 2500, 2006-2009 RAM 3500, 2007-2009 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008-2009 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2009 Dodge Durango, 2007-2009 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2009 Jeep Wrangler, 2008-2009 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2009 Chrysler 300, 2006-2009 Dodge Charger, 2005-2009 Dodge Dakota and 2006-2009 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in AZ, AR, DE, Washington D.C., IL, IN, KS, KY, MD, MO, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NC, OH, OK, PA, TN, VA, and WV, or "Zone B." Lastly, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Chrysler is recalling certain 2005-2008 RAM 2500, 2006-2008 RAM 3500, 2007-2008 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis, 2008 RAM 4500 and 5500 Cab Chassis, 2004-2008 Dodge Durango, 2007-2008 Chrysler Aspen, 2007-2008 Jeep Wrangler, 2008 Dodge Challenger, 2005-2008 Dodge Magnum, 2005-2008 Chrysler 300, 2006-2008 Dodge Charger, 2005-2008 Dodge Dakota, and 2006-2008 Mitsubishi Raider vehicles originally sold, or registered, in AK, CO, CT, ID, IA, ME, MA, MI, MN, MT, NH, NY, ND, OR, RI, SD, UT, VT, WA, WI, and WY.
Risk
These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, and used as original equipment or replacement equipment. These inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling. An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
Owners are advised not to drive their vehicle until the recall repair is complete. Chrysler will notify the Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and RAM owners. Mitsubishi owners will be notified by their company. Dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator, free of charge. The recall began on March 27, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S43. Note: This recall supersedes recall 14V-7700.
Air Bags › Frontal › Driver Side › Inflator Module · May 11, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V290000 · 388,532 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2007-2010 Jeep Wrangler JK vehicles manufactured March 2, 2006, to August 13, 2010. The clockspring assembly may become contaminated with dust and cause the air bag circuit to fail.
Risk
Failure of the air bag circuit may prevent the driver's frontal air bag from deploying in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring, wheel back cover, and column shroud, free of charge. The recall began on December 14, 2016. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S33.
Air Bags · May 7, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V176000 · 5,440 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) is recalling certain model year 2008-2012 Jeep Wrangler right-hand drive vehicles manufactured February 1, 2007, through October 10, 2011. The affected vehicles have airbag clockspring assemblies that could experience broken airbag circuits.
Risk
In the event of a crash necessitating airbag deployment, a broken electrical circuit in the airbag clockspring wiring assembly can lead to non-deployment of the driver-side frontal airbag and will not be able to properly protect the driver, increasing the risk of injuries.
Fix
Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the clockspring and add a steering wheel dust shield, free of charge. The recall began on June 10, 2013. Owners may contact Chrysler at 1-800-247-9753. This recall supercedes NHTSA recall 11V-528. Chrysler's recall campaign number is M31.
Air Bags › Frontal · Nov 2, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V528000 · 5,437 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2012 RIGHT HAND DRIVE (RHD) JEEP WRANGLER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 1, 2007, THROUGH OCTOBER 10, 2011. SOME VEHICLES MAY BE EQUIPPED WITH DRIVER'S AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING ASSEMBLIES THAT COULD EXPERIENCE A COMPROMISED AIRBAG CIRCUIT RESULTING IN AN AIRBAG LAMP ILLUMINATION, WHICH INDICATES THAT THE AIRBAG MAY NOT DEPLOY.
Risk
A BROKEN ELECTRICAL CIRCUIT IN THE AIRBAG CLOCKSPRING WIRING ASSEMBLY CAN LEAD TO NON-DEPLOYMENT OF THE DRIVER FRONTAL AIRBAG AND WILL NOT BE ABLE TO PROPERLY PROTECT THE DRIVER IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURIES.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND REMEDY THE VEHICLES AS NECESSARY FREE OF CHARGE. CHRYSLER WILL MAIL TO OWNERS AN INTERIM NOTIFICATION DURING MARCH 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · Jun 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V236000 · 287,653 vehicles

Problem
CHRYSLER IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2007 THROUGH 2010 JEEP WRANGLER LEFT AND RIGHT HAND DRIVE PASSENGER VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 15, 2006 THROUGH APRIL 22, 2010. THERE MAY BE CONTACT BETWEEN THE RIGHT AND LEFT FRONT INNER FENDER LINERS AND THE RIGHT FRONT AND LEFT REAR BRAKE TUBES WHICH COULD CAUSE WEAR OF THE TUBES CAUSING A BRAKE FLUID LEAK.
Risk
A BRAKE FLUID LEAK CAN CAUSE PARTIAL LOSS OF SERVICE BRAKES AT THE AFFECTED WHEEL INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
CHRYSLER WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND DEALERS WILL REPAIR THE VEHICLES FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT CHRYSLER TOLL-FREE AT 1-800-853-1403.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Jeep Wrangler is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

619Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
28Involved a fire
6Injuries reported
86,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags214
Electrical System170
Fuel/Propulsion System84
Steering69
Unknown Or Other56
Suspension50
Engine49
Power Train39
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/07: 122/08: 122/09: 123/08: 123/09: 224/01: 224/03: 124/04: 124/06: 324/07: 224/08: 124/10: 224/11: 125/01: 125/02: 125/04: 125/06: 325/07: 225/08: 125/09: 125/12: 126/05: 126/06: 126/07: 122/0723/0824/0324/0724/1125/0425/0826/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Jeep Wrangler buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Air Bags — 214 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  4. Electrical System — 170 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  5. Fuel/Propulsion System — 84 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 86,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Jeep Wrangler. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Wrangler years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Wrangler21–Not rated00
2026 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated312
2025 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated682
2024 Wrangler21181.9 inNot rated14966
2023 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16377
2022 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated16412
2021 Wrangler25181.9 inNot rated17962
2020 Wrangler25160.2 inNot rated13618
2019 Wrangler24160.2 inNot rated9746
2018 Wrangler24152.8 inNot rated141,827
2017 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5312
2016 Wrangler18152.8 inNot rated5462

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Jeep. How we calculate this →