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.
I took delivery of this new vehicle in early June 2018. Since first driving it, I am experiencing way too much "steering play" at the center position of the steering wheel at speeds above 40-50 mph, especially when driving on perfectly straight and smooth highways. At times it is quite difficult to keep the vehicle on a reliable straight path; too much frequent steering input is required to stay comfortably centered in my lane. I've had several "white knuckle" driving events in perfect driving conditions (sunny, dry, good road, no excessive speed) -- all due to the vague steering and constant need to correct and re-correct a straight-line steering path when driving above approximately 40-50 mph. I have had a Jeep dealer inspect the vehicle. The dealer adjusted the wheel alignment, but otherwise pronounced it ok. The wheel alignment did nothing to correct the problem. I have had this "wandering steering" problem on multiple occasions while driving this vehicle. I am indicating today's date in the "when did this happen" section of your form.
At random times when driving vehicle it feels as if my Jeep is floating over the road and in and out of my lane. I notice it more as higher speeds. When I try to compensate it feels like the steering is all over the place and you have to over correct to get it to respond. It can be very scary. Took it to dealer and had it checked out. They had over inflated the tires. They corrected tire pressure but it still happens at random times. They said it checks out fine. I feel like it an accident waiting to happen. Other Jeep owners have driven my vehicle and they agree that it is not normal. I know it has electronic steering. It feels like a loss of steering control at times.
Steering is loose and hard to control on highway. Steering wheel locked up/froze while taking a left turn on highway preventing operator to correct vehicles direction. Vehicle moved into outer lanes where a collision could have occurred. Steering had beame stiff and using a large amount of force would not correct steering wheel. Soon after, steering wheel tightened again at low speeds when making a slow left turn onto highway center lane.
- Austin, TX, USA
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My new Jeep Wrangler has an excessive about of 'play' in the steering. I'm constantly trying to correct it just to keep it going the direction intended. It's very difficult to drive any distance. I'm worn out when I arrive at my destination due to steering issue. I'm also afraid this is a safety issue. Please help!
Brand new Jeep Wrangler unlimited sport jl exhibits poor handling/steering on highways. Vehicle "wonders" all over the lane. It requires constant steering wheel input to maintain a straight line. I test drove 3 separate models and all of them exhibited this behavior. I reported mine to Jeep and was told "there are no issues or fixes reported at this time." I've owned several Jeep in the past, none of which wondered all over the road like this. I believe there is an issue with these new jl models that needs investigation.
Having issues with steering completely locking up when driving. Notice the effect when driving fast and slow. Also, you can hear a click from the steering column when turning past the center alignment.
Steering nearly locks up while driving in hot weather. Driving on windy roads the wheel fights me while turning only to let go causing me to swerve. It's the worst on hot days with the truck fully warmed up (mid 80's, ac on). The steering issue happens in both directions but feels like stronger resistance going left. Also had a scare when the wheel got stuck going back to center after making a right turn. This almost forced me into the woods with my daughter in the truck. Changing lanes and gentle curves on the highway are also scary. I've had the truck for less than 2 weeks and I'm getting increasingly more nervous to drive it. Summers coming, meaning lots of hot days and that's when it's bad. Has happened several times already.
Power steering appears to be momentarily locking up or failing while the vehicle is in motion at speeds over 30 mph. Have experienced the issue numerous times while driving on roads which curve to the left. The steering wheel suddenly becomes very stiff and nearly impossible to turn to the left. Then, all of a sudden, it releases causing the vehicle to swerve to the left. This has happened on city streets going 30-50 mph and on highways going 60-75 mph. Said occurrences happened several times in the last month, the last one being yesterday on 5/23/18.
After having the vehicle only 300 miles I experienced my steering locking up while going 70 on a slight turn. I took my foot off the gas pedal and applied the brake and then the steering went back to normal. I've experience this one other time after driving for an extended period of time but have a hard time recreating the conditions where it happens. Updated 9/21/18
My new 2018 jl model Jeep Wrangler unlimited sport with less than 3,000 miles has had the steering wheel lock up 4 times now while driving and the wheel will not turn. Incredibly dangerous and someone is going to get into a very bad accident. I have read on the Jeep forums and this is happening to others with the new 2018 jl models this has happened all 4 times with vehicle in motion and at different speeds!!! 20 mph the lowest and at 70 mph not good if you can't turn wheel it's only a matter of time!!!
The car's steering locks up and becomes difficult steer until the driver pulls hard to a direction, the steering almost feels like it's locked and the hard pull breaks it loose. On a few occasions it forces the car to jolt as if you are trying to overcorrect. This happens at freeway speeds. Here is a link of another driver experiencing the same problem. Https://youtu.be/btolez3ujgi I am taking my car back to the dealership to have it looked at. Updated 8/16/18 updated 9/20/18
After turning the steering wheel straight after a left turn, just before it hits the 12 O'clock position, the power steering locks up or resists. Does not happen all the time, mostly when the engine is at full operating temperature. Sometimes the resistance is strong where it can cause you to fight it and over correct. I can here a clunking sound through the steering wheel that originates at power steering motor. This clunking does not happen when the engine is cold, only when the engine is hot and when I'm experiencing this problem. Updated 9/20/18
New vehicle with 300 miles on odometer exhibited vague steering and wondered back and forth all over the road. Requires constant steering wheel input to drive in a straight path down the highway. Tire pressures are all set to specifications. Test drove two additional identical models and had the same experience. Found many reports from owners online of the same problem. The steering/handling is very disconcerting on the new Wrangler jl models. After one month with the vehicle, drivability hasn't improved. Have notified Jeep directly via their website and social media representatives. Will be discussing issue with my dealership in the near future.
The contact owns a 2018 Jeep Wrangler. While driving approximately 70 mph, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. In addition, the electronic stability control warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was towed to hudson Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (625 route 440 South, jersey city, NJ 07305) where it was diagnosed that the track bar fractured at the axle frame and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 800.
In motion over 45mph, the Jeep will suddenly experience a steering wobble that causes almost complete lack of control. To fix the issue, speed must be decreased to <10mph which can be extremely dangerous due to traffic and high speeds. The steering wheel is almost impossible to control. Problem is reproducible on all roads and in all conditions. I would estimate that the driver is left with 10% control of the vehicle, and left in a very dangerous situation.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Mcdonough, GA, USA