Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Jeep Wrangler steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Jeep Wrangler have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 36,000 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
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Wrangler | 58 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 204 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 166 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 26 |
| 2015 Wrangler (this page) | 28 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 27 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 19 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 1,111 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 441 |
When does it fail?
Of the 28 steering complaints filed for the 2015 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 28 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.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
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 ↗Clockspring Replacement (X68 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves diagnosing the clockspring/Steering Angle Sensor (SAS).If the diagnostic tests indicate the clockspring/SAS requires replacement, replace the clockspring, upper and lower steering column shrouds and steering wheel back cover. Some customers may experience the illumination of the airbag warning lamp or traction control indicator lamp. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: B1B00 - Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Low. B1B01 - Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit High. B1B02 - Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circuit Open. B1B03 - Driver Airbag Squib 1 Circ
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Wrangler steering system is a minefield of issues that owners characterize as dangerous. The "death wobble"—violent shaking of the front end triggered by bumps at highway speeds—shows up repeatedly across complaints. Owners describe sudden, uncontrollable oscillation from 45 to 70+ mph that forces them to slow dramatically or stop completely to regain control. Dealerships frequently deny the problem exists, even when customers present it multiple times.
Tire and suspension geometry problems are pervasive. Owners report severe cupping and uneven tread wear on factory tires by 11,000–14,000 miles despite rotating on schedules dealers recommend. The combination of poor tire wear, wandering, and oscillation at highway speeds persists even after dealer "steering repairs."
Steering column components fail—one owner had the sector shaft break completely, causing the steering gear link to fall off during parking. A "clunk" or thud in the steering column when the vehicle warms up is common, attributed to mismatched metals in the intermediate shaft.
Electronic systems cascade into failure: clock springs disable horns and airbag functionality; ABS modules go on indefinite backorder; traction control engages randomly on dry pavement, causing dangerous speed loss. One owner's ABS module has been on backorder since 2021, now preventing the vehicle from being driven or sold as transmission failure cascaded from the same fault.
Water leaks into the passenger compartment during rain; dealers dismiss this as normal. Dealerships routinely claim problems don't exist or require wait times exceeding a month for appointments.
Same Jeep Wrangler steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Death Wobble
Violent oscillation and shaking of the front end, particularly the steering wheel and front wheels, triggered by bumps or uneven road surfaces at highway speeds (typically 45–70+ mph). The shaking can render the vehicle difficult or nearly impossible to control and typically ceases only when vehicle speed drops significantly or the driver comes to a complete stop and restarts.
When: Triggered by bumps/uneven road surfaces at 45–70+ mph; occurs throughout ownership, from early miles (2400) to higher mileage (90,000+)
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking and oscillation in steering wheel and front wheels; Loss of steering control or extreme difficulty controlling vehicle; Shaking triggered by bumps or uneven pavement; Shaking ceases only when speed drops significantly or vehicle is stopped and restarted; More intense at higher speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacement of steering damper/stabilizer. Some report sway bar/away brackets replaced; multiple visits show dealers initially find nothing wrong. One owner replaced stabilizer only to have problem recur.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall issued for 2018 and 2019 models (mentioned by one owner; 2015 owners report dealerships claim to have 'never heard of' death wobble or find no problem on inspection)
Severe Tire Cupping and Uneven Wear
Front tires develop cupping and chopping on inner driving surface or uneven tread wear, occurring early in vehicle life despite rotation. Typically accompanied by poor handling, wandering, and tire oscillation at highway speeds. Owners report tires fail prematurely (by 14,000–11,500 miles) despite factory 50,000-mile warranty.
When: Begins as early as 2,400 miles; severe cupping/chopping evident by 11,000–14,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cupping and chopping on inside of front tires; Uneven tread wear; Poor handling, wandering, tire oscillation at highway speeds; Thumping noise around 40 mph; Traction loss and wobbling over bumps; Loud howling noise from rear after tire rotation
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers recommend rotating tires every 2,500–5,000 miles. Owners report buying replacement tires at their own expense; warranty does not cover uneven wear. BF Goodrich factory mud terrain tires mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers refuse to replace tires, claim steering is fine, and mandate frequent rotation schedule. Lifetime warranty on tires does not cover uneven wear.
Intermediate Steering Shaft Failure / Steering Clunk
Thud or clunk in steering column when suspension cycles or vehicle warms up, attributed to lower and upper intermediate shaft being made from separate metals with different expansion rates, located near the manifold. One owner reported complete failure: sector shaft broke and steering gear link fell off while parking.
When: Develops after warming or during normal driving; one failure reported at parking (unspecified mileage)
Symptoms owners cite: Clunk or thud in steering column when suspension cycles; Clunk when vehicle warms up; Unease and fear of imminent steering failure; Sector shaft break (one report) causing steering gear link to fall off
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement intermediate shaft is reportedly always on backorder. One owner had sector shaft/steering gear link failure requiring replacement; Jeep refused to pay.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Replacement parts frequently on backorder; no TSBs or recalls mentioned by owners
Steering Box and Arm Defect
Excessive play in steering wheel and defective steering box/arm requiring replacement. One owner reported dealer diagnosis of steering box and arm replacement at $1,400; dealership advised vehicle was unsafe to drive.
When: Identified in one owner's vehicle at approximately 3,000 miles (purchased January 2018)
Symptoms owners cite: Excessive play in steering wheel; Traction control light activates intermittently, causing inability to stop or dramatic speed loss
Repairs/costs cited: Steering box and steering arm replacement quoted at $1,400. Dealership stated vehicle was unsafe to drive.
Lift Kit Installation – Steering Component Issues
MOPAR 4-inch factory-approved lift kit installation caused multiple steering and front-axle alignment failures. Caster alignment cannot be corrected to factory specs; front axle is off-center; steering drag link digs into wheel interior knocking off balance weights; track bar bracket bent allowing excessive stabilizer and track bar play. Owner experienced uncontrollable steering wheel shaking on new vehicle with <800 miles.
When: <800 miles after lift kit installation by dealership
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrollable steering wheel shaking at highway speed; Nearly veered into oncoming traffic; Alignment caster cannot be corrected to factory specs; Front axle not centered; Steering drag link digs into inside of wheel, knocking off balance weights; Track bar bracket bent with excessive play in stabilizer and track bar
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership in holding pattern awaiting guidance from MOPAR; MOPAR and Chrysler blamed each other for repair responsibility
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated MOPAR parts issue; MOPAR said dealer responsibility; Chrysler has final say on repair process (per MOPAR)
Clock Spring / Airbag Assembly Failure
Clock spring failure disables horn and multiple steering wheel controls; airbag warning light illuminates. Vehicle remains undrivable for essential safety features despite documented recall for this model year.
When: Failures reported across different model years; one owner reports ABS module on backorder since 2021 with ongoing electrical cascade failures
Symptoms owners cite: Horn does not work or requires unusual pressure to activate; Airbag warning light on; Traction control light on; Multiple steering wheel controls non-functional (horn, audio controls, etc.); Horn assembly vibrates when turning
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement needed; parts availability cited as issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall documented for 2015 model year but does not appear on some VINs in owner's records; parts frequently on backorder
Axle Seal Leaks (Front and Rear)
Front and rear axle seals leak fluid, causing burning smell from underneath vehicle. Dealership repair does not resolve issue; burning smell persists after warranty service.
When: Detected at approximately 22,000 miles (used purchase); issue continued at 35,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell from under vehicle; Fluid leakage from front and rear axle assemblies
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership service performed; leak reportedly fixed but problem recurred within 2 weeks
Water Leaks Into Passenger Compartment
Water enters passenger side of vehicle during rain, soaking carpets and causing mildew smell. Dealership and sales staff claim this is normal for Jeeps and recommend draining water via plug under carpet.
When: Noticed within couple weeks of purchase; ongoing issue as of reporting date
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling on passenger side after rain; Soaked carpets; Mildew odor; Unable to locate source of leak
Repairs/costs cited: Maintenance tech suggested pulling drain plug under carpet to drain water. No repair completed; appointment wait times exceeding one month cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims water leaks are normal for Jeep Wranglers and refuses to address as defect
Traction Control Malfunction
Traction control light activates randomly during normal driving on dry pavement or turns, causing vehicle to dramatically reduce speed for no apparent reason or go into limp mode, creating safety hazard.
When: Occurs randomly throughout vehicle operation
Symptoms owners cite: Traction control light comes on suddenly while driving forward or turning; Dramatic, unexplained speed reduction; Vehicle goes into limp mode; Occurs on dry pavement with no warning
Codes mentioned: P0340
ABS Module Failure and Electronic Cascade Failures
ABS module failure triggers cascade of additional electronic and drivetrain failures. One owner reports ABS module on backorder since 2021; now transmission failure and loss of power at 0 mph attributed to same module. Vehicle immobilized and cannot be driven or sold.
When: ABS light reported in 2021; transmission failure reported May 2025 (4+ years later, still unresolved)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light on; Brake warning light on; Traction control light on; Transmission failure with 0 mph capability; Vehicle unable to be driven; Vehicle unable to be sold due to unresolved defect
Repairs/costs cited: ABS module replacement needed; parts on backorder with no timeframe for availability
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Parts listed as on backorder indefinitely
Engine Stalling – Power Steering Loss During Operation
Engine stalls for 2–10 seconds at stoplights, intersections, and during normal driving; loss of power steering during stalls creates dangerous steering condition. One instance required full brake application to avoid oncoming traffic when stall occurred during vehicle passing maneuver.
When: Occurs at stoplights, intersections, during normal driving, and during passing maneuvers; occurs day and night, warm and cold conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stops for 2–10 seconds without warning; Loss of power steering during stall (no power assist available to turn wheels); Occurs 30–40+ times per year; Dealerships deny problem exists or claim engine cannot stop while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships refuse to acknowledge problem or investigate
Seat Belt Latch Sticking
Passenger seat belt assembly fails to operate properly due to latch sticking and not releasing. Latch remains stuck on numerous occasions, making seat belt inoperable.
When: Develops over time; noted as ongoing issue by one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Seat belt latch sticks and does not release; Seat belt cannot be operated properly; Occurs on numerous occasions
Vehicle Pulling (Possible Alignment/Suspension Defect)
Vehicle pulls during driving, noted as ongoing issue by owner who also experienced death wobble. Described as long-standing pulling tendency.
When: Long-standing issue throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls while driving
Complete Power Loss (Engine and Power Steering)
Vehicle experiences complete shutdown of engine and power steering systems while driving; interior power remains. Engine restarts but exhibits loss of fuel flow. Creates dangerous condition as vehicle loses steering assist and power while in motion.
When: Intermittent failures throughout vehicle use
Symptoms owners cite: Complete shutdown of engine and power steering while driving; Interior power remains active; Engine restarts with difficulty / acts like not receiving fuel; Engine runs fine after restart until next occurrence
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
2015 Jeep wrangler 36,000 miles started the death wobble called dealership to have oil changed they looked it over and found one of the away brackets were busted. Replaced those parts( we have never been off road) vibration in steering column at all times and periodic death wobble that will increase above 45 MPH and get worse at faster speed will stop when you stop vehicle and start driving again
Tl* the contact owns a 2015 Jeep wrangler. While driving at approximately 70 MPH over a pothole, the contact lost control of the vehicle. In addition, the steering wheel veered to the right and seized. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 2,000.
Had steering trouble with your 2015 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 2015 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 28 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 11,596 and 48,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 11,596; a quarter make it past 48,000. 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/2015/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.