Shimmy Felt In Front End
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Jeep Wrangler steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2021 Jeep Wrangler have filed 245 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 20,000 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
245
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Wrangler | 19 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 1,111 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 441 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 236 |
| 2021 Wrangler (this page) | 245 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 77 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 55 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 245 steering complaints filed for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 245 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.
Among the 19 model years of Jeep Wrangler in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
MODULE - STEERING CONTROL & COLUMN
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Drag Link Long Socket FOR STEERING SHIMMY DIAGNOSIS, PLEASE REFERENCE S1819000004 Rev. Q AND 19 - Steering / Diagnosis and Testing (IN SERVICE LIBRARY). PLEASE REFER 19 - Steering / Linkage / END, Tie Rod / Diagnosis and Testing IF YOU HAVE BALL JOINT LOOSENESS CONCERN. PLEASE DO NOT REPLACE DRAG LINK AND TIE ROD UNLESS PART HAS VISIABLE DAMAGE OR FREE PLAY EXCEEDS SPECS."
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Shimmy Felt In Front End
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Drag Link Long Socket FOR STEERING SHIMMY DIAGNOSIS, PLEASE REFERENCE S1819000004 Rev. Q AND 19 - Steering / Diagnosis and Testing (IN SERVICE LIBRARY). PLEASE REFER 19 - Steering / Linkage / END, Tie Rod / Diagnosis and Testing IF YOU HAVE BALL JOINT LOOSENESS CONCERN. PLEASE DO NOT REPLACE DRAG LINK AND TIE ROD UNLESS PART HAS VISIABLE DAMAGE OR FREE PLAY EXCEEDS SPECS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Jeep Wrangler steering system generates a heavy complaint load centered on violent front-end oscillation known as "death wobble." Owners report uncontrollable shaking of the steering wheel and entire vehicle when hitting bumps or road seams at 45–75 mph; the shaking only stops after slowing to 40–50 mph, often in heavy traffic. This issue strikes stock, unmodified vehicles with low mileage (as early as 4,000 miles) and persists or recurs despite steering damper replacement—the primary dealer repair. Owners describe it as terrifying and safety-critical.
Beyond wobble, steering problems include persistent pull or drift to one side requiring constant wheel tension, dead zones in the wheel with no response, and complete loss of power steering assist without warning. Owners also report electrical faults: multiple dashboard warnings lighting simultaneously, wipers and turn signals malfunctioning, and loss of power steering during these CAN bus events at highway speed. A steering wheel lock-up failure is documented, where the wheel seizes during normal driving, forcing reliance on massive arm strength to regain control.
Backorders plague repairs—steering damper parts are routinely unavailable for 30+ days. Dealers acknowledge the wobble as widespread but do not offer recalls or loaner vehicles. Warranty coverage expires at 36,000 miles, leaving owners stranded for repairs needed after that threshold. One owner paid $340 out of pocket for a known issue despite mechanical breakdown coverage. Alignment attempts and multiple service visits fail to resolve steering wander permanently.
Same Jeep Wrangler steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Death Wobble (Front-End Steering Oscillation)
Violent, uncontrolled shaking of the steering wheel and front end triggered by hitting bumps, road seams, bridge transitions, or expansion joints at highway speeds (typically 45-75 mph). Oscillations persist until vehicle is slowed to under 40-50 mph. Reported across multiple mileage ranges in stock, unmodified vehicles.
When: Onset ranges from 4,000 to 34,000 miles; most commonly noted between 10,000–23,000 miles. Triggered by road irregularities at sustained highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking of steering wheel; Front-end shimmy and vibration; Entire vehicle shudders uncontrollably; Loss of steering control sensation; Vehicle pulls toward opposite lane; Shaking subsides only after deceleration to 40–50 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Steering damper (stabilizer) replacement most commonly recommended, often on extended backorder (30+ days reported). Road-force wheel balancing used as interim measure. Multiple owners report damper replacement does not permanently resolve issue; shaking recurs within weeks to months. One owner reports steering damper replaced 4–5 times within 28,000 miles. Tie-rod replacement and front shock replacement also attempted without consistent resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued despite widespread complaints and 2018–2019 recall for similar issue (190,000+ vehicles). Jeep/FCA TSBs reference ball joints and steering components but no factory-wide remedy confirmed. Factory warranty covers repair only if diagnosed within warranty period; many owners hit mileage limits (36,000 miles) before diagnosis. Parts on extended national backorder.
Steering Wander and Pull
Vehicle drifts or pulls persistently left or right without driver input, particularly at speeds above 40 mph and on freeways. Dead zone reported in steering wheel (up to 2 feet of movement with no response). Issue present from early ownership or within first few hundred miles.
When: Manifested within first 127 days and 3,200 miles of ownership in some cases; others noted after initial highway drives.
Symptoms owners cite: Constant drift or pull to left or right; Dead zone in steering wheel (2 feet of play with no response); Vehicle requires constant tension on wheel to prevent rightward drift; Problem worsens with speed and on freeways; Vehicle visible canting to one side (steering wheel not centered)
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment performed multiple times (2–4 alignments in some cases) without lasting correction. Dealers adjusted toe settings (increased from +0.20 to +0.35), which is within manufacturer spec but did not eliminate issue. One owner reports 20 days in shop within first 127 days of ownership with multiple alignment attempts. Issue recurs shortly after each alignment service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 8-003-21 referenced for 2018–2020 JL models; 2021 model stated to have upgraded steering gear and updated software, but complaints persist. Stellantis case opened (e.g., case #80562177) with no lasting resolution reported. Toe adjustment treated as band-aid solution.
Complete Power Steering Loss
Sudden and total loss of power steering assist without warning, occurring during normal driving or at highway speeds. Steering becomes extremely difficult, requiring excessive arm strength to control vehicle. May occur in isolation or accompanied by other electrical system failures.
When: Reported at 31,000–60,000 miles and within 4 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of steering assist; Steering wheel becomes extremely heavy and difficult to turn; Loss occurs without warning or prior symptoms; Difficulty turning, especially on off-ramps; Voltage spikes (up to 16.3 volts observed on instrument panel); May coincide with loss of ABS, stability control, and other systems
Codes mentioned: Charging system/alternator fault codes (not explicitly listed but diagnosed)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership diagnostics identified corroded ground loop as cause in one case; cleaning ground connections and applying dielectric grease provided partial resolution. Charging system and alternator failure confirmed in another case at 36,419 miles (approximately 4 years old), which is early for those components. One owner's battery also failed prematurely at 2.5 years old.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Stellantis STAR Center diagnostic support noted in one case; addressed via ground connection cleaning. No recall or TSB specifically for power steering loss identified in narratives.
Electrical System Failures and Power Loss
Sudden, complete loss of electrical power while driving, including engine power, power steering, ABS, stability control, airbag system, lighting, and dashboard displays. Multiple systems shut down simultaneously without warning. Vehicle may not restart; requires towing.
When: Occurred at 36,419 miles and in active highway/high-traffic situations. Repeated failures documented in same vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: 'Battery Saver Mode' message appears; Multiple warning lights illuminate at once (nearly every warning light); Engine loses power and may stall; Power steering fails; ABS and stability control disabled; Exterior lighting fails; Dashboard displays go dark; Vehicle will not restart or restarts only briefly before shutting down again; Radiator fan runs at full speed during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed complete alternator and charging system failure. Jump-start attempts unsuccessful; vehicle would not stay powered. Full tow required. Vehicle lightly used, garage-kept, never off-roaded, regularly maintained—suggests defect rather than abuse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No preventive recall or service bulletin identified in narrative. Original battery also failed prematurely at 2.5 years old, suggesting underlying charging system issue.
Electrical/CAN Bus Faults (Multiple Warning Lights and Loss of Function)
Intermittent activation of multiple warning lights and loss of multiple vehicle functions (wipers, turn signals, blind spot warning, power steering, stability control, shift indicator) without clear trigger. Issue may be related to CAN bus connector or wiring harness defect. Loss of power steering at highway speed reported alongside these faults.
When: Reported starting April 2023, recurring June 2023 at highway speeds in rush-hour traffic. Another narrative reports issue recurring within months after 'repair.'
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple dash warning lights illuminate or flash simultaneously (wipers, turn signals, sway bar, airbag, check engine, shift warning); Wipers activate involuntarily and driver cannot shut off; Turn signals inoperative; Blind spot warning continuously on or malfunction; Loss of power steering at highway speed; Vehicle may not shift properly or indicates gear position incorrectly; Stability control disabled; Warning lights cycle individually across dash
Codes mentioned: P2101 (Throttle actuator A control motor circuit range/performance, unexpected voltage), C121C-00 (ABS torque request signal denied), U0401-00 (Implausible data received from ECM/PCM A)
Repairs/costs cited: CAN bus connector replacement performed ($700 noted) but issue recurred within weeks to months. Wiring harness defect suspected by owners and forum discussions. Throttle body replacement attempted in one case but parts unavailable from Mopar and other dealers. System reset allowed temporary drivability in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for CAN bus or wiring harness defects. Dealerships acknowledge issue exists in Wrangler JL forums but lack clear repair protocol. Stellantis reportedly not addressing via recall despite widespread complaints.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up / Electronic Steering Failure
Steering wheel suddenly locks up or becomes unresponsive during normal driving at low speeds, requiring excessive force to regain control. Occurs when hitting bumps, potholes, railroad tracks, or without triggering cause. Often accompanied by dashboard warnings and engine shutdown.
When: Reported at various mileage points; one case within 10 days of purchase; recurrence over 9-month period.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes unresponsive; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate; 'Service shifter' warning flashes; Engine shuts down during steering lock-up; Vehicle becomes immobile and requires towing; Triggered by bumps, potholes, railroad tracks, or spontaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Stellantis STAR link connector replacement performed but issue recurred. Third service visit for same problem within 9 months. Dealership reports 'no codes being thrown' on third occurrence despite repeated failures. Pattern suggests connector repair is incomplete fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Connector replacement covered under warranty initially; subsequent failures not clearly addressed. Vehicle returned to dealership multiple times without permanent resolution.
Throttle/Powertrain Control Failure
Loss of engine throttle response; vehicle will not accelerate when gas pedal is pressed. Vehicle loses power and may stall. Accompanied by warning lights including check engine, stability control, and electrical fault indicators.
When: Occurred at red light (engine running, in Drive) in one case; another at 36,419 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal unresponsive—pressing accelerator produces no power; Check engine light and electronic stability control warning illuminate; Electric 'red bolt' symbol appears on dash; Engine loses power; A/C stops functioning and blows hot air; Engine stalls or shuts down; Vehicle must be restarted or put in Park and back to Drive to regain function
Codes mentioned: P2101 (Throttle actuator A control motor circuit range/performance, unexpected voltage)
Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement recommended but parts unavailable from Mopar dealership network. One case required Autozone diagnostic scan and system reset to regain drivability. Repair costs and parts sourcing remain unresolved in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified. Extended warranty (National Auto Care) involvement mentioned but approval process slow. Dealership advised trading in vehicle due to 2.0L Turbo motor known issues.
Hybrid System Power Loss and Electronic Failures
2021 Jeep Wrangler Hybrid experiences recurring total loss of power (motor and engine) accompanied by multiple dashboard warnings and steering compromise. Systems reboot unpredictably; driver unable to determine vehicle's gear position.
When: Multiple occurrences during various driving conditions including neighborhood streets, highway, and off-road trail. Issue persists despite factory software updates.
Symptoms owners cite: Total loss of motor and engine power; Multiple dashboard lights illuminate; Engine light, turtle light, crash avoidance light come on; Steering becomes compromised; vehicle difficult to steer; Vehicle will not restart without battery disconnect (in some cases); After power restoration, driver cannot determine gear position (neutral vs. drive vs. reverse vs. park); Power windows invert logic (operate when in Off, not in Run); Seatbelt light stays on despite all passengers buckled
Repairs/costs cited: Recent software updates installed prior to recurring failures; dealership states latest firmware on system. Vehicle returned to service 2 days after software install when issue recurred. No OTA (over-the-air) software update capability available.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA rep showed confidence in repair process based on recent software updates, but confidence appears unwarranted given rapid recurrence. No alternative repair strategy mentioned. Lack of OTA update capability limits manufacturer's ability to push fixes remotely.
Water Pump/Coolant System Failure
Premature failure of water pump causing coolant overheating warnings. Dashboard turns red with coolant temperature alerts. Repeated failures within short time intervals.
When: Water pump replaced twice in less than 1.5 years of ownership on 2021 model.
Symptoms owners cite: Entire dashboard turns red, flashing coolant temperature warning; Coolant level indicated as abnormally high; Dashboard warning lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Water pump replacement performed twice by Jeep dealership within 1.5 years. Owner reports this is not normal and expresses concern over pattern of repeated failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Jeep corporate states repairs are covered under warranty but does not address underlying design issue or pattern of failures.
Synthesized from 245 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
There have been absolutely no modifications to my 21 Jeep Wrangler JL sport it has never been off road it has the stock tires at the proper tire pressures and I experienced it unbearable wobble at high speeds when I hit a bump AKA death wobble I cannot believe that jeep is still not addressed this problem, it has been ongoing for years with the Jeep lineup and not been addressed this is my first…
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated while driving at approximately 75 MPH, the vehicle shuddered. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed that the steering damper needed to be replaced. Upon researching online, the contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was…
3 incidents of “death wobble,” first time between 4-5,000 miles and again in October and November of 2023. I’m waiting for another damper as the one they received is leaking. Also, discovered leaking shock absorber. Dangerous and terrifying as you fell like you’ll lose control of your vehicle! I’m going on being out of pocket for car rentals for 5 weeks, although reimbursed it’s still out of…
I have a 2021 Sahara Wranger with only 11,000 miles and is only 16mths old, all stock. On November 11, 2021 is the first time experiencing the so called death wobble. I hit a divot from a recessed reflector that lines the yellow lines in the road. I was going only 55 when I only drove over two, when suddenly my steering wheel and while Jeep started shaking violently. I let my foot off the…
The car and steering column start vibrating very aggressively and it is difficult to control the vehicle. It has happened 4-5 times since purchasing the vehicle in September. Sometimes it occurs after hitting a bump or pothole, but not always. Something is very wrong and it seems dangerous.
Driving down freeway or any road with bumps set my jeep into an uncontrollable bouncing. Today was the worst one so far. Very scary on freeway almost lost control had to drop way down in speed just to get control again. Took jeep into dealer service department right away. Waiting for service to follow-up with me.
Jeep Death Wobble. Dealer is acting like this is an unknown issue.
While driving on an interstate at approximately 65 mph, i crossed a bridge. When i ran over the expansion joint the steering wheel started violently shaking in my hands. It continued until i slowed down to a near stop and then was fine. On the same trip, it did this several times. When I took the jeep to a local dealer, they told me the steering damper (original to the vehicle) was…
At highway speeds after hitting a pothole, small bump, or bridge transition the vehicle begins to shake violently. The steering wheel, and all front end suspension components will shake violently until the vehicle is slowed back down below 40 miles per hour. This has happened multiple times. Looking online this has been encountered by other motorists and is commonly known as the “Jeep Death…
For a few weeks prior to 12-21-2025, I've experienced minor Jeep "death wobble" (suspension issue) at highway speeds when encountering an irregularity (bump) in the road surface. On 12-21-2025, I experienced moderate Jeep "death wobble" at around 60 mph (several times). On a desert 2 lane highway, I was seriously in danger of running off the road to the right (crashing into rock faces bigger…
Had steering trouble with your 2021 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 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 245 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 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 8,800 and 26,200 miles, with the median around 20,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,800; a quarter make it past 26,200. 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/2021/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.