2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee: loss of power steering

Filed Feb 15, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

While driving this vehicle under normal conditions, the engine developed abnormal ticking/knocking noises, loss of power, and misfire symptoms that progressively worsened. The vehicle was frequently used to transport children. Due to the nature of the failure and unpredictability of progression, continued operation posed a serious safety risk. An authorized dealer later confirmed that the engine suffered a catastrophic internal valvetrain failure involving collapsed lifters/rocker arms and severely damaged camshafts. The dealer technician explicitly stated this failure mode is “typical” for this engine design and documented progressive internal damage affecting both cylinder banks, not an isolated component. This failure mode is not sudden; it develops gradually over tens of thousands of miles and can lead to sudden engine power loss, stalling, or seizure without warning. A loss of propulsion at highway speed, during lane changes, intersections, or while transporting children creates a clear risk of crash, injury, or worse. There was no evidence of driver abuse, lack of maintenance, lubrication failure, or misuse. The dealer confirmed oil condition and service history were appropriate. The defect appears to be internal, latent, and manufacturing-related, consistent with numerous consumer complaints, technical service bulletins, and ongoing litigation involving this engine family. Had the vehicle continued to be driven, the failure could have escalated to: •Sudden loss of engine power at speed •Inability to accelerate to avoid hazards •Engine seizure causing loss of steering assist •Increased crash risk with child passengers onboard The vehicle was removed from service due to safety concerns. This defect is repeatable, predictable, and well-documented, yet not subject to recall at this time. I am reporting this to support investigation into a systemic engine defect that presents a serious safety risk to drivers and passengers.

Filed Jan 11, 2023 · Steering · CA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Power steering failed while driving with family in vehicle including pregnant wife and toddler. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The power steering turned off while driving and has been deemed defective. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the dealership confirmed it’s a rack and pinion issue and they are out of stock and on back order. I’m not the only one experiencing this. They also can’t fix my car without a part. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The dealership inspected it. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No. The jeep only has 55000 miles on it. I take care of my cars. This issue is known and the part is $2000 not including labor. I want my car fixed and I can’t get it fixed. I rely on this vehicle for my family. They can’t order the part nor find it. I am stuck without power steering. Not by choice.

Filed Apr 8, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 67,000 miles · OH

While driving about 10 MPH in my neighborhood, the engine abruptly cut off. The "d" on my dash began to flash. Steering was difficult and braking was difficult. The car just coasted. I was able to pull the car over to the side of the road and put it in park. Then I was able to restart the car. If I had been on a highway or a busy street, this would easily have been an accident. My 8 year old son was in the car. Now I'm scared to drive the car. I have called the dealer to have them take a look at the vehicle. Seems this is not just an issue for me. A lot of other 2018 jeeps have had this issue. A car that randomly shuts off while it's being driven is a horrific accident waiting to happen. Hopefully something can be done at the dealership. Another issue with the car that may be related or separate. The radio in my center consol turns on when I start the car. Then it freezes and shuts off. Then it turns itself back on and freezes and shuts off again. It goes through this process several time before it will turn on, stay on, and function properly. I am told that it could be that the car needs an update. I am also told by the dealer that the update could result in the car needing an entirely new radio.

Filed Oct 25, 2019 · Electrical, Engine · 3,800 miles · TX

As I turned into a gas station after driving highway speeds, the vehicle stalled out. I lost power steering and brakes. The dash began flashing put vehicle in park to start. I had to come to a complete stop, place the vehicle in park and then restart it. The vehicle has approx 3800 miles on it with a fresh oil change from the dealership, frontier dodge. After restarting, the vehicle ran fine.

Filed Apr 4, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · 3,200 miles · NY

As im driving, the car complete dies on me, no power, no brakes, no steering, nothing is working, this is the 3rd time this is happening, im not safe in this car, I drive my kids,