2021 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems
Owners have filed 254 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler, 27% of all complaints for this model year. Half of the reports with a mileage happened before 18,050 miles. The words owners use most often: “death wobble” (43% of reports).
- 254steering complaints
- 18,050median miles at failure
- 0mention a crash
- 1mention an injury
- 1related recalls
- 84%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.
- Death wobble: mentioned in 108 of 254 complaints (43%)
- Front end: mentioned in 33 of 254 complaints (13%)
- Steering damper: mentioned in 29 of 254 complaints (11%)
- Hit bump: mentioned in 20 of 254 complaints (8%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 26 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 254 complaints, 2 a fire, 1 an injury.
Jeep Wrangler steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Wrangler | 2 | 18% | — |
| 2025 Wrangler | 3 | 4% | — |
| 2024 Wrangler | 71 | 10% | 8,000 |
| 2023 Wrangler | 56 | 15% | 13,255 |
| 2022 Wrangler | 83 | 21% | 18,500 |
| 2021 Wrangler | 254 | 27% | 18,050 |
| 2020 Wrangler | 239 | 39% | 300 |
| 2019 Wrangler | 447 | 60% | 2,175 |
| 2018 Wrangler | 1,116 | 61% | 5,000 |
| 2017 Wrangler | 19 | 6% | 20,500 |
| 2016 Wrangler | 28 | 6% | 30,000 |
| 2015 Wrangler | 29 | 6% | 15,000 |
| 2014 Wrangler | 26 | 4% | 38,000 |
| 2013 Wrangler | 167 | 26% | 23,300 |
| 2012 Wrangler | 204 | 24% | 32,000 |
| 2011 Wrangler | 58 | 12% | 44,500 |
| 2010 Wrangler | 66 | 10% | 50,100 |
| 2009 Wrangler | 65 | 17% | 45,940 |
| 2008 Wrangler | 156 | 18% | 50,000 |
| 2007 Wrangler | 138 | 25% | 51,572 |
| 2006 Wrangler | 86 | 12% | 25,000 |
| 2005 Wrangler | 58 | 9% | 39,000 |
| 2004 Wrangler | 67 | 35% | 48,856 |
| 2003 Wrangler | 14 | 14% | 47,685 |
| 2002 Wrangler | 10 | 9% | 47,500 |
| 2001 Wrangler | 10 | 6% | 55,000 |
| 2000 Wrangler | 11 | 4% | 100,000 |
| 1999 Wrangler | 3 | 1% | — |
| 1998 Wrangler | 16 | 6% | 104,251 |
| 1997 Wrangler | 31 | 8% | 72,798 |
| 1996 Wrangler | 1 | 50% | 6,845 |
| 1995 Wrangler | 6 | 3% | 110,000 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (1)
Steering:hydraulic power assist:pumpPark outside
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.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
I was driving on interstate going 75 mph in the passing lane when my steering wheel locked completely up. My car started drifting to the right, but I was unable to turn the steering wheel. I almost hit the guardrail. The car is now being towed to Jeep dealership for fixing of the active recall.
The contact owns a 2021 Jeep Wrangler. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at highways speeds, the vehicle vibrated violently, and the steering wheel became firm stiffen and difficult to turn. The vehicle was pulled over and slowed down before the contact continued driving…
My Hydraulic power steering pump system has a leak. My 2021 jeep wrangler only has 42,000 miles on it. It has been diagnosed by a jeep mechanic specialist independently. The problem appeared in May 2026. With the Jeep only having very little miles already with a leak from the hydraulic power…
Frequently asked questions
Do all 2021 Jeep Wranglers have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 254 owner complaints about steering for the 2021 Jeep Wrangler (27% of the 949 complaints for this model year). Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler steering?
Yes: 1 safety recall list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
At what mileage do steering problems start?
The median reported mileage is 18,050 miles: half of the reports with a mileage came before that.
What do owners say about steering problems on the 2021 Jeep Wrangler?
The most frequent phrase is “death wobble”, in 108 of 254 complaints, followed by “front end” (33).
Other 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems
- Electrical System problems (307)
- Engine problems (217)
- Suspension problems (180)
- Power Train problems (146)
- Fuel/propulsion System problems (113)
See all 2021 Jeep Wrangler problems or steering problems across all Wrangler years.