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 ↗2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 47,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 11 |
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 3 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 86 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 26 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 81 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 16 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 18 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 26 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.
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 ↗Flash: Gear Shift Indicator System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Power Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience improper gear shift point indications displayed in the EVIC if the paddle shift mode is selected on the steering wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Gear Shift Indicator System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Power Control Module (PCM) with new software. A small number of customers may experience improper gear shift point indications displayed in the EVIC if the paddle shift mode is selected on the steering wheel.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Grand Cherokee steering system exhibits a cluster of interconnected failures that render the vehicle unsafe at speed. Most dangerous are abrupt, total electrical shutdowns that kill the engine, power steering, and power brakes simultaneously, typically at 15–20 mph during turns or braking. Owners describe losing all control and coasting to the shoulder with hard brake pressure, sometimes unable to restart quickly. These events occur without warning and at unpredictable intervals, making owners unwilling to drive the vehicle.
Power steering assist fails independently as well—wheels lock up hard mid-turn, leaving drivers struggling to regain control. Fluid leaks range from slow seeps to rapid drainage after repairs, with one owner reporting smoke under the hood. Starting troubles compound the problem: starters click or whir but don't engage, sometimes requiring multiple attempts with the door open.
Owners report fuel pump relays failing years after a 2015 recall (15V115) supposedly addressed the issue. Steering shimmy above 60 mph causes rapid tire wear even after four alignments. Dealerships acknowledge some failures lack fixes, cannot source recall parts, and initially misdiagnose or dismiss complaints. One manufacturer case manager stopped returning calls. Cold-weather brake failures round out the pattern—brake pedals go hard in freezing conditions, though a recall exists but cannot be completed due to parts shortages.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Complete power loss (electrical shutdown)
Engine and all electrical systems shut down abruptly without stalling notification, causing simultaneous loss of power steering and power brakes. Occurs unpredictably, often at low speeds (15–20 mph) during deceleration or turning. Vehicle must be fully stopped to restart. Multiple owners report being unable to control the vehicle during these events.
When: 15–20 mph during braking/turning; occurred across various mileages from new to 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown without warning; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Loss of all electrical systems; Dashboard lights come on simultaneously; Constant beeping; Wipers activate unintentionally; Vehicle coasts to stop or requires hard brake pressure
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure (Totally Integrated Power Module), Fuel pump relay failure, Battery/alternator malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced fuel pump relay (some vehicles had it replaced twice under recall 15V115), but failures recurred. Alternator shorting fully drained battery. No permanent fix confirmed by owners.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V115000 (2015) addressed fuel pump relay; however, owners report the replacement relay failed again 3+ years later. Manufacturer (FCA) stated 'no solution exists' on at least one service call. Replacement parts unavailable; FCA unable to provide delivery timeline. Case managers at Stellantis failed to follow up with owners.
Power steering failure (loss of assist)
Power steering assist ceases without warning while driving, making the wheel extremely difficult or impossible to turn. Occurs during low-speed maneuvers (25–35 mph), turns, and parking. In several cases, power returned after engine restart; in others, steering failed completely mid-drive. Warning light (red steering wheel over two red lines) may appear but is not documented in manual.
When: Low-speed maneuvers (15–35 mph), turning, or during cold conditions; onset from 7 months old to 90,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist suddenly stops; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn or immovable; Red steering wheel warning light on dash; Loss of control risk during turns or lane changes; Difficulty recovering control without power assist; Power returns after restart (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership found corroded lead to power steering module with improperly greased screw at installation. Power steering belt has fractured. Multiple owners cite steering gear/rack replacement estimates at $1,955. One owner reported ongoing power steering fluid disappearance after pump replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued specifically for power steering loss of assist. Dealers have advised problems are not covered under powertrain warranty. One service manager initially thought it should be warranty-covered but was overruled.
Power steering fluid leak
Power steering fluid leaks from pump, hose, or rack, causing gradual loss of steering assist or sudden fluid depletion. Leaks range from minor seeping to rapid drainage post-repair. One owner reported smoke from under hood due to leaking fluid. Leaks can occur on newly purchased used vehicles and on low-mileage cars.
When: Can present within months of purchase on used vehicles; onset reported at 39,000 miles and higher
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid visible under vehicle; Difficulty steering at low speeds; Rapid fluid loss after repair; Smoke/vapor from engine bay; Steering line running dry; Continued fluid disappearance after pump or rack replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Pump replacement costs cited around $1,955 for steering gear. Rack and pinion replacements performed. However, some owners report fluid still disappearing after repairs, suggesting ongoing leak source.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Intermittent starting failure
Vehicle fails to start or starts only after multiple attempts. Starter clicks or cranks but does not fully engage; or starter motor whirs repeatedly without cranking engine. Occurs intermittently without clear trigger. One owner needed to open door and press start button multiple times before starter would stop and engine would crank.
When: Intermittent, unpredictable; reported at various mileages and ages
Symptoms owners cite: Starter clicks without engine cranking; Starter whirs repeatedly; Starter does not disengage after engine starts; Multiple start attempts required; Ignition switch issues when pressing start button; Engine cranks only after door is opened and button pressed again
Codes mentioned: TIPM failure suspected, Fuel pump relay failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced starter, fuel pump relay (multiple times), and battery without resolving issue. One case explicitly documented 'no solution exists' from FCA customer service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 15V115000 addressed fuel pump relay; however, starting issues persisted post-recall. FCA stated no solution available.
Steering shimmy and vibration
Front-end steering wheel vibration and shimmy, particularly at highway speeds above 60 mph. Occurs even after multiple four-wheel alignments. Tire wear patterns develop from the shimmy motion, requiring frequent replacement. Mechanic shops cannot diagnose root cause.
When: Begins around 60 mph, worsens with vehicle speed and tire wear; reported in owned vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration at 60+ mph; Shimmy that worsens with speed; Rapid/unusual tire wear; Vehicle pulls to left; Vibration during driving
Repairs/costs cited: Four wheel alignments performed (four in six months) with no resolution. Three tire sets replaced. Alignment shops report no loose parts found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer action or response documented.
Brake system failure or reduced function
Power brakes fail or lose assist coincident with electrical shutdown events. Hard brake pedal or loss of braking authority, particularly in cold conditions (below freezing). One case involved brake pedal going hard and not engaging, requiring rapid pumping to restore function.
When: Cold weather conditions (below freezing) or during electrical loss events; onset varies
Symptoms owners cite: Hard brake pedal; Brakes do not engage or engage weakly; Loss of power brake assist; Brake failure concurrent with electrical shutdown; Pedal responds after pumping multiple times
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships initially reported 'nothing wrong.' Recall issued for cold-weather brake issue but parts unavailable at dealership, preventing repair completion.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for brake issue in cold conditions; however, dealers lack replacement parts and are unable to complete repairs.
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 18,000 and 64,000 miles, with the median around 47,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 18,000; a quarter make it past 64,000. 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/2013/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.