Jeep Wrangler steering problems, 2016–2027
2,325 of the 6,691 complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Jeep Wrangler 2016–2027 name the steering (NHTSA’s “Steering” heading — the steering column, rack, pump and power assist). The loudest years: 2018 (1,116), 2019 (446), 2021 (252). Filed under the same heading across these years: 2 manufacturer bulletins, 4 recall campaigns, 1 NHTSA investigation. Every figure is a linked federal record; none is a failure rate, none a repair cost, and none a verdict on one car.
Jeep Wrangler steering problems by model year
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsOne row per model year on file, newest first. A year marked in depth has its own page: the complaints, the owners’ words and every document under this heading for that year.
| Model year | Complaints naming the steering | Share of the year’s | Typically at | On file under the heading | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2027 | 0 | — | — | — | the year → |
| 2026 | 2 | 20% | — | 18 TSBs | the year → |
| 2025 | 3 | 4% | — | 22 TSBs · 1 recall | the year → |
| 2024 in depth | 83 | 9% | — | 37 TSBs · 2 recalls | the record → |
| 2023 in depth | 56 | 15% | — | 2 recalls · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2022 in depth | 82 | 20% | 23k | 1 recall · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2021 in depth | 252 | 27% | 20k | 1 recall · 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2020 in depth | 238 | 39% | 1k | 1 investigation | the record → |
| 2019 in depth | 446 | 60% | 4k | 1 recall | the record → |
| 2018 in depth | 1,116 | 61% | 6k | 65 TSBs · 1 recall | the record → |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% | 22k | — | the year → |
| 2016 | 28 | 6% | 30k | — | the year → |
Two things the counts carry that are not the car: how many of each year were sold, and how long each has been on the road — an older year out-counts a newer one before anything is wrong with it. The share column is the honest comparison across years: what part of that year’s complaints named the steering. Nothing here is a rate.
When the steering complaints were filed, and at what mileage
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled per calendar year, every model year together: 2017: 5 · 2018: 350 · 2019: 630 · 2020: 321 · 2021: 148 · 2022: 159 · 2023: 243 · 2024: 153 · 2025: 169 · 2026: 147
Across the model years, half of the 1,163 owners who gave an odometer reading reported the steering problem between 1,000 and 14,000 miles. A median of reports, not the life of a part.
In owners’ own words
Source: NHTSA complaint databaseFiled with NHTSA by the people who own these cars, about the steering, from the model years with the most to say. Quoted as written, with anything identifying removed; unverified reports — what was said, not a finding that it was true.
Steering nearly locks up while driving in hot weather. Driving on windy roads the wheel fights me while turning only to let go causing me to swerve. It's the worst on hot days with the truck fully warmed up (mid 80's, AC on). The steering issue happens in both directions but feels like stronger resistance going left.
Power steering appears to be momentarily locking up or failing while the vehicle is in motion at speeds over 30 MPH. Have experienced the issue numerous times while driving on roads which curve to the left. The steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff and nearly impossible to turn to the left.
The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Wrangler. Within the first fifty miles of driving, the vehicle drifted from side to side. The failure occurred while driving 50 MPH or more. The failure remained and there was a lot of play in the steering wheel. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was performing normally.
Steering has a dead space, about a 1.5" to 2" until it starts turning. While going over 50mph it tends to drift away from the road. I'm constantly adjusting my steering
Purchased 1/3/2021. Steering wander, pulls to right, and 2' dead zone in steering wheel. Dead zone has no tire resistance in the steering wheel. Always a need to keep a tension on the wheel to prevent going to the right.
What is on file about the steering, across the years
Source: NHTSA recalls, investigations and manufacturer communicationsRecall campaigns filed under this heading, any model year
- Jun 4, 2026 · 1,076,999 vehicles
- 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.
- 24V199000 HighMar 14, 2024 · 38,164 vehicles
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- 19V201000 CriticalMar 14, 2019 · 52 vehicles
- 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.
- 18V343000 HighMay 25, 2018 · 539 vehicles
- 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.
NHTSA investigation
- PE24024 Underhood firesopened Sep 6, 2024 · closed Sep 24, 2026
- On September 6, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened Preliminary Evaluation PE24024 to investigate allegations of engine compartment fires in model year 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. Most reports described fires starting on the front passenger side of the engine compartment while the vehicle was turned off, with several originating specifically at the electrohyd…
2 manufacturer bulletins filed under this heading, any model year
- Sep 24, 2026
- SOCKET - DRAG LINK INNER
- Sep 24, 2026
- SOCKET - DRAG LINK INNER
Every one filed under the heading is listed. Quote the document number at a service desk — it is a diagnosis the maker has already written down.
Other systems with a record on the Jeep Wrangler
Source: the same files- electrical problems
- engine problems
- transmission and drivetrain problems
- fuel system problems
- suspension problems
- body and structure problems
- airbag problems
Every system, every model year: Jeep Wrangler problems by year →
Common questions
Source: NHTSA complaint database, recalls and manufacturer communicationsWhich Jeep Wrangler years have the most steering complaints?
2018, 1,116; 2019, 446; 2021, 252. Raw counts, and an older year has had longer to collect them; by share of each year's own complaints the loudest is the 2018 (61%).
Is there a recall for the steering on the Jeep Wrangler?
Yes — 4 campaigns are filed under this heading across these model years: 26V363000 (2025), 24V199000 (2024), 19V201000 (2019), 18V343000 (2018). A recall is matched by VIN, and applies to specific years; check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
When do steering problems show up on the Jeep Wrangler?
Owners who gave an odometer reading reported it at a median of 6,000 miles across the model years; half of them between 1,000 and 14,000. That is when reports cluster, not the life of a part.
What does NHTSA's "Steering" heading cover?
The steering column, rack, pump and power assist. Owners choose the heading when they file, so it says which area of the vehicle the complaint is about, not which part failed.