The SKU is a Tie Rod Center Stud. The Customer commnunication requested return of unsold inventory to inpsect for possible incorrect direction threads (right hand rather than left hand). Incorrect direction threads will prevent it from being installed.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2007 Jeep Wrangler steering problems
moderate 202 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
202
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 202 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 202 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Steering accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
CHRYSLER (JEEP) SERVICE CAMPAIGN: SEE DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON FOR OWNER LETTER. THIS TSB CONTAINS AN OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER. SELECT DOCUMENT SEARCH BUTTON BELOW. STEERING DAMPER. THE STEERING DAMPER ON VEHICLES MAY DEGRADE RESULTING IN A LOSS OF STEERING SYSTEM DAMPING. A NEW STEERING DAMPER, MOUNTING BRACKET AND ATTACHING FASTENERS MUST BE INSTALLED.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗LEAK AT STEERING DAMPER DUE TO ORIENTATION OF DAMPER ROD TO VEHICLE. UPDATED 07-19-07.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - NOT INITIALIZED/INTERNAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The dominant complaint across 202 narratives is the "death wobble"—violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end and steering wheel triggered by bumps or uneven pavement at speeds typically between 40 and 70 mph. Owners describe the shaking as so severe they lose steering control and must brake hard or pull to the shoulder. The phenomenon occurs repeatedly, often worsening in frequency, and continues to happen after dealers replace steering dampers, stabilizer bars, tie rods, track bars, ball joints, and shocks. Many owners report spending $1,000 to $3,000 on repairs without permanent resolution.
A second major issue involves steering column electrical faults—airbag warning lights and horn failure caused by a faulty clock spring assembly. This defect was supposedly addressed by Recall 16V-290, but at least one owner reports symptoms recurring after the dealership completed the recall repair in 2021.
A third concern, less common but severe, involves welds separating on the steering stabilizer bracket where it attaches to the front axle, causing violent shaking and in some cases forcing vehicles off the road. Independent welding shops have attempted temporary repairs.
One owner reports engine and electrical shutdown at highway speed, and another describes premature Electronic Stability Program engagement causing automatic braking and swerving. Dealers typically cannot diagnose these electrical issues.
Throughout the complaints, owners note that dealerships often dismiss the problem as normal, refuse to acknowledge it, or decline test drives citing safety risk. Jeep corporate responses range from denying knowledge of the death wobble to blaming owner modifications, despite the defect appearing on completely stock vehicles.
Same Jeep Wrangler steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008 · 2009 · 2010
Failure modes owners describe
Death Wobble - Front-End Violent Shaking
Violent, uncontrollable shaking of the front end and steering wheel triggered by bumps, expansion joints, or uneven pavement at highway speeds (typically 40–70 mph). Owners report loss of steering control, requiring hard braking or pulling to the shoulder to regain control. Called 'death wobble' by the owner community.
When: Typically occurs between 40–70 mph; some owners report occurrence at speeds as low as 35 mph or during specific road conditions (bumps, curves, wet surfaces, potholes). Increases in frequency over time in many cases.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of steering wheel and front end; Loss of steering control or difficulty maintaining lane; Shaking radiates through entire vehicle; Triggered by bumps, expansion joints, potholes, or uneven road surfaces; Occurs at highway speeds (40–70 mph typical range); Only stops when vehicle is slowed to 15–40 mph or brought to complete stop; Tremor may start as slight vibration and escalate to violent oscillation
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report trying multiple repairs with mixed or temporary results: steering stabilizer/damper replacement (temporary fix, recurs), tie rod replacement, track bar replacement, ball joint replacement, wheel alignment, tire balancing, tire replacement, shock replacement, front suspension inspection. Some owners spent $1,400–$3,000+ with no permanent fix. One owner reports TSB (Technical Service Bulletin) for steering damper exists. Dealers often cannot replicate problem or refuse to acknowledge it; some decline test drives due to safety concerns.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 16V-290 (Clock Spring) exists but addresses airbag/horn/steering column electrical faults, not death wobble. Jeep denies responsibility in many cases, blames owner modifications (lift kits) or dismisses as normal. Some dealers suggest heavy-duty stabilizer upgrade ($660+) as fix, which later became stock on 2010+ models, suggesting manufacturer awareness. Jeep claims no recall exists for death wobble. One owner reports Jeep reimbursed non-dealer repair once but refused to cover tire replacement or acknowledge design defect. Chrysler told one owner out-of-warranty vehicles are not their responsibility; some owners report dealer age-cutoff policies (10+ years).
Clock Spring Failure - Steering Column Electrical
Steering column clock spring fails, disabling airbag system and horn circuit. Causes illuminated SRS (airbag) warning light, horn failure, and intermittent traction control/ESP warning lights. White tape unravels from steering column. Recurs after warranty repair in at least one case (Recall 16V-290 previously completed but symptoms returned).
When: One owner reports clock spring failure; another reports SRS/horn issues recurring after recall repair completed in February 2021. No specific mileage provided for most failures.
Symptoms owners cite: Illuminated airbag (SRS) warning light; Horn does not function; Traction control / electronic stability program warning light; White tape unraveling from steering column; Crackling or paper-wrinkling noise from steering column; Erratic A/C behavior coinciding with electrical faults
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of clock spring assembly ($269–$390 parts and labor). One owner paid $389.75 total. Disassembly and reassembly of steering wheel required. One owner reports dealership initially misdiagnosed as relay issue. Airbag safety cannot be guaranteed without replacement; temporary jumper-wire workaround possible but unsafe. Owner notes high frequency of online complaints about this specific component.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall NHTSA 16V-290 (Campaign S33) addresses this defect but does not permanently remedy it in at least one case—symptoms recurred months after February 2021 dealer repair. Dealership cited 10-year age policy to refuse diagnosis/repair on vehicle that had previously completed the recall. No warranty coverage for out-of-warranty recurrence reported.
Steering Stabilizer Bracket Weld Failure
Welds on steering stabilizer bracket separate or break away from front axle, causing violent shaking and loss of steering control. Owners report bracket completely separated from axle in at least two instances, directly causing accidents.
When: One owner reports first occurrence at unspecified mileage; second occurrence months later after temporary repair. Another owner with lifted suspension reports bracket broke at unspecified mileage.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of steering wheel and front end; Complete loss of steering control; Visible weld separation from axle (reported by owner inspection); Occurs at low speeds (35 mph noted in one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Requires replacement of front axle (expensive, $4,000+ damage reported) or bracket replacement. One owner reports second failure months after first incident. Temporary welding with heavy-duty washers attempted by independent shop; owner states this is not permanent fix but 'may last for a while.' Bracket metal described as weaker than bolts (grade 8).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep blamed owner's aftermarket lift kit (non-MOPAR) and refused to acknowledge as manufacturing defect despite similar failures reported on stock suspensions. No recall issued.
Electrical System Intermittent Shutdown at Highway Speed
Vehicle engine and electrical systems shut down intermittently at highway speeds without warning. All dashboard warning lights illuminate, power steering fails, and vehicle becomes uncontrollable. Engine restarts automatically within seconds without key input.
When: Occurs approximately 1–2 times per month at highway speeds; owner reported issue starting in October 2011.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off completely at highway speed; All warning lights illuminate on dashboard; Power steering failure due to engine shutdown; Loss of safe vehicle control; Engine restarts automatically within seconds; No warning before shutdown occurs
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection on 10/20/2011 found no issues except unusually high oil consumption. Dealership recommended 3,000-mile or 3-month oil consumption test to diagnose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No response recorded; dealership unable to identify root cause.
Premature Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Engagement
ESP system engages automatically during normal driving without justification, causing automatic braking and throttle shutdown that forces vehicle to swerve or lose control.
When: Approximately 3 weeks after purchase (new vehicle); recurred approximately 2 weeks later, 1 week later, and 2 weeks after that.
Symptoms owners cite: Premature ESP engagement under normal driving conditions; Automatic braking initiated; Throttle shutdown; Vehicle swerve due to automatic braking; Occurs at low speeds (35 mph, highway exit ramp)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced three leaking brake calipers, then rear wheel speed sensors, then steering wheel angle sensor. Problem could not be duplicated or permanently resolved. Vehicle was replaced under lemon-law claim.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Lemon-law claim approved; Chrysler agreed to replace vehicle.
Synthesized from 202 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Was driving on the interstate when the Jeep started shaking like crazy couldn't control it almost caused wreck between two tractor trailers thought it just fell out of gear but then a week later it did it again going around a curve and almost went over a very steep hill side to later do research found out that it has been a on going issue called death wobble several things cause it that are…
Tl*the contact owns a 2007 Jeep wrangler. On december 23, 2008, while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle went out of control and would only steer to the right. The vehicle then began to accelerate and the stabilizer system activated on its own. The vehicle switched into two wheel drive. The contact depressed the brakes and pulled the wheel in an attempt to stabilize the vehicle. The vehicle…
I just bought this in aug 2014. I was driving home from work and hit a bump my steer wheel went from side to side for about 5 seconds and the second time it happen I brought it to a dealer they said nothing wrong it happen 4 more times sense then they are now calling it the death wobble. *tr
My 2007 Jeep unlimited sahara has the "death wobble." occurred several months ago. Mechanic couldn't figure it out, but prescribed tire inflation. Problem went away until one week ago. Can be easily replicated by going over a speed bump at about 25 MPH and turning the wheel to the left sharply. Alternatively, just traveling above 40-45 MPH on a highway, especially on a curve, will replicate. If…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Jeep Wrangler?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 202 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 183 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 33,580 and 75,000 miles, with the median around 50,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 33,580; a quarter make it past 75,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Jeep/Wrangler.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.