Steering resistance then goes away ..feels dangerous

[PastoreJesse]

Just an update from my perspective and my 18 JLU, I had a local CDJR shop perform this corrective action last year 2018 around this time. Yesterday and this morning experienced the same issue, with today having more resistance lasting more than a brief moment. Similar conditions, cold startup and driving within 15 minutes at temperatures around 30-35 here in Northern California. After driving for a few miles and possibly everything "warming up" the issue subsided. I dont regularlarly have passengers with me so recording this issue wont be a safe thing to do. Like everyone else, outside of Fall and Winter seasons, steering is great. Additionally, this issue for me occurred before any mods, literally withing four months of purchasing my Jeep. Just putting this out for additional info, going to call my service department again to see what other fix can be performed.

Any updates on this? I had the corrective action performed last year myself, and have been worried that the issue would return for me as well.

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[PastoreJesse]

After having the TSB done on my vehicle in January, I hadn’t noticed any stiffness in my steering. Everything was fine, even on the coldest days of the year.

This morning on my way into work it was a bit colder than it has been lately, in the low 40s. I noticed a definite stiffness even pulling out of my driveway and going down back roads. Once I got on the highway, I could feel resistance when I tried to turn my wheel to the left. Not dangerously so, but noticeable. Wondering what the next step to try and fix this issue is, and why it came back after not being an issue for so long?

 

[smithrd65]

First off Lite Brite is an IDIOT
And there is a TSB on it. I have not experienced that issue but I would just get it checked out.

 

[alphalife9]

Hello Everyone,

Thank you for reaching out to our team for additional assistance with this concern. We understand how frustrating this can be. We do recommend going to your dealer to have TSB 08-092-18 applied. If you are in need of additional assistance while at the dealer for this, send us a private message. We are happy to assist.

Darlene
Jeep Social Care Specialist

Hi Darlene, I have a 2019 JLUR and it is doing the same thing. Does the TSB cover my Jeep as well? I left my house this morning. It was about 40 degrees outside. Immediately the steering wheel was locked up and I had use a good amount of force to free it up as I was backing out of my driveway. Once free it worked fine but the initial effort to change the direction of the steering wheel was met with significant resistance. Then, while the Jeep was still cold, maybe 2 minutes into my commute, I was approaching an intersection to turn left and the steering wheel was frozen so the Jeep wanted to keep going straight. I braked hard and wrestled the wheel to the left and eventually the steering wheel jolted to the left hard almost causing the rear end to swing out and almost too late to be able to make the turn ending up slightly on the shoulder of the road.

When the Jeep is cold and it acts up backing out of my driveway going 1MPH its not a huge deal, but when the steering locks up at speed when you need to turn and you don't expect it, that is a serious safety concern.

I'd really appreciate your help in getting this resolved. Any number of variables on the road while the steering wheel locks up like this could cause a catastrophic situation.

 

[D60]

Just an update from my perspective and my 18 JLU, I had a local CDJR shop perform this corrective action last year 2018 around this time. Yesterday and this morning experienced the same issue, with today having more resistance lasting more than a brief moment. Similar conditions, cold startup and driving within 15 minutes at temperatures around 30-35 here in Northern California. After driving for a few miles and possibly everything "warming up" the issue subsided. I dont regularlarly have passengers with me so recording this issue wont be a safe thing to do. Like everyone else, outside of Fall and Winter seasons, steering is great. Additionally, this issue for me occurred before any mods, literally withing four months of purchasing my Jeep. Just putting this out for additional info, going to call my service department again to see what other fix can be performed.

Seriously, do file a NHTSA complaint if you haven't.

Admittedly I have not but it's on my list for today.

I'm not generally an alarmist but this issue could be truly deadly on the mountain passes I drive.

I always preach to know what to do if the vehicle dies, but this problem simply can't be accounted for because you start muscling it like a car from the '50s and THEN assist returns and BAM - INSTANT MASSIVE OVERCORRECTION

Basically, it'd be safer if the assist went away and never returned during the event

 

[alphalife9]

Seriously, do file a NHTSA complaint if you haven't.

Admittedly I have not but it's on my list for today.

I'm not generally an alarmist but this issue could be truly deadly on the mountain passes I drive.

I always preach to know what to do if the vehicle dies, but this problem simply can't be accounted for because you start muscling it like a car from the '50s and THEN assist returns and BAM - INSTANT MASSIVE OVERCORRECTION

Basically, it'd be safer if the assist went away and never returned during the event

exactly! I hope an official fix happens before someone gets hurt.

 

[JeepCares]

Hi Darlene, I have a 2019 JLUR and it is doing the same thing. Does the TSB cover my Jeep as well? I left my house this morning. It was about 40 degrees outside. Immediately the steering wheel was locked up and I had use a good amount of force to free it up as I was backing out of my driveway. Once free it worked fine but the initial effort to change the direction of the steering wheel was met with significant resistance. Then, while the Jeep was still cold, maybe 2 minutes into my commute, I was approaching an intersection to turn left and the steering wheel was frozen so the Jeep wanted to keep going straight. I braked hard and wrestled the wheel to the left and eventually the steering wheel jolted to the left hard almost causing the rear end to swing out and almost too late to be able to make the turn ending up slightly on the shoulder of the road.

When the Jeep is cold and it acts up backing out of my driveway going 1MPH its not a huge deal, but when the steering locks up at speed when you need to turn and you don't expect it, that is a serious safety concern.

I'd really appreciate your help in getting this resolved. Any number of variables on the road while the steering wheel locks up like this could cause a catastrophic situation.

Hi @alphalife9

We recommend visiting your dealer for a diagnosis. If you would like additional support while in service, please send us a private message with your VIN, mileage, and dealer.

Darlene
Jeep Cares

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