YearToAvoid

2011 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 58 steering complaints for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler, 12% of its 485 total complaints for the year, tied to 5 crashes and 5 injuries. A related recall (11V315000) covers a steering column pivot rivet issue on the 2011 Wrangler.

Steering complaints
58
12% of 485
Crashes reported
5
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
5
Median mileage
44,500 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners report sudden loss of steering control, often linked to a fractured or broken tie rod, sometimes ending in a crash into a wall or guardrail.
  • Several drivers describe the steering wheel becoming unresponsive or failing to return to center during turns at low speed.
  • Multiple complaints describe the well-known 'death wobble,' a violent shaking of the steering wheel and front end triggered by bumps or rough roads, occurring at highway and low speeds alike.
  • Some owners report the steering dampener loosening or needing replacement after persistent wobble or looseness developed at low mileage.
  • One complaint describes reduced steering range after a failed 4-wheel-drive to 2-wheel-drive shift left the vehicle stuck in 4-wheel drive.

When 2011 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints were filed

First complaint Feb 14, 2011, latest Jun 10, 2026.

2011 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints: complaints filed per month3Feb 2011Jun 2012Jun 2013Jun 2015Aug 2016Aug 2019Mar 2021Feb 2026
58 complaints filed with NHTSA from Feb 2011 to Jun 2026; peak Dec 2014 (3).

Steering recalls for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler

  1. NHTSA 11V315000Jun 8, 2011Steering11,096 vehicles

    Steering:column

    Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.

    Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Steering complaints by Wrangler model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 201065 (9%)
  2. 201158 (12%)
  3. 2012204 (24%)
  4. 2013167 (26%)
  5. 201426 (4%)
  6. 201529 (6%)
  7. 201628 (6%)
  8. 201719 (6%)
  9. 20181,115 (61%)
  10. 2019445 (60%)
  11. 2020238 (39%)
  12. 2021250 (27%)
  13. 202282 (21%)
  14. 202356 (15%)
  15. 202468 (9%)
  16. 20253 (5%)

Frequently asked questions

How many steering complaints does the 2011 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 58 steering complaints for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler, making up 12% of the 485 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall for the 2011 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Recall 11V315000, reported June 8, 2011, covers a steering column pivot issue; dealers inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the column as needed, free of charge.
Have steering problems caused crashes or injuries on the 2011 Wrangler?
NHTSA data tied to steering complaints for the 2011 Wrangler show 5 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.
At what mileage do steering problems typically appear on the 2011 Wrangler?
The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2011 Jeep Wrangler is 44,500 miles, though some owners reported issues at much lower mileage.
How does the 2011 Wrangler compare to other years for steering complaints?
Steering complaints made up 12% of total complaints for 2011, lower than the 24%–26% seen in 2012–2013 and far below the 61% and 60% shares seen in 2018 and 2019.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.