2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems

STEERING

Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or causing a collision. This placed me, my passengers, and other motorists at serious risk. The Jeep also displays numerous warning lamps and messages, the instrument cluster and odometer malfunction, the radio loses sound, and reverse sometimes will not engage. Multiple electrical systems can malfunction simultaneously. Five people have witnessed these problems. Electrical symptoms existed when I purchased the Jeep in May 2024. Federico Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram inspected it in July 2024 at 44,780 miles. The dealer documented a disappearing odometer, multiple warning lights, failure to start, required jump-starts, and inability to turn the vehicle off. Federico diagnosed an internal instrument-cluster failure and replaced the cluster. Similar problems continued intermittently afterward and became substantially worse beginning July 11, 2026. Federico recently reviewed my video. A technician considered a possible wiring problem, but the dealership requires a paid diagnostic before confirming the cause. The current failure has not been physically diagnosed. Mopar received my report and video but has not inspected the Jeep or provided a technical determination. Police, insurance representatives, and independent shops have not inspected it. The Jeep has fewer than 65,000 miles and is available for inspection upon request. I limit driving as much as possible because I believe it is unsafe, but I have no other vehicle and must occasionally drive it for essential transportation.

NHTSA complaint #11757777 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11755832 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,300.

NHTSA complaint #11745854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Any time I am over the speed of about 55 mph, and hit any type of bump, the steering wheel starts to shake violently. I have to slow down to about 40 mph to make it stop. I almost got rearended by an 18-wheeler yesterday on the interstate.

NHTSA complaint #11743278 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near the FOB. When I used my FOB to unlock the doors, they would lock back before I could open the door. I was unable to use the push button start for a few minutes up to 15 minutes and in 2025 I was unable to use the push button at all on most days. I had to research a work around to be able to start my Jeep and even after that depending on the day, it takes several seconds to minutes to start it this way. On 2 different occasions as I was driving, I had no control over my steering for approx. 10 seconds. I held on to the wheel and slowed down. The control returned and I was able to drive home. I researched and found out that 2014-2018 had reports of hacking and the hacker taking control of the vehicle in multiple ways including steering, brakes, alarm system, and hacking FOB. My radio has been turned off and the stations changed. One of my FOBs was tampered with, including switching the lock and unlock button's capability, panic button was disabled, and now the FOB does not work at all. There is a loud grinding noise behind my glove box that can be heard at different times including when Jeep is turned off. Loud noises that sound like a rock hitting the window happen randomly to my front windshield, driver and passenger windows happens multiple times while I am driving and when vehicle is turned off. I took Jeep to a trusted mechanic and was told there was no way to tell and it would be better to just sell it. After I moved, I didn't experience these problems for a while, but am experiencing them again. I am concerned for my safety and anyone who may be a passenger in my Jeep.

NHTSA complaint #11738632 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

One day out of the blue, my Jeep Wrangler received a "Service Shifter" error code. The error code threw about 40 other codes at the same time. Loss of power steering, loss of abs, engine kept revving on its own, windshield wipers turned on. While in park it felt as if it was trying to shift itself into other gears. Loss of steering while driving as well as the engine revving up and down while on the interstate. Every warning light came on and stayed on. I can let it sit for awhile and it'll drive fine for a little while until it does it all again and again. I have not taken it to a dealership yet due to all the threads on being charged $2000 and it not get fixed.

NHTSA complaint #11735563 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle has a serious safety issue where the steering wheel shakes violently at freeway speeds, especially when driving over uneven roads or bumps. This makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. This issue was previously repaired under warranty with a steering damper replacement. However, the same problem has returned, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership has recently verified the issue through a road test and confirmed the violent shaking condition. In addition, the vehicle currently has an active airbag warning light, and the dealership diagnosed a failed front right acceleration sensor. This raises concerns about the proper function of the airbag system in the event of a crash. I have contacted the manufacturer multiple times, but they have declined to provide assistance and have not been responsive. I am concerned that this vehicle has unresolved safety defects that could put the driver and passengers at risk.

NHTSA complaint #11733660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that twice while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the front end was violently shaking. After stopping, the vibration seized, and the vehicle was driven at slower speeds. While driving over a bump or expansion bridge, the failure recurred. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering damper needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was contacted and confirmed that the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

NHTSA complaint #11733087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My radio cluster has shut off, screen went dark and blank while I was driving on 3 seperate occasions within the last 60 days. While driving the steering feels a little loose, the faster I go the more loose it feels. While on the interstate driving 70 mph my Jeep will not run straight, it kinda drifts back and forth and I am continuously having to correct it in order to stay in my lane. Not sure what is causing it to "drift" side to side and have heard of some Jeep Wranglers having death wobbles has me concerned of whether mine is going to do it.

NHTSA complaint #11732064 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Any time I get above 55 miles per hour the steering starts shaking and I feel as if I’m going to lose control of the vehicle. I have had the recalls done on it, but it continues.

NHTSA complaint #11731239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

On multiple, though infrequent occasions, while beginning a turn in our 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL, the steering wheel, abruptly and without warning, stops turning. The turn cannot be completed without exerting significant force on the wheel to overcome the resistance. This is very dangerous, especially when moving at highway speeds, as drivers may find themselves unable to stay on the road or worse, to avoid oncoming traffic. When we first reported this problem to a Jeep Dealer in 2018-2019, we were repeatedly told that they were unaware of the problem we described, and since they couldn’t reproduce the malfunction, they could not effect any repair. Over time, the problem worsened, not with more frequency but with more and more force being required to overcome the steering wheel resistance - increasing the likelihood that one might inadvertently oversteer when breaking through that resistance. After a recent incident that could have caused a serious accident, we looked online and found that ours was not an uncommon problem. There are numerous reports describing this very issue on the carcomplaints.com website. And Jeep actually issued a technical service bulletin in 2018 (TSB 08-092-18) that not only describes the problem, but also the fix. So Jeep not only knew about the problem, but they knew how to fix it and did not do so when we were under warranty. Now they are saying the fix will cost us literally thousands of dollars. This issue is dangerous and should have been under a mandatory recall from day one.

NHTSA complaint #11721194 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

At speeds around 50 mph the steering wheel will "lock up" and become extremely difficult to steer if not impossible. Lowering speed to 28 mph will suddenly jolt the steering back to normal causing extremely dangerous steering response with a danger of over correcting once steering assist is regained. Dealer has not been able to replicate the issue and cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. This has happened multiple times nearly resulting in a head on collision 2 separate times

NHTSA complaint #11720294 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Emergency break lever/pull tab gets stuck Vehicle failed to start several times causing tows Vehicle steering is loose and dangerous Steering is hard to control on a bump uneven payment or snowy rainy weather conditions . Wheel is loose can’t teach my teenager how to drive in this to dangerous even for me

NHTSA complaint #11718750 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

While driving at highway speed, my 2018 Jeep wrangler violently shakes in the wheel. It is unpredictable and very concerning. This is very unsafe as you have no control over this violent shaking, and you aren’t sure of what could happen. This appears to be a very common issues in the jeeps as there are various reports of this occurring. There is no warning lamps, messages, etc. when this occurs. This is a very big safety issue that needs to be addressed. After taking it to get looked at, I was made aware this could occur for several reasons in the car. All of these reasons should be addressed and fixed as this is a very known issue.

NHTSA complaint #11715218 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The jeep lost power while I was driving. The lights stayed on but jeep came to a stop. I touched the key area and it started running again.

NHTSA complaint #11708593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Problem Description (very important): My 2018 Jeep Wrangler experiences a severe and violent front-end shaking commonly referred to as “death wobble.” This occurs while driving at highway speeds and makes the vehicle difficult to control until I slow down significantly. The shaking feels dangerous and unpredictable and creates a serious safety risk. I transport my children in this vehicle, and this issue is frightening and unsafe for passengers and other drivers. My dealership states there is no recall, but I am aware of widespread consumer complaints, documented defects, and lawsuits involving death wobble in Jeep Wranglers, including the 2018 model year. I believe this is a known steering/suspension defect and not normal wear and tear. I am reporting this for safety reasons.

NHTSA complaint #11707581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

It states that our vehicle is not on the recall list for death wobble, however, when we go over a bump or over 60 mph our Jeep vibrates and shakes (feeling it in the steering). We took to have tires checked, even rebalanced and they checked stems.

NHTSA complaint #11707402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Continuous engine problems Says not in park/ is in park Clicking sounds when turned off Steering wheel won’t lock Will turn over but won’t start even tho all lights come on and air All lights will turn off when brake is pressed and when foot is off brake the lights will flash and the car will beep continuously All lights in gear will be lit up orange but can’t move it

NHTSA complaint #11695681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The primary component that failed is the brake caliper, which caused a dragging brake, overheating, and visible smoke after a brake pad replacement. This is a defect in a critical safety system, not routine wear and tear. The caliper failure, combined with rapid deterioration of the pads within only seven months of purchase, makes clear that the Jeep was sold to me with preexisting and undisclosed defects. The defective caliper and removed parts remain available for inspection. My safety and the safety of others were directly at risk. A dragging brake drastically reduces stopping ability, can cause sudden brake failure, and creates a fire hazard when smoke and heat build up. These risks make the vehicle unsafe for road use. In addition, there is a well-documented steering defect known as the “death wobble.” Some sources classify this under a recall, while others describe it as covered only by an extended warranty. This inconsistency has prevented me from obtaining clear assistance despite the serious safety implications. The issue has been reproduced and confirmed by a certified Jeep dealership. I have service records, dealer inspection notes, and photos documenting the condition, including metal-on-metal wear, dragging brake, and resulting smoke. The vehicle has been inspected by dealership technicians and is also under review with FCA, who have assigned a claim number. When I initially sought assistance, I was told the failures were “wear and tear.” That is inaccurate, as no reasonable consumer could cause this level of brake and steering deterioration in such a short period. I have been forced to pay out-of-pocket for defects clearly present at the time of sale, even though Carvana, SilverRock, and FCA denied responsibility. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, consumers are protected when vehicles are sold with hidden defects, regardless of warranty status. This Jeep was sold in unsafe condition. The caliper failure and death wobble are preexisting hazards

NHTSA complaint #11684956 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Jeep randomly shuts off while actively driving. I have automatic JL. Screen shows to service clutch. All dash lights come on, no buss bar detected, ABS, No traction control, Airbags, park sense off, check engine, steering locks up. Engine shuts off while driving. MPH screen goes blank all electrical stops working. Connector behind stock bumper is expised to the elements causing shortage. Putting my life in danger everytime I drive

NHTSA complaint #11675458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

On [XXX] while driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport (VIN: [XXX] ), the braking system failed without warning while I was approaching a stop sign on a residential road. I pressed the brake pedal and felt extreme resistance and grinding, followed by a near-total lack of braking power. I was forced to abruptly swerve into an open driveway to avoid a collision. This sudden malfunction put my life and the safety of others at serious risk, especially had it occurred on a highway or near pedestrian traffic. The affected component appears to be part of the braking system—likely the master cylinder, brake booster, or brake line integrity—but a full diagnosis is pending inspection. There were no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard at any time prior to or during the failure. The vehicle gave no indication that a malfunction was imminent. Immediately after the incident, I parked the vehicle and did not attempt to drive it again. As of now, the issue has not yet been formally confirmed by a dealer, but I am in the process of getting it inspected by a certified independent mechanic, and I am willing to make the vehicle and its components available for inspection upon request. I also plan to provide documentation once the evaluation is complete. I only recently purchased this Jeep from Carvana a few months ago, and it is extremely concerning that such a critical failure could occur so soon. The vehicle has two completed recalls related to steering and rear windows, but none that address braking—making this unexpected failure even more alarming. I believe this could indicate a larger pattern or potential defect that has not yet been officially acknowledged or addressed. This event was dangerous and could have resulted in a serious accident. I am requesting that this complaint be formally investigated, and I am open to cooperating fully with NHTSA, Chrysler, or any affiliated parties in reviewing the failure and addressing issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA)

NHTSA complaint #11674567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I am filing this complaint due to a serious and recurring safety issue known as the “death wobble” on my 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL. This defect causes violent front-end shaking at highway speeds when hitting bumps or making minor steering corrections. The issue began during the first week of ownership and has persisted through five separate service visits. Repairs have included steering damper replacements, track bar, alignments, and balancing, but the issue continues to return. A dealership technician confirmed the shaking on October 9, 2023, during a test drive at over 70 mph. The vehicle was only sent to a certified Jeep service center on the fourth visit. After researching the problem, I found this is a well-documented and widespread issue among Jeep owners — especially on Wrangler models of certain years. There are numerous forums, websites, and videos where other owners describe the exact same symptoms, often with no long-term resolution. I shared this information with the dealership to help them understand the seriousness of the issue, and only then did they investigate further. I have video evidence of the defect, technician confirmation, service records, and text messages showing dealership delays. This defect creates a major safety concern, especially with children in the car, and could easily cause an accident.

NHTSA complaint #11672610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The dash board stared to flash all sorts of symbols check engine light, auto start stop, sway bar disconnect unavailable, shifter problem. And then the power steering does not work, sometimes the throttle has no power, and sometimes the engine shuts off.

NHTSA complaint #11666710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

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.

NHTSA complaint #11665625 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Vehicle loses power steering while driving and is near impossible to steer when this happens. If in a curve i'm afraid the vehicle will not respond in time and leave the roadway or cross into oncoming traffic.

NHTSA complaint #11664004 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I was driving about 65 MPH and was turning with the road and my Jeep started to shake violently. I just about lost control of the vehicle. I pulled over on the Interstate to check and see if I had a flat on a front tire or if the wheel was falling off of the Jeep. It was a very scary and unpleasant experience to have at 4:30 am going to work. Not sure what the problem is with the suspension or steering, but I thought for sure I was going to get in a wreck and Traffic is really heavy which would have been very bad for many drivers!

NHTSA complaint #11662485 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

ABS malfunction. Power steering and brakes go in and out of operation due to a communication error. All lights come on dash, engine light stays on. Occurs mainly when vehicle is hot during summer or above 65mph highway driving. Safety concern as vehicle power steering is unpredictable during this time. The Drive shaft locks in park and requires manual override when lights are on, but then without intervention, all the lights go away except the engine light and it runs fine. ABS modules are on back order with no ETA because this is a recurring problem for many. Once new abs module is put it, problem can be confirmed and more details can be given by auto repair services.

NHTSA complaint #11659332 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

My Jeep's steering is excessively loose. There is a good amount of dead space in the steering wheel that the vehicle does not respond. The vehicle wonders left to right constantly and have to continue to correct for it's action. It becomes more of a safety hazard when there is a slight wind or passing or being passed by a larger vehicle like a truck for instance. The vehicle also shifts let and right depending on road conditions, meaning cracks in the pavement or pot holes of any size. I feel very unsecure or unsafe particularly at higher speeds. Please help and thank you in advance.

NHTSA complaint #11658754 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

I have read a lot about the "Death Wobble." It appears there has been no recall on this but I believe there have been many incidents. Almost every day that the vehicle is driven and we hit a bump in the road going between 30-45 miles the steering wheel shakes aggressively. Would you not call this a definitely a safety hazard? The second issue is the dash board reading goes blank occasionally. Unable to see the speed and or gas usage. Both issues I would say are safety issues. It appears that many Jeep owners have faced the same issues. Neither of these issues have been inspected. I don't feel that we should be responsible for the cost of the inspection. Jeep should stand behind their product.

NHTSA complaint #11655818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.