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Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering loss problems

393 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe loss of power steering, most of them for the 2011 model year.

owner complaints
393
worst model year
2011
typical repair cost reported
$1,600
typical mileage
72,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

Often reported together

Loss of power 183Stalling 116Check engine light 29Warning lights 19Fuel pump 19Brake failure 19Won't start 16Wipers 11

Trouble codes mentioned

U0131 2P0884 1P0340 1C2217 1B273C 1

What owners say

Filed Oct 17, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

Suddden engine stalls/electrical shutdown while in motion, causing total loss of power steering and power Other incidents of while traveling at 65-70 mph on the interstate the vehicle suddenly suffered a power failure and dropped into a dangerously low gear at low speed. The engine wound up drastically, causing a severe spike in RPMs, but when pressing the gas pedal, the vehicle refused to move or increase speed.spedometer read 20 mph. I videoed this when it happened.

Filed Oct 6, 2026 · Driver assistance, Steering · MN

Here is the issue: vehicle sat all evening (an 8 hour shift) in the warehouse parking lot and it misty rained, so probably high humidity as well, the entire time. When I got in it at the end of my shift, and started it, cycling 3 times hoping the issue would clear, it had lost all electric power steering assist. The red steering wheel icon came on, lane‑keep assist disabled, traffic sensing disabled, and ACC showed ‘ACC Unavailable – Service Required.’ I limped the vehicle home - highly unsafe - to a dry somewhat environmentally controlled garage waiting for the roadside assistance tow truck to grab it next morning. When the towtruck driver arrived, he hopped in the vehicle, started it up, and it was as if nothing happened last night this dry, sunny morning. That must be a short somewhere. I spoke with Jordan at Dave Dennis CJDR in Dayton, OH, right away they said they checked it out, found old code U0131, cleared it, were not able to repeat the issue, and come get it. A few days, and much frustration later, I found this FOIA file, uploaded below, along with weblink [XXX] discussing a, quite concerning, to me, "known grounding issue" with "G908A faulty grounding." I have no indication on the below also attached invoice that that grounding issue was ever even checked, so I remain very concerned! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 55,000 miles · NC · crash

The contact owns a 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while test driving at an undisclosed speed, an unknown warning light flashed on the instrument panel. The dealer informed the contact that the battery was low and that the light had been replaced, while also informing the contact that the vehicle had experienced difficulty starting prior to purchase. Days later, upon starting the vehicle, all warning lights illuminated and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure, cleared the codes, and returned the vehicle; however, the failure recurred. While driving, the steering wheel became inoperable, causing the driver to lose steering control, and the vehicle crashed into a Ford Mustang. A red steering warning light illuminated. A police report was filed. There were no reported injuries, airbag deployment, or fire. The vehicle was returned to the dealer, where it was determined that the vehicle was undrivable, could not be inspected in the service bay, required an unknown replacement part, and that the steering wheel computer failed to communicate. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle did not qualify under the lemon law, prompting the contact to report the issue to the Attorney General, who referred the contact to the federal safety agency Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2026 · Electrical, Suspension · KY

I am reporting a systemic safety failure involving a 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee sold as a "Certified Pre-Owned" (CPO) vehicle. Despite the mandatory 125-point CPO safety inspection, the vehicle was delivered with multiple safety-critical defects that should have prevented certification. Primary Safety Risks: Suspension/Stability: The vehicle exhibits vibration and instability at all speeds, resulting in a loss of steering stability and difficulty maintaining lane position at highway speed. Tire Integrity: The vehicle was sold with dry-rotted tires, indicating structural degradation that poses a high risk of catastrophic failure/blowout. Electrical/Powertrain: The Auto Start/Stop system is faulty. Additionally, the paddle shifters are non-functional, which interferes with manual gear selection and driver control over the powertrain. The selling dealership has refused to acknowledge these defects or bring the vehicle into compliance with manufacturer safety standards. Furthermore, Stellantis Corporate has failed to provide a safety compliance review. These mechanical and electrical defects existed at the time of sale and represent a failure of the CPO safety process.

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · OH

The vehicle has now experienced two complete electronic system failures while driving at approximately 45 miles per hour. During both events, all dashboard warning lights illuminated, and I lost power steering and brake assist. The engine remained running during the failure, but vehicle control systems were disabled. The first repair was documented as a disconnected electrical component, but the same full failure has occurred again. I consider this a serious safety defect, and I do not feel safe operating the vehicle

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 Feb 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MN

While driving 30mph in town, the vehicle shut off. The engine quit, lost power steering, dash message said, “Press brake and push button to start.” Conditions were: in e-Save mode, the gas engine was running, battery level was <1%. We came to a stop, pushed the start button, the vehicle started and drove normally. The passenger recorded most of this on video. We did complete the related recall last November.

Filed Dec 22, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · NV

Two similar incidents to report during week of Dec 15th 2025 on surface streets: Was driving 25 mph when 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee just came to a complete stop -- without any warning signs of a problem. Vehicle stalled with no engine power and loss of power steering. I could not steer the vehicle to the side of the road. Was just stuck. The emergency lights did work. I put the vehicle in park and restarted the engine after about 30 seconds. The vehicle drove normally therafter. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC IS IF I HAD BEEN ON A MAJOR HIGHWAY WITH TRAFFIC. This same stalling of the vehicle with no power or steering ability has happened 2 other times before earlier in 2025. The Dealer insists there is no recall, but this looks like the same problem that this Jeep had in 2019 when the dealer replace the fuel pump relay as part of a previous recall. Obviously that recall was not effective.

Filed Dec 11, 2025 · Steering · CT

I went to start my car and pull out of a parking lot when the power steering would not turn on. I tried starting and stopping the engine multiple times. I eventually left the car and returned later for it where the power steering was back on and fully functioning. I had a friend drive me and the vehicle to my house to be towed to a jeep dealership the following day. The power steering went out and back on two more times during that 10 min drive. Jeep service received the vehicle the next day and said they could not find anything wrong with the vehicle and reset the computer. I was told to come pick up my car as there was nothing more they could do.

Filed Nov 25, 2025 · Fuel system, Lights · CT

While my wife was driving our 2023 plug-in hybrid SUV, the vehicle suddenly lost all power steering assist. The steering wheel became extremely hard to turn and she could not safely control the vehicle. I had to verbally guide her to pull over into a very unsafe area because the vehicle became nearly impossible to steer. The failure happened instantly with no warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms. The vehicle was completely undriveable. I had to call a tow truck and pay out of pocket to have it towed directly to an authorized dealer. We were forced to take an Uber home. The dealer confirmed that this model currently has multiple active safety recalls, including recalls involving high-voltage battery fire risk and potential loss of propulsion, and that they could not inspect the vehicle immediately due to limited staffing. This incident posed a significant crash and injury risk because the driver was unable to steer the vehicle with normal force. The sudden loss of steering assist created a dangerous situation on a public road and required emergency towing. The vehicle is now at the dealership awaiting inspection, and the failure can be inspected upon request.

Related recalls

Steering: linkages: knuckle: spindle: armReported February 22, 2024 · 250 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. An improperly machined steering knuckle may separate between the ball joint and knuckle, causing the wheel to fall outward and resulting in a loss of control.
Risk
A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA's number for this recall is 07B.

Recall number 24V131000 · Recall details

Steering: columnReported May 18, 2023 · 89,372 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk
A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.

Recall number 23V352000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported March 10, 2003 · 286 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, the power steering gear may contain an improperly formed spacer clip, which could dislodge within the steering gear.
Risk
A dislodged clip may cause increased steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering gear assemblies. Owner notification began on march 12, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 03V079000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported January 5, 2001 · 636 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. An internal nut in the steering gear assembly could loosen and cause the steering gear to lock up.
Risk
This could reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly. Owner notification began december 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.

Recall number 01V007000 · Recall details

Steering: gear box (other than rack and pinion)Reported November 4, 1999 · 1,259 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some steering gear units were assembled with internal end-of-travel-stops that missed the heat treat process, resulting in soft internal travel stops.
Risk
This could result in sticking, binding, or seizing of the steering gear.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the steering gear on involved vehicles.

Recall number 99V312000 · Recall details

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported December 13, 1993 · 115,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
The molded plastic pin which connects the upper steering column shaft and the lower column shaft may have been sheared prior to installation of the steering column assembly into the vehicle. If this occurred, the upper steering shaft will separate from the lower steering shaft.
Risk
If the upper and lower steering shafts separate, completeloss of steering control will occur, which could result in an accident.
Remedy
A restraining sleeve will be added to the intermediate shaft to limit the amount of steering shaft movement available.

Recall number 93V210000 · Recall details

Questions about the Jeep Grand Cherokee power steering loss

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have loss of power steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2011 (52 complaints), 2012 (39 complaints) and 2021 (26 complaints).

How much does it cost to fix loss of power steering on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?

Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,600 (median of 16 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.

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