Major steering issue problem with JL Wrangler. Please watch

[kre62]

Are there any Jeep gurus or inside employees that can shed any light on this, either here or in a PM? This issue is really affecting my decision to buy a JL. I get that its tough to say things due to liability, but we all really need to know on this one.

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[BillyHW]

Well this is interesting. It seems I need to apologize for implying people weren't reading the manuals.

In the ones I downloaded from the JLWranglersForum it's in the User Guide on page 93 and the Owners Manual on page 216.

I just looked at the online Canadian Owners manual from FCA and it isn't even mentioned.

I've never thought to check the actual FCA editions.

So now a mystery, does the 2018 Wrangler have DST or not?

Okay, so I checked the 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee owner's manual and it has the blurb about Dynamic Steering Torque (DST). So it looks like this feature has already seen the light of day with prior FCA models...and I haven't heard of locked up steering on any one of those before. Just wanted to throw that out there.

 

[Patthe]

Just had a scary one. Will definitely go see dealer as soon as I can. Was driving approx 7 km /h to turn into a parkade, turning right for like 1 seconds, I had no power stearing at all. That really not good!

 

[BillyHW]

Just had a scary one. Will definitely go see dealer as soon as I can. Was driving approx 7 km /h to turn into a parkade, turning right for like 1 seconds, I had no power stearing at all. That really not good!

Please keep us posted on what the dealer says.

 

[HardRock]

BMW has an option for “Dynamic” or “Active” steering. I always add it and hell now it may be standard on all models. It works perfectly for parking at low speed or at highway speeds. This is FCA’s likely attempt to do the same thing except the electronic assist is not behaving (interpreting) the driver inputs properly. Hopefully it’s software and easily corrected.

 

[SurfingJeep]

BMW has an option for “Dynamic” or “Active” steering. I always add it and hell now it may be standard on all models. It works perfectly for parking at low speed or at highway speeds. This is FCA’s likely attempt to do the same thing except the electronic assist is not behaving (interpreting) the driver inputs properly. Hopefully it’s software and easily corrected.

I've driven many BMWs (also recently leased a 335i), as well as other brands that feature adaptive steering that is sensitive to a vehicle's speed, but that's not what is happening here. It looks like the JL's steering is actually locking at speed, not just becoming heavier or lighter based on circumstance, with the degree of heft faltering.

It's hard to believe that dealerships, with or without FCA's assistance, haven't begun to toy with components to try to rule out prospective culprits, particularly if data recorders have been installed as alluded to in some posts. Every time an issue pops up, you at least hear dealers propose solutions after a couple of days in the shop. Just surprised it hasn't happened here as it seems multiple owners are experiencing similar issues. My brother in law also just pulled his JL order. I hope this issue is at least acknowledged by FCA/dealers in the next couple of weeks - from all of the preceding posts, it doesn't even seem like it has.

 

[Ybohannon]

Mine did it twice today, both when turning right, and I have a feeling that's exactly what they'll say.

 

[That One Guy]

Crazy stuff...

each day more and more members are saying they have it

and that's those that are on this forum, and vocal

that makes me think hundreds or thousands of JLs have this going on.

really kicking myself for not ordering a JK last year. I could've had a great custom build, with a proper functioning vehicle, for four grand less.

 

[BillyHW]

Crazy stuff...

each day more and more members are saying they have it

and that's those that are on this forum, and vocal

that makes me think hundreds or thousands of JLs have this going on.

really kicking myself for not ordering a JK last year. I could've had a great custom build, with a proper functioning vehicle, for four grand less.

Lots are still full of JKs if you want one.

 

[That One Guy]

Lots are still full of JKs if you want one.

Contained in my post was the important tidbit "custom build". I demand a manual 2 door in an interesting color, and that alone simply does not exist on a Jeep lot without a custom order. Couple that with the fact I'd really rather have a low-spec trim, and it becomes a unicorn to ever find one like that as dealer stock.

My local dealer has one or two greyscale (lame) manual 2 doors left, both with at least five grand of options I have no interest in paying for--so no dice for me!

If I was the vanilla buyer wanting a white automatic 4 door, that would be an entirely different story.

Having unique taste is a bitch!

 

[NCSUSTATS]

I don’t really see any of these complaints making their way onto NHTSA site, just the one related to the track bar weld fail; some steering wobble; and some wandering. Anyone having this issue really should take a few minutes to upload a complaint.

Fwiw, folks might want to review other vehicles they own(ed) on NHTSA to get a sense of scale to what is a reasonable quantity/quality of issues related to the JL which are being mentioned in the forum. It could help keep perspective so folks don’t get scared away from a purchase needlessly.

 

[Ybohannon]

I don’t really see any of these complaints making their way onto NHTSA site, just the one related to the track bar weld fail; some steering wobble; and some wandering. Anyone having this issue really should take a few minutes to upload a complaint.

Fwiw, folks might want to review other vehicles they own(ed) on NHTSA to get a sense of scale to what is a reasonable quantity/quality of issues related to the JL which are being mentioned in the forum. It could help keep perspective so folks don’t get scared away from a purchase needlessly.

Just made mine now. Called dealer and taking it in tomorrow. It did it multiple times today, even once when backing up out of a parking space

 

[Patthe]

I will try to call and have apt this weekend.

See a video of my power-steering
(Sorry I film sideway)
Anyone have this issue ??

 

[HiJinx69]

I will try to call and have apt this weekend.

See a video of my power-steering
(Sorry I film sideway)
Anyone have this issue ??

Yes, I filmed mine as well. Trying to figure out how to reduce file size before uploading.

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