Maruti Nexa service outlets have begun replacing key brake components in almost all units of the Jimny sold in India. This is part of a “service bulletin” issued by the brand that's being silently carried out by individually contacting vehicle owners.
There have been multiple reports on online platforms of the Jimny's steering vibrating and wobbling when the brakes are applied at speeds of around 80kph. This disappears once the vehicle's below 60kph.
This issue has mainly been reported on units with less than 5,000km on the odometer, but it's also there on a few vehicles that have more mileage. There are a handful of owners, though, who haven't faced this issue; even our long-term Jimny, which we drove for almost 12,000km, was unaffected. The owners' community calls this issue the “Jimny death wobble”. Sources tell us that the “death wobble” is due to disc wear caused by a faulty king pin set.
The “Service bulletin” issued by Maruti acknowledges the problem and the brand is quietly addressing it by contacting owners and replacing king pin sets of affected Jimny units. Do note that this change will only be done by Maruti if the SUV is on stock tyres.
While the estimated part and labour costs for the King Pin assembly and disc brakes are Rs 2,020 and Rs 4,400, respectively, the said components are being replaced free of cost under warranty. Dealers tell us that in order to qualify for the replacement, the vehicle is tested by Maruti folks for the “death wobble” and gets documented with video evidence. The issue is then assessed by Maruti's service team and the king pin sets are replaced. The discs are then checked for wear and replaced, if needed.