Improper Up Shift With Paddle Shift This bulletin involves replacing both steering wheel paddle shifter. Customers may experience the following:When trying to upshift using the paddle shifter on the steering, the transmission will downshift instead.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee have filed 81 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 49,000 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
81
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 3 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 86 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 99 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 26 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee (this page) | 81 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 40 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 16 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 18 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 14 |
2crashes
2injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 81 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.
Improper Up Shift With Paddle Shift This bulletin involves replacing both steering wheel paddle shifter. Customers may experience the following:When trying to upshift using the paddle shifter on the steering, the transmission will downshift instead.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
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. UPDATE: 11/9/2016 If the new bearing does not fit through the double dash, you need to re
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Grand Cherokee steering system shows a consistent pattern of failure across three main categories: power steering leaks, electrical control failures, and mechanical breakdowns.
Power steering fluid disappears from the reservoir with no visible external leak. Owners report the fluid is traced to the steering rack, where it leaks internally and often ends up on brake boots. Multiple owners have caught this only by chance during oil changes, as the leak is undetectable without inspection. When caught too late, the entire steering rack, pump, and module require replacement at $2,000–$3,000 cost.
Power steering failures happen suddenly—sometimes with a service warning light minutes before, sometimes with no warning at all. Drivers report losing assist while turning at traffic lights, on highways, or during parking. The steering wheel becomes nearly immovable, forcing owners to the side of the road. Dealers struggle to diagnose intermittent failures and find no error codes.
Steering column shafts snap or splines strip, causing the steering wheel to spin freely without turning the wheels. CV joint boots fail even on brand-new vehicles, spraying grease onto brake components within days of purchase. Electronic steering control module shorts trigger stability control warnings and disable wipers and turn signals.
Engine stalls tied to alternator failure kill all electrical systems simultaneously, including power steering and brakes. Owners report being stuck in traffic with no steering or braking capability.
On wet roads at highway speeds, the vehicle becomes uncontrollable—fishtailing and drifting despite driver input—yet dealers cannot replicate the problem and find no fault codes.
Same Jeep Grand Cherokee steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Fluid Loss and Rack Leakage
Power steering fluid disappears from reservoir with no visible leak detected by owners, traced to internal steering rack leakage. Fluid loss occurs without external evidence and can develop into complete power steering failure requiring full rack replacement.
When: Reported at various mileages (under 20,000 to 89,000 miles); one owner at 68,500 miles, another at 54,108 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid level drops rapidly without visible external leaks; Fluid appears to be leaking internally into brake boots or other components; Service Power Steering warning light illuminates; Steering becomes heavy and difficult, particularly at low speeds; Complete power steering failure after fluid depletion
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Service Required warning
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement costs $2,000–$3,000; owners report dealers initially unable to locate leaks; some also required power steering pump replacement and module replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers consistently report inability to locate leaks; no recalls issued despite widespread complaints since 2020
Power Steering Sudden Complete Failure
Power steering system fails abruptly while driving, with minimal or no warning. Failure occurs most often during turns or highway driving, leaving drivers unable to steer effectively at highway or low speeds.
When: Reported at mileages ranging from 4 years old (18,200 miles) to higher mileages; failures occur mid-drive or mid-turn
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist fails suddenly with little or no warning; Steering wheel becomes very heavy and difficult to turn; Service Power Steering warning light appears just before or after failure; Fluid reservoir empty despite recent top-offs; In some cases, power steering goes out while turning at traffic light or parking
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Service Required
Repairs/costs cited: Repair includes gearbox/rack replacement (~$2,000–$3,000), power steering module replacement, and pump replacement; one owner paid close to $3,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued; dealers attribute to gearbox defect and recommend full system replacement
Steering Column Shaft Failure
Lower and upper steering column shafts lose connection or spline strips, causing steering wheel to spin freely without controlling vehicle direction. Failure occurs suddenly with minimal warning, creating total loss of steering control.
When: Reported at 18,200 miles (14 months old) and during routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of steering control; steering wheel spins freely in both directions; Slight jerk or pop felt on steering wheel before failure; Steering wheel does not control vehicle movement; May include damage to clockspring
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column shaft repaired/replaced; clockspring damage also repaired
Intermittent Power Steering Loss (Service Warning Cycles)
Power steering assist intermittently fails and recovers, with Service Power Steering warning appearing and disappearing over minutes to hours. Problem is difficult to diagnose due to intermittent nature and lack of stored diagnostic codes.
When: Reported at low mileages and across various driving conditions; one owner reports problem recurring for second time in 2 weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Service Power Steering warning illuminates intermittently; Power steering assist drops out, then returns after minutes to hours; Engine heats up after power steering warning appears; Problem often disappears before dealer can diagnose; Difficulty with evasive maneuvers and traffic maneuvering when failure occurs
Codes mentioned: Power Steering Service Required (intermittent), No error codes stored when dealer tests vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose due to intermittent nature; no repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers cannot replicate problem and cannot find diagnostic codes
Steering Lock-Up During Driving or Parking
Steering wheel locks and becomes immovable during turns, parking maneuvers, or while driving. Lock-up occurs without warning and may require engine restart to free steering.
When: Reported during various driving speeds (5–60 mph) and parking situations; one incident during low-speed parking maneuver, others at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly locks and becomes unmovable; Lock-up occurs during turns or while attempting to park; No warning light or message preceding lock-up; Steering frees up after engine restart; Vehicle may enter Neutral or Park automatically; brakes may become heavy
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Attributed to electric power steering pump failure or electronic steering control module short circuit requiring replacement (~$1,000+); one owner reported repair cost $2,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P64 (NHTSA 14V-636) covers Electronic Stability Control steering control module issues; however, Chrysler has denied coverage to some owners claiming VIN not included in recall
CV Boot and Joint Failures
CV joint boots tear or clamps fail, releasing axle grease onto wheel and brake components. Failures occur extremely early in vehicle life (under 170 miles to two days after purchase). Common in both front axles.
When: Reported as early as 2 days after new vehicle purchase; one at 170 miles; problem clusters around March–April 2014 build dates
Symptoms owners cite: Grease visible on inside of wheel rims; CV boot torn or clamp missing; Axle grease splattered on brake calipers, brake pads, and surrounding components; Concern that grease on brake components could reduce braking effectiveness
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: CV joint boot or entire axle assembly replacement required; parts frequently on backorder; one owner reported 6-day wait, another 2-week wait with no resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread early-life failures; dealers confirm common issue and backorder status
Loss of Electrical Power and Engine Stall
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving, causing simultaneous loss of power steering, power brakes, and all electrical systems. Alternator failure and related electrical cascade failures documented.
When: Reported at various mileages; T36 alternator recall applies to gasoline engines; one incident at 49,000 miles on diesel model
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving; Power steering and power brakes lost immediately; All electrical systems shut down (air conditioning, radio, lights, ABS, suspension control); Battery warning light illuminates; alternator smoking reported; Vehicle shifts to Neutral or Park on its own; Electronic stability control and other safety systems become inoperable
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, Check Engine light, Service Transmission and Brake messages, Alternator failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement; battery replacement; one owner reports alternator replaced with same faulty design; repair costs cited in $2,000 range for combined issues
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall T36 covers alternator failure for select vehicles; some owners denied coverage because VIN not listed on recall; dealers state out-of-warranty repairs are owner responsibility
Steering Wheel Heavy or Difficult to Turn
Power steering becomes ineffective or extremely difficult, particularly during low-speed maneuvers (parking, tight turns) or in cold weather. May occur at higher speeds but generally worsens at low speeds.
When: Reported year-round; cold weather exacerbates problem; one owner reports issue starting in 2017 on a 2014 vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel requires excessive effort to turn, especially at low speeds; Problem worse in colder weather conditions; Temporary recovery after moving wheel left and right multiple times; Problem recurs when shifting from Reverse to Drive; Occurs at stop lights, in driveways, and during parking maneuvers
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented; owners manage by manually manipulating wheel or waiting for warm-up
Steering Control Module Electrical Fault
Steering control module develops short circuit or electrical failure, triggering Electronic Stability Control warning and disabling blinkers and wipers. Related to Recall P64 but not universally covered.
When: Reported at 55,000 miles and at various other mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Electronic Stability Control warning light flashes; Blinkers and windshield wipers malfunction or stop working; Steering wheel jerks inadvertently; Traction control may activate without cause; Steering may turn without warning
Codes mentioned: P64 / NHTSA 14V-636 (Electronic Stability Control) – though not always applied to affected vehicles
Repairs/costs cited: Steering control module replacement required (~$1,000+)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall P64 (NHTSA 14V-636) issued but Chrysler denies coverage to some owners, claiming their VIN is not included despite matching problem description exactly
Vehicle Instability and Loss of Traction at Highway Speeds
Vehicle becomes uncontrollable on wet or slippery roads at highway speeds, with steering wheel shaking and vehicle drifting or fishtailing uncontrollably despite reduced speed and driver input. Multiple similar incidents reported by different owners.
When: Reported during wet or slippery road conditions; one series of incidents on Interstate in rain, another in wet conditions on expressway
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes violently side to side; Vehicle drifts or fishtails despite driver correction attempts; Vehicle feels like it is driving itself; Vehicle slides and loses traction at moderate speeds (40–60 mph); Rear end drifts uncontrollably toward lane edge; Loose steering wheel feeling; Front end shakes and suspension feels unstable; Problem intermittent and tied to road surface conditions
Codes mentioned: No error codes found by dealer
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to replicate problem; computer diagnostics find no codes; Select-Terrain mode switching did not resolve issue; one owner upgraded tires as attempted fix
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers unable to diagnose; no connection to P64 recall confirmed despite similar symptoms to Electronic Stability Control issues
High-Speed Steering Shake and Vibration
Steering wheel shakes aggressively side to side at highway speeds (around 60 mph), despite dealer replacement of drive shafts and tire balancing. Dealers attribute to normal vehicle characteristic despite owner insistence this is abnormal.
When: Reported during expressway driving at highway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel shakes side to side aggressively at around 60 mph; Vibration continues despite tire balance checks and drive shaft replacement; Problem persists across multiple dealer visits
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced two drive shafts and checked tire balance; problem remained unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer states this is 'how the Jeep rides' and normal; no further action taken
Drivetrain Shudder at Highway Speeds ('Fish Bites')
Vehicle shudders and vibrates intermittently at highway speeds due to drivetrain issues. Problem is recognized as common in EcoDiesel models and has acquired the nickname 'Fish Bites.' Multiple Technical Service Bulletins issued but fixes remain ineffective.
When: Reported intermittently during highway driving; problem worsens over time despite dealer attempts to fix
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle shudders and vibrates intermittently at highway speeds; Problem gets increasingly worse; Nearly causes vehicle to lose control at high speed; Occurs on tight two-lane roads particularly
Codes mentioned:
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple Technical Service Bulletins applied; software flashes attempted; repairs remain ineffective despite numerous dealer visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs acknowledge drivetrain as source and attempt software fixes; however, fixes do not resolve issue
Synthesized from 81 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 2014 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 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 81 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 62 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 16,850 and 80,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,850; a quarter make it past 80,000. 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/2014/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.