This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
Steering seems to lose power assist and almost lock up at highway speeds has happened repeatedly. Extremely dangerous. There seems to be lots of reference to this on the internet from other 2018 jl Wrangler owners.
The steering has a dead spot in the center which causes wandering in the lane and over correction at 40 mph and up to highway speeds. This causes unsafe lane keeping on country roads as well as highway and interstate travel. Both my wife and I have nearly side swiped vehicles and close calls in oncoming traffic. The dealer in my location says it's normal behavior but the ability to stay in my lane is not safe in any way.
Vehicle wanders on the road, pulls to one side or the other and over corrects when you try to straighten it out on the road which at highway speeds can lead to a wobble from side to side. It has been in the shop at least 4 times and Chrysler Corp states it is "running as designed". statement from field technician in response to final opportunity to repair letter: "vehicle operating as designed and consistant with all other 2018 jl Jeep rubicon Wrangler with bf goodrich all -terrain ta tires. The tread and sidewall design of this tire contributes to the condition described by the customer. No vehicle repairs are needed at this time."
Wandering vehicle, unstable steering correction required, loose steering requiring constant input from driver to maintain lane and vehicle stability. Chrysler opened a star case on 10/10/18 S1819000003 to tighten ball joints and related components specifically related to this issue for all jl owners and specifically called out jl adjustments are different from the jk Wrangler. This service was performed on my vehicle 10/22/18 with no benefit, was also informed all bolts/torque adjustments were in spec upon inspection and test. Technicians then loosened and tightened bolts per star case specifications for the jl. Jeep had changed the psb specifications/adjustments mid (may) 2018 to alleviate jl steering lock up issues owners were experiencing and it resulted in the loose steering, lane wandering on vehicles manufactured after this date/change. My jlu rubicon was manufactured 7/27/18. I've been informed by the dealership and Chrysler engineering that Chrysler is aware of this issue and no resolution exists. The Chrysler engineer also stated he "would rather have a vehicle with loose steering than one that locks up."
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 60 mph and making a right turn, the steering wheel suddenly malfunctioned and ceased to turn momentarily, which nearly caused a crash. The vehicle was taken to yark Jeep(6019 West central ave, toledo, oh) where a step-by-step configuration of the steering column was performed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was unavailable. The failure mileage was 6,776.
- Highland, OH, USA
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
At 11,500 miles my 2018 jl has a lot of play in the steering wheel where it feels I drift a lot and have to make multiple correcting to stay in the center of the lane. Also while driving at highway speeds and hitting a bump, the steering wheel shakes for up to 15 seconds long. It appears to be called the "death wobble." This is my wife's vehicle and she does not want to drive it anymore as it is unsafe. The issue is easy to recreate.
Since the day that I drove my 2018 Jeep Wrangler unlimited rubicon off of the lot, the steering has been loose where you can move the steering wheel 1 1/2 inches both ways and it does nothing. The vehicle exhibits excessive drifting and a significant dead-spot in the center. I have visited the dealership 3 times for this issue with the service advisor and he finally showed me a document that they are aware of the issue. I have only 500 miles on the truck because we are scared to drive it and hurt ourselves or someone else.
The steering is not firm.there is a play in steering wheel (1 inch more or less) you notice the problem the most when driving over 50mph.this problem make it had to stay strait on your lane when driving fast. The dealer said there is no problem.
While trying to merge into a highway the power steering turned of and I was unable to turn the wheel left to merge. I had to force it to get into the driving lane and then the power steering started to work again. Then on the curve 1/4 mile after I got on the highway the road curves to the right and the steering wheel locked up again for about 2 to 3 seconds. Speed was about 50 to 60 both times.. I tried later when driving home and was unable to duplicate.
Since the day that I drove my 2018 Jeep Wrangler unlimited rubicon off of the lot, the steering has been sub-par. The vehicle exhibits excessive drifting and a significant dead-spot in the center. I have visited the dealership 3 times for this issue with the service advisor only telling me "it is a Jeep". I have owned a total of 5 Jeep with only the 1979 CJ having worse steering than this model. As a trained first responder, I would be hesitant to recommend this vehicle to anyone due to the safety risks posed by the sub-par steering.
As the vehicle is in motion, there is abnormal play in the steering wheel. I have taken the vehicle in for service to correct this issue, but it was not resolved. The steering wheel can be turned approximately 3-5 degrees before any response from the wheels and drifts considerably while driving.
While driving at speed the steering would not turn right, only left. I was able to pull off the road to the left (across opposing traffic). Once off the road the situation resolved, I was able to idle home where I had the vehicle towed to the dealer.
At highway speeds after hitting a small bump, vehicle begins to shake significantly and it only goes away after slowing down considerably. Similar issue to what others are describing and nearly identical to the Jeep "death wobble" that is fairly well documented. Started at only 9000 miles after zero modifications or off-road use. Dealer reproduced and indicated that the steering stabilizer is "shot" and replacement part is backordered with no estimated delivery date.
I picked my new vehicle up 18 hours ago with 5 miles on the odometer. I can report unsafe highway driving under dry and calm driving conditions. Driver is required to provide excessive steering wheel input to offset the continous unexpected change in direction of the vehicle.
The steering has too much play and does not respond well. It becomes worse at highway speeds. It is very hard to control because it will drift then may over correct when you steer to maintain your lane. It has done this since day one.
While operating the vehicle, I encountered severe tightness from the steering wheel. Disabling me to turn left or right, typically on the highway while accelerating. If I was to turn the vehicle's steering wheel for a slight curve or turn the vehicle would remain straight making the vehicle impossible to make the appropriate adjustment. Vehicle was pulled to safety for a reset ( turning off the engine for 5 mins before restarting). Upon accelerating the tightness of the steering wheel began, eventually causing the engine to stall.
Same complaint as many others. The steering has too much play and does not respond well. It becomes worse at highway speeds. It is very hard to control because it will drift then may over correct when you steer to maintain your lane. It has done this since day one.
Jeep shakes violently any time it hits a bump above 60mph so badly I have to come to a complete stop. Multiple times I've nearly been rear ended trying stop to regain control of the vehicle. This is not my first Wrangler I have owned 5. I know how a Jeep rides. This is not a safe vehicle at all. This Jeep has nothing after market on it. I've taken to the dealer and they can't find the problem. I can't afford to trade it in. But I don't want my kids in. Please investigate this before someone gets killed. Others have already reported this and nothing has been done. Updated 11/29/18
There has been a major recall related to the track bar welds on the jl model Wrangler and when I search my VIN it is not included but many of the welds on my frame are rusting already and appear to be "bad" welds. I am a professional welder and I know what a good weld looks like. Please help me address the issue with the many "bad" welds on my brand new Jeep.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Prescott, AZ, USA