2018 JEEP WRANGLER Steering Problems

The Wrangler will shift out of gear and into neutral and steering become very hard and difficult to maneuver while accelerating from a stopped position and at times at highway speed. On the highway one can coast to the side of the road and shut off engine and restart and move again. This can also be done at an intersection but big safety concerns when pulling onto a highway with traffic, Multiple check lights will come on including check engine, stability control and service shifter. The Jeep has been taken to the dearer for repair to no resolve. Codes are cleared and problem persists. Began at about 70k miles and has persisted since.

It's been characterized as the "death wobble." When I approach speeds of 60 mph or more and hit a bump in the road, the steering and front end commences to severely vibrate uncontrollably, lasting up to several seconds. This problem is well documented and pervasive. There needs to be a nationwide recall before there are resulting accidents and fatalities.

Cannot drive over 65 mph without Jeep shaking uncontrollably. This is not a problem with just me but 100’s if not 1000’s of others. JEEP NEEDS TO FIX THE PROBLEM!!!

Unknown-APPARENTLY THIS IS AN ON GOING WRANGLER ISSUE BUT WAS NEVER recalled AND I SEE NO COMMENTS. I see all over the forums that this is a problem and it is driving me insane coming from the left front wheel well area not only during breaking, but both breaking and slowing down no foot on gas or break. There is a very large, creaking, loud, creaking noise, coming out of that area. It also makes the steering wheel bobble, which I think is causing what everybody is saying, the death wobble. I’ve taken it to Jeep . I have done multiple car washes. I’ve tried everything they are telling me that there’s nothing wrong with it but you can clearly hear that sound and it goes creek creek creek, creek, creek, creek, creek, over and over and over again until the car stopped, and there is also a loud grinding...

The steering wheel locks while driving. There seem to be no specific circumstances that cause it. There are forums with other Jeep owners having the same issue. It is definitely a safety concern and should be a recall. The recall that was done did not fix the issue. Dealer and Jeep do not care and will not replace the steering components which Jeep has done before. They can’t duplicate it driving it only 42 miles. The problem is you never know when it is going to lock. The last incident happened on 1/16/2024 but it happened 3 other times in the last few months before this last time. It has been at the dealer since 1/16/2024

Has a severe wabble in the front end at 70 MPH to about 73 mph.

Death wobble when hitting a bump over 50 mph. Only 31K miles but out of warranty. Dealer repalced track bar, but it didn't reslove the problem. Waiting on a dampener replacement. Both I hve had to pay for.

Customer Satisfaction Notification [XXX] Steering Damper The 2018 Jeep Wrangler is experiencing what many are calling "The Death Wobble" due to the fact that when driving at speeds exceeding 50 MPH or so, the vehicles steering system begins to shake uncontrollably. We purchased the vehicle for my son preowned on May 4, 2023 and at that time it seemed to be working fine. However, a couple of months later when I was teaching my son how to drive the shake started and its gotten progressively worst ever since. At first we thought it needed an alignment but that didn't help much. We then took it in for another alignment at Firestone where they reported the wobble and advised me that many Jeeps of that year were being recalled for the Steering Damper issue. I called the FCA Service number (1-800-853-1403) and opened case number [XXX]. I was told that I...

When going over a bump in the road at speeds above 35 mph the front end shakes the steering wheel and it feels like the front end is jumping up and down and is hard to control. I have spent over 1k in parts and labor including a new stabilizer shock, drag link, tie rod ends and more. It still does it even after these repairs. The front end has been aligned and tires and wheels balanced. The vehicle is dangerous to drive and there does not seem to be a fix for it. FCA said replacing the steering stabilizer would fix it but had no effect. The cause has been labeled unable to determine. I habe had it at two different shops and a lotnof suspension/steering pieces replaced.

I was driving my Jeep Rubicon 2 door with manual transmission 32,000 miles out of town which I don’t normally don’t due because the steering is sloppy. I have spoken with Jeep Cares about the issue multiple times it’s been this way since I got it with 14,000 miles. It feels dangerous to bring it up to 65mph. The other day I got a death wobble after hitting a small bump in the road in it. I am a combat veteran with two tours one in Afghanistan and one in Iraq. Let’s just say I have PTSD from driving this thing. I can’t believe someone hasn’t been killed yet. The NHTSA needs to do more on this issue. The complaints are real and this needs to be addressed. I want to sell it but can’t put this out there to be resold and possibly kill someone. I guess I’m back...

Power steering has been locking up at higher speeds above 40 mph. When slowing down to 30 mph the power steering operates again. You can feel the steering tighten up while driving and makes very difficult to change lanes, much less do a full turn. When the power steering kicks back in causes you to overcompensate steering. Almost had a head on collision on street. Also almost drove off of freeway overpass. Dealer has confirmed issue. They have had my automobile for over 3 months with no solution. Numerous posts have been made on Jeep Wrangler forums about same issue. Seems to be exclusive to JL. I only had vehicle for 3 weeks. Issue started in 1st week of ownership. Progressively got worse. Dealer replaced gear box, power steering pump, power steering lines, rebooted software, and replaced center of steering wheel as well. None of these repairs have worked. Concerned...

The vehicle experiences a sudden and dramatic steering wheel shacking with intense vibration and loss of steering control. Seems to mostly happen at speeds above 40 miles per hour when making a turn or after hitting a road imperfection. The dealership has informed that his is related to the “Customer Satisfaction Notification V41 Steering Damper” [XXX] ) and that it should be brought in for service. The issue is that I have attempted to schedule said service over the last few months, however the dealers tell me they are out of stock for the parts needed and can’t use aftermarket part to repair. (The date of incident is a placeholder, this is an ongoing issue) Given that this has been identified as a safety issue, that can cause loss of vehicle control endangering the safety of its occupants and others on the road, NHTSA should pressure Stellantis/FCA (Vehicle Manufacturer) to...

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at high rates of speed, the contact lost steering control of the vehicle after driving over a bump in the roadway and the front end of the vehicle started shaking uncontrollably. The contact stated that the failure occurred without warning. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and the contact was informed that the failure was related to the steering damper. Additionally, the contact was informed that the part needed to be replaced every three years. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that parts were on backorder. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

Jeep dash warning lights will randomly all come on at once. This includes service shifter, service airbags, service braking system, ABS warning, cruise control disabled and many others. When it does this, which is daily, the power steering goes out completely at highway speeds and sometimes curves. This has caused me to nearly hit other drivers head on with my family in the vehicle with me. It has left me stranded many times by not recognizing the key fobs and locking the transmission in park at stop lights. I just bought the vehicle, with 64000 miles on it, in October as my primary transportation and I am afraid to drive it. This has caused me severe hardship and endangered mine and my family's life on several occasions. This problem is extremely common with my model year, as seen on several online forums and Jeep has refused to acknowledge the problem...

I own a 2018 Jeep JL Rubicon Wrangler. My complaint is the steering issue that NHTSA already is aware of and has a TSB issued on this particular malfunction. After spending a substantial amount of money for such vehicle, and there being a major issue with the aluminum steering box, I feel this should be an actual recall Jeep should make right for all of their loyal customers. Every forum I read about this steering issue, it is the same complaints, that Jeep should be responsible for replacing the Aluminum box with the steel steering box they have already upgraded to after 2020, because they knew it was an issue. My steering is very sloppy, I have already had a mechanic try to tighten the steering box and said it cannot be tightened again, and next time it needs to be replaced. I should not have to spend almost $1200...

Vehicle started rattling uncontrollably on Interstate 95 north, Just north of Richmond Hill, Georgia. We had to pull over and we inspected the jeep for damage. No noticeable damage and we turned around and went home and switch cars. We read that this could be the aluminum steering box or the Jeep rattle. We feel these are known defects that Jeep should be responsible.

Have multiple experiences of steering wobbling and jeep is not in control causing frightening situation. Few times jeep departed lane and caused stress to both me/my wife and nearby drivers. Is there anything someone can check this issue and make Jeep accountable if they have problem and let us know what to do

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH and making a slight left turn, the vehicle lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to stop the vehicle. The contact stated that there were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle and the power steering functionality returned. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed and it was determined that the computer system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

2018 jeep wrangler unlimited sport intermittently looses power steering while in motion at high speed causing the inability ( lack of driver control) to react to road conditions. Multiple alert lights flash including ABS power steering off, gear shifter off. This has happened multiple times during highway driving as well as on city roads. It is available for inspection upon request. Chrysler, Dodge, jeep, ram, fiat of Santa Barbara denies ability to detect or repair the problem. According to the jeep forum, this appears to be an ongoing issue on the 2011-2018 models. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On several occasions, within the past year to year and a half, and when periodically driving my 2018 Jeep Wrangler across any sort of rough patch on the road, I would experience a severe and sudden shaking of the steering wheel along with very strong vibrations coming from the entire front end of the vehicle.......unfortunately however, I do not have any confirmation of such from any independent repair facility, nor has any independent inspection taken place, and without any warning ever from any interior "idiot" light, lamp, and/or the like. The recall notice I received earlier this year indicated that this phenomenon was the result of a failing steering damper. I subsequently submitted a purchase receipt along with a proof of payment for a new damper which I then self-installed. Now the "customer care" people @cac.stellantis.com won't reimburse me for the part because I did not have an independent repair...

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle drove onto a bridge and suddenly began to wobble and vibrate. After reducing speed the driver was able the regain control of the vehicle. The failure continued to occur anytime the vehicle drove over a bump in the road while traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the steering dampener needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 30,844.

Occasionally, the vehicle's front wheels bounce out of control at normal and high-speed. It appears to happen on the right front.

On occasion while driving several dashboard error lights will go on. These include ABS, Traction Control, electronic stability control, air bag and brake light. When these lights come on the power steering is typically lost and making it extremely difficult to steer the Jeep. It takes everything my wife to turn the steering wheel and get off the road. The brakes also tend to be applied which further makes it difficult to turn as the vehicle is slowed down. This issue not only endangers the driver and passengers in my vehicle but also those around me due to the inability to properly control my vehicle. I have had the vehicle at the dealers service center and they are not sure what the issue is. They have been able to reproduce but are still trying to discover root cause. This seems to be a widespread problem as both my 2018 Jeep...

2018 Jeep Wrangler. Driving at 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, service, the four-wheel-drive, and other unknown warn lights are illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. I was able to veer to the side of the road. . Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The failure has been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several times to the Jeep dealer; the dealer was able to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired because I can’t get an appointment for over two months. The failure mileage was approximately 45000.

when traveling highway speeds at ~55 MPH if the car hits a pot hole or bump in the road the steering pulls left and right aggressively and will not cease until the car is stopped. this is very dangerous at high speeds, as the car is vibrating so badly control of the car is very difficult. The car has been inspected by the dealership and we were informed they could only make adjustments based on manufacture recommendations, which included alignment and tire balancing, and the car was returned to us in the same condition. The steering damper was replaced by another service center at our own costs and the problem persists. The dealership suggested "selling the car" as they are unable to resolve the problem. The problem continues to persist which is a great concern, that it can not be resolved or corrected.

The power steering with no warning, just quits, working, get warning signs that the ABS is not working, included with the traction control.

Vehicle starts throwing codes and power steering quits working...

This vehicle at around 65 miles an hour and hit a bump in the road It will start a death wobble, shaking the steering wheel and vehicle uncontrollably out of your hand once you slow down you can get it back under control and continue on I have had this vehicle at two dealers and all they wanna do is change the steering damper. This has not corrected the problem and basically now I have a vehicle I can no longer drive safely.

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated driving 30-35 MPH, the ABS warning light, the check engine warning light, the traction control warning light, and other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The odometer became inoperable. The vehicle lost power steering functionality and shifted into Accessory Mode. The contact was able to veer to the side of the road. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while attempting to drive. Additionally, the vehicle failed to shut off as needed. The contact stated that the vehicle remained in Accessory Mode for 15 minutes and restarted independently. The contact stated that the failure had been reoccurring. The vehicle was taken several timed to the Ford dealer where it was purchased; however, the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The Jeep dealer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to take the vehicle in to their location...

Experienced what people are calling the "death wobble"

After several warning lights appeared, the power steering stopped working while I was driving the car on the highway.

ALL KINDS OF CODES CAME ON JEEP LOCKED UP COULDNT STEER ALMOST WRECKED. HAD TO TOLL NOW DEALERSHIP SAYS ITS THE ENGINE AFTER SAYING IT WAS THE STARTER

Recurring issue with my Jeep where seemingly every light on the dash, as well as the blind spot detectors, illuminates. The lights are accompanies by warning messages that indicate that electronic stability control and parking sense are unavailable. ABS lights, Traction Control, stability control, the brake light, and prompts to service 4WD are present. The impact varies based on whether or not the car is in motion. When it is not, as in the case of a cold start, the transmission is locked in Park. When the car is in motion, power steering intermittently goes out. If you pull over and put the vehicle in park while the lights are illuminated (i.e. if they don't clear), the car will get stuck in park until the lights clear. I have had the vehicle towed to the Jeep dealership in Natick, MA twice and, while they've charged me nothing, they've been unable...

Vehicle has been experiencing electrical failure that dealers have been ,so far, unable to diagnose..when the electrical failure occurs we experience a loss of steering.

While driving vehicle will randomly have multiple warning lights on display suddenly appear (ABS, check engine, stability control, traction control, etc.) and speedometer would either go to 0 or read blank. In some instances power steering also cut out causing vehicle to swerve or jerk without warning. Spouse was scared to drive it when this happened and pulled over to have it towed. Did not want to have the vehicle suddenly swerve or lose control and hit cross traffic or pedestrian on side walk. This issue would then suddenly resolve itself and return to normal state. On some occasions, when vehicle was started, it would not shift out of park at first, but then would correct itself and allow it to be shifted out of park and driven. When check engine light was active, had codes checked and none were active, only stored. Indicated ABS sensor or ABS module errors....

While operating the vehicle, I lost Power Steering, Stability Control, Anti-Lock Brakes and when I was able to stop, the transmission was put into park and I was unable to shift gears. Dealership informed me that this is a known issue related to the Can Bus Connector located behind the glove compartment, which apparently controls all of the safety systems. There were multiple indicators lit on the dashboard along with a check engine light. Dealership is replacing the connector.

I get the "death wobble" if I hit even a small bump on a smooth highway at speeds above 50 mph. The dealer says this is normal and nothing to worry about, which is crazy. The vehicle has just over 40,000 miles and has been maintained in full compliance with the manufacturer's warranty. The dealer said they could try replacing the steering damper but that it wasn't likely that it would fix the issue, again saying it's a normal condition with this vehicle. The wobble is extremely dangerous in the rain or any kind of slick road, pretty in heavy traffic. These vehicles need to be recalled so this can be fixed.

Vehicle shakes violently on Highway at about 65mph. Has happened multiple times.

excessive play/slop in steering and death wobble at highway speeds

Electrical going haywire. While in drive it just wouldn’t do anything the gear shift “D” was blinking so I rolled to a safe place (thank god I was not on the freeway) turned it off then back on again apparently this is now a known problem not only for 2018 some were 2019 & 2020…… please investigate

When the vehicle hits a bump at highway speeds, the steering begins to shake violently until the vehicle speed is lowered to below 50 mph +/- 5 mph. I have hear this being referred to as the Jeep death wobble. It will cost a small fortune to have the tie-rods and bushings replaced by the dealer and I've heard that may not fix the problem. This is very scary when driving at 70 mph on the highway and causes safety issues when you have to quickly reduce speed to get the issue to stop. Please get Jeep to fix this very common problem with their vehicles.

For the last year on several occasions the power steering locks up and I am unable to control the vehicle. The lights on my dash start flickering and the vehicle starts stuttering like it is out of gas. It seems like an electrical issue where the vehicle is getting mixed signals so the power steering locks up. On 2 occasions while in motion I tried to turn off the road causing the vehicle to stall into oncoming traffic. My jeep has been at the dealership at least 4 times for the same issue and I have had 3 active cases through Chrysler. This happened again a few days ago and the Jeep is currently at the dealership. This is a real concern, and I’m scared for my safety while driving. This is an issue that happens at random times and then the vehicle returns to normal function.

I'll be driving the jeep it's a 2018 rubicon jl and all of a sudden all the dash lights come on and if I stop the vehicle the D on the shifter will keep flashing and the jeep.wont move have taken into same dealership 7 times and it's continues to do the same thing they've changed abs module cleaned off grounds checked all plugs and connections and they keep saying it's fine. It's currently at the dealership for the same issue. It's been over a year of going to the dealership. Also one time.they told me it's ready came to pick it.up and it wouldn't go into drive.

2018 Jeep Wrangler (JL) Sahara Safety features all disable with this issue: Power steering (this could happen on the highway) Stability (STC), Antilock Braking, Blind spot, etc. While driving their appears to be an electrical short. The steering wheel locks up and all lights on dashboard come on. Several error messages "Auto Park Disabled", "Speed Control Messaging Unavailable", "Service Antilock Brake System", "Service Transmission Continue in DRIVE. Do Not Shift or Turn Off Engine" - to name a few. Dealers turn me way with simple computer reboot solutions only for issue to reoccur. Issue presents itself intermittently. Dealer has regularly turned me away for being unable to replicate in non driving conditions.

Car started shaking uncontrollable after driving 45 mph over a small pothole. Carmax (ca care) replaced steering damper but steering wheel stills vibrates when driving over 45 mph.

My husband was driving down the road and the trac bar bracket arm separated from the weld causing the steering wheel to move freely and made him feel like the jeep was.falling apart.

At 60 miles an hour if you hit a bump jeeps starts the death wobble til you slow to 45 miles an hour. Jeep has claimed recall was completed 1/14/20 at 4840 miles, we purchased used and has 22041 miles now and same issue. Their alleged fix is not fixed. I spoke with Chrysler about this and they stated I must pay for diagnostic and then they would maybe do something.

Service start stop warning light comes on then service traction control then all dash warning lights come on then you lose power steering This all happens in seconds

The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed over a pothole, the steering wheel shuddered and vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18V343000 (Steering). The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

Displays, "Service Shifter". Often followed by many, mostly random warnings, gauges fluctuate wildly, and disabled stop/start, traction and stability control; and sometimes loses power steering, and stalls and won't restart. The stereo volume, wipers, and cabin fan speed also can fluctuate wildly; worst case. This issue first appeared after going through a puddle, and seems to be exacerbated by high EMF areas; this is only corollary. This vehicle has never been used roughly or off road. The obvious dangers are, spontaneous maniacal warnings are a significant distraction to driving; if stop/start is not disabled vehicle will not start after stop at intersection, causing disruption to traffic; if power steering randomly stops working, which occurs while stopped or driving, the vehicle is nearly impossible to drive, and can only practically be driven by a strongman athlete. The coup de grâce where everything goes berserk, is usually when parked and attempting to...