Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):U0402 - Implausible Data Received From TCM. P1DD2 - Torque Request Signal From TCM Denied. U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received. P0101 - Mass Air Flow Sensor "A" Circuit Performance. U0418 - Invalid Data Received From Brake System Control Module. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P0703 - Brake Switch 2 Performance. P1185 - General Pressure Senso
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Jeep Renegade steering problems
severe 16 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
16
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 16 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Jeep Renegade, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Of the 5 model years of Jeep Renegade we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 16.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):U0402 - Implausible Data Received From TCM. P1DD2 - Torque Request Signal From TCM Denied. U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received. P0101 - Mass Air Flow Sensor "A" Circuit Performance. U0418 - Invalid Data Received From Brake System Control Module. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P0703 - Brake Switch 2 Performance. P1185 - General Pressure Senso
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic and System Enhancements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):U0402 - Implausible Data Received From TCM. P1DD2 - Torque Request Signal From TCM Denied. U1424 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received. P0101 - Mass Air Flow Sensor "A" Circuit Performance. U0418 - Invalid Data Received From Brake System Control Module. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P0703 - Brake Switch 2 Performance. P1185 - General Pressure
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2017 Jeep Renegade describe two critical steering failure patterns. First, the steering wheel locks up suddenly and without warning while driving—ranging from slow-speed turns to 55 MPH highway driving. The wheel becomes completely immovable, and the car either veers hard or becomes impossible to control. One owner at 40–45 MPH heard a loud bang, the front end lifted, and the vehicle careened into a pole; inspection revealed a snapped tie rod and fractured ball joint, yet Jeep claimed no steering or suspension issues.
Second, power steering loss occurs during driving, sometimes preceded by violent jerking that worsens as the driver moves. One owner lost all steering assist on the freeway with no warning; the dealership cited Electronic Control Unit failure requiring steering column replacement.
A separate pattern involves cascade electrical faults—multiple warning lights (airbag, collision, lane departure, brake, power steering) lighting up together, sometimes with doors locking and unlocking, and in at least one case the engine shutting off completely while driving. One mechanic identified BCM (Body Control Module) failure.
Steering also jerks and pulls during normal turns on several vehicles, with some owners replacing tires three times in 30,000 miles due to uneven wear. Hill Start Assist and ESC system errors appear in winter driving scenarios. Few complaints mention warning lights before failure, and repairs have ranged from steering column replacement to BCM swaps—sometimes under warranty, sometimes not. Jeep's recall (T50 / 17V-485) addresses only 2017 Renegades built June–July 2017.
Same Jeep Renegade steering reports on nearby years: 2015 · 2016 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Sudden steering lockup (complete loss of steering control)
Steering wheel locks up without warning while driving, leaving the driver unable to turn the vehicle. Happens at various speeds and situations—highway driving, turns, parking lot, and at dealer service locations. Some drivers report the vehicle is still running but impossible to control.
When: Variable speeds (30 MPH to 55+ MPH); one case at 30K miles, another at 17K miles; incidents range from early to mid-vehicle life
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes immovable/locked; Loss of all steering control; Vehicle may veer hard in one direction as steering locks; No warning lights in some cases; malfunction lights in others
Codes mentioned: Electronic Control Unit (ECU) failure, Electrical power steering module malfunction, Multiple malfunction indicator lights
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement required in at least one documented case; BCM (Body Control Module) replacement under warranty in another case
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Recall T50 / 17V-485 addresses malfunctioning indicator lights in 2017 Renegade built 9 JUN 2017–18 JUL 2017, but does not cover all affected vehicles; Jeep letter stated 'no suspension or steering issues' found after inspection despite catastrophic front-end failure
Power steering failure (loss of power assist)
Power steering system loses electrical or fluid pressure while driving, forcing the driver to manually steer a much heavier wheel. Often preceded by violent jerking or warning lights. One case involved steering fluid leak onto axle and rotor after impact.
When: Variable speeds on highway and local roads; noted at speeds under 55 MPH and freeway speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerking to the left (escalating frequency); Steering becomes progressively harder to control; Complete power steering loss; Power brakes may also fail simultaneously; Warning lights illuminate just before or after failure
Codes mentioned: Electronic Control Unit failure, Power steering system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement; one case showed possible power steering fluid leak onto axle and rotor
Suspension/steering component fracture (tie rod, ball joint, control arm)
Critical front-end steering and suspension parts break catastrophically under normal driving. One documented case shows rim broken at inner seam, tie rod snapped in half, and ball joint shaft broken inside knuckle. Vehicle became uncontrollable and collided with pole at 40–45 MPH with all airbags deploying.
When: At 30,000 miles; vehicle had new tires for 3 months and only 2,000 miles on them; vehicle was well-maintained and in showroom condition
Symptoms owners cite: Loud bang from front end; Front end lifts up on one side; Vehicle veers hard to one direction (right); Total loss of braking and steering control; No warning lights prior to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Rim broken in half along inner seam with no blowout evidence; tie rod broken in half; ball joint shaft broken inside knuckle; lower control arm pivot remains intact. Suspension damage severe enough that tow truck driver required assistance sliding suspension under vehicle to tow it.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep stated 'no suspension or steering issues' in response letter despite physical evidence of complete suspension/steering failure
Multiple electrical faults cascading (BCM/ECU/electronic throttle control malfunction)
The vehicle experiences a cascade of warning lights and system failures—airbag warnings, collision warnings, lane departure, blind spot, brake, power steering—often with accompanying door locks cycling and window controls failing. May be tied to BCM (Body Control Module) failure. One case involved engine shutdown while driving.
When: Random; at slow speeds; during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple warning messages and lights (airbag, front collision, lane departure, blind spot, brake, power steering); Doors lock and unlock repeatedly; Power windows inoperable; Engine shuts off while driving or in turns; Electronic throttle control warning (lightning bolt icon); Vehicle appears to be running but won't move; Low oil gauge activates after shutdown
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control system warning, BCM (Body Control Module) failure, Service hill start assist, Service ESC (Electronic Stability Control) system, Dynamic steering torque service required
Repairs/costs cited: BCM replacement under warranty in one case; multiple restart attempts required to get vehicle moving again after shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep customer care called twice with no resolution on recall eligibility for instrument panel issues
Steering jerking, pulling, and vibration during turns
Steering wheel jerks, pops, and pulls unexpectedly when turning or during normal driving. Abnormal vibration and noise from the front end. Vehicle may veer to one side. Occurs repeatedly despite multiple dealer service attempts and tire replacements.
When: Starting around 12,000 miles on one vehicle; another case at very low mileage (287 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering pops and pulls when turning; Severe vibration felt while driving at various speeds; Jerking motion when brake pedal depressed; Abnormal noise from front end; Vehicle veers to the right; Uneven tire wear (three tire replacements in 30,000 miles)
Repairs/costs cited: Three tire replacements in 30,000 miles; dealers unable to diagnose root cause; front driver-side tire showing premature wear with clunking noise
Hill Start Assist and ESC system failures with error messages
Electronic stability and hill-start systems fail or malfunction, displaying service error codes. Often triggered during challenging driving conditions (snow-covered roads, slight wheel spin). Vehicle loses 4-wheel drive capability and power steering simultaneously.
When: During snow/ice driving conditions; vehicle maneuvering with wheel slip
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of 4-wheel drive; Loss of power steering; ESC disabled light illuminates; Error messages: 'Service Hill Start Assist,' 'Service ESC System,' 'Dynamic Steering Torque Service Required'; Momentary loss of vehicle control
Codes mentioned: Service hill start assist, Service ESC system, Dynamic steering torque service required
Synthesized from 16 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My electrical power steering module is experiencing technical issues and my steering wheel locked while driving 55 MPH on the highway.
Had steering trouble with your 2017 Jeep Renegade?
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 2017 Jeep Renegade?
It's a meaningful issue. 16 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 15,000 and 40,000 miles, with the median around 17,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 40,000. 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/2017/Jeep/Renegade.
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.