2018 Jeep Wrangler steering problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V343000May 25, 2018539 vehicles
  STEERING

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.

  Risk: If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U48.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 25, 2026OHSteering

   My 2018 Jeep Wrangler JL has excessive play in the steering and wanders while driving, requiring frequent steering corrections to maintain the vehicle's direction, particularly at highway speeds. I have been dealing with the steering issue for over a year. I am concerned that the excessive play and wandering could result in difficulty maintaining control of the vehicle, especially at highway speeds or during an emergency maneuver. I took the vehicle to an authorized Jeep…

   NHTSA complaint #11766875 · source
2. Filed Aug 26, 2026FLSteering

   2018 Jeep wrangler had a recall for the violently shaking front end suspension that happens while driving at high speeds of 65-70 mph and I hit a small bump. Also commonly known as the "death wobble". When this happens, I need to slow car down and pull onto the shoulder in order to get it to stop, which is very dangerous on the highway. The Repair the dealer did on this was a knowingly temporary fix. When the violent shaking returned a few thousand miles later, I was told it…

   NHTSA complaint #11759828 · source
3. Filed Aug 18, 2026ILDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

   Change the ending so it is completely accurate: The electric power-steering assistance and electrical/instrument-panel systems have repeatedly malfunctioned. Power-steering assistance failed while I was driving on August 3, 2026, and again on August 8, 2026. Each time, the steering suddenly became extremely difficult. I struggled to maintain control and pull over safely without being struck or causing a collision. This placed me, my passengers, and other motorists at serious…

   NHTSA complaint #11757777 · source
4. Filed Aug 10, 2026MISteering

   The steering column mechanically disconnected, causing a complete loss of steering control while traveling approximately 70 mph on a highway. I was in the right lane when steering control was lost without any warning signs, including noises, vibrations, warning lights, or increased steering resistance. I immediately activated the hazard lights, informed my passenger, checked surrounding traffic, and applied the brakes. The vehicle pulled to the left under braking, crossed…

   NHTSA complaint #11755832 · source
5. Filed Jun 23, 202691,300 miNHTowedBrakesSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving 20 miles away after an hour, the vehicle lost power steering and power braking functionality, and the transmission unexpectedly downshifted to a lower gear. The vehicle was turned off. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure.…

   NHTSA complaint #11745854 · source
6. Filed Jun 10, 2026GASteeringSuspension

   Any time I am over the speed of about 55 mph, and hit any type of bump, the steering wheel starts to shake violently. I have to slow down to about 40 mph to make it stop. I almost got rearended by an 18-wheeler yesterday on the interstate.

   NHTSA complaint #11743278 · source
7. Filed May 18, 2026VAElectrical SystemEngineSteering

   I bought this vehicle used in 2022 from CarMax. According to Jeep (Stellantis) Co. multiple recalls were fixed by the previous owner, but the patch available for 2018 Jeep Wranglers was not done. In 2024 my iphone and Mac laptop were hacked and shortly after I began having problems with my 2018 Jeep Wrangler. My alarm system started going off while I was in my home without touching or being near the FOB. When I used my FOB to unlock the doors, they would lock back before I…

   NHTSA complaint #11738632 · source
8. Filed May 4, 2026MSElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   One day out of the blue, my Jeep Wrangler received a "Service Shifter" error code. The error code threw about 40 other codes at the same time. Loss of power steering, loss of abs, engine kept revving on its own, windshield wipers turned on. While in park it felt as if it was trying to shift itself into other gears. Loss of steering while driving as well as the engine revving up and down while on the interstate. Every warning light came on and stayed on. I can let it sit for…

   NHTSA complaint #11735563 · source
9. Filed Apr 24, 2026CAAirbagsSteering

   I own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The vehicle has a serious safety issue where the steering wheel shakes violently at freeway speeds, especially when driving over uneven roads or bumps. This makes the vehicle feel unsafe to operate. This issue was previously repaired under warranty with a steering damper replacement. However, the same problem has returned, indicating that the issue was not properly resolved. The dealership has recently verified the issue through a road test and…

   NHTSA complaint #11733660 · source
10. Filed Apr 22, 202647,000 miMASteering

    The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler JK. The contact stated that twice while driving approximately 40-60 MPH, the front end was violently shaking. After stopping, the vibration seized, and the vehicle was driven at slower speeds. While driving over a bump or expansion bridge, the failure recurred. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the…

    NHTSA complaint #11733087 · source
11. Filed Apr 18, 2026KYElectrical SystemSteering

    My radio cluster has shut off, screen went dark and blank while I was driving on 3 seperate occasions within the last 60 days. While driving the steering feels a little loose, the faster I go the more loose it feels. While on the interstate driving 70 mph my Jeep will not run straight, it kinda drifts back and forth and I am continuously having to correct it in order to stay in my lane. Not sure what is causing it to "drift" side to side and have heard of some Jeep Wranglers…

    NHTSA complaint #11732064 · source
12. Filed Apr 14, 2026OKSteeringSuspension

    Any time I get above 55 miles per hour the steering starts shaking and I feel as if I’m going to lose control of the vehicle. I have had the recalls done on it, but it continues.

    NHTSA complaint #11731239 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology