NHTSA Complaint #11658889 — 2019 JEEP CHEROKEE

The contact owns a 2019 Jeep Cherokee. The contact stated while reversing out of a parking space at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact used an excessive amount of effort to maneuver the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who failed to diagnose and remove the steering gear rack and pinion. The mechanic determined there was a short circuit in the electrical system for the power steering. The contact stated that the short circuit had caused the rack and pinion to burn out and fail. The mechanic then replaced the wire and the rack and pinion again. Approximately 3 days later, while driving approximately 30 MPH the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was returned to the mechanic who then brought the vehicle to the dealer who would be better equipped to repair the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed that the Exhaust Particulate Filter (EPF) connecter from the steering wheel to the battery had failed. The connector's wiring harness was replaced. The contact searched online and found related recalls under NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 18V524000 (Electrical System) and 19V637000 (Steering). The manufacturer was informed of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recalls. The failure mileage was 87,846.