Diagsheet

2021 Jeep Wrangler · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 26owner reports
  • 25,000median miles
  • $340median quote
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Jul 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

249 of the 909 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 26 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 26 reports

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21

What got replaced

Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.

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.

26V-363Jun 4, 2026
Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Pump

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 and remedy
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Wrangler

PE24-024opened Sep 6, 2024
Steering · model years 2021 to 2023

Underhood fires. Open, led to recall 26V-363.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 9 Vehicle Owner's Questionnaire (VOQ) reports, 1 Death and Injury report, and multiple field reports alleging incidents of engine compartment fires in model year (MY) 2021-2023 Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The majority of the reports describe a fire occurring while the ignition in the vehicle was in an ‘OFF’ state with a suspected origin at the passenger front side of the engine compartment. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. ODI has contacted the vehicle manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), and learned of several thermal events originating at the power steering pump electrical connector in recent model year Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator vehicles. The location of the pump connector is located at the passenger front side of the engine compartment, coinciding with the majority of fire reports known to ODI. ODI is opening this Preliminary Evaluation (PE) to assess the cause, scope, and frequency of the alleged defect. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Numbers document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE19-012opened Sep 16, 2019
Steering · model years 2018 to 2019

Frame weld deficiencies. Closed oct 29, 2023.

NHTSA summary
On September 16, 2019, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) granted Defect Petition DP18-004 and opened Preliminary Evaluation PE19-012 to investigate allegations of deficient frame welds and their potential safety related effects on 2018-2019 Jeep Wranglers. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI decided to include reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering stiction (loss of power steering) as part of this investigation and parent petition (DP18-004). ODI received information from the vehicle manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) via information request letters dated March 8, 2019, and February 6, 2020. Supplemental requests for information occurred between July 2020 and July 2023. A review of the responsive manufacturer information showed that vehicles presenting an unexpected reduction in steering ability due to a welding tool misalignment were correctly addressed via recall 18V-675. General complaints concerning the weld appearance were not associated with a realized risk to motor vehicle safety. ODI identified a limited number of reports involving weld separation on vehicles that were out of scope of recall 18V-675. FCA identified various causes of weld quality issues in early production (build dates prior to March 2018) including improper welding techniques on galvanized frames and component part variation leading to off-seam welds. These is
DP18-004opened Nov 16, 2018
Steering · model years 2018 to 2019

Frame weld deficiencies. Closed sep 17, 2019.

NHTSA summary
In a letter received on October 24, 2018, a citizen petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to initiate a safety defect investigation into frame weld deficiencies on model year (MY) 2018 'JL' Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The petitioner described a broad list of frame weld deficiencies, including porous welds, excessive slag, lack of weld penetration, over penetration of welds, overweld or weld drip, and weld splash. The weld defects are allegedly located at a variety of locations on the frame assembly.On November 16, 2018, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Defect Petition (DP18-004) to evaluate whether to grant or deny the petition. On March 8, 2019, ODI sent an Information Request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) requesting information on frame weld related issues on all MY 2018-2019 Jeep Wrangler 'JL' vehicles. Due to a previous steering related recall that was caused by a misaligned weld on the front track bar (NHTSA Recall No. 18V-675), ODI opted to include a request for additional information concerning reports of steering shimmy or wobble, loose steering, and steering lockup in the March request letter. ODI has performed a preliminary analysis on the information obtained from FCA. Based on ODI's review of the applicable materials, NHTSA has decided to grant the petition. While reviewing the applicable materials obtained from the manufacturer, ODI identified various reports and references to frame welded component detach

What owners paid

5 of the 26 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $250 to $700.

$250$340$700
$0k$2k$4k$6k$8k

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 10,000 and 31,000 miles, from the 8 reports that gave a mileage.

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424
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626

What owners wrote

“Death Wobble on a 2021 My Mechanic is trying to fix it, and i was told that this is the first year of power assisted suspension (which he believes is causing the issues) The Death Wobble continues replaced tires and suspension parts and still has death wobble This is a KNOWN issue on Chrysler history, hence the settlement, but it didn't include my vehicle as it is a newer vehicle”

Filed Dec 17, 2023

“Several times last two weeks while driving the power steering failed. Vehicle became almost impossible to steer. At 55 mph serious. Also the vehicle would start stopping as if the passive speed control saw something ahead when nothing was in road”

Filed Dec 14, 2023

“Known Jeep Wrangler issue "Death Wobble". When hit a bump at 60-70 MPH, Jeep shakes violently. Reducing speed and the shake stops. Steering damper replaced on 5/31/23 and 8/31/23. Occurred again and now the Power Steering Gear Box is being replaced. Disappointing for this on a known problem on a 2 year old Jeep.”

Filed Oct 4, 2023

“Vehicle locked up, no steering, no braking or control while traveling at 40mph nearly causing an accident. Interface said Anti Theft Mode engaged, enter code. This nearly caused a crash and the vehicle was immobilized and had to be towed to dealership. Vehicle has less than 3000 miles on the odometer. This presented a significant safety risk to driver, passengers and other motorists.”

Filed Sep 24, 2021 · 3,000 miles

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 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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