As I review events in chronological order, I see that a possible disconnect might be caused by clumping the symptoms together and treating as the “death wobble,” when in fact I may be experiencing two separate issues, the first being a failed steering damper and the second being caused by possible bad ball joint[s]. I first started to experience an issue around 7,000 miles in where the Jeep would pull to the right. It was a strong pull because my steering wheel would be turned to the left at about 15-25 degrees to the left in order to keep straight. had them check the alignment. The invoice said the alignment was checked and it was “ok,” December 24 – Florida gets a cold front and we experienced temperatures in the low 20’s with the high temperature peaking at 32 or 33 degrees for a couple days. I drive my normal route on the highway and as I am approaching 65 mph, I go over a transition from asphalt to concrete bridge and the car starts to do the death wobble, where a strong vibration from the front end shook the car until I let off the gas and slowed down to about 40mph. my sister-in-law also experienced in her 2020 Jeep, the same day the freeze set in. Ive had steering gearbox changed and two stabilizers replaced already, JEEP TSB once stated: JL JT have unique torque values for ball joints as compared to prior JK models due to material (aluminum knuckles) and design changes. I guarantee its the crappy ball joints and they REFUSE to admit it. Jeep still claims they cant duplicate the issue or i need to replace tires (that are wearing unevenly bc of ball joint issues) befor they can continue diagnosis. 4 different dealerships. 4 different outcomes. even [XXX] from their corporate office stopped responding to me. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
2021 Jeep Wrangler: pulls to one side
23 of the 962 complaints about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler describe pulls to one side.
- owner complaints
- 23
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Pulls to one side by model year
What owners say
Car began death wobble a little over 15,000 miles. Bumps at greater than 45 mph would result in this. Car would have to be stopped on highways to reset. Steering dampener exchanged by dealer, and issue was deemed fixed. Issue continues as car shakes over 65mph and pulls hard to the right. Car was taken in a second time, alignment was paid for out of customer pocket due to being categorized as wear and tear. Dealer says issue fixed. Immediately upon driving, issue is not fixed and car continues to shake violently over 65mph and pull hard to the right. Car taken in a third time. Now issue is inner wall of company chosen tires. Apparently it is too weak over time to support vehicle frame. At the beginning of this issue the car was one year old. Jeep refusing to cover tire replacement as stated it is a wear and tear issue. Even though it began at 15000 miles and is due to poor quality control on part of Jeep. Issue not with Bridgestone tire itself. Issue with tire specs not being able to withstand Wrangler frame.
Vehicle steering is very sloppy and vague. Vehicle wanders on road, wind blows car out of lane, steering wheel has 5 inches of free play before tires are turned. At 55 mph vehicle went over road imperfection and I lost control of steering for a second - the car seemed to jump in the air.
Problem is the steering on my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4X4. Received the vehicle in August 2021 and immediately noticed a problem with its steering. After several visits to the dealership I was told they knew what was wrong that it was something about steering calibration. but they had no way to correct the problem because Jeep had not provided a mechanism for a fix. The best I can describe the steering problem is that there seems to be excessive steering wheel play, and wandering/drifting of the vehicle while driving requiring constant left to right and then right to left steering to keep the vehicle going straight in its traffic lane. The vehicle only has 3,000 miles driven. I am hesitant to drive on any expressway because of the unstable steering.
This vehicle was purchased new. From day one there has been concern with the steering on the Wrangler. There is excessive play in the steering of about one inch. As a result the vehicle wanders making it difficult to control. This behavior is most notable at speeds between 40 to 70 mph. Complaint has been made to dealership two times. First visit they indicated no trouble found. Second visit they said the behavior is normal. Bottom line; driving this vehicle is a safety risk.
Steering wanders. Vehicle will wobble at high speeds. Vehicle pulls to the right when you release the wheel. Vehicle requires constant steering input, these inputs are unpredictable. Dealership refuses to work on the vehicle “that’s just how these handle”. This issue has existed from the date of pick up, and been to the dealership twice.
Excessive steering wheel play resulting in poor control and wandering while driving. Requires constant corrections to keep vehicle in the lane. Very dangerous at interstate speeds especially when passing other vehicles. I have returned to the dealer and they have no correction for this issue. I see there are many complaints on the internet about this same problem on 2021 Jeep Wranglers. Driving at higher speeds is dangerous!!
When driving vehicle I’m having to over correct steering I can’t look away for .5 seconds to look in mirrors because car wanders side to side trying to stay in my lane is a nightmare it’s not safe at all
Jeep constantly drifts and wanders. We were told by the technician “that the steering gear is the updated one already. The tech said it drives straight for a minute then feels a little wander. We will not be able to make it better. unfortunately. there is paperwork from the factory telling us not to replace the steering gear.” This is a safety concern given that the steering is not reacting properly.
Since we purchased this jeep new it has been plagued with steering wandering and pulls to left or right without warning. It was dangerous to drive and unsafe for my family. After some researched I learned there was a technical service bulletin (8-003-21) for the 2018-2020 JL and supposedly the 2021 had the upgraded steering gear and updated software for the electric power steering. However this really didn't solved the problem and may owners have been complaining about the same unsafe wandering or pulling of the vehicle from left or right. I have take it to the dealer and also called Chrysler direct, so they can open case number (80562177). After 30 days at the dealer the outcome was to increase the tow to +.35 from Chrysler's recommended +.20. It is my understanding both +.35 and +.20 are within the manufacture's recommended specifications. Normally isn't the toe supposed to be near or at zero (0). It seems that setting the toe to +.35 is a band-aid. While the wandering and pulling has decreased I fear this is short term solution and it may cause unseen premature failure of other components.
The Jeep wanders all over the road, the steering is not stable nor steady. This is a safety issue, nothing I have done has helped the problem.
JEEP WRANGLER steering issues! Vehicle wanders right and left does not track straight, the faster you go the worse it gets. There is a constant correction to the steering! Very unsafe at freeway speeds! Dealer says this is normal for a Jeep!
Service bulletins that may apply
- Socket - drag link inner
- Module - steering control & column
- Drag Link Long Socket FOR STEERING SHIMMY DIAGNOSIS, PLEASE REFERENCE S1819000004 Rev. Q AND 19
- Shimmy Felt In Front End
- Drag Link Long Socket FOR STEERING SHIMMY DIAGNOSIS, PLEASE REFERENCE S1819000004 Rev. Q AND 19
- Damper - none
- Heated Steering Wheel Inoperative And Or Not Hot Enough.
- Loss Of Power Steering Assist
Related recalls
Steering: hydraulic power assist: pump
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on June 11, 2026.
Recall number 26V363000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler pulling
Is pulls to one side a common problem on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
23 of 962 owner complaints about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler (2%) mention pulls to one side. The model year with the most reports is 2018.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
There is 1 recall and 27 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler
Check engine light 82Loss of power 75Stalling 43Fire or smoke 34Overheating 32Warning lights 26Jerking 24Power steering loss 21Won't start 21Fuel pump 17Backup camera 16Ball joint 16Adaptive cruise 12Hesitation 12Engine failure 11Shudder 10Won't shift 10ABS 8No deployment 8Grinding brakes 7Steering lock-up 6Sudden acceleration 6Collision warning 5Knocking 5Fuel gauge 5Fuel leak 5Harsh shifting 5Seat belt 5Start-stop 5Wipers 5
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