Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving approx. 30-35 MPH tried to round a bend in the road and the steering failed, the steering wheel locked and I was unable to turn the vehicle and crossed the center lane of the road and crashed head-on into a school bus. The vehicles were towed from the scene and my vehicle was later inspected by an engineering firm to determine the cause of failure which was tie-rod defect/pitarm failure. The report indicated that this area does not have grease fittings. The failure of the part was due to improper manufacturing.
While driving my 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee on nov. 20 2005, I lost steering, causing me to collide with another vehicle then run off the road and hit a sign. This all happened before I could get the vehicle stopped while traveling about 35 MPH. After looking under the front of the vehicle, I found that the ball joint connecting the tie rod to the pitman arm had completely separated causing a complete loss of steering. Fortunately, no one was injured. This is a problem that definitely warrants a recall.
Out of know where the engine just started knocking, and the smell of gas and the steering wheel started acting out of control. I had to park it and get another car. But I still have it because I really like my Jeep!
Four times in the last year, the vehicle when traveling over 50mph, develops what online research describes as "death wobble". The steering wheel vibrates suddenly in your hands, the front end wobbles and it is difficult to control. Slowing down below 50mph usually resolves the issue...but that is an unacceptable solution. Seems to happen when the vehicle is warmed up and has traveled 20+ miles. A major national tv channel has produced a news article about this with film of the vehicle during the "death wobble". We believe that congress has asked Jeep about this issue previously. The Jeep company in our town suggested rotating tires and checking brakes. They claim to have never heard of this issue, however there are lots of online complaints. In addition to lots of complaints, there's been lots of money spent on lots of parts and labor to fix the issue. …
Tl contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving various speeds, the vehicle would completely shut down. There were no lights and no power steering when the vehicle shut off. There were no warning indicators prior to the failure. The failure also occurred several times while driving 75 MPH. The contact had to wait 2-3 minutes before the vehicle would restart. She took the vehicle to the dealer a few times and they stated that the crank sensor was the cause of the failure. The dealer removed and replaced all the codes; however, the failure recurred three times afterwards. She returned to the dealer in April of 2008 and was informed they wouldhave to run more tests. The contact then traded in the vehicle for a newer model. The current mileage was 83,074 and failure mileage was 81,808. Updated 07/15/08. There was a noise coming from the steering when the consumer made left turns. …
While driving to florida in our 1999 Jeep grang Cherokee, the tie rod on drivers side dropped to the ground. Fortunately for us, we were not going fast at the time. The tie rod end which consists of a ball and socket came apart. Inspection by a Jeep dealer determined that all 4 tie rod ends (2 tie rod and 2 drag link) were loose and in danger of failing. If we had been moving at highway speed when the failure occurred, we would have lost all steering control. There are no grease fittings on the failed and failing parts and no mention of having the tie rod ends checked at regular intervals in the owners manual. We ended up having all four tie rod ends replaced, the vehicle aligned, and buying four new tires, but that being said, we just feel fortunate we weren't in a serious accident or worse. The failure of the tir rod ends should be made a recall for the protection of other Jeep owners.
Tl* the contact owns a 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee with an aftermarket drive works tie rod, part number: de-es3475. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise. The steering wheel also pulled to the right and the contact lost control of the vehicle, crashing into a tree. The vehicle was towed to the contact?s home where a mechanic inspected the vehicle. The failure was located at the front driver?s side inner tie rod tread, which separated and caused the nut and pin to release. The contact did not sustain any injuries. The police department was called an a report was filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 236,000. Updated 8/5/13 the consumer stated the tie rod end he purchased from his local retail store was defective. The threads on the end, were worn.
Within the last 6 months my Jeep's engine has shut off" while driving" at various speeds 5 different times but not exceeding 60mph. Four of the six times I was able to shift into neutral and restart the engine, two times I had to wait approximately 5 minutes before it would restart. The incident at 60mph happened on a 4 lane highway and luckily I was close to the shoulder when it shut off and I was able to get it off the road before the steering locked up and no one was hurt. The computer never registers any problem and my mechanic has stated that it could be numerous issues but nothing for sure. To the best of my knowledge Jeep has never issued a warning or recall for this issue. This is extremely dangerous and an accident just waiting to happen.
My Jeep violently shakes when I'm driving speeds of 50+ and it is very dangerous because as we all know highways and freeways are speeds between 55 and 70 and I cannot drive over 50. The other day it started to shake so bad that I had to pull over and almost hit the cement guard rail. I have to transport my grandchildren from time to time and god forbid anything happen to them Chrysler will be responsible. I have done research and this issue is called the death wobble and is the perfect name for it. They need to do a recall on this issue before someone gets killed. Please make Chrysler do the right thing and fix this problem.
The airbag light came on a few weeks ago. I took my vehicle in to find out what the issue was. A clock spring had broken in the driver's side airbag, rendering the airbag undeployable. The original estimate for repair was $309+ tax. The mechanic tried to repair but realized that the only way to fix the airbag is to replace the entire steering column at a cost of $1800. I called Chrysler to report this issue to them, and they refused to help even though it was their design that rendered this repair of an important safety feature so expensive it is unconscionable.
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 53 complaints about the steering of the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 1,638 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (11 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 4 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles, and 7% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.