Diagsheet

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 71owner reports
  • 8,000median miles
  • 2involved a crash

Newest report Nov 14, 2024 · checked Sep 9, 2026

102 of the 401 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 71 of those describe power steering loss, which makes it the most reported problem on the 2021 Grand Cherokee.

Tick what matches of 71 reports

3
47
17
5
34

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the EPS motor or module (5 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

23V-352May 18, 2023
Steering:Column

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 and remedy
Risk: A loss of steering control increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Grand Cherokee

PE12-020opened Jul 19, 2012
Steering · model years 2012

Power steering hose failure. Closed dec 7, 2012.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed complaint data provided by Chrysler as well as complaints submitted to ODI from consumers. ODI's analysis identified a total of 24 unique reports indicating power steering hose blow-offs resulting from a dislodged power steering cooler turbulator fin in some early production vehicles.According to Chrysler, a dislodged fin can occur when the turbulator is inserted into the power steering cooler or loaded into the assembly machine.A dislodged fin may block the flow of power steering fluid creating excess back-pressure in the power steering system leading to the possibility of a return hose blow-off.Chrysler and its power steering cooler supplier, Dana, modified the cooler assembly process to address factors that may contribute to hose blow-offs. The redesigned turbulator assembly stations were completely implemented in production by April 2012.During PE12-020, Chrysler identified occurrences where the power steering return hose may blow-off at the power steering cooler.This is a condition that typically occurs early in the life of the vehicle with 65% occurring at less than 2,000 miles and 96% occurring with less than 8,000 miles. The data also shows that 88% of the conditions occurred with less than 4 months in service. Over 50% of the blow-off complaints occurred on vehicles with build dates between November 22, 2011 and December 23, 2011. None of the conditions occurred with more than 12,000 miles or 7 months in service. Chr
DP97-004opened Oct 1, 1997
Steering · model years 1993

Viscous coupling failure. Closed jan 20, 1998.

NHTSA summary
ALLEGED THAT THE VISCOUS COUPLING IN THE TRANSFER CASE OF HIS 1993 GRAND CHEROKEE VEHICLE FAILED WHICH AFFECTED STEERING, BRAKING AND STARTING OF THE VEHICLE.
RQ97-004opened Mar 20, 1997
Steering · model years 1994 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.
PE93-091opened Oct 13, 1993
Steering · model years 1993

Steering shaft failure. Closed jan 25, 1994, led to recall 93V-210.

NHTSA summary
There is no summary currently available

None of these investigations covers the 2021 model year.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 2,623 and 19,146 miles, from the 19 reports that gave a mileage.

621
4622
1223
724

What owners wrote

“The vehicle lost both power steering and lane keep assist during normal operation. The mechanical fall back steering still works, but that requires significant more force to turn the steering wheel. The issue went away next time I started the vehicle.”

Filed Feb 27, 2022

“Warning came up that Power steering is unavailable. There have also been numerous occasions before this where no warning has come on, but the steering wheel has a bad vibration while driving”

Filed Feb 24, 2022

“Power steering randomly goes out and random electrical issues and faulty sensors indicators. Vehicle has 8,000 miles I fear for my safety to safely operate this vehicle putting my life in danger and others on the highway.”

Filed Feb 19, 2022 · 8,000 miles

“On several occasions, the vehicle lost power steering, making it difficult to maintain control.”

Filed Feb 15, 2022

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 2 of 71 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. 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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