2020 JLUR steering issue

[RagTopDeluxe]

I actually did check my caster angle, both with my iPhone and with one of those yellow plastic angle finders.

Both gave me readings of about 6 degrees. I have never checked it on a proper alignment rack.

I had my JLR at the dealer for steering at two weeks. They did an alignment because the toe was way off. I then swapped the LCAs and took it to a local shop to check it.

PSC recommends up to 7 degrees and I’ve read some people going past 6 with good results.
“‘The caster angle is a major contributor to directional control. An insufficient amount of positive caster angle will decrease driver effort at the steering wheel, but may make the vehicle too sensitive and twitchy, especially as speed increases. To achieve the best on-the-road driving experience, recommended front axle caster setting is 4-7 degrees positive.” https://www.pscmotorsports.com/18-19-jeep-jl-big-bore-xd-overlander-steering-kit.html

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[Rdmitch]

It seems like the problem is kind of all over the place. Which adds to the problem and frustration for people. Reading the thread on the steering issue you'll see that it's not one problem with one fix. It's problem A for one and Problem B for another. With Problem A and B for yet another while another has C and A. All Contribute to the wandering, but don't have the same solution.

Mine has a large dead spot in the wheel. Larger than any other car or Jeep I've had. It's not the end of the world, but it's something I dislike and contribute to a poor design.

The Jeep also wanders a bit. It requires constant input to keep strait. The dead spot amplifies the problem. Those micro-inputs to keep it strait don't work because the dead spot is so large. It results in moving the wheel side to side just to aim it down the road.

Once it finally settled down and the wheel is kept still, the Jeep will wander again. It's a cycle that never ends. I've tried a hand full of the fixes listed in the forum, but they only treat the symptom and not the problem. It still wanders and the wheel is still loose.

My white knuckle drive to work (20 miles) was somewhere between scary and dangerous. With the fixes, it's just scary. Dangerous only when an 18 wheeler pushes me around with it's wind.

It's a problem. Not all of us have it, but it's big enough that it has rocked my faith in FCA and the Jeep brand.

I suggest you do the "rollo" test drive. Get a pack of rollos, get in the highway and get up to speed, try to open those rollos and eat one. If you can do that without clinching your butt so tight that it takes a bite out of the seat, you have a good one.

I cannot do that. Changing the radio station puts me in another lane without consulting me first.

1000 % accurate.!!

 

[Rdmitch]

I would recommend checking your caster angle. My JLR came with a caster of 4.3 and the Mopar lift LCAs got it to 6, which was much better. I regret not getting the Metal Cloak adjustable LCAs because I’ve read this those with more caster (up to 7) have better success with the wandering/tracking. I’m going to get those next time for sure (either this Jeep if it’s fixed or a replacement).

May be true on a JLR / JLUR. Many have issues on other JL series other than Rubicons which have no adjustment for caster.
Yes ,we can buy kits to change caster angle and risk loosing ALL warranty coverage after we install those.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

May be true on a JLR / JLUR. Many have issues on other JL series other than Rubicons which have no adjustment for caster.
Yes ,we can buy kits to change caster angle and risk loosing ALL warranty coverage after we install those.

That’s why I put the Mopar lift LCAs on first and my dealer never noticed they were different during the three visits after putting them on. They also replaced the steering box even though I had aftermarket stabilizer and track bar installed. My dealer has been much more helpful than most, tho.

Someone in another thread checked new 2020 Rubicons on the lot and they had the shorter LCAs.

 

[Brandon3333]

Hello Forum..I am new as of...well...right now

I purchased a 2020 JLU Rubicon 3 weeks ago. Took it back to the dealer next day for problem with it wondering to the right. After an unsuccessful alignment, took it back 2 days later. Kept it for 3 days without ANY fix - even though they said it was mostly fixed...joke...didn't make a bit of difference. After days of back and forth, service manager said I would have to wait 6-9 months for a software update...REALLY?? A software update???
So, took it to another dealer for a 2nd opinion last week...after 2 more days they did NOTHING!! Told me the service manager refused to replace any parts and it acts "like it should" In other words washed his hands to it. Spoke to the shop foreman and basically said his hands were tied until the regional rep (Northern California) deems it is okay to replace any parts...a new STAR case is now open...not sure what good it will do since he is already reluctant to do anything about it now.

Then I come here - wow...hundreds upon hundreds of threads all over the place dating back to 2018 for the EXACT SAME PROBLEM. You mean to tell me in 3 model years they have not/will not/cannot properly address this issue in a new model year?

3 Problems I have found with my new 2020 JLU Rubicon:
1.) Pulls to the right...let go of steering wheel for a few seconds or look away...and you auto lane change to the right
2.) When making a left hand turn, I feel resistance. Let go of the steering wheel after completing the turn and it instantly goes back to center (as it should) HOWEVER, make a right hand turn...and as most people do...you let the steering wheel slide in your hands to come back to center....NOPE!! Not mine. When making a right turn it slowly tries to come back to center but never quite makes it and I continue to turn right slightly (Is that normal?? I don't think so but let me know)
3.) Constant correction on highway. I am constantly making small adjustments to the left to keep it in the center of the lane (see number 1 above). This causes driver fatigue on longer drives and just a horrible and possibly dangerous driving experience. Add a little wind and it looks like I am driving drunk swerving left and right all over the place to drive down the center of the road.

I have owned Jeeps since 1993 and NEVER had problems like this. It feels like I am driving a 1980's Cadillac Seville. Steering feels like a boat. THIS IS A JEEP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD...it's not suppose to feel like a car. My last JLU was a 2014 and was great. Seems like ever since they went from hydraulic steering to this new damn electronic all these problems started happening

So here is the problem - it is a 2020!!! Way too earlier for a TSB or Star case to reference. They won't randomly replace parts even though they exist and seem to solve most/many of the problems in 2019 models.

I am curious if anyone from FCA or Jeepcares monitors this Forum and reviewed this specific thread. This needs to be fixed immediately. I spent $52,000 for what I thought was going to be the best Jeep I have owned...(being my fourth one now). If anyone from FCA/Jeepcares views this, reply to me. Help your LOYAL CUSTOMERS....I get it...it is new but the problem (same problem) is old. I will be glad to work with you, but you need to work with me.

To my Jeep brothers/sisters - Have you filed a complaint with NHTSA? Please do so. Also, does anyone know for a fact if any of the past fixes have been applied to the 2020? (For example the "AE" steering box and the updated/upgraded Track bar???)

Thank you all and let's put this problem to bed!

 

[Rdmitch]

Brandon,
Welcome to our world. We are the whiners and complainers of this forum
You are experiencing the same thing many of us have over the past few years and we have all had the same replies from FCA
sometimes in their soft voice and sometimes they just slam the door on us. It doesn't seem to matter to FCA that there is a serious issue with so many of the Jeep's since we are all imagining this anyway. It's just the way they are....NOT. I can tell you I drove 3 JL's in the past 2 weeks that were much better than mine. Not perfect but much better. Two were 2020's and the other a 2019. There is no rhyme or reason since they both have the same steering box design. There is no fix !!!! No one here can say with any degree of certainty they found a fix. If there was a fix, Jeep would have implemented it already in the past 2 years.

About 20% or so of JL's seem to have this issue and its terribly frustrating. You will certainly get a note from JeepCares very soon offering their assistance. It wont do any good since the dealers have already told you to go away. The software update would not help anyway so its a waste of time. Hopefully you have a file started and a case number from FCA on your jeeps issues, if not get one. You can ask to escalate the case to the technical service dept. and even get the regional factory tech to evaluate the car...but all these will still get you no where. All you will get is the official "its driving as designed" Even though my local service advisor told me its absolutely terrible and he wouldn't own this Jeep.
Their have been a number of band aids posted here and you can try any combination of these you desire. they may help slightly and get you to a point that the Jeep is manageable, on a Rubicon there are some added adjustments you can make that us Sahara and Sport owners cant do such as caster adjustments. Be prepared for a miserable experience and let your dealer know you are dissatisfied. Granted there may not be a STAR case on a 2020 but its the exact same problem. A constant battle driving the jeep. Since its only been 3 weeks since your purchase I would go right to the dealer GM and insist on a replacement. Have him/her drive it with you in it and see their opinion. If they refuse to replace it, don't waste you time any further, just go right to a attorney in your area and let them handle it.

Many here have filed with NHTSA which puts you into a database only. Others have filed lawsuits, done aftermarket updates, and anything else you could imagine.

Keep us posted, feel free to comment or PM those you want to talk to offline. Don't get me wrong, like others I love my Sahara and the whole Jeep thing. It's what I always wanted. Not what I expected when like you I plunked down over 40K. I just want to be able to drive it like a normal car, not fight it every day. Not expecting it to drive like a Mercedes but do expect it to drive safely.

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

Hello Forum..I am new as of...well...right now

I purchased a 2020 JLU Rubicon 3 weeks ago. Took it back to the dealer next day for problem with it wondering to the right. After an unsuccessful alignment, took it back 2 days later. Kept it for 3 days without ANY fix - even though they said it was mostly fixed...joke...didn't make a bit of difference. After days of back and forth, service manager said I would have to wait 6-9 months for a software update...REALLY?? A software update???
So, took it to another dealer for a 2nd opinion last week...after 2 more days they did NOTHING!! Told me the service manager refused to replace any parts and it acts "like it should" In other words washed his hands to it. Spoke to the shop foreman and basically said his hands were tied until the regional rep (Northern California) deems it is okay to replace any parts...a new STAR case is now open...not sure what good it will do since he is already reluctant to do anything about it now.

Then I come here - wow...hundreds upon hundreds of threads all over the place dating back to 2018 for the EXACT SAME PROBLEM. You mean to tell me in 3 model years they have not/will not/cannot properly address this issue in a new model year?

3 Problems I have found with my new 2020 JLU Rubicon:
1.) Pulls to the right...let go of steering wheel for a few seconds or look away...and you auto lane change to the right
2.) When making a left hand turn, I feel resistance. Let go of the steering wheel after completing the turn and it instantly goes back to center (as it should) HOWEVER, make a right hand turn...and as most people do...you let the steering wheel slide in your hands to come back to center....NOPE!! Not mine. When making a right turn it slowly tries to come back to center but never quite makes it and I continue to turn right slightly (Is that normal?? I don't think so but let me know)
3.) Constant correction on highway. I am constantly making small adjustments to the left to keep it in the center of the lane (see number 1 above). This causes driver fatigue on longer drives and just a horrible and possibly dangerous driving experience. Add a little wind and it looks like I am driving drunk swerving left and right all over the place to drive down the center of the road.

I have owned Jeeps since 1993 and NEVER had problems like this. It feels like I am driving a 1980's Cadillac Seville. Steering feels like a boat. THIS IS A JEEP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD...it's not suppose to feel like a car. My last JLU was a 2014 and was great. Seems like ever since they went from hydraulic steering to this new damn electronic all these problems started happening

So here is the problem - it is a 2020!!! Way too earlier for a TSB or Star case to reference. They won't randomly replace parts even though they exist and seem to solve most/many of the problems in 2019 models.

I am curious if anyone from FCA or Jeepcares monitors this Forum and reviewed this specific thread. This needs to be fixed immediately. I spent $52,000 for what I thought was going to be the best Jeep I have owned...(being my fourth one now). If anyone from FCA/Jeepcares views this, reply to me. Help your LOYAL CUSTOMERS....I get it...it is new but the problem (same problem) is old. I will be glad to work with you, but you need to work with me.

To my Jeep brothers/sisters - Have you filed a complaint with NHTSA? Please do so. Also, does anyone know for a fact if any of the past fixes have been applied to the 2020? (For example the "AE" steering box and the updated/upgraded Track bar???)

Thank you all and let's put this problem to bed!

Hello neighbor and welcome.

I’m curious to know which dealers your took your Jeep to for service. I’ve been taking mine to Folsom for my steering issues and they’ve been working with me. But after four unsuccessful visits, I’m debating my next step.

It’s so maddening to read that the 2020s also have steering problems. I’ve read that they do have the AE boxes and better (relatively speaking) track bar, but still the short LCAs.

Jeep cares does monitor the forum, you’ll need to tag them @JeepCares will do the trick.

 

[JeepCares]

Hello Forum..I am new as of...well...right now

I purchased a 2020 JLU Rubicon 3 weeks ago. Took it back to the dealer next day for problem with it wondering to the right. After an unsuccessful alignment, took it back 2 days later. Kept it for 3 days without ANY fix - even though they said it was mostly fixed...joke...didn't make a bit of difference. After days of back and forth, service manager said I would have to wait 6-9 months for a software update...REALLY?? A software update???
So, took it to another dealer for a 2nd opinion last week...after 2 more days they did NOTHING!! Told me the service manager refused to replace any parts and it acts "like it should" In other words washed his hands to it. Spoke to the shop foreman and basically said his hands were tied until the regional rep (Northern California) deems it is okay to replace any parts...a new STAR case is now open...not sure what good it will do since he is already reluctant to do anything about it now.

Then I come here - wow...hundreds upon hundreds of threads all over the place dating back to 2018 for the EXACT SAME PROBLEM. You mean to tell me in 3 model years they have not/will not/cannot properly address this issue in a new model year?

3 Problems I have found with my new 2020 JLU Rubicon:
1.) Pulls to the right...let go of steering wheel for a few seconds or look away...and you auto lane change to the right
2.) When making a left hand turn, I feel resistance. Let go of the steering wheel after completing the turn and it instantly goes back to center (as it should) HOWEVER, make a right hand turn...and as most people do...you let the steering wheel slide in your hands to come back to center....NOPE!! Not mine. When making a right turn it slowly tries to come back to center but never quite makes it and I continue to turn right slightly (Is that normal?? I don't think so but let me know)
3.) Constant correction on highway. I am constantly making small adjustments to the left to keep it in the center of the lane (see number 1 above). This causes driver fatigue on longer drives and just a horrible and possibly dangerous driving experience. Add a little wind and it looks like I am driving drunk swerving left and right all over the place to drive down the center of the road.

I have owned Jeeps since 1993 and NEVER had problems like this. It feels like I am driving a 1980's Cadillac Seville. Steering feels like a boat. THIS IS A JEEP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD...it's not suppose to feel like a car. My last JLU was a 2014 and was great. Seems like ever since they went from hydraulic steering to this new damn electronic all these problems started happening

So here is the problem - it is a 2020!!! Way too earlier for a TSB or Star case to reference. They won't randomly replace parts even though they exist and seem to solve most/many of the problems in 2019 models.

I am curious if anyone from FCA or Jeepcares monitors this Forum and reviewed this specific thread. This needs to be fixed immediately. I spent $52,000 for what I thought was going to be the best Jeep I have owned...(being my fourth one now). If anyone from FCA/Jeepcares views this, reply to me. Help your LOYAL CUSTOMERS....I get it...it is new but the problem (same problem) is old. I will be glad to work with you, but you need to work with me.

To my Jeep brothers/sisters - Have you filed a complaint with NHTSA? Please do so. Also, does anyone know for a fact if any of the past fixes have been applied to the 2020? (For example the "AE" steering box and the updated/upgraded Track bar???)

Thank you all and let's put this problem to bed!

Hi Brandon,
We're sorry to hear about your experience with your new Wrangler. We'd be happy to get a case opened for you on the Customer Care side to connect you with a Case Specialist to work alongside your dealer. Feel free to send us a private message.
Alex
Jeep Cares

 

[Rdmitch]

told ya' you would get the obligatory Jeep Cares message

 

[oasisblue8]

Brandon,
Welcome to our world. We are the whiners and complainers of this forum
You are experiencing the same thing many of us have over the past few years and we have all had the same replies from FCA
sometimes in their soft voice and sometimes they just slam the door on us. It doesn't seem to matter to FCA that there is a serious issue with so many of the Jeep's since we are all imagining this anyway. It's just the way they are....NOT. I can tell you I drove 3 JL's in the past 2 weeks that were much better than mine. Not perfect but much better. Two were 2020's and the other a 2019. There is no rhyme or reason since they both have the same steering box design. There is no fix !!!! No one here can say with any degree of certainty they found a fix. If there was a fix, Jeep would have implemented it already in the past 2 years.

About 20% or so of JL's seem to have this issue and its terribly frustrating. You will certainly get a note from JeepCares very soon offering their assistance. It wont do any good since the dealers have already told you to go away. The software update would not help anyway so its a waste of time. Hopefully you have a file started and a case number from FCA on your jeeps issues, if not get one. You can ask to escalate the case to the technical service dept. and even get the regional factory tech to evaluate the car...but all these will still get you no where. All you will get is the official "its driving as designed" Even though my local service advisor told me its absolutely terrible and he wouldn't own this Jeep.
Their have been a number of band aids posted here and you can try any combination of these you desire. they may help slightly and get you to a point that the Jeep is manageable, on a Rubicon there are some added adjustments you can make that us Sahara and Sport owners cant do such as caster adjustments. Be prepared for a miserable experience and let your dealer know you are dissatisfied. Granted there may not be a STAR case on a 2020 but its the exact same problem. A constant battle driving the jeep. Since its only been 3 weeks since your purchase I would go right to the dealer GM and insist on a replacement. Have him/her drive it with you in it and see their opinion. If they refuse to replace it, don't waste you time any further, just go right to a attorney in your area and let them handle it.

Many here have filed with NHTSA which puts you into a database only. Others have filed lawsuits, done aftermarket updates, and anything else you could imagine.

Keep us posted, feel free to comment or PM those you want to talk to offline. Don't get me wrong, like others I love my Sahara and the whole Jeep thing. It's what I always wanted. Not what I expected when like you I plunked down over 40K. I just want to be able to drive it like a normal car, not fight it every day. Not expecting it to drive like a Mercedes but do expect it to drive safely.

I'm so disappointed to read all of this. I would still really like a Jeep again, but would you think it's better to try and find a used JK at this point? I know they have their own issues, but at least it didn't have this steering safety issue. To do it over would you do that or something else?

 

[Indio]

Hello Forum..I am new as of...well...right now

I purchased a 2020 JLU Rubicon 3 weeks ago. Took it back to the dealer next day for problem with it wondering to the right. After an unsuccessful alignment, took it back 2 days later. Kept it for 3 days without ANY fix - even though they said it was mostly fixed...joke...didn't make a bit of difference. After days of back and forth, service manager said I would have to wait 6-9 months for a software update...REALLY?? A software update???
So, took it to another dealer for a 2nd opinion last week...after 2 more days they did NOTHING!! Told me the service manager refused to replace any parts and it acts "like it should" In other words washed his hands to it. Spoke to the shop foreman and basically said his hands were tied until the regional rep (Northern California) deems it is okay to replace any parts...a new STAR case is now open...not sure what good it will do since he is already reluctant to do anything about it now.

Then I come here - wow...hundreds upon hundreds of threads all over the place dating back to 2018 for the EXACT SAME PROBLEM. You mean to tell me in 3 model years they have not/will not/cannot properly address this issue in a new model year?

3 Problems I have found with my new 2020 JLU Rubicon:
1.) Pulls to the right...let go of steering wheel for a few seconds or look away...and you auto lane change to the right
2.) When making a left hand turn, I feel resistance. Let go of the steering wheel after completing the turn and it instantly goes back to center (as it should) HOWEVER, make a right hand turn...and as most people do...you let the steering wheel slide in your hands to come back to center....NOPE!! Not mine. When making a right turn it slowly tries to come back to center but never quite makes it and I continue to turn right slightly (Is that normal?? I don't think so but let me know)
3.) Constant correction on highway. I am constantly making small adjustments to the left to keep it in the center of the lane (see number 1 above). This causes driver fatigue on longer drives and just a horrible and possibly dangerous driving experience. Add a little wind and it looks like I am driving drunk swerving left and right all over the place to drive down the center of the road.

I have owned Jeeps since 1993 and NEVER had problems like this. It feels like I am driving a 1980's Cadillac Seville. Steering feels like a boat. THIS IS A JEEP FOR CRYING OUT LOUD...it's not suppose to feel like a car. My last JLU was a 2014 and was great. Seems like ever since they went from hydraulic steering to this new damn electronic all these problems started happening

So here is the problem - it is a 2020!!! Way too earlier for a TSB or Star case to reference. They won't randomly replace parts even though they exist and seem to solve most/many of the problems in 2019 models.

I am curious if anyone from FCA or Jeepcares monitors this Forum and reviewed this specific thread. This needs to be fixed immediately. I spent $52,000 for what I thought was going to be the best Jeep I have owned...(being my fourth one now). If anyone from FCA/Jeepcares views this, reply to me. Help your LOYAL CUSTOMERS....I get it...it is new but the problem (same problem) is old. I will be glad to work with you, but you need to work with me.

To my Jeep brothers/sisters - Have you filed a complaint with NHTSA? Please do so. Also, does anyone know for a fact if any of the past fixes have been applied to the 2020? (For example the "AE" steering box and the updated/upgraded Track bar???)

Thank you all and let's put this problem to bed!

I recently heard about the steering box and bar fix in a different thread. That bites the issue was not addressed in your 2020.

Just a hunch, but I bet these two items might be part of the issue:

1) Unlike many other vehicles which allow for several adjustments to dial in the suspension alignment, the JL basically has one adjustment: toe-in. That means there is a lot riding on perfectly manufacturing the front live axle in terms of alignments along with all the connecting linkages and even frame. If there is something a bit off, on lets say 10% of vehicles, those may then exhibit issues. But at that point unfortunately the only adjustment to play with is toe-in. Bottom line: Maybe Jeep has some quality control issues with the axles sourced or having all the frame/linkages in perfect alignment.

2) People are complaining about electric steering boxes not just on the JL. Complaints of vague feel and imprecise movements. You'll hear the term in car reviews "dead steering". Issues like that on a Jeep could be exacerbated by the higher profile, wind buffeting, etc. Compared to a smaller car which isn't going to float around on the road much typically even with not ideal steering. Bottom line: Maybe Jeep still has some issues with that new electric steering in a Wrangler application.

 

[Keycub]

Just picked up my 2020 JLR 900 mile ride home. Serious play/ wandering. 2 hand driving for sure. Lol. Probably 2 inches of wandering with constant adjusting. Was hoping they fixed this for 2020. @JeepCares

 

[RagTopDeluxe]

The toe was way off on my JLR when I got it and that was fixed on my first dealer appointment. Longer LCAs helped the caster.

Also, if you have a new Jeep, check the tire pressure because they are overinflated for shipping and dealers rarely correct that. Mine was delivered with 41psi and I have it at 34 cold now.

 

[IceIceBaybee]

2020 JLU Sport here. Have owned it for a month and have put nearly 3,000 miles on it in that time. No improvement on play in the wheel after messing with tire pressures (tried everything from 30 PSI->37 PSI with no change). I figured 3,000 miles was a more than reasonable "break-in period" for the tires and steering components. I just deal with it- can be nerve-wracking at times.

 

[Upnarms]

Do this at your own risk, but pull your power steering fuse and see if it still pulls or wanders .

That is what the dealer eventually did to trouble shoot mine per STAR instructions and there was no more pull, etc. When they replaced the fuse the issue went away, almostt like the system reset. Though I don't know if that would fix anything, im betting the electronic hydraulic assist powersteering unit is the culprit. That was one of the new changes to the jl. I'm sure it could be other things too, just saying in my case that was the guilty party for the pull to the right

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