Diagsheet

2022 Jeep Wrangler · symptom sheet

Steering wheel shakes or the "death wobble"

  • 60owner reports
  • 15,871median miles
  • 0involved a crash

Newest report Sep 3, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026

81 of the 383 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 60 of those describe death wobble. Only dead battery is reported more often on this car.

Tick what matches of 60 reports

44
24
41
7
18
8

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering damper (17 reports) and the tie rod (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

One recall on the steering system covers the 2022 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

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 8,500 and 28,998 miles, from the 25 reports that gave a mileage.

922
1023
924
1925
1326

What owners wrote

“This is a 2022 Jeep wrangler sport with 40K miles on it. It was bought brand new. We are experiencing what is called the "Death Wobble" where the suspension parts give out and create a severe wobble in the front suspension and steering of the vehicle at highway speeds. The 2019 Jeep had a recall on this problem as well.”

Filed Mar 11, 2025 · 40,000 miles

“Driving at highway speed, approximately 65 mph. When vehicle drives over uneven section of pavement, for example when changing lanes, front end starts to vibrate violently and steering is compromised. Vibration persists until speed is reduce by approximately 10 mph. Vehicle is stock and has 11,000 miles.”

Filed Dec 3, 2024 · 11,000 miles

“The car starts to shudder after driving over a gap in the road or bumpy pavement. Usually at around 50-60mph. Had two episodes that were minor and then a week later on the same drive two more episodes with much more intense vibrations. Had to quickly reduce speed to stop the resonance and vibration in each case. Will be checking for loose parts below the vehicle, which has about 8500 miles on it.”

Filed Jan 28, 2024 · 8,500 miles

“excessive front end shaking that is uncontrolable - dealer has not been able to fix or figure it out”

Filed Nov 21, 2023

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 0 of 60 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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