YearToAvoid

2019 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems

NHTSA lists 445 steering complaints for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler, 60% of its 741 total complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 2,050. A related recall (19V201000) covers a steering column stub shaft that could break and detach the steering wheel.

Steering complaints
445
60% of 741
Crashes reported
3
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
1
Median mileage
2,050 mi
Related recalls
1

Typical steering symptoms owners report

  • Owners describe a 'death wobble' where the steering wheel and front end shake violently over bumps or highway seams, sometimes at 65-70 mph.
  • Several report loose or wandering steering that requires constant correction to keep the Wrangler tracking straight, especially above 40-50 mph.
  • Some describe a dead zone of 1.5 to 2 inches in the steering wheel before the wheels actually respond.
  • Others report steering that stiffens noticeably above 50 mph then suddenly loosens again below 30 mph, causing the vehicle to sway.
  • One complaint describes side-to-side drifting starting within the first 50 miles of ownership.

When 2019 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 4, 2018, latest Sep 9, 2026.

2019 Jeep Wrangler steering complaints: complaints filed per quarter702018 Q42019 Q42020 Q42021 Q42022 Q42023 Q42024 Q42025 Q4
445 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2018 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2019 Q3 (70).

Steering recalls for the 2019 Jeep Wrangler

  1. NHTSA 19V201000Mar 14, 2019Steering52 vehicles

    Steering

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Wrangler and 2019 Ram 1500 vehicles. These vehicles have improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break, possibly causing the steering wheel to detach from the steering column.

    Risk: If the steering wheel detaches from the steering column, the driver may lose control of the vehicle, increasing the risk of crash.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the steering column, replacing it, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 5, 2019. Owners may contact FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V29.

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 2019 Jeep Wrangler have?
NHTSA lists 445 steering complaints for the 2019 Wrangler, which is 60% of the 741 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a steering recall on the 2019 Jeep Wrangler?
Yes. Recall 19V201000, reported March 14, 2019, covers improperly machined steering column stub shafts that may break and could cause the steering wheel to detach. Dealers inspect and replace the steering column as necessary, free of charge.
At what mileage do steering problems usually show up?
The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for steering complaints on the 2019 Wrangler is 2,050 miles.
What is the 'death wobble' owners mention?
It is a term used by owners to describe violent shaking of the steering wheel and front end after hitting bumps, often at highway speed, as described in several NHTSA complaints for this steering issue.
Did the steering complaints lead to crashes or injuries?
NHTSA data ties 3 crashes and 1 injury to steering complaints on the 2019 Wrangler, with no fires reported.

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.