# Jeep Wrangler power steering warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do

**Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week

- **Owner complaints:** 248
- **Most complaints:** 2018 (121)
- **Related recalls:** 3
- **Verdict:** This week

## Quick answer

NHTSA has 248 owner complaints about the power steering warning light on the Jeep Wrangler (2015-2026 models), most for the **2018** model year (121). There are **3 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop.

## Jeep Wrangler power steering warning light complaints by model year

| Model year | Complaints mentioning the power steering light | All complaints that year | Share |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2015 | 5 | 481 | 1% |
| 2016 | 4 | 462 | 1% |
| 2017 | 1 | 312 | 0% |
| 2018 | 121 | 1827 | 7% |
| 2019 | 50 | 747 | 7% |
| 2020 | 15 | 618 | 2% |
| 2021 | 34 | 959 | 4% |
| 2022 | 10 | 413 | 2% |
| 2023 | 8 | 376 | 2% |

Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road.

## Jeep Wrangler recalls related to the power steering warning light

**[26V363000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=26V363000)** (2021-2025 models, reported 2026-06-04): A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. **Remedy:** Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will inspect and replace the wiring and electric hydraulic power steering pump, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed July 9, 2026.

**[19V201000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=19V201000)** (2019 models, reported 2019-03-14): 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.

**[18V343000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V343000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-05-25): If the weld seam splits, the steering wheel may lose center positioning causing a loss of steering responsiveness and increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began June 21, 2018.

Recall repairs are free at any Jeep dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open.

## What Jeep Wrangler owners report

- "I lost all acceleration ability, power brakes, and power steering. I immediately had to change lanes and exit the highway onto the shoulder while trying to avoid other vehicles all while struggling to steer and brake." -- owner of a 2023 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2026
- "...system, service 4WD, engine light and ABS light, anti skid lights all come on, the speedometer goes to zero, and the power steering goes out. Driving highway speeds and suddenly having no power steering is a safety issue as well as being unsure if airbags etc are even functioning any longer. The problem has..." -- owner of a 2022 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2026
- "Occurred again and now the Power Steering Gear Box is being replaced. Disappointing for this on a known problem on a 2 year old Jeep." -- owner of a 2021 Jeep Wrangler, complaint filed 2023

Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified.

## What the power steering warning light means

The power steering light means the car has detected a fault in the steering assist system, and steering may feel much heavier, especially at low speed and when parking. On most newer cars with electric power steering, a low battery or charging voltage is a common cause. On older cars with hydraulic steering, low fluid or a slipping belt is more likely. You can still steer without assist, but it takes much more effort. The most common causes, on any make:

1. **Low battery or charging voltage** (common)
2. **Electric power steering motor or module fault** (common)
3. **Low power steering fluid (hydraulic systems)** (common)
4. **Steering torque or angle sensor fault** (less common)

Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Power steering warning light](/warning-lights/power-steering).

## Frequently asked questions

### Is there a recall for the Jeep Wrangler power steering light?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 related recalls (26V363000, 19V201000, 18V343000) covering 2018-2025 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open.

### Which Jeep Wrangler years have the most power steering light complaints?

In NHTSA's database the 2018, 2019 and 2021 Wrangler model years have the most complaints mentioning the power steering warning light, with 121 for 2018. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen.

### Is it safe to drive a Jeep Wrangler with the power steering light on?

Drive to a shop this week. If steering still feels normal, you can drive carefully to a shop. If steering becomes heavy, jerky or locks up, or the light is red, pull over and stop driving; have the car towed, because sudden loss of assist at speed or in a tight turn can cause a crash.

### How do I check if my Jeep Wrangler has an open recall?

Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Jeep dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner.

## Sources

- [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis)
- [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls)

## Other Jeep Wrangler warning lights

- [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/jeep-wrangler): 180 complaints
- [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/jeep-wrangler): 88 complaints
- [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/jeep-wrangler): 33 complaints
- [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-wrangler): 95 complaints
- [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-wrangler): 338 complaints
- [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/jeep-wrangler): 143 complaints
- [Oil pressure warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/oil-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints
- [Tire pressure (TPMS) light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/tire-pressure/jeep-wrangler): 10 complaints
- [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/jeep-wrangler): 247 complaints

## Power steering warning light on other models

- [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ram-1500): 1061 complaints
- [Chevrolet Colorado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-colorado): 810 complaints
- [Ford Explorer](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/ford-explorer): 498 complaints
- [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chevrolet-silverado): 389 complaints
- [Honda Civic](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-civic): 387 complaints
- [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-cr-v): 362 complaints
- [Chrysler Pacifica](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints
- [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-grand-cherokee): 231 complaints
- [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/honda-accord): 220 complaints
- [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/gmc-sierra): 212 complaints

## Jeep Wrangler

- [Jeep Wrangler specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/jeep-wrangler)

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Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/jeep-wrangler
Updated: 2026-11-04
General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.
