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moderate 166 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Of the 166 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
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.
Steering accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 166 steering complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 166 complaints per campaign.
A loss of transmission fluid may result in a loss of transmission function which may increase the risk of a crash.
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Wrangler has documented steering and control issues—particularly the "death wobble" (violent front-end shaking at highway speeds) and stalling problems—with many owners reporting dealerships dismissed concerns or gave inconsistent explanations. Transmission oil cooler recall (13V-234) saw parts shortages lasting 6+ months with no firm fix timeline, raising questions about long-term reliability and safety.
The 2013 Wrangler steering system shows multiple failure patterns. Most common is the so-called "death wobble"—violent oscillation of the front end and steering wheel triggered by bumps, bridge crossings, or road transitions at speeds between 35 and 71 mph. The shaking is so severe owners cannot hold the steering wheel; the only fix is to brake hard and stop completely. Multiple owners report this issue went undiagnosed by dealerships or was dismissed as driver error, despite occurring in multiple vehicles and being widely discussed online. Dealers acknowledge familiarity with the problem but refer to it vaguely as a "steering damper issue" without offering repair details or recalls.
Engine stalling is a second major complaint: vehicles cut out at highway speeds, red lights, and after dealer updates. Power steering and brakes fail during stalls. Computer diagnostics show no fault codes. One owner's vehicle was in service 9 times over 7 months with no resolution; dealers suspected a faulty power module but made no definitive repair.
A critical recall (13V-234) involved transmission oil cooler tubes interfering with power steering lines, risking transmission fluid loss, transmission failure, and fire. Chrysler issued the recall in mid-2013 but limited parts shipments to dealers—sometimes just one part per week—creating backlogs of 30+ vehicles and wait times exceeding six months. Owners waited months despite receiving repeated recall notices, with some dealers unable to schedule repairs as of mid-2014. Steering pump failures, water intrusion into the steering column, and clock spring failures (affecting horn and airbag systems) round out the documented issues. Some owners reported parts installed incorrectly by dealerships, requiring rework.
Same Jeep Wrangler steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Violent shaking and oscillation of the front end and steering wheel triggered by bumps or road transitions at highway speeds (35–71 mph). Vehicle veers uncontrollably; only remedy is to brake hard or come to a complete stop. Owners report this as a known condition called 'death wobble,' though dealers refer to it as a 'steering damper issue.' Does not respond to gentle braking.
When: 35–71 mph on bumps, bridges, or road transitions; multiple incidents per owner over time; as early as first few thousand miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of steering wheel and front end; Vehicle veers to the left or right uncontrollably; Feels like blown tire or flat-spotting (square tires); Occurs randomly without warning after bridge crossings or bumps; Does not resolve until vehicle comes to complete stop
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives; dealers acknowledge the issue but offer no specific fix. Owners mention steering damper as probable culprit per dealer conversations.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No official recall issued for death wobble as of complaint dates. Dealers acknowledge the problem is known among Jeep owners but provide no remedy or timeline. One Jeep customer service representative claimed never to have heard of the issue.
Transmission oil cooler tube comes into contact with power steering fluid return tube, causing transmission fluid loss, potential transmission failure, loss of power steering, and fire risk. Owners received repeated recall notices starting September 2013 but faced 6–18+ month delays for parts availability. Chrysler limited dealers to 1–2 parts per week or every 10–14 days, creating wait lists of 30+ vehicles per dealership.
When: Recall issued June 2013; notices sent Sept 2013–May 2014; parts availability persisted through at least mid-2014 and beyond
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission fluid leaks; Loss of transmission function; Loss of power steering; Potential fire hazard
Codes mentioned: NHTSA 13V-234, NHTSA Campaign N28
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of transmission oil cooler tube and power steering fluid tube. One owner mentioned transmission fluid leaking at 8,000 miles before repair was possible. Owners cited $40,000 vehicle cost vs. Chrysler's unwillingness to manufacture sufficient parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 13V-234 / N28 issued. Chrysler limited parts distribution to dealers (1 part per week to 1 per 14 days) citing stock management concerns. Multiple owners stated Chrysler directly confirmed this rationing policy. No expedited production announced despite complaints spanning 6–14+ months without remedy.
Complete loss of power steering while driving, resulting in crash or near-loss of vehicle control. In one case, power steering failed at 3 mph causing vehicle to hit a tree. In another case, power steering was lost at highway speed (60 mph) during a stall event, making it difficult to exit traffic.
When: At 3 mph and at highway speed (60 mph); one owner reported failure at 20,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering while driving; No warning lights or indicators; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported a part (not specified) was installed upside down; subsequent inspection led to correct installation. Steering pump replaced twice in another case (narrative #12) at approximately 48,000 miles, with water leaks and valve replacements also required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific manufacturer response documented for power steering failure. The upside-down part installation suggests possible dealer assembly error rather than design defect.
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds and while stopped at red lights. Stalls occur after computer updates and road testing by dealers. Vehicle will not restart immediately; owners must wait 10–45 minutes or disconnect/reconnect battery. Dealership computer diagnostics show no fault codes despite repeated stalls.
When: At 50 mph, 70 mph, highway entrance ramps, red lights, at idle; 7 months of repeated stalls in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off without warning; Loss of power steering and power brakes during stall; Will not restart for 10–45 minutes; Starts normally after waiting period; Computer diagnostics show no codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed computer updates, physical inspection, and road testing with no resolution. One owner's case involved TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) and TPM/PTM replacement; mechanic suspected faulty TIPM. Vehicle in service 9 times over 7 months without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer service rudely dismissed concerns in one case. One owner was told a technician would be sent but never was. No root cause identified or remedy provided despite multiple dealer visits and manufacturer contact.
Steering wheel controls (radio, cruise control) become non-responsive. Horn does not function. Airbag warning light illuminates. Issue traced to faulty clock spring or steering column connector. In one recent case (2021 recall remedy), the previously replaced clock spring failed again.
When: At various mileages; one case shows recurring failure post-recall repair (originally remedied 2021, failed again by 2024)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel controls stop working (radio, cruise control); Horn non-functional; Airbag warning light on; Airbag system non-operating
Codes mentioned: B1B02, B1B06
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement required. Dealers checked all fuses; issue is not electrical connection but component failure. One owner reported correct part installation after initial upside-down installation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No specific recall or TSB documented in narratives for clock spring failure. One 2024 complaint indicates recall S40 was previously applied (2021) but remedy failed, suggesting durability issue with replacement clock spring.
Steering box shaft snapped during low-speed maneuver (30 mph across a guard rail transition). Vehicle was not diagnostically identified by original dealership; independent mechanic later diagnosed the failure.
When: At 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering control; Vehicle crashes into guard rail; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Steering box shaft and tie rod end replaced; wheel alignment performed. Repair done at independent mechanic shop, not dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Steering pump fails and requires replacement; seals fail allowing water intrusion into steering system. Abnormal noise (ticking, humming) emitted from steering wheel at speed. Multiple component failures in series: pump replaced twice, dynamic sensor replaced, left and right valve seals replaced.
When: At approximately 48,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise (humming/ticking) from steering wheel at 55+ mph; Water leaks on front passenger side after pump seal repair; Traction control sensor illuminates; Airbag warning lamp illuminates when steering wheel is turned left or right
Repairs/costs cited: Steering pump replaced twice; pump seals replaced; right front ABS sensor replaced; dynamic sensor replaced; left valve seals replaced; right valve seals replaced two months later. Manufacturer was notified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of the cascade of failures. No specific recall, warranty extension, or buyback documented.
Synthesized from 166 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
When you hit a bump or even a rock on the highway or any road, something happens the front end it starts shaking like crazy its as if you had a blow out. Normally around 35 to 50 miles an hour. This is happening to many Jeep owners they call it the "Jeep death wobble." it is a very frightening situation. The steering wheel and the whole front end shakes back and forth. Slowing down does not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep wrangler. The contact received a notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v234000 (power train, steering) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
2013 Jeep wrangler. Consumer writes in regards to transmission oil cooler tube recall notice. *smd the dealer informed the consumer, it would be a minimum of 40 weeks before they would have the part in, because they could only order one every two weeks.
At 50 MPH I crossed a transition on an overpass at a 45 degree angel. The steering wheel shook so hard I could not keep my hands on it. I have heard of this issue called the "death wobble" but never experienced it. The way to stop it is to tap the breaks but I could not because I was on the interstate and there were cars behind me. It felt like the suspension had broken and I was going to…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep wrangler. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 13v234000 (power train, steering) and 14v631000 (electrical system, visibility) however, the parts to do the repairs were unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repairs. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The contact had…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 166 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 46 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 13,000 and 59,000 miles, with the median around 28,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 59,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover steering issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.