Steering Column If vehicle comes in for steering column replacement, verify column installed. Go to Info Column in Star Parts and open the flow chart to determine which column is installed. If column is Daimler, verify that a replacement Daimler column is in stock and use for replacement. If no Daimler column is in stock, replacement must use Presta column (which require a number of other components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star. UPDATE: 11/9/2016 If the new bearing does not fit through the double dash, you need to re
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems
severe Owners of the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 86 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 79,800 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of August 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2007 Grand Cherokee | 49 |
| 2008 Grand Cherokee | 24 |
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 11 |
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 3 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 86 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 26 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 81 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
3crashes
1fire
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 86 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 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 86 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.
Among the 20 model years of Jeep Grand Cherokee in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Steering Column If vehicle comes in for steering column replacement, verify column installed. Go to Info Column in Star Parts and open the flow chart to determine which column is installed. If column is Daimler, verify that a replacement Daimler column is in stock and use for replacement. If no Daimler column is in stock, replacement must use Presta column (which require a number of other components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Steering Column If vehicle comes in for steering column replacement, verify column installed. Go to Info Column in Star Parts and open the flow chart to determine which column is installed. If column is Daimler, verify that a replacement Daimler column is in stock and use for replacement. If no Daimler column is in stock, replacement must use Presta column (which require a number of other components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Clunk And/Or Bump Felt Through The Steering Wheel Under Moderate Braking And/Or Driving Over Rough Roads This bulletin involves road testing and if necessary replacing the intermediate shaft. Clunk and/or bump felt through the steering wheel under moderate braking or driving over rough roads. This can be caused by spline stick/slip from the intermediate shaft.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin involves road testing and if necessary replacing the intermediate shaft
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The most consistent and dangerous complaint is unplanned engine stalls while driving—especially during turns, braking, or highway exits at speeds ranging from 20 to 65 mph. When it happens, power steering locks up and power brakes fail, leaving drivers scrambling to coast to a stop. The engine simply shuts off with no warning lights or diagnostic codes. The radio, lights, and gauges keep working, which can mask the severity at first. Once you put the vehicle in Park and restart, it runs fine—until the next random stall.
Owners report this happening multiple times, sometimes monthly, sometimes several times a week. Chrysler issued Recall P54 (fuel pump relay) starting around 2014 and later Recall V62, but owners say the stalls continue after both repairs. Dealers cannot duplicate the problem and find no codes to chase, so they send owners home to drive a vehicle that might lose steering and brakes without warning.
A smaller but serious cluster involves sudden loss of electrical power to the steering and braking systems independent of engine stall, suspected to be the TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module). One owner lost accelerator function and braking for about 10 seconds while the engine kept running and revving on the highway.
Other steering issues include worn front struts creating clunks and clicks, control arm snapping off, steering wheel lockup, severely stripped tie rod threads, premature serpentine belt shredding at 43,000 miles, and corrosion so severe on axle spindles that mechanics cannot remove them. One owner had a right-side control arm fail in a parking garage at low speed, causing sudden loss of control.
Starting issues and extended crank times appear in several complaints, including one where the starter kept cranking until the owner opened the door. Extended crank persisted even after fuel pump relay replacement.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee steering reports on nearby years: 2008 · 2009 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Unplanned engine stall during turns, braking, or deceleration
Engine shuts down completely while vehicle is moving—typically during turns, hard braking, highway exits, or speed reductions. Power steering, power brakes, and accelerator stop functioning. Radio, lights, and gauges remain on. No warning lights or fault codes generated. Vehicle restarts normally after shifting to Park. Occurs randomly at speeds ranging from 20 to 65 mph, often without warning.
When: Occurs randomly, many reports indicate within first 5–10 miles after initial startup or during specific maneuvers. Multiple owners cite incidents occurring monthly to several times per week.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning; Loss of power steering (steering wheel locks or becomes extremely difficult to turn); Loss of power brakes (brake pedal becomes hard or unresponsive); Loss of acceleration capability; No warning lights on dashboard; No diagnostic fault codes; Radio, lights, gauges remain functional; Vehicle restarts after placing gear in Park
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report fuel pump relay replacement (Recall P54) performed multiple times with no lasting effect. TIPM replacement attempted in some cases without resolving issue. One owner cites temporary interim repair under Recall V62 (NHTSA 19V-813) still in development. Dealers unable to replicate or diagnose when no codes present.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P54 (NHTSA 14V530000) for fuel pump relay issued and performed, but reported as ineffective by multiple owners. Recall V62 (NHTSA 19V-813) announced but parts not available to dealers. Some owners report being told no repair is available pending parts availability.
Loss of electrical power to steering and braking systems
Sudden loss of electrical power to multiple systems—most critically power steering and power braking—independent of engine stall. Occurs while driving. Owner reports TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) suspected or confirmed. One owner lost power to accelerator and brakes for approximately 10 seconds while engine continued running and revving.
When: One incident reported during highway driving passing heavy trucks. Another incident reported while testing vehicle at low speeds after initial highway failure.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fails temporarily; Power braking fails or becomes very difficult; Loss of accelerator function; Engine may continue running or rev despite loss of accelerator; Hazard lights and other electrical systems may fail; System restarts after vehicle is turned off and restarted
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership suspected TIPM issue. No repair attempted in narrative provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reports dealership indicated TIPM issue is known to Jeep/Chrysler but has not been recalled.
Worn front struts producing steering clunk and clicking
Clunking and clicking sounds from steering wheel when turning, caused by worn front struts. Issue found shortly after purchase of certified pre-owned vehicle despite supposed 125-point inspection. Dealer scheduled strut replacement.
When: Manifested within days of purchase (7/4/2014). Appointment scheduled for 8/1/2014.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking sound during steering; Clicking sound during steering
Repairs/costs cited: Front struts required replacement; parts were on back order at time of complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None provided in narrative.
Control arm failure—right front passenger side
Right front control arm snapped off the right front passenger wheel while vehicle was entering a parking garage at low speed. Wheel turned completely right, causing vehicle to jolt right and strike wall. Vehicle became uncontrollable.
When: While entering parking garage in NYC at low speed.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loud popping sound; Vehicle jolts to the right; Complete loss of vehicle control; Wheel turns completely to one side
Repairs/costs cited: Service representative identified snapped control arm on right front passenger wheel.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty claim entered but not honored by Chrysler. Dealership identified issue as mechanical warranty issue that should be covered.
Serpentine belt premature shredding
Serpentine belt shredded at just under 43,000 miles—far below typical wear threshold of 85,000–95,000 miles. Belt wrapped around engine components. Loss of power steering occurred during highway driving at cruise control.
When: At 43,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering while coasting; Loss of all engine control; Difficulty maneuvering vehicle to safety
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replacement required. Towing cost $550 total ($100 covered by Jeep, $450 owner paid).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted in narrative.
Steering wheel lockup or severe resistance during turns
Steering wheel becomes locked, stuck, or extremely difficult to turn during normal driving or when attempting to turn. Occurs sporadically, sometimes accompanied by power brake failure.
When: Random occurrences while driving; one report during left turn at 20 mph; another during right turn at 20 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes difficult or impossible to turn; Steering wheel locks up; May occur in conjunction with brake pedal resistance; Engine may stall simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports brake booster and power steering pump needing replacement but unable to obtain parts (backordered for two weeks).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted in narratives.
Intermediate steering column clunk under braking or rough roads
Clunk or bump felt through steering wheel during moderate braking or when driving over rough roads. Owner cites TSB/recall part number AR 05057539AD (steering column intermediate shaft).
When: Occurring during normal braking and rough road conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunk or bump sensation through steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Part AR 05057539AD (steering column intermediate shaft) identified for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner aware of TSB or known issue (19-003-14).
Hard or unresponsive steering during low-speed maneuvers
Steering becomes difficult to turn or unresponsive during slow-speed turning or cornering. Issue resolves after vehicle is restarted.
When: Random occurrences while driving at low speeds (20–25 mph) during turns.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering difficult to turn; Steering unresponsive; May accompany loss of power
Repairs/costs cited: None provided in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted in narratives.
Tie rod end separation—threads stripped on tie rod shaft
Right passenger side tie rod end came loose from tie rod while owner was backing out of driveway. Part was not broken but had literally come apart. Threads on tie rod shaft were stripped down around bottom of shaft.
When: While backing out of driveway.
Symptoms owners cite: Popping sound from suspension; Tie rod end separated from tie rod; Visible thread stripping on shaft
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod end replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contacted but no response received at time of complaint.
Difficulty starting or extended crank time
Vehicle difficult to start; extended cranking time required before engine fires. In one case, start button held down continuously until door opened to interrupt starter. In another case, fuel pump relay recall performed but extended crank issue persisted.
When: Random occurrences; one incident during multi-state drive after lunch stop.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine slow to start or refuses to start; Starter keeps cranking and won't stop until door opened; Extended crank time even after fuel pump relay replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump relay replaced (Recall P54) but extended crank persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P54 performed without resolving extended crank symptom.
Axle spindle corrosion preventing part removal
All four axle spindles severely rusted, making removal of axle nuts impossible without stripping. Prevents rack and pinion replacement and future component work.
When: Discovered during attempted rack and pinion replacement at 42,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Severe rust on all four axle spindles; Inability to unscrew axle nuts
Repairs/costs cited: Shop had to spend additional labor hours finding alternative removal method without disturbing spindles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None noted; owner requests recall or free repair.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Jeep grand cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the steering wheel seized and the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the vehicle was functioning as designed. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign numbers: 14v530000 (electrical system) and 14v154000 (service…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
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 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 86 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 71 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,000 and 107,000 miles, with the median around 79,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 107,000. 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/2011/Jeep/Grand Cherokee.
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.