Steering issues resolved in latest model years?

[Mccorm67]

I’ve seen a few posts from 2020 regarding known steering issues, any sense that these have been addressed by FCA in the newer models?

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[SouthCo]

To my knowledge the only improvement FCA did was an upgraded steering box. A few have complained even with the upgraded box, but the number of complaints is soo small I wouldn't let it deter you from getting a Jeep. Just know it will not drive like your IFS Grand Cherokee.

And my 2018 with the old steering box drives great. Even with the old steering box the number of complaints was small...

 

[Mccorm67]

Good to know, thanks! So excited for my Wrangler

 

[Wanted33]

Tim, my '19 was fine right out of the box, but Jeep said I needed a new steering damper. It's even better now. Remember, the Jeep will not drive like any independent front suspension vehicle. It wil have a little bit of play in the steering, because of the solid front axle set up. It's nothing you can't get used to. Enjoy that new Jeep. It will be one great Christmas present.

Just a bit of an FYI. Check the tire air pressure before you leave the lot. Mine has 42 psi in every tire. That caused it too wander on the way home. I thought I had big problems until I saw this bit of info here on the forum. I run 32 psi in my 285's, and it works out good for me.

 

[Mccorm67]

Tim, my '19 was fine right out of the box, but Jeep said I needed a new steering damper. It's even better now. Remember, the Jeep will not drive like any independent front suspension vehicle. It wil have a little bit of play in the steering, because of the solid front axle set up. It's nothing you can't get used to. Enjoy that new Jeep. It will be one great Christmas present.

Just a bit of an FYI. Check the tire air pressure before you leave the lot. Mine has 42 psi in every tire. That caused it too wander on the way home. I thought I had big problems until I saw this bit of info here on the forum. I run 32 psi in my 285's, and it works out good for me.

Great info thanks! I’m only D1 right now ordered 30-Oct, maybe if I plan for March I won’t be disappointed lol

 

[Wanted33]

Great info thanks! I’m only D1 right now ordered 30-Oct, maybe if I plan for March I won’t be disappointed lol

Hot dang, more time to buy stuff. It will seem like 5 years instead of 5 months I assure you. I know this from experience. So, here's a little ditty to help you out my friend.

 

[Reinen]

Great info thanks! I’m only D1 right now ordered 30-Oct, maybe if I plan for March I won’t be disappointed lol

Jeep tires are delivered over inflated to prevent flat spotting in storage & transport. Lower the PSI for use. Also open the fuse box and press every fuse and relay in fully.

Standard procedure for new Jeeps. Like peeling the plastic off your new phone's screen.

 

[Old Dogger]

After all of the JL Steering update, which should be already on the 2021's, a low percentage of the owners are still having steering issues. The best thing to do when you buy one, or take delivery from a order, is to drive it over bumps and at highway speeds, before one signs the final papers.

 

[zakaron]

My 2021 came with the updated black steel steering box from the factory. The recall retro fits the unit for those prior to 2021. I have almost 9K miles so far and no issues with steering; it works just fine on the road and on the trail. The worst I've dealt with was waiting for the MT2 tires to wear in. They liked to wonder a bit when new. Anyway, I have no hesitations taking this on a long trip.

 

[garyji]

My 21 Willys is perfect. Every bit as good as my Tacoma was. All stock with the Firestones.

G.

 

[Luxy60]

What tire pressures are folks running? My '21 Sport Altitude (18" wheel w/AS tires) was delivered with the tires inflated to 38 psi. I lowered them to 36 but still seems a bit over inflated, steering is light, not tight. I'm thinking I might try 34 psi next. Too soon to tell for sure but the fronts might be wearing faster along the center line of the tires which is usually a sign of over inflation.

 

[blink9cd]

Maybe I'm not picky enough or still in the honeymoon period, but I don't get the complaints on JLU steering, at least for people with '21s. When I'm driving it's pretty transparent and I don't really notice anything either way...it just steers and drives fine? For reference I'm coming off a Mazda3.

 

[Rescue119]

What tire pressures are folks running? My '21 Sport Altitude (18" wheel w/AS tires) was delivered with the tires inflated to 38 psi. I lowered them to 36 but still seems a bit over inflated, steering is light, not tight. I'm thinking I might try 34 psi next. Too soon to tell for sure but the fronts might be wearing faster along the center line of the tires which is usually a sign of over inflation.

ive always run 35 psi in all different size tires. idk just works for dd use in all weather.

 

[Benny]

My 2018 JL Sport was a little skittish on the highway when I first got it, but lowering the tire pressure to 35 / 36 pounds made a big difference.

 

[JABCAT]

What tire pressures are folks running? My '21 Sport Altitude (18" wheel w/AS tires) was delivered with the tires inflated to 38 psi. I lowered them to 36 but still seems a bit over inflated, steering is light, not tight. I'm thinking I might try 34 psi next. Too soon to tell for sure but the fronts might be wearing faster along the center line of the tires which is usually a sign of over inflation.

The recommended tire pressures are listed on the sticker on the door jamb. These are also the pressures to which the TPMS is calibrated.

If the Jeep tires are overinflated upon shipment to the dealer, they should be set to the correct pressures during PDI. My experience is they never do this, so be sure to check them upon delivery. Also check the lug nuts as I’ve found some over torqued and some loose on brand new vehicles.

Lastly, different tires will have different driving characteristics. So depending on which model you ordered/purchased and which tires it comes with could affect your steering feel. For example, mud terrains will drive much differently than all terrains and all seasons.

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