2018 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 1,115 steering complaints for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler, 61% of all 1,820 complaints filed for the year — the highest share of any Wrangler model year. There is a related recall (18V343000) for an improperly welded intermediate steering shaft, and median mileage at failure was 5,000 miles.
- Steering complaints
- 1,115
- 61% of 1,820
- Crashes reported
- 9
- Fires reported
- 1
- Injuries reported
- 3
- Median mileage
- 5,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Steering wheel develops sudden wobble or shimmy at highway speeds above 45 mph, sometimes requiring the driver to slow to under 10 mph to regain control.
- Steering locks up or seizes mid-turn, in some cases during cold weather or right-hand turns, leading to loss of control and collisions.
- Power steering resists or clunks when straightening out after a turn, especially with the engine at operating temperature.
- Excessive play in the steering wheel causes the vehicle to wander or bounce within the lane, requiring constant correction.
- A track bar fracture at the axle frame was diagnosed in at least one case after the steering became difficult to maneuver at 70 mph.
- Some owners reported vague, wandering steering on new vehicles with very low mileage, even after tire pressure checks.
When 2018 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints were filed
First complaint Apr 5, 2018, latest Aug 26, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler
- NHTSA 18V343000May 25, 2018Steering539 vehicles
Steering
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. The intermediate steering shaft may not have been properly welded causing a split where the external spline is formed.
Risk: If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U48.
Steering complaints by Wrangler model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many steering complaints does the 2018 Jeep Wrangler have?
- NHTSA lists 1,115 steering complaints for the 2018 Wrangler, which is 61% of all 1,820 complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a steering recall for the 2018 Jeep Wrangler?
- Yes. Recall 18V343000, reported May 25, 2018, covers an intermediate steering shaft that may not have been properly welded, causing a split at the external spline. Dealers inspect and replace the shaft as needed.
- At what mileage do steering problems usually show up on the 2018 Wrangler?
- The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints is 5,000 miles.
- Did the steering problems cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to steering complaints on the 2018 Wrangler includes 9 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.
- Is 2018 the worst Wrangler year for steering complaints?
- Among the model years listed, 2018 has both the highest count (1,115) and the highest share (61%) of steering complaints relative to other Wrangler years.