Diagsheet

2019 Jeep Cherokee · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 42owner reports
  • 20,000median miles
  • 3involved a crash

Newest report Oct 2, 2025 · checked Sep 9, 2026

120 of the 1,626 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 42 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 42 reports

1
26
8
5
31

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (7 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2019 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

19V-637Aug 29, 2019
Steering:Rack And Pinion:Rack

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2020 Jeep Cherokee vehicles. The steering rack gear may break, possibly causing a loss of steering control.

Risk and remedy
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the steering gear, free of charge. The recall began October 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V99.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Cherokee

RQ97-004opened Mar 20, 1997
Steering · model years 1993 to 1995

Steering column assembly. Closed sep 18, 1998, led to recall 93V-210.

NHTSA summary
ON JANUARY 25, 1994 CHRYSLER CONDUCTED A SAFETY RECALL TO CORRECT THE STEERING SHAFT ASSEMBLY IN MODEL YEAR 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE AND GRAND WAGONEER.THE RECALL POPULATION WAS 115,000 VEHICLES.THE DEFECT WAS THE MOLDED PLASTIC PIN WHICH CONNECTS THE UPPER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT AND THE LOWER STEERING COLUMN SHAFT WHICH MAY HAVE BEEN SHEARED/DAMAGED PRIOR TO THE INSTALLATION OF THE STEERING ASSEMBLY INTO THE VEHILE.IF THIS OCCURRED, THE UPPER STEERING SHAFT WILL SEPARATE FROM THE LOWER STEERING SHAFT CAUSING COMPLETE LOSS OF THE STEERING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE.AS A REMEDY, CHRYSLER INSTALLED A RESTRAINING SLEEVE TO LIMIT THE AMOUNT OF STEERING SHAFT MOVEMENT AVAILABLE.
PE92-083opened Oct 14, 1992
Steering · model years 1993

Steering gearbox blt fails. Closed jan 15, 1993.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available
PE91-067opened Apr 16, 1991
Steering · model years 1990

Steering gear lockup. Closed jun 14, 1991.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2019 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 4,200 and 62,000 miles, from the 26 reports that gave a mileage.

218
919
520
521
922
423
324
525

What owners wrote

“Driving from Pittsburgh to Philadelphia, then To DC, then VA, power steering service show up and caused my jeep hard to turning. Completely unexpected. I just got them 2 month ago.”

Filed Oct 2, 2025

“I’m having power steering issues , when i start my vehicle the power steering light comes on and my steering wheel locks up”

Filed Jul 22, 2025

“Engine off, lost power steering and brakes. Gave me an error on the dash something about not being able to shift. Have 2 kids”

Filed Oct 24, 2024

“power steering went out while driving down the interstate at 70 MPH. The dealership said that the rack and pinnon had to be replaced. The Jeep has less than 60,000 miles on it. This is unacceptable for a product of this expense and quality.”

Filed Oct 18, 2022 · 60,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 3 of 42 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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