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Jeep Grand Cherokee steering noise problems

47 of the 29,174 owner complaints about the Jeep Grand Cherokee describe clunking or noise when steering, most of them for the 2001 model year.

owner complaints
47
worst model year
2001
typical mileage
45,000
Is there a fix? There are 6 recalls for this area of the car. See below

By model year

  • 2022
    1
  • 2015
    1
  • 2014
    1
  • 2013
    2
  • 2011
    1
  • 2005
    4
  • 2004
    7
  • 2003
    2
  • 2002
    4
  • 2001
    7
  • 2000
    6
  • 1999
    3
  • 1998
    1
  • 1996
    1
  • 1995
    2
  • 1994
    1
  • 1993
    3

What owners say

Filed Nov 7, 2023 · Steering · AL

About two weeks ago, I was driving my Grand Cherokee on highway with my wife and our two-year-old. The power steering light was on and the service light was on. There's also a message saying "power steering lost" popping up at the control panel. The steering was extremely heavy that I lost control of it and could not turn left or right. I pushed brake and turned on emergency light until the vehicle slowed down and eventually stopped on the road shoulder. It was very dangerous. At that point I did not even know there was a recall about power steering on this model - although later I found out my vehicle was not included in that recall it. I took my vehicle to local dealership (Opelika Ford Chrysler Jeep). I also contacted Jeep service line. The staff from Jeep created a case for me (case #: [XXX]) but was not helpful as he refused to give local dealership authorization to repair it - even though the service light was on when I brought it in. The dealership also had some communication with Jeep service. And they were denied authorization to repair it with recall exception or under warranty as they could not duplicate the issue. I was outraged by the lack of responsibility from Jeep as they knew I had a serious incident while they denied authorization to repair it accordingly only because my vehicle was not included in the recall list. I also requested to speak to the supervisor of the Jeep service staff but was told my case was officially closed. Just unbelievable!! I wonder who would take the liability here if we got the vehicle back from dealership without a repair and we crashed with a two-year-old on board. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 23, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · AR

Taillight on back passenger side won't work, steering has been bad since I had, steering linkage and suspension failing, emergency brake doesn't work, cruise control won't work, oil pressure always reads high, airbag light stays on n seatbelt light stays on if I don't turn key on n let sit for an few seconds before starting jeep, gas pedal sticks , power steering fluid is leaking bad, steering linkage close to breaking heard noise so I pulled over. Also shocks bad, when hit an small bump it sounds like whole front end breaks

Filed Jun 22, 2020 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · IL

In the rear, there is a popping noise while turning or taking off from a dead stop at a light it pops real loud and causes the vehicle to jerk. I have taken this to multiple places and no one can figure it out. What is going to happen is that the transmission or something going to break and cause a major accident.

Filed Mar 8, 2020 · Acceleration, Electrical · 138,000 miles · MN

Just recently in the last three months front passenger window fell while driving and back driver window fell while driving while it what snowing while my son was in the car. Have a popping noise in steering or somewhere in front end. I can't use my accelerate button on steering wheel while it's in cruise because it won't stop acceleration once you press it. I was going about 55 and was trying to accelerate to 60.

Filed Dec 5, 2019 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 70,000 miles · TX

My jeep started with an error 'service shifter' on the control panel shortly after that all the codes started popping up. Steering wheel, tire pressure, etc. I took it to the dealership they have replaced the body control module but unfortunately the codes have not cleared. I've had this vehicle for only two years the service department at the dealership can not pinpoint the problem on it.

Filed Aug 12, 2019 · Electrical, Suspension · 103,000 miles · VA

Vehicle is making a popping noise, when turning or hitting bump replaced sway bar end links and tie rod-unable to locate exact problem at this time. I was driving today and without warning my front wipers turned on and could not be turned off, on inspecting further all components on the starting wheel and column are not operatable-no signals, cruise, headlights, stereo-nothing. Vehicle acts like its stuck in 4x4-making other noise while turning also having issue with dash board bubbling-possible safety concern as it may interfere with air bag deployment. I have contacted jeep with all the above concerns, to which they state they cannot help with the problems vehicle has 103k miles. I am 3rd owner. *tt 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).'

Filed Dec 18, 2017 · Steering · 24,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 2015 jeep grand cherokee. While stationary and driving various low speeds, the power steering made a high pitched whistling noise when turned left or right. Ed voyles chrysler dodge jeep ram in marietta, georgia was made aware of the failure and stated that it was normal. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the federal safety agency. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 24,000.

Filed Dec 1, 2016 · Airbags, Transmission · TX

My airbag light has come on and it, has me scare of what might happen and my truck drives like it has a transmission problem. It takes a while changing gear my steering wheel make a loud clicking sound as I turn.. While driving turning. There are so many problems with this truck from day one..

Filed Oct 31, 2016 · Steering · 40,500 miles · PA

Power steering making noise loud , had it checked out and dealership tells me all 2013 does this. Well a week later after they looked at I lost power steering with a baby in car.

Filed Jun 5, 2014 · Steering · 93,000 miles · AL

The steering started to make a grinding noise and became difficult to drive. Took right away to dealer and was told a part in the steering came apart and messed up the steering and power pump. Was not safe to drive. Still in garage and will cost 1340$ to fix. This is dangerous and I am glad I was only doing 35 at the time. How many others has this happened to. What if I was going faster or even on the interstate? Would not have been able to control the jeep. This needs to be investigated.

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 steering noise

Which Jeep Grand Cherokee years have clunking or noise when steering problems?

The model years with the most reports are 2001 (7 complaints), 2004 (7 complaints) and 2000 (6 complaints).

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