2021 Jeep Wrangler: loss of power steering

Filed Sep 25, 2026 · Steering · 60,000 miles · NJ · 1 injury

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering assist, causing a more difficult steering effort. The vehicle was restarted to correct the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who replaced the CAN bus connector, but the failure persisted. While driving 70 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle almost crashed into a guardrail. The contact sustained body soreness. The contact later received notification of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The vehicle was towed to the second dealer, Nielsen Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram of East Hanover (175 NJ-10, East Hanover, NJ 07936), who informed the contact that the electric hydraulic power steering pump needed to be replaced; however, the dealer refused to perform the recall repair and stated that the failure was not related to the recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure by phone. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed Jul 22, 2026 · Steering · VT

Component: I was driving my jeep on XXX and the power steering went out. Because this is electric over hydraulic, I couldn't even muscle the steering wheel. No lights illuminated on the dash and I don't believe the computer stored any codes. The power steering was out for less than 20 seconds. Safety risk: I almost crashed my car due to this issue and that's a safety risk to myself and others. I looked up active recalls and found the federal safety agency recall 26V‑363. I called the dealership Casey's CDJR of [XXX]. They told me over the phone that yes, the power steering issue I experienced could be due to the active recall. The dealership visually inspected the recalled part and said it was fine and my vehicle doesn't qualify to get new parts. They then stated that if I wanted them to look into a power steering issue, it would cost me $149.95 per hour. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 16, 2026 · Electrical · NY

The wiring to the power steering caused several lights to come on in the vehicle and the Jeep stopped running in the middle of the road. My jeep only runs when the wire for the power steering is unhooked leaving me with no power steering. Wire is also HOT. I'm trying to get the KNOWN recall completed at a dealership so I'm not without my vehicle. It has already been 2 weeks trying to figure out the problem. Jeep does not want to authorize the repair because there is no known fix for the recall yet and they have not issued instructions to the dealership. This is unfair that I should pay for this repair or diagnostic when there is a know problem the dealership should be capable of accessing. I need my vehicle fixed ASAP.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NJ

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6L eTorque, automatic transmission) has had recurring drivetrain instability since about 2,000 miles while under factory warranty. It intermittently has high RPM flare during acceleration, delayed shifting, shuddering under load, and abrupt engagement. At low speeds (about 10–5 mph), it harshly downshifts, grabs suddenly, RPMs jump up and down, and it can feel like it will stall; it has stalled intermittently. Braking feels inconsistent, and at times it feels like the vehicle resists braking or surges before slowing. The forward collision warning/automatic emergency braking has activated with no obstacle present, and the power steering assist has been lost intermittently. There is also an engine tick and a high-pitched whining noise from the engine/drivetrain area. In January 2026, the transmission catastrophically failed and required replacement of the transmission, torque converter, cooler, and control module. The vehicle was out of service for over 24 days. After installation of a new Mopar remanufactured transmission and torque converter, the same symptoms returned. AAMCO has now found that the new torque converter failed, with metal shavings throughout the transmission, in the fluid, and at the bottom of the pan. I was advised that the vehicle should be sent to a Jeep dealership because no codes are currently present. I was also advised that the dealership may replace only the torque converter rather than the entire transmission, despite recurring failure and metal contamination. This presents a safety concern due to loss of acceleration, unpredictable torque engagement, stalling, unintended braking activation, power steering loss, engine/drivetrain noise, and repeated drivetrain failure. I have all the records if requested, file is too large to send in the upload area.

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

I own a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392 with the 6.4L engine (VIN: [XXX] ). The vehicle has a dangerous condition where the engine stalls unexpectedly when the fuel level is approximately 1/4 tank or lower and the vehicle is traveling downhill. When the vehicle is positioned on a decline or downhill slope, the engine suddenly shuts off without warning. This appears to be fuel starvation on decline when the fuel level is below approximately 1/4 tank, resulting in engine stall and loss of power steering and braking assist after stall. This has occurred multiple times and creates a significant risk of crash due to the sudden loss of engine power and reduced steering and braking assistance while the vehicle is in motion. The issue is particularly concerning when descending hills or driving on angled terrain. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealership (Carvana Jeep San Diego) where technicians determined the likely cause is a defective fuel pump module associated with the Wrangler Rubicon 392 6.4L fuel pump module. However, the dealership informed me the replacement fuel pump module is currently on national backorder from the manufacturer (Stellantis/Jeep). They stated there is no confirmed availability date and that many vehicles may be waiting for the same component. My vehicle has been awaiting repair for approximately four months due to the unavailable fuel pump module. Because the vehicle can stall unexpectedly while traveling downhill, this defect presents an ongoing safety hazard and potential risk of crash. This complaint is being submitted so the issue can be evaluated as a potential safety defect involving fuel delivery failure, fuel pump module malfunction, and engine stall under low fuel conditions in the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon 392. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 2, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · NJ

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (3.6L eTorque, automatic transmission) has experienced recurring drivetrain instability beginning at approximately 2,000 miles while under factory warranty. The vehicle intermittently exhibits a high-RPM flare during acceleration, where the engine speed increases without a commensurate increase in vehicle acceleration. The transmission then abruptly engages, causing sudden jerking. At low speeds (approximately 10–5 mph), the vehicle shudders and harshly downshifts, creating a sudden grabbing sensation. Engine RPMs fluctuate during deceleration as if the transmission cannot smoothly match engine speed. Braking feels inconsistent, and at times it feels as though the vehicle is accelerating or resisting braking input before abruptly slowing. The vehicle has felt as though it would stall at low speeds and has stalled intermittently. Additionally, the forward collision warning / automatic emergency braking system has activated without an obstacle present. There have also been intermittent instances of loss of power steering assist. The engine has developed a ticking noise and a high-pitched ringing/whining sound from the engine area during operation. In January 2026, the transmission catastrophically failed and required replacement of the transmission, torque converter, cooler, and control module. The vehicle was out of service for over 24 days. Following installation of a Mopar remanufactured transmission and torque converter, the same symptoms have recurred, including RPM flare, delayed shifting, shuddering, harsh downshifts, unstable deceleration, and abnormal engine noises. These conditions present a safety concern due to loss of expected acceleration, unpredictable torque engagement, unintended braking activation, intermittent power steering loss, stalling behavior, and drivetrain instability. The vehicle is currently under further diagnostic evaluation. I have multiple documents, but the file is too large to upload

Filed Jan 7, 2026 · Steering · NY

The power steering system experienced a sudden failure while the vehicle was in motion. Steering assist was lost without warning, causing a significant and immediate increase in steering effort. This created a serious safety hazard and I nearly lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle is a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon with approximately 31,000 miles. There were no warning lights, messages, or symptoms prior to the failure. The loss of power steering occurred unexpectedly while driving. The vehicle was taken to an authorized Jeep dealership, where the issue was confirmed. The dealer stated the failure was related to two communication bus lines associated with the power steering system. The dealer is refusing warranty coverage and has quoted approximately $1,000 for repair. The failure directly impacted my ability to safely control the vehicle and posed a risk of crash, injury, or death to myself and others on the road. The vehicle is currently available for inspection upon request. The issue has been confirmed by the dealer, and no inspection by the manufacturer or other third parties has occurred at this time.

Filed Dec 21, 2025 · Steering · NY

“Violent steering oscillation / loss of steering control at highway speeds” Speed when it occurs (usually 45–70 mph) Trigger (bumps, bridge joints, potholes) It requires slowing significantly to regain control. “This is consistent with Jeep’s known steering damper failure causing death wobble. I requested evaluation under Jeep’s known corrective actions.”

Filed Nov 14, 2025 · Brakes, Electrical · FL

While driving at highway speed on November 11, 2025, my 2021 Jeep Wrangler experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure without warning. A “Battery Saver Mode” message appeared, and within seconds multiple safety systems began shutting down. First Failure: While driving on the highway and exiting, the vehicle abruptly lost power steering, ABS, stability control, airbag system, exterior lighting, dashboard displays, and engine power. Multiple warning lamps illuminated at once. Steering and braking became extremely difficult, creating an immediate safety risk. I was able to coast to a stop and park. The vehicle then appeared stable and the messages cleared. Second Failure: After restarting the vehicle, the warning reappeared. While driving on a major high-traffic roadway, the vehicle experienced a total electrical shutdown in active traffic and would not restart. Third Failure: A towing service attempted to jump-start the vehicle; it briefly powered on, illuminated nearly every warning light, then immediately shut down again with the radiator fan running at full speed. The electrical system continued to collapse and the vehicle required a full tow. Inspection and Diagnosis: The dealership confirmed a complete alternator and charging system failure at approximately 36,419 miles. This failure occurred at only 4 years of age, which is unusually early for an alternator or charging system failure. The vehicle’s original battery also failed unusually early (at only 2.5 years old) without warning, which may have been an early indication of a charging system issue. The vehicle is lightly used, garage-kept, never off-roaded, and regularly maintained. The sudden loss of steering assist, braking assist, airbags, lighting, and engine power at speed and in high-traffic areas created an extreme safety risk for myself and others. This appears to be a premature electrical system failure and may relate to broader charging system concerns reported in similar vehicles.

Filed Jun 24, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · IA

Unpredictable complete loss of power steering that will continue until the brakes are applied and speed is reduced to approximately 30 mph and voltage level spikes, as high as 16.3 volts as shown on the instrument panel. It is not temperature related. When disabled it requires two hands and extreme strength to turn, especially when taking an off ramp. Voltage level is typically ranging between 12.7 - 13.7 volts during normal conditions as well as when in no power steering conditions. The first trip 3-4 months ago to the dealership and the only finding was a corroded ground loop which did not solve the issue. After no success begging for a loaner car we left the Jeep 19JUN25 while on vacation for second trip this week. I requested them to contact Stellantis STAR Center and this is the report: 24JUN25 Good morning - our STAR case engineer pointed us in the direction of a similar STAR publication that we had followed the last visit. I did not find any faults within the charging system or any voltage regulators at this point. There were 5 labeled grounds in this publication that were common for building up corrosion. The ground that is on the frame near the driver rear close to the 48v battery had a large amount of corrosion. He cleaned up each ground and applied dielectric grease yesterday, so now I am having him take on a few test drives to see if the issue persists. I have a video of the spike leading to steering reengagement but unable to upload it.

Filed Mar 19, 2024 · Electrical, Steering · VA

After a period of 10 minutes in stop-and-go traffic, a shift warning light indicated on the warning panel. All the lights for the gear shift lever would light up individually. The vehicle turned off the stability control system and indicated a warning to proceed driving however the vehicle may not be able to shift into park. After about 3 miles of driving, it felt like the power steering stopped working and it was extremely difficult to control and turn the vehicle. It also felt like the vehicle would not shift properly. Once the vehicle was to the side of the road, it indicated that the vehicle was not in park despite moving the gear shift lever to park. The vehicle would not turn off of accessory mode. Had whatever happened to the power steering happened at any higher rate of speed, the vehicle would have been impossible to control in a turn or traffic. It took every bit of arm strength to coax the vehicle to the side of the road.

Filed Feb 12, 2024 · Steering, Suspension · CT

Over 60mph, hit a small road imperfection and steering shakes violently with the full loss of steering control until vehicle speed is reduced to below 45mph