Jeep Gladiator Steering Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 12, 2026 · 329 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 329 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Jeep Gladiator across 6 model years. The 2020 model year has the most (181). The words owners use most often: “death wobble” (20% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Death wobble: mentioned in 67 of 329 complaints (20%)
  • Steering loose: mentioned in 20 of 329 complaints (6%)

At what mileage do steering problems happen?

Based on 130 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles107 · 82%
10k–25k miles13 · 10%
25k–50k miles7 · 5%
50k–75k miles1 · 1%
75k–100k miles0 · 0%
100k–150k miles2 · 2%
150k+ miles0 · 0%

How serious are the reports?

Of 329 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 6 a fire, 3 an injury.

Jeep Gladiator steering complaints by model year

Peak: 2020, with 181 complaints
2020: 18120201812021: 942021942022: 362022362023: 102023102024: 7202472025: 120251

n = 329 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearSteering complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2025 Gladiator17%—
2024 Gladiator730%—
2023 Gladiator1018%66,000
2022 Gladiator3630%20,900
2021 Gladiator9432%1,950
2020 Gladiator18137%500

When owners reported it

Peak: 2020, with 80 complaints
2019: 282019282020: 802020802021: 312021312022: 382022382023: 552023552024: 232024232025: 402025402026: 34202634

n = 329 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (2)

Steering:hydraulic power assist:pumpPark outsideJun 4, 2026 · NHTSA campaign 26V363000 · 1,076,999 vehicles

Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Jeep Wrangler, Wrangler 4XE, and Jeep Gladiator vehicles. The electric hydraulic power steering pump wiring may overheat and cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 21D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette; steering:columnMar 14, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V199000 · 38,164 vehicles

Model years: 2023

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.

Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

Experiencing death wobble at over 50 mph. Very dangerous on a roadway where you are required to go over that speed. Brought to shop, explained steering dampener is leaking and driver side tie rod is loose causing vibration at higher rates of speed.

Received Sep 20, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11765653

Vehicle was taken in as per recall NHTSA Campaign Number 26V363 Mopar Recall number 21D for power steering inspection was performed and vehicle cleared vehicle subsequently gave a power steering message followed by complete vehicle shutdown after multiple electrical faults and electrical components…

Received Sep 8, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11762812

-The power steering pump electrical wiring harness/connector. The vehicle is subject to active Mopar safety Recall 21D (NHTSA Campaign 26v-363) for an un remedied vehicle fire risk caused by high electrical resistance. Yes, the vehicle and affected component are available for inspection upon…

Received Aug 19, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11757850

I am experiencing the "Jeep Death Wobble" which occurs intermittently after hitting any road imperfections i.e. uneven road surface connections, potholes, or rumble strips, causing a violent and sudden shaking of the steering wheel at highway speeds. I feel like the wheels are going to fall off it…

Received Jul 29, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11753502

The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Gladiator. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V363000 (Steering). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the vehicle was inspected, and the contact was informed that the vehicle had passed the inspection. The contact was advised to continue…

Received Jul 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11752079
Jeep Gladiator
Jeep_Gladiator_(JT) in Stuttgart. Representative photo; appearance varies by model year. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Frequently asked questions

Do all Jeep Gladiators have steering problems?

No. NHTSA has 329 owner complaints about steering for the Jeep Gladiator. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Jeep Gladiator steering?

Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

What do owners say about steering problems on the Jeep Gladiator?

The most frequent phrase is “death wobble”, in 67 of 329 complaints, followed by “steering loose” (20).

Other Jeep Gladiator problems

See all Jeep Gladiator problems.