Jeep Grand Cherokee Steering Problems
Owners have filed 1,239 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee across 31 model years. The 2021 model year has the most (102). The words owners use most often: “steering gear” (5% of reports).
- 1,239steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 81mention a crash
- 35mention an injury
- 7related recalls
- $2,450typical repair cost reported by owners
- 31%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Steering gear: mentioned in 66 of 1,239 complaints (5%)
How much does it cost to fix?
Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical steering repair on the Jeep Grand Cherokee at $2,450, and half of them between $1,750 and $3,400.
Based on 29 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2000–2025), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 748 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 1,239 complaints, 81 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 35 an injury.
Jeep Grand Cherokee steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 Grand Cherokee | 2 | 3% | — |
| 2024 Grand Cherokee | 8 | 3% | 55,000 |
| 2023 Grand Cherokee | 44 | 11% | 23,000 |
| 2022 Grand Cherokee | 23 | 9% | — |
| 2021 Grand Cherokee | 102 | 25% | 19,146 |
| 2020 Grand Cherokee | 13 | 5% | 13,100 |
| 2019 Grand Cherokee | 14 | 4% | 18,000 |
| 2018 Grand Cherokee | 14 | 2% | 14,000 |
| 2017 Grand Cherokee | 18 | 5% | 33,000 |
| 2016 Grand Cherokee | 16 | 5% | 20,000 |
| 2015 Grand Cherokee | 42 | 3% | 26,000 |
| 2014 Grand Cherokee | 81 | 3% | 43,000 |
| 2013 Grand Cherokee | 26 | 3% | 40,500 |
| 2012 Grand Cherokee | 100 | 6% | 60,000 |
| 2011 Grand Cherokee | 86 | 5% | 78,900 |
| 2010 Grand Cherokee | 3 | 3% | 80,000 |
| 2009 Grand Cherokee | 11 | 8% | 54,500 |
| 2008 Grand Cherokee | 24 | 3% | 74,500 |
| 2007 Grand Cherokee | 49 | 4% | 97,600 |
| 2006 Grand Cherokee | 37 | 3% | 83,799 |
| 2005 Grand Cherokee | 64 | 3% | 93,000 |
| 2004 Grand Cherokee | 73 | 6% | 75,500 |
| 2003 Grand Cherokee | 24 | 3% | 105,500 |
| 2002 Grand Cherokee | 41 | 3% | 58,500 |
| 2001 Grand Cherokee | 37 | 4% | 62,000 |
| 2000 Grand Cherokee | 48 | 3% | 93,000 |
| 1999 Grand Cherokee | 53 | 3% | 100,000 |
| 1998 Grand Cherokee | 40 | 4% | 126,000 |
| 1997 Grand Cherokee | 47 | 5% | 141,200 |
| 1996 Grand Cherokee | 67 | 8% | 142,000 |
| 1995 Grand Cherokee | 32 | 4% | 126,050 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (7)
Air bags:frontal:driver clockspring/spiral cassette; steering:column
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.
Suspension:front:control arm:upper ball joint; steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Model years: 2021, 2022, 2023
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L and 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in a loss of vehicle control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the upper control arm pinch bolts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 2, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 10B.
Steering:linkages:knuckle:spindle:arm
Model years: 2024
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. An improperly machined steering knuckle may separate between the ball joint and knuckle, causing the wheel to fall outward and resulting in a loss of control.
Risk: A loss of vehicle control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering knuckle, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is 07B.
Steering:column
Model years: 2021, 2023
Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2021-2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee L vehicles. An incorrectly assembled steering column intermediate shaft may disconnect from the u-joint, and result in a loss of steering control.
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the intermediate shaft and assembly parts, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 6, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 58A.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 2004
Problem: On certain sport utility vehicles, the power steering gear may contain an improperly formed spacer clip, which could dislodge within the steering gear.
Risk: A dislodged clip may cause increased steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear assemblies. Owner notification began on march 12, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 2001
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. An internal nut in the steering gear assembly could loosen and cause the steering gear to lock up.
Risk: This could reduce steering control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear assembly. Owner notification began december 27, 2000. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy within a reasonable time should contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:gear box (other than rack and pinion)
Model years: 2000
Problem: Vehicle description: sport utility vehicles. Some steering gear units were assembled with internal end-of-travel-stops that missed the heat treat process, resulting in soft internal travel stops.
Risk: This could result in sticking, binding, or seizing of the steering gear.
Fix: Dealers will replace the steering gear on involved vehicles.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
The contact rented a 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH or higher, the steering wheel shook violently. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic who diagnosed that the front left tie rod, brake assembly, gear shifter, tires, and several electrical…
I am writing to formally request a review of an unresolved safety recall on my 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee. I recently received a notice regarding safety recall 89D/NHTSA 26V-562, which indicates a serious rear coil spring hazard. Currently, replacement parts are unavailable, still being developed and…
Here is the issue: vehicle sat all evening (an 8 hour shift) in the warehouse parking lot and it misty rained, so probably high humidity as well, the entire time. When I got in it at the end of my shift, and started it, cycling 3 times hoping the issue would clear, it had lost all electric power…
The engine / power cuts off with no warning causing steering to lock up to left & brakes lock up causing the vehicle to veer to the left and unable to use brake to stop vehicle. Happens randomly while driving which makes it unsafe to operate to drive.
Severe front end noise left and right side steering feels loose rear suspension also makes clunking noises and doesn't feel safe to drive transmission doesn't shift properly make a thumping noise when putting vehicle in drive or reverse very poor fuel economy 6.5 to.7.8 miles mpg
Frequently asked questions
Do all Jeep Grand Cherokees have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 1,239 owner complaints about steering for the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Jeep Grand Cherokee steering?
Yes: 7 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
How much does it cost to fix steering problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
Owners report a typical cost of $2,450 (half paid between $1,750 and $3,400), from 29 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Jeep Grand Cherokee?
The most frequent phrase is “steering gear”, in 66 of 1,239 complaints.
Other Jeep Grand Cherokee problems
- Electrical System problems (7,478)
- Power Train problems (4,329)
- Engine problems (2,879)
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic problems (2,328)
- Air Bags problems (2,201)
- Seats problems (1,613)
- Service Brakes problems (1,504)
- Visibility problems (1,454)
See all Jeep Grand Cherokee problems.