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.
Jeep Wrangler pulling problems
393 of the 15,949 owner complaints about the Jeep Wrangler describe pulls to one side, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 393
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical repair cost reported
- $1,418
- typical mileage
- 400
By model year
Often reported together
Ball joint 15Power steering loss 8Steering lock-up 6Jerking 6Shudder 3Engine failure 3Warning lights 2Overheating 2
What owners say
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.
Since new Jeep has experienced "excess play in the steering" the Jeeps steering "wanders" and vehicle pulls to both the left and right. Steering wandering increases in hot temperatures and at higher speeds and becomes UNSAFE to operate the vehicle. When purchasing new, I noticed the "excess play in the steering", but was told by the Jeep salesperson that "that's how Jeeps drive" and "They do not drive like typical passenger vehicles". I did not take my Jeep in for service for this issue because the salesperson told me that this is how the vehicle is designed to drive. However, I recently found out that Jeep issued a Technical Service Bulletin #08-074-20 REV.B back on September 26, 2020 that addresses this issue of "excess play in the steering" and "wandering" and the TSB gives recommendations to fix the steering by installing a new and improved Steering Gear Box that is made from steel as opposed to aluminum. I took my Jeep into a Jeep dealership with regards to this issue. The Jeep dealership confirmed that I have the "old style" steering gearbox mentioned in Technical Service Bulletin #08-074-20 REV.B and recommended that I replace it with the new design as recommended by the TSB. I asked Jeep to repair by vehicle free of charge as this is a "known" issue on Jeep Wrangler JL 2018-2020 as described in the TSB, but Jeep refused to pay for the safetly modification to my steering, stating that I am "out of the warranty period". This is a KNOWN manufacture defect. Jeep installed inferior aluminum steering gear boxes on their Jeep Wrangler JL 2018-2020 and 2020 Jeep Gladiators and they have since upgraded that critical safety component to a "steel version." Jeep should without question issue a "recall" to fix all current Jeep owners 2018-2020 Wrangler JLs and 2020 Jeep Gladiators that have a faulty aluminum steering gear box and replace it with the upgraded steel version that fixes the "wandering steering" and "excess play in the steering".
Problem seems to be within the steering component.While driving it wanders back and forth pretty bad. Yes it would available for inspection if requested. It has not been confirmed by a dealer but i have reed many complaints about the same problem.I think it is dangerous the way it wanders.
The problem occurs in my 2019 Jeep Wrangler, suddenly, typically after hitting a small bump or uneven section of pavement at around 60–70 mph. The entire front end begins to shake violently, and the steering wheel jerks rapidly back and forth, making it extremely difficult to maintain control of the vehicle. The only way to stop the shaking is to brake hard and slow down below 50 mph, which creates a dangerous situation. This violent steering vibration causes loss of directional stability and could easily lead to an accident if it happens in traffic or during lane changes. The sensation is so severe that it feels as if the front suspension or wheels are coming loose. I brought my Jeep to Wallace Jeep in Stuart, Florida where the technicians confirmed steering instability but stated that the steering damper is covered but the steering gear is not covered under warranty. I also contacted Jeep Cares, case # [XXX], and was told that Jeep “does not have to cover” my vehicle, even though it falls directly within the affected 2018–2020 Wrangler JL range identified in the [XXX]. v. FCA US LLC class action settlement related to the Death Wobble. The dealership’s refusal contradicts Jeep’s own Technical Service Bulletin 08-074-20 REV. E (“Improved Steering Feel”), which addresses steering wander, pull, and excessive play by replacing the steering gear and updating the EHPS software — exactly the symptoms I’m experiencing. This is a serious safety issue that occurs without warning and has not been resolved through the repairs or coverage Jeep has offered. The manufacturer’s denial of responsibility despite a known defect leaves drivers at risk of losing control at highway speeds. I am requesting that the federal safety agency investigate and require Jeep/Stellantis to expand the recall or provide full coverage for all steering-related components contributing to this dangerous condition. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Both left and right brake hoses failed internally causing caliper to lock closed. About 2 months ago I noticed upon application of brakes vehicle would pull hard to the right and the left front caliper/rotor brake system remained locked causing overheating to the point on smoking. This was remedied with replacement of hose, caliper and pads. Recently the jeep began pulling hard to the left upon braking, and the right caliper/rotor brake system were overheating due to the right brakes being stuck closed. Repair has not been completed as replacement parts from Chrysler are back ordered. I feel this is unsafe on multiple levels as it affects braking action including antilock brakes, causes premature wear on pads and rotors, and could create a situation where it affects wheel bearings and other nearby components.
The steering gear box on my Jeep Wrangler has an active technical service bulletin regarding the faulty alluminum steering gear box causing wandering in the steering of the vehicle on all 2018-2020 Jeep Wranglers. This repair is a known issue by FCA as they have a service bulletin regarding the issue. However they have not recalled the defective parts and refuse to cover replacing the defective parts unless the vehicle is still under warranty, or at a substantial cost to me. When I purchased my Jeep from Westgate Jeep in Raleigh, NC in late September 2024 at 84,000 miles the TSB had not been completed by the original owner. The Jeep is lifted but was sold to the original owner in that manner. It is a Rocky Ridge package that was sold the way it still is to the original owner. My safety and the safety of my family is at risk in the vehicle because it wanders excessively in the road. The incident consisted of passing 18 wheeler driving by in the opposite direction causing the Jeep to wander excessively to the right off of the edge of the road causing near loss of control and potential roll over. The issue has been found by my certified mechanic to be related to excessive movement/flexing in the steering gear box. The mechanic drove the vehicle and also noticed the wandering steering. FCA/Jeep should not be allowed to refuse to repair such a significant known issue with vehicles that they manufactured with defective parts they should be held accountable and made to recall and repair those defective parts. There are no active warning lights on the vehicle and a recent alignment was done by a certified mechanic when the tie rod and tie rod ends, drag link and drag link ends, ball joints and steering dampener where replaced. All tires are balanced and have equal wear the steering gear box is the only component of the steering system that has not been replaced and the issue remains. Please reference Mopar T.S.B. 08-074-20 REV. B regarding the known issue. Thank you.
While driving the ABS would activate the left front wheel and pulls to left. Previous all of the wheel sensors had been replaced. Took to dealership first time and could not duplicate problem. Problem happened again and return vehicle to dealership. The ABS, traction and possible another light was on. Took back to dealership and they did flow chart and found the ABS control module was bad. The part was on national back order. Car was non drivable from March 25, 2024, till February 21, 2025, when part came in. This dealership is in a small town, and they had approx. 8-10 vehicles waiting for the same ABS problem (module). This to me is a very hazardous problem because this happen while on highway driving 55 mph with a single mom and her child, thank goodness there was not an accident. NOTE: Do have invoices to send not available at this time. Dealership York Automotive CDJRF, 1765 US 231 Crawfordsville, IN 47933
While driving the transmission and clutch system blew up. And I mean that in the literale sense. Sparks and a big flash. Unfortunately, I was an hour away from where I live. This caused me to have to find a way home and find a tow company that would be able to pick up my jeep on the side of the highway, tow it an hour to me. I couldn't afford that, so it was taken to the Chrysler dealership there and it was there for a month before they could work on it due to the parts having to be ordered and shipped in. Once the entire clutch system and transmission fully replaced I have to find a way to go back and pick it up. It was after hours when I finally got to it. That's when the mechanic that worked on it researched and found the recall for the transmission and clutch system because they would blow up. Just as mine did. But the next set of problems started as soon as I picked my jeep up. Pulls to the right when braking, push start won't start saying the fobs are not detected while I'm holding them in my hands. All lights on cluster go off randomly, the steering wheel locks up while I'm driving causing more danger. The traction control, sway bar will go off and on as well as the push start will not turn off. I did manage to take a short clip of this happening while I'm driving.
Wandering steering at highway speeds, unable to maintain safe control of the vehicle
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
Steering
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. These vehicles have improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break, possibly causing the steering wheel to detach from the steering column.
- Risk
- If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V29.
Recall number 19V201000 · Recall details
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
Steering: column
- What is wrong
- Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
- Risk
- A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1‑800‑853‑1403.
Recall number 11V315000 · Recall details
Questions about the Jeep Wrangler pulling
Which Jeep Wrangler years have pulls to one side problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (163 complaints), 2019 (111 complaints) and 2020 (67 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix pulls to one side on the Jeep Wrangler?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $1,418 (median of 6 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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