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moderate Owners of the 2019 Jeep Wrangler have filed 441 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 8,100 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 →
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Wrangler | 28 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 27 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 19 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 1,111 |
| 2019 Wrangler (this page) | 441 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 236 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 245 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 77 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 55 |
Of the 441 steering complaints filed for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 61% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 10 categories tracked.
Among the 19 model years of Jeep Wrangler in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.
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.
Shimmy Felt In Front End
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗MODULE - STEERING CONTROL & COLUMN
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Shimmy Felt In Front End
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DAMPER - NONE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Air Trapped in Steering Damper Warranty Extension XF1 A shimmy in the steering wheel after hitting an irregularity on the road surface (symptom is more prevalent in cold temperatures). This bulletin involves replacing the steering damper."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2019 Jeep Wranglers describe five interconnected failure patterns. Most common is "death wobble"—violent steering oscillation and front-end shaking triggered by bumps or road imperfections at highway speeds (55+ mph), sometimes requiring emergency braking to regain control. Second is chronic excessive steering play (2–4 inches of dead spot), causing the vehicle to wander between lane lines constantly. Drivers report needing both hands on the wheel at all times, even on straight highways, and describe the experience as exhausting. Third is sudden, complete loss of power steering at various speeds, with the steering wheel becoming stiff and difficult to turn, often accompanied by simultaneous failures of brakes, engine control, and transmission shifting. Fourth is unpredictable steering response to bumps or road imperfections—the vehicle veers unexpectedly and steering corrections are amplified through the dead spot, creating oscillation. Fifth is widespread electrical failure where dozens of warning lights illuminate simultaneously and the vehicle loses steering, braking, and engine control at once—a pattern suggesting a CAN-C BUS or body control module defect.
Dealers have performed steering damper replacement under recall CSN V41 (June 2019), track bar and tie rod service, alignment adjustments, software updates, and even steering box replacement, yet owners report problems persist. One owner replaced a CAN-C BUS harness (p/n 68321746AA) and resolved the electrical cascade failures. Multiple owners report dealership responses dismissing the issues as "how Jeeps are designed" or "that's a Jeep thing," despite TSB 08-074-20 addressing steering wander through steering gear box replacement (aluminum to steel) and software updates. Extended service records show vehicles in dealership shops for 69+ days with seven or more repeat repair visits without permanent resolution. Owners widely note the problem is design-rooted, not a simple fix, and appears to affect a substantial portion of the 2018–2019 JL generation despite selective VIN inclusion in official recall notifications.
Same Jeep Wrangler steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Violent, uncontrollable steering wheel oscillation and front-end shaking triggered by bumps or road imperfections at highway speeds (typically 55+ mph). Owners report the entire front end shaking violently, making vehicle control extremely difficult and sometimes impossible without emergency braking to regain stability.
When: Highway speeds, typically above 55 mph; triggered by bumps, expansion joints, or road imperfections
Symptoms owners cite: Violent steering wheel oscillation; Entire front end shaking; Loss of steering control; Requires emergency braking to stop oscillation; Intermittent episodes triggered by road conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced steering damper under Customer Satisfaction Notification (CSN) V41; some owners report damper replacement did not resolve the issue. One owner mentioned steering box and pitman arm replacement after initial damper work. Damper-only fixes described by owners as temporary or ineffective.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: CSN V41 issued June 2019 covering approximately 192,000 2018–2019 Jeep Wranglers for steering damper defects; owners report selective VIN exclusion despite matching symptoms. NHTSA investigation PE19-012 identified frame weld quality deficiencies and steering defects affecting ~270,000 vehicles.
Chronic loose steering with significant play (reported as 2–4 inches dead spot or excessive play before wheels respond). Vehicle drifts left and right unpredictably, requiring constant steering corrections to maintain lane position. Problem present since delivery and persistent across multiple speed ranges.
When: All speeds but most pronounced above 30 mph; worse at highway speeds; exacerbated by wind, bumps, and road crown
Symptoms owners cite: 2–4 inches of dead spot in steering wheel; Excessive play requiring constant corrections; Vehicle wanders and drifts between lane lines; Overly sensitive steering response (ping-pong effect after correction); Difficulty maintaining lane position without active steering input; Driver fatigue from continuous corrective steering; Vehicle pulls to left or right unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: Track bar replacement, tie rod bushing replacement, alignment adjustment, steering control module update, tire pressure reduction, custom adjustable stabilizer installation—multiple shops report partial improvement but not full resolution. One owner noted dealer charged $1,400 to replace steering box per TSB recommendations; another owner found aluminum steering gear box was original design and replacement with steel version was available per TSB 08-074-20 REV.B but refused under warranty after 3-year period.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 08-074-20 REV.B (and later revisions) issued September 26, 2020, addressing 'excess play' and 'wandering' via steering gear box replacement (aluminum to steel) and EHPS software update. Owners report dealers telling them 'that's how Jeeps drive' or 'it's a Jeep thing.' Warranty coverage denied once outside 3/36 period.
Intermittent or sudden complete loss of power steering functionality, with steering wheel becoming stiff and difficult or impossible to turn. Often accompanied by multiple warning lights and system failures. Occurs without warning at highway speeds, creating immediate danger.
When: Variable speeds (10 mph to 75 mph); some instances at stop lights or during low-speed maneuvers, others at highway speed
Symptoms owners cite: Complete power steering failure; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff; Wheel movement restricted to ~1 inch in either direction despite power steering still engaged; Multiple warning lights (check engine, ABS, electronic stability control, sway bar disconnect); Intermittent episodes, sometimes resolving after vehicle restart; Loss of braking control reported in conjunction with steering lockup; Engine revving uncontrollably; Transmission shift lever malfunction
Codes mentioned: 50+ fault codes stored (including CAN-C BUS communication faults), Lost communication with Body Control Module, Lost communication with ABS control module, Torque request signal from PCM denied, CAN communication messages missing, Invalid data from ECM/PCM, Lost communication with SCM/CAN-C, Implausible missing transmission message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted multiple part replacements including CAN-C BUS (p/n 68321746AA), steering column bolts, module replacements without clear resolution. One owner self-replaced failing CAN-C BUS and reported issue resolved. Several owners report dealership unable to replicate issue or identify root cause; one dealership stated 'they don't know how to fix this life threatening situation.' Extended service visits (7 visits, 69 days down, 8 repeat repairs in one case) with no permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear manufacturer fix identified in narratives. One narrative references module replaced at <8,000 miles that 'was supposed to fix this issue' but problem recurred at <25,000 miles. FCA service resources acknowledged but reportedly unable to resolve. Internal dealership documentation noted: '!!Attention!! This vehicle may have had 7 visits, 69 days down and 8 repeat repairs.'
Exaggerated or unpredictable steering response when vehicle hits minor bumps, expansion joints, potholes, or bridge surfaces. Steering wheel jerks or vehicle veers unexpectedly; described as 'driver-induced oscillation' where corrections are amplified through dead spot in steering.
When: Triggered by bumps, expansion joints, bridge overpasses, rough pavement, potholes; occurs at all speeds
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel jerks or shakes when hitting bumps; Vehicle veers unpredictably after road imperfections; Exaggerated steering corrections due to dead spot amplification; Front suspension or wheel appears loose; Shimmy in front end when crossing expansion joints
Repairs/costs cited: Steering damper replacement (CSN V41) improved shudder but did not resolve wandering or veer behavior. Alignment adjustment offered minimal improvement. One owner noted custom adjustable stabilizer installation expected to help but root cause believed to be defective steering gear/box and steering control module settings.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB 08-074-20 REV.B addresses this via steering gear box replacement and EHPS software update. No evidence of manufacturer recall or warranty coverage beyond initial campaigns.
Widespread electrical and communication bus failures causing simultaneous loss of multiple steering, braking, engine, and accessory systems. Suggests underlying CAN-C BUS or body control module defect. Critical safety risk when occurring at highway speeds.
When: Variable; some instances after rough road impact, others without clear trigger; occurs at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: All warning lights illuminate simultaneously (check engine, ABS, electronic stability control, sway bar disconnect, etc.); Loss of power steering in conjunction with other system failures; Braking system malfunction; Engine stalling and uncontrolled revving; Transmission malfunction (unable to shift to park or neutral); Windshield wipers engage independently; Radiator fan runs at maximum speed without command; Digital speedometer and gauge failures; Steering column unresponsiveness; Dashboard screen failures
Codes mentioned: 50+ stored fault codes, CAN-C BUS communication faults, Loss of communication with multiple control modules, Lost communication with Body Control Module, Lost communication with ABS control module
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing CAN-C BUS (p/n 68321746AA) resolved the issue in at least one case. One narrative notes vehicle repaired under warranty (module replaced at <8,000 miles) but issue recurred at <25,000 miles. Dealership service notes indicate vehicle had 7 visits, 69 days down, and 8 repeat repairs without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear recall or TSB identified. One owner noted FCA refused to disclose root cause, claiming it proprietary, and attempted software fixes without disclosing nature of problem. FCA investigator promised findings within 2–4 weeks (timeframe stated in December 2019 narrative).
Synthesized from 441 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
While driving on the while driving on the highway at about 60 MPH and taking a slight left or right curve we hit an expansion joint on the bridge. The front wheels started shaking uncontrollably until I came to a full stop on the side of the road. Very dangerous safety concern, especially on a car that has not been off-road and with less than 18000 miles and no modifications. This issue is very…
Lost all steering while driving on highway coming up to a corner, extreme safety risk. Jeep repair facility can not diagnose and repair my vehicle and it has been out of service for over 6 months this year and its at repair facility unable to be repaired-STARS has been involved. Loss of steering while driving my 6 year old granddaughter, we almost crashed into another vehicle, could have been…
Car as a very obvious steering play, more obvious at speed above 40mph. The Jeep is hard to keep on lane in normal highway driving and dangerous.
My power steering has completely locked up multiple times while driving on freeways, highways, and residential streets. This issue has occurred in all types of weather, including rainy days and dry days, so that doesn't seem to have any sort of impact on the issue. When the power steering locks up the vehicle throws around 50 codes, which the dealership has reset more than once. Each time the…
When on the highway, it starting shaking vigorously. I had to slow down to stop it from shaking. I went from about 70 MPH to about 35 MPH in order to stop it from shaking. I tried looking up what it could be and found that it's been called the "death wobble." I've also checked it for recalls and nothing came up at this time. I tried calling fca, however after being on hold for more than 2 hours,…
Concern: Suspension, steering, and electrical system malfunction Description of the Problem: While driving at highway speeds (approximately 75 mph), the vehicle experiences a wiggling or unstable sensation in the suspension, making the car feel unsafe. At the same time, the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. Additionally, a warning message appears stating “Service Shifter.”…
While driving on the highway at approximately 70 MPH, the Jeep began to shake (wabble) violently. The steering column became hard to control due to the shaking of the Jeep. Slowing down did not seem to help so I pulled off the freeway and came to a complete stop. This alleviated the issue temporarily. However, the shaking/wabble occurred 6 more times during my 200-mile trip. I took my Jeep into…
I was driving a 2019 Jeep wrangler that I bought at the end of january 2020, I barely have 3,300 miles on it, due to covid and remote working. I was driving on rte. 287 south doing 70 MPH I must have hit a bump or imperfection in the road, all of a sudden the whole car started to violently vibrate and shake, I had to go from the left lane over to the right shoulder while slowing down to about 30…
Bought the 2019 Jeep jl certified used nov 24. Told the dealer that the Jeep pulls to the right and the vehicles alignment might be off. The told me they did alignment and everything is good. At highway speeds the Jeep wanders all over the road it is very hard to control. I will be bringing it to a different dealer because it does not feel safe.
The steering is loose and vhicule wanders at highway speed. It's very difficult to keep in a straight line at highway speed. Feels extremely unsafe. The dealer bas changed the stearing dumper and that's no better. It's been like this since the purchase in december 2019.
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 441 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 169 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 4,000 and 17,000 miles, with the median around 8,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,000; a quarter make it past 17,000. 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.