The steering wheel locks while driving. There seem to be no specific circumstances that cause it. There are forums with other Jeep owners having the same issue. It is definitely a safety concern and should be a recall. The recall that was done did not fix the issue. Dealer and Jeep do not care and will not replace the steering components which Jeep has done before. They can’t duplicate it driving it only 42 miles. The problem is you never know when it is going to lock. The last incident happened on 1/16/2024 but it happened 3 other times in the last few months before this last time. It has been at the dealer since 1/16/2024
2018 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints
Page 4 of 38: complaints 71 to 100 of 1,117, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Death wobble when hitting a bump over 50 mph. Only 31K miles but out of warranty. Dealer repalced track bar, but it didn't reslove the problem. Waiting on a dampener replacement. Both I hve had to pay for.
Customer Satisfaction Notification [XXX] Steering Damper The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is experiencing what many are calling "The Death Wobble" due to the fact that when driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH or so, the vehicles steering system begins to shake uncontrollably. We purchased the vehicle for my son preowned on May 4, 2023 and at that time it seemed to be working fine. However, a couple of months later when I was teaching my son how to drive the shake started and its gotten progressively worst ever since. At first we thought it needed an alignment but that didn't help much. We then took it in for another alignment at Firestone where they reported the wobble and advised me that many Jeeps of that year were being recalled for the Steering Damper issue. I called the FCA Service number (1‑800‑853‑1403) and opened case number [XXX]. I was told that I must take the vehicle to a Jeep Service Center which I did immediately that same day. The Jeep Dealership confirmed the issue and its severity, advising me to call the recall center again. Today when I called FCA again they refused to let me speak to a manager and told me the case had been closed. They refused to help me with this issue based on a technicality. It seems our Jeep is a JK Unlimited and they recalled the JL of that same year (2018-2019). The death wobble looks and feels terrifying because you can lose control of your vehicle. My son is a new driver so this is even more worrisome to me. I've read that many accidents have already occurred due to this issue. However, no one at the FCA is helping me with this widely known issue and I do not know what to do. We simply can not afford the $4,200 bill to fix it and by driving it I am putting the driver and other innocent bystanders in danger as well. Please advise on what I can do next. Thank you for your time and consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
When going over a bump in the road at speeds above 35 mph the front end shakes the steering wheel and it feels like the front end is jumping up and down and is hard to control. I have spent over 1k in parts and labor including a new stabilizer shock, drag link, tie rod ends and more. It still does it even after these repairs. The front end has been aligned and tires and wheels balanced. The vehicle is dangerous to drive and there does not seem to be a fix for it. FCA said replacing the steering stabilizer would fix it but had no effect. The cause has been labeled unable to determine. I habe had it at two different shops and a lotnof suspension/steering pieces replaced.
I was driving my Jeep Rubicon 2 door with manual transmission 32,000 miles out of town which I don’t normally don’t due because the steering is sloppy. I have spoken with Jeep Cares about the issue multiple times it’s been this way since I got it with 14,000 miles. It feels dangerous to bring it up to 65mph. The other day I got a death wobble after hitting a small bump in the road in it. I am a combat veteran with two tours one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Let’s just say I have PTSD from driving this thing. I can’t believe someone hasn’t been killed yet. the federal safety agency needs to do more on this issue. The complaints are real and this needs to be addressed. I want to sell it but can’t put this out there to be resold and possibly kill someone. I guess I’m back to Sunday drives in it in and around town. Jeep needs to fix this issue! the federal safety agency you need to hold them accountable
Power steering has been locking up at higher speeds above 40 mph. When slowing down to 30 mph the power steering operates again. You can feel the steering tighten up while driving and makes very difficult to change lanes, much less do a full turn. When the power steering kicks back in causes you to overcompensate steering. Almost had a head on collision on street. Also almost drove off of freeway overpass. Dealer has confirmed issue. They have had my automobile for over 3 months with no solution. Numerous posts have been made on Jeep Wrangler forums about same issue. Seems to be exclusive to JL. I only had vehicle for 3 weeks. Issue started in 1st week of ownership. Progressively got worse. Dealer replaced gear box, power steering pump, power steering lines, rebooted software, and replaced center of steering wheel as well. None of these repairs have worked. Concerned Stellantis is not taking this issue seriously and don't want to see anyone hurt. I just want a safe automobile to drive. No warning lights have been gone off.
The vehicle experiences a sudden and dramatic steering wheel shacking with intense vibration and loss of steering control. Seems to mostly happen at speeds above 40 miles per hour when making a turn or after hitting a road imperfection. The dealership has informed that his is related to the “Customer Satisfaction Notification V41 Steering Damper” [XXX] ) and that it should be brought in for service. The issue is that I have attempted to schedule said service over the last few months, however the dealers tell me they are out of stock for the parts needed and can’t use aftermarket part to repair. (The date of incident is a placeholder, this is an ongoing issue) Given that this has been identified as a safety issue, that can cause loss of vehicle control endangering the safety of its occupants and others on the road, the federal safety agency should pressure Stellantis/FCA (Vehicle Manufacturer) to find a quicker and permanent solution to this problem. Perhaps to include reimbursement for parts and labor outside their dealerships. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at high rates of speed, the contact lost steering control of the vehicle after driving over a bump in the roadway and the front end of the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. The contact stated that the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the steering damper. Additionally, the contact was informed that the part needed to be replaced every three years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, she became aware that the electric power steering was not functioning properly after the steering wheel locked in position. The contact was able to pull to the shoulder of the roadway to restart the vehicle, and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the alternator. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000. The VIN was not available.
Jeep dash warning lights will randomly all come on at once. This includes service shifter, service airbags, service braking system, ABS warning, cruise control disabled and many others. When it does this, which is daily, the power steering goes out completely at highway speeds and sometimes curves. This has caused me to nearly hit other drivers head on with my family in the vehicle with me. It has left me stranded many times by not recognizing the key fobs and locking the transmission in park at stop lights. I just bought the vehicle, with 64000 miles on it, in October as my primary transportation and I am afraid to drive it. This has caused me severe hardship and endangered mine and my family's life on several occasions. This problem is extremely common with my model year, as seen on several online forums and Jeep has refused to acknowledge the problem or recall the vehicles. It was purchased from a Jeep dealer, Tim Short of Middlesboro Ky. I can understand wear and tear on vehicles, but this has been an issue with 2018 Jeep Rubicons for years. If this problem goes uncorrected, many people WILL die as a result of this issue. Autos are the only thing I know of that, if defective, cannot be returned for a full refund. Something should be done, since I have an 800 dollar monthly payment and nothing to show for it. Thank you for any help you may provide.
Vehicle started rattling uncontrollably on Interstate 95 north, Just north of Richmond Hill, Georgia. We had to pull over and we inspected the jeep for damage. No noticeable damage and we turned around and went home and switch cars. We read that this could be the aluminum steering box or the Jeep rattle. We feel these are known defects that Jeep should be responsible.
I own a 2018 Jeep JL Rubicon Wrangler. My complaint is the steering issue that the federal safety agency already is aware of and has a TSB issued on this particular malfunction. After spending a substantial amount of money for such vehicle, and there being a major issue with the aluminum steering box, I feel this should be an actual recall Jeep should make right for all of their loyal customers. Every forum I read about this steering issue, it is the same complaints, that Jeep should be responsible for replacing the Aluminum box with the steel steering box they have already upgraded to after 2020, because they knew it was an issue. My steering is very sloppy, I have already had a mechanic try to tighten the steering box and said it cannot be tightened again, and next time it needs to be replaced. I should not have to spend almost $1200 for an issue that is not my fault nor is it normal wear and tear. I feel unsafe in my vehicle no matter what speed I am going. It is all over the road and I am surprised a police officer has not pulled me over thinking I am driving drunk because the steering makes the vehicle sway from one side of the lane to the other and has to be corrected all the time. My fear is, one day I will not be able to control the steering because something will let loose and cause me to vere off the road and hit an obstruction, or worse, hit somebody else. This is not covered under warranty once the vehicle hits a certain number of miles, which I am over and many other people are too. Please take this matter serious and look further into it to see how bad this issue really is. It is not safe for all these Jeep Wranglers to be on the road with faulty steering boxes, which is a major part of the drive system in a vehicle. I don't have any children, but I can imagine the many of people who do drive these vehicles and has children in the cars with them on a daily basis, and has no clue there is a major issue going on with their steering. Thank you
Have multiple experiences of steering wobbling and jeep is not in control causing frightening situation. Few times jeep departed lane and caused stress to both me/my wife and nearby drivers. Is there anything someone can check this issue and make Jeep accountable if they have problem and let us know what to do
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
2018 jeep wrangler unlimited sport intermittently looses power steering while in motion at high speed causing the inability ( lack of driver control) to react to road conditions. Multiple alert lights flash including ABS power steering off, gear shifter off. This has happened multiple times during highway driving as well as on city roads. It is available for inspection upon request. Chrysler, Dodge, jeep, ram, fiat of Santa Barbara denies ability to detect or repair the problem. According to the jeep forum, this appears to be an ongoing issue on the 2011-2018 models. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
On several occasions, within the past year to year and a half, and when periodically driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler across any sort of rough patch on the road, I would experience a severe and sudden shaking of the steering wheel along with very strong vibrations coming from the entire front end of the vehicle.......unfortunately however, I do not have any confirmation of such from any independent repair facility, nor has any independent inspection taken place, and without any warning ever from any interior "idiot" light, lamp, and/or the like. The recall notice I received earlier this year indicated that this phenomenon was the result of a failing steering damper. I subsequently submitted a purchase receipt along with a proof of payment for a new damper which I then self-installed. Now the "customer care" people @cac.stellantis.com won't reimburse me for the part because I did not have an independent repair facility install this very simple part to replace. Never did I receive any notification, nor was any information ever made privy to me, that independent installation was an absolute requirement for part reimbursement. Can you please help me reason with these people? Thank you.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle drove onto a bridge and suddenly began to wobble and vibrate. After reducing speed the driver was able the regain control of the vehicle. The failure continued to occur anytime the vehicle drove over a bump in the road while traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering dampener needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,844.
Occasionally, the vehicle's front wheels bounce out of control at normal and high-speed. It appears to happen on the right front.
On occasion while driving several dashboard error lights will go on. These include ABS, Traction Control, electronic stability control, air bag and brake light. When these lights come on the power steering is typically lost and making it extremely difficult to steer the Jeep. It takes everything my wife to turn the steering wheel and get off the road. The brakes also tend to be applied which further makes it difficult to turn as the vehicle is slowed down. This issue not only endangers the driver and passengers in my vehicle but also those around me due to the inability to properly control my vehicle. I have had the vehicle at the dealers service center and they are not sure what the issue is. They have been able to reproduce but are still trying to discover root cause. This seems to be a widespread problem as both my 2018 Jeep Wrangler and 2020 Jeep Gladiator have the identical issues. Seems like a long shot that both of my vehicles would have the same issue at the same time if it wasn't a common issue. When Googling the problem, I find a lot of articles and video's but no solid cause.
2018 Jeep Wrangler. Driving at 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, service, the four-wheel-drive, and other unknown warn lights are illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. I was able to veer to the side of the road. . Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The failure has been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several times to the Jeep dealer; the dealer was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired because I can’t get an appointment for over two months. The failure mileage was approximately 45000.
when traveling highway speeds at ~55 MPH if the car hits a pot hole or bump in the road the steering pulls left and right aggressively and will not cease until the car is stopped. this is very dangerous at high speeds, as the car is vibrating so badly control of the car is very difficult. The car has been inspected by the dealership and we were informed they could only make adjustments based on manufacture recommendations, which included alignment and tire balancing, and the car was returned to us in the same condition. The steering damper was replaced by another service center at our own costs and the problem persists. The dealership suggested "selling the car" as they are unable to resolve the problem. The problem continues to persist which is a great concern, that it can not be resolved or corrected.
The power steering with no warning, just quits, working, get warning signs that the ABS is not working, included with the traction control.
Vehicle starts throwing codes and power steering quits working...
This vehicle at around 65 miles an hour and hit a bump in the road It will start a death wobble, shaking the steering wheel and vehicle uncontrollably out of your hand once you slow down you can get it back under control and continue on I have had this vehicle at two dealers and all they wanna do is change the steering damper. This has not corrected the problem and basically now I have a vehicle I can no longer drive safely.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated driving 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive. Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several timed to the Ford dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The Jeep dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in to their location for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Experienced what people are calling the "death wobble"
After several warning lights appeared, the power steering stopped working while I was driving the car on the highway.
All kinds of codes came on jeep locked up couldnt steer almost wrecked. Had to toll now dealership says its the engine after saying it was the starter
Recurring issue with my Jeep where seemingly every light on the dash, as well as the blind spot detectors, illuminates. The lights are accompanies by warning messages that indicate that electronic stability control and parking sense are unavailable. ABS lights, Traction Control, stability control, the brake light, and prompts to service 4WD are present. The impact varies based on whether or not the car is in motion. When it is not, as in the case of a cold start, the transmission is locked in Park. When the car is in motion, power steering intermittently goes out. If you pull over and put the vehicle in park while the lights are illuminated (i.e. if they don't clear), the car will get stuck in park until the lights clear. I have had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership in Natick, MA twice and, while they've charged me nothing, they've been unable to help due to the issue clearing and a lack of persistent diagnostic logs. Aside from the inconvenience, the sudden loss of power steering presents a safety issue. This has been going on for months, though the safety concern with steering only presented yesterday.
Vehicle has been experiencing electrical failure that dealers have been ,so far, unable to diagnose..when the electrical failure occurs we experience a loss of steering.
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