Death wobble dealer states was repaired by a bushing, lakeland Chrysler dodge selling and servicing dealer. They can not duplicate but no one is ever available to road test. Spoke with General manager and was told to trade in not we want to fix
2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems
1,117 complaints (61% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 5,000. 9 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 1,117
- of this car's complaints
- 61%
- typical mileage
- 5,000
- crashes
- 9
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- Electric power assist system1
- Column1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Jeep Wrangler steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Steering
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
- Risk
- If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U48.
Recall number 18V343000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Frame weld deficiencies
On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (the federal safety agency Recall No. 18V‑675), ODI decided to include reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering stiction (loss of power steering) as part of this investigation and parent petition (DP18-004). ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) via information request letters dated March 8, 2019, and February 6, 2020. Supplemental requests for information occurred between July 2020 and July 2023. A review of the responsive manufacturer information showed that vehicles presenting an unexpected reduction in steering ability due to a welding tool misalignment were correctly addressed via recall 18V‑675. General complaints concerning the weld appearance were not associated with a realized risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI identified a limited number of reports involving weld separation on vehicles that were out of scope of recall 18V‑675. FCA identified various causes of weld quality issues in early production (build dates prior to March 2018) including improper welding techniques on galvanized frames and component part variation leading to off-seam welds. These issues were addressed in production for subject vehicles built after July 2018 and preceded a drop in weld failure reports. ODI reviewed manufacturer and agency reports of weld failures out of scope of recall 18V‑675 and did not find any that resulted in a loss of vehicle control. There are no known crashes, injuries, or fatalities as a result of weld failures on vehicles not included in recall 18V‑675. Due to the steering related consequence associated with Recall 18V‑675, ODI opted to include a request for information regarding various steering issues experienced by vehicles included in this investigation. ODI reviewed manufacturer as well as agency data and determined these various steering issues were not related to any weld defect. Since the opening of this investigation, FCA has addressed the following steering concerns; a. Steering looseness due to material choice in the steering box internal components. FCA released an updated part with an internal component material less sensitive to temperature variances (TSB 08-003-21 REV. A).the federal safety agency will take further investigative action if justified. b. Steering wobble or shimmy due to a manufacturing and design deficiency in the steering damper. FCA released a part via Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) V41 in June 2019 which implemented supplier quality control improvements and design changes due to the presence of air in the base valve which degraded damping performance.the federal safety agency will take further investigative action if justified. c. Steering stiction, or loss of power steering, due to an underpowered steering pump calibration that occurred at highway speeds during cold weather. In December 2021, FCA released CSN Y95 which corrected this issue via software update. Due to the decreased number of consumer complaints, the service campaign appears to have addressed the issue related to an underpowered steering pump. the federal safety agency will take further investigative action if justified. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the federal safety agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE19012
Frame Weld Deficiencies
In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the federal safety agency to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The petitioner described a broad list of frame weld deficiencies, including porous welds, excessive slag, lack of weld penetration, over penetration of welds, overweld or weld drip, and weld splash. The weld defects are allegedly located at a variety of locations on the frame assembly.On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP18-004) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. On March 8, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) requesting information on frame weld related issues on all MY 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler 'JL' vehicles. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (the federal safety agency Recall No. 18V‑675), ODI opted to include a request for additional information concerning reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering lockup in the March request letter. ODI has performed a preliminary analysis on the information obtained from FCA. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, the federal safety agency has decided to grant the petition. While reviewing the applicable materials obtained from the manufacturer, ODI identified various reports and references to frame welded component detachments that were outside of the scope of the federal safety agency Recall No. 18V‑675. Additionally, the information that FCA provided did not adequately address whether frame weld quality deficiencies compromise the structural integrity of vehicles, and therefore may pose an unreasonable risk to motor vehicle safety. Finally, ODI needs to further evaluate the alleged steering-related defects reported through MY 2019 and the alleged defects' relation to weld quality.The petition was granted on September 16, 2019. Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 has been opened to further assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety-related consequences of alleged weld quality deficiencies and steering related concerns on the MY 2018-2019 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles.The ODI reports cited above can be viewed on under the following reference numbers:11234967, 11222390, 11219370, 11217080, 1204905, 11179954, 11171786, 11161243, 11155523, 11153044, 11143617, 11142722, 11142426, 11141336, 11141035, 11140637, 11140344, 11140262, 11140085, 11140057, 11139880, 11139866, 11139557, 11139467, 11139436, 11138974, 11138758, 11138757, 11132030, 11129738, 11129667, 11124312, 11120232, 11119676, 11119650, 11119454, 11119450, 11115658, 11115137, 11113029, 11112515, 11110583, 11109903, 11093172, 11088501, 11076098
DP18004
What 2018 Jeep Wrangler owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has excessive play in the steering and wanders while driving, requiring frequent steering corrections to maintain the vehicle's direction, particularly at highway speeds. I have been dealing with the steering issue for over a year. I am concerned that the excessive play and wandering could result in difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. I took the vehicle to an authorized Jeep dealership for diagnosis. The dealership confirmed that the steering gear is the problem and recommended replacement. I was quoted approximately $1,418 for the repair. FCA issued TSB 08-003-21 Rev. A, which applies to 2018–2020 Jeep Wrangler JL vehicles. The symptoms identified by FCA include steering wander, pulling/leading left or right, and excessive steering play. The repair procedure calls for replacement of the steering gear and addressing the Electric Hydraulic Power Steering software. The bulletin also states that failure to complete the required repair steps may result in undesirable handling characteristics. I contacted Jeep/FCA requesting assistance with the repair because my vehicle has the same steering condition identified in FCA's bulletin and the Jeep dealership confirmed the steering gear requires replacement. FCA declined assistance based on the age/model year of the vehicle. There were no warning lights indicating the steering gear problem. The vehicle is currently available for inspection, and the defective OEM steering gear can be retained and made available for inspection after replacement if requested. I am reporting this because I believe a steering defect that causes excessive play and wandering presents a potential motor vehicle safety concern, and I am requesting that the federal safety agency evaluate this issue in 2018–2020 Jeep Wrangler JL vehicles.
2018 Jeep wrangler had a recall for the violently shaking front end suspension that happens while driving at high speeds of 65-70 mph and I hit a small bump. Also commonly known as the "death wobble". When this happens, I need to slow car down and pull onto the shoulder in order to get it to stop, which is very dangerous on the highway. The Repair the dealer did on this was a knowingly temporary fix. When the violent shaking returned a few thousand miles later, I was told it is not covered under the recall. They are putting a bandage on the problem instead of actually fixing. They know this wobble will return. I do not drive a lot, so it took months for this issue to come back. I had an independent service center try to fix it and was unable. I currently do not feel safe driving this Jeep on the Highway. Jeep changed the frontend suspension in 2018.
Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or causing a collision. This placed me, my passengers, and other motorists at serious risk. The Jeep also displays numerous warning lamps and messages, the instrument cluster and odometer malfunction, the radio loses sound, and reverse sometimes will not engage. Multiple electrical systems can malfunction simultaneously. Five people have witnessed these problems. Electrical symptoms existed when I purchased the Jeep in May 2024. Federico Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inspected it in July 2024 at 44,780 miles. The dealer documented a disappearing odometer, multiple warning lights, failure to start, required jump-starts, and inability to turn the vehicle off. Federico diagnosed an internal instrument-cluster failure and replaced the cluster. Similar problems continued intermittently afterward and became substantially worse beginning July 11, 2026. Federico recently reviewed my video. A technician considered a possible wiring problem, but the dealership requires a paid diagnostic before confirming the cause. The current failure has not been physically diagnosed. Mopar received my report and video but has not inspected the Jeep or provided a technical determination. Police, insurance representatives, and independent shops have not inspected it. The Jeep has fewer than 65,000 miles and is available for inspection upon request. I limit driving as much as possible because I believe it is unsafe, but I have no other vehicle and must occasionally drive it for essential transportation.
The steering column mechanically disconnected, causing a complete loss of steering control while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I was in the right lane when steering control was lost without any warning signs, including noises, vibrations, warning lights, or increased steering resistance. I immediately activated the hazard lights, informed my passenger, checked surrounding traffic, and applied the brakes. The vehicle pulled to the left under braking, crossed into the left lane, and entered the grassy median. The vehicle continued through a steep V-shaped median and came to a stop before entering opposing traffic. A collision was narrowly avoided.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,300.
Any time I am over the speed of about 55 mph, and hit any type of bump, the steering wheel starts to shake violently. I have to slow down to about 40 mph to make it stop. I almost got rearended by an 18-wheeler yesterday on the interstate.
I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near the FOB. When I used my FOB to unlock the doors, they would lock back before I could open the door. I was unable to use the push button start for a few minutes up to 15 minutes and in 2025 I was unable to use the push button at all on most days. I had to research a work around to be able to start my Jeep and even after that depending on the day, it takes several seconds to minutes to start it this way. On 2 different occasions as I was driving, I had no control over my steering for approx. 10 seconds. I held on to the wheel and slowed down. The control returned and I was able to drive home. I researched and found out that 2014-2018 had reports of hacking and the hacker taking control of the vehicle in multiple ways including steering, brakes, alarm system, and hacking FOB. My radio has been turned off and the stations changed. One of my FOBs was tampered with, including switching the lock and unlock button's capability, panic button was disabled, and now the FOB does not work at all. There is a loud grinding noise behind my glove box that can be heard at different times including when Jeep is turned off. Loud noises that sound like a rock hitting the window happen randomly to my front windshield, driver and passenger windows happens multiple times while I am driving and when vehicle is turned off. I took Jeep to a trusted mechanic and was told there was no way to tell and it would be better to just sell it. After I moved, I didn't experience these problems for a while, but am experiencing them again. I am concerned for my safety and anyone who may be a passenger in my Jeep.
One day out of the blue, my Jeep Wrangler received a "Service Shifter" error code. The error code threw about 40 other codes at the same time. Loss of power steering, loss of abs, engine kept revving on its own, windshield wipers turned on. While in park it felt as if it was trying to shift itself into other gears. Loss of steering while driving as well as the engine revving up and down while on the interstate. Every warning light came on and stayed on. I can let it sit for awhile and it'll drive fine for a little while until it does it all again and again. I have not taken it to a dealership yet due to all the threads on being charged $2000 and it not get fixed.
I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle has a serious safety issue where the steering wheel shakes violently at freeway speeds, especially when driving over uneven roads or bumps. This makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. This issue was previously repaired under warranty with a steering damper replacement. However, the same problem has returned, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership has recently verified the issue through a road test and confirmed the violent shaking condition. In addition, the vehicle currently has an active airbag warning light, and the dealership diagnosed a failed front right acceleration sensor. This raises concerns about the proper function of the airbag system in the event of a crash. I have contacted the manufacturer multiple times, but they have declined to provide assistance and have not been responsive. I am concerned that this vehicle has unresolved safety defects that could put the driver and passengers at risk.
Questions about the 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering
Does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have steering problems?
Owners have filed 1,117 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 61% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.
At what mileage do 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 5,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering?
Yes, 1 recall: 18V343000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Jeep Wrangler have bad steering?
The Jeep Wrangler model years with the most steering complaints are 2018 (1,117 complaints), 2019 (448 complaints) and 2021 (255 complaints).
Other 2018 Jeep Wrangler problems
Suspension 343Electrical 269Transmission 178Engine 103Body 97Brakes 68Driver assistance 68Wheels 61Visibility 43Acceleration 24Fuel system 22Seats 14Airbags 13Lights 9Seat belts 9Locks 1Tires 1
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