2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 26, 2020 · 165 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 years
Not enough data 3rd of 3 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 165 complaints with NHTSA about the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4. That ranks 3rd out of 3 Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is air bags (47 complaints, 28%), typically at around 67,400 miles. Complaints mention 2 crashes, 3 fires, 3 injuries. There is 1 safety recall covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 3 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Air Bags47 · ~67,400 mi
Steering34 · ~38,600 mi
Suspension32 · ~38,300 mi
Fuel/propulsion System27 · ~50,000 mi
Fuel System, Gasoline17 · ~26,000 mi
Electrical System11 · ~54,650 mi
Power Train11 · ~23,623 mi
Wheels6 · ~53,500 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)5 · ~60,000 mi
Structure5 · ~80,000 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Air Bags4728%67,400——
Steering3421%38,600——
Suspension3219%38,300——
Fuel/propulsion System2716%50,000——
Fuel System, Gasoline1710%26,000——
Electrical System117%54,650——
Power Train117%23,623——
Wheels64%53,500——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)53%60,000——
Structure53%80,000——
Vehicle Speed Control32%61,000——
Visibility32%13,195——
Engine21%32,000——
Service Brakes, Hydraulic21%12,400——
Tires21%47,950——
Unknown or Other21%54,860——
Engine and Engine Cooling11%6,000——
Equipment11%1,000——
Fuel System, Other11%32,000——
Parking Brake11%18,204——
Seat Belts11%———
Seats11%100——
Service Brakes11%156,000——
Traction Control System11%33,600——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2011, with 28 complaints
2009: 8200982010: 122010122011: 282011282012: 172012172013: 272013272014: 162014162015: 212015212016: 232016232017: 6201762018: 5201852019: 1201912020: 120201

n = 165 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 recalls (1)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Air bags:frontal; electrical system:wiringApr 9, 2009 · NHTSA campaign 09V118000 · 4,314 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler is recalling 4,314 my 2009 dodge journey, jeep grand cherokee, commander and wrangler vehicles. Wiring may be reversed on the steering column control module driver airbag squib connector. The driver's airbag may not deploy as intended.

Risk: In the event of a crash, the driver's airbag may not properly inflate and may not be able to properly protect an occupant, increasing the risk of injuries.

Fix: Dealers will inspect the driver's airbag squib wires and replace the steering column control module free of charge. The recall is expected to begin during may 2009. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure (EA15007) — opened Dec 4, 2015, closed Jul 6, 2016, led to recall 16V288000.
  • Air Bag Clockspring Wiring Failure (PE15025) — opened Jun 19, 2015, closed Dec 7, 2015.
  • Totally Integrated Power Module Failure (DP14004) — opened Sep 25, 2014, closed Jul 24, 2015.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

Less than 30 days after purchasing my 2009 jeep wrangler unlimited sahara, i was driving it and went to press the brake pedal while the vehicle was in motion going approximately 35 mph. When i pressed the brakes i heard a grinding noise, my vehicle slowed down slightly but not as much as it…

Service Brakes · received May 26, 2020 · NHTSA complaint 11326004

When refueling, regardless of fill level the gas will not flow into tank properly on level ground, and spews out all over the ground/car/person. It will not take fuel in any position. It takes about 10-15 minutes to refuel from empty. It will take gas until the filler neck fills up and then you…

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jan 22, 2019 · NHTSA complaint 11171292

When fililng the fuel tank, no matter which gas station i use, the tank overflows when full, spilling gasoline before the pump shutoff can activate. This is stationary, turned off, and level. I've owned this car since feb 2015 and it is a highly repeatable problem.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Nov 24, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11153459

My wife called me from work saying her jeep was smoking after parking the vehicle. I rushed to her job and found smoke coming from under the jeep. What i found was debris was stuck between the frame and the exhaust pipe in the center of the jeep. Pinestraw been collecting there and was smoldering…

Structure · received Aug 15, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11120218

Everytime i fill up my gas tank it overflows!!! Leaving gas all over the ground, me and my poor jeep. With gas running on my bumper and well discoloring it. Please fix this issue.

Fuel/propulsion System · received Apr 27, 2018 · NHTSA complaint 11090382

Other Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 years

← 2008 Wrangler 4-DR 4X4

YearComplaintsRecalls
20091651
2008 Wrangler 4-DR 4X46140
2007 Wrangler 4-DR 4X45870

See all Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 problems by year, every Jeep model, or the Jeep VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4?

Owners most often report air bags, steering, suspension problems. The top one, air bags, accounts for 47 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4?

Yes, 1 safety recall. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2009 Jeep Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Wrangler 4-DR 4X4 model years, the 2009 has too little data to compare. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.