Denied Warranty Repair for Broken Axel

[brokenaxle]

My question involves an issue that occurred in the state of: WASHINGTON

Driving a 2009 Jeep JK Unlimited (4 Door Jeep). Broke an axle housing/axle shaft during a trip on a forest service trail.

Jeep markets the Wrangler as a capable all terrain vehicle designed for the harshest conditions, but as soon as I mentioned it was in the woods they claimed that it was abused and are not interested in warranty repairs. I do have some trail scratches and dents on the vehicle. The sheet metal is thin.

What concerns me is that this is not the first occurrence of the front axle housing breaking in this location, especially on the 4 door wranglers. The dealership that I took the vehicle to, had an axle housing in their shop with a similar break.

Google results: http://www.google.com/search?q=JK+un...3da4ec7e15bdf2

Additionally, this is a video from the Jeep website.

http://www.jeep.com/en/jeep_capabilities/trail_rated/

So the question is, should Jeep be looking into this issue and perhaps addressing warranty claims, or is it not their problem?

[Mr. Knowitall]

When you had the broken axel inspected by an independent mechanic or engineer specializing in auto parts failure, what were you told?

[jk]

what does the warranty say to limitation or exclusions?

[That Guy]

What concerns me is that this is not the first occurrence of the front axle housing breaking in this location, especially on the 4 door wranglers.

....

So the question is, should Jeep be looking into this issue and perhaps addressing warranty claims, or is it not their problem?

You should search the NHTSA website for Complaints/Recalls/Investigations/Service Bulletins or file a complaint...

Otherwise, you're probably at the mercy of the dealer.

[cyjeff]

I have owned a wrangler for the last 15 years.... three different ones.

Jeep's warranty does not extend to off road activities simply because there are too many variables. If yours was the second to break in this particular place, a case can be made that the trail was at fault and not the axel.

Before you ask, yes, I have done my share of "muddin'"... knowing that if there was damage on the trail that it would be on my head.

I will say that I have NEVER dented the body work during off road... and I have participated in some fairly rough rides including a jeep jamboree.