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 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My jeep does the death wobble anytime I hit a small bump in the road, pothole, Lane marker...etc. it is very hard to control at that point and seems as though it might flip if it gets any worst or hit a big enough bump. It is very hard to control and to get to stop once it gets going. It poses a huge safety concern for myself and others being that I have to get the truck to stop when it does the death wobble which means someone coming behind me would/should have to stop as well and definitely is a nuisance to myself and other drivers. Please help. I have read and been told it could be any one of the steering or suspension components.
My wife was backing up in our drive way she did not see my sons Honda civic behind her very poor vision from being so high factory settings. She ripped the gas tank open. A few years later she was rear ended and again the tank ripped open we were lucky both times no fire. Then we have had death wobble every Jeep suffer,s from it at some time in it,s life as per the dealer. I replaced every steering part in the front end after 40,000 miles again it happened to me at 55mph on the highway I came so close to it rolling it over it took me more than a month to get back in it. The design of the rear is just an accident waiting to happen the rear is the same as a ramp to drive up. I am far from a rich man this product cost me close to 40,Grand. I truly thought we could get a few cost free miles.I am disabled I live on a fixed income. Now my investment is worthless. …
When driving, the steering pulls to the left side fairly hard. Also, when making either right or left turns the result is a very jerky and not smooth. When there is a bump in the road, the steering wheel jerks and turns slightly causing possible dangerous driving conditions. The vehicle is drive-able however there is definitely some cause for concern. Have replaced the suspension with brand new shocks and there seems to be no difference in the steering wheel's response to bumps. Wheels also appear to be in great alignment as well. I have seen where this issue is very common with this make and model and would like to be able to get the issue corrected for a feeling of comfort and safety while driving my vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal vibration from the front of the vehicle which was also felt in the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the vibration ceased at low speeds. The contact stated that the failure was constant. The vehicle was taken to barnett Chrysler Jeep dealer, located at (3430 hwy 61 n, white bear lake, mn 55110) to be diagnosed. A cause for the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 270,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While operating the vehicle, a grinding and humming noise was present from the steering column. Also, the power steering assist suddenly malfunctioned and caused the steering wheel to become very difficult to turn in either direction. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the power steering pump and hose were faulty and needed to be replaced. The contact indicated that the vehicle was repaired on four separate occasions, but the failure continued. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified. The failure mileage was 88,000.
After losing power steering vehicle collided with a guard rail. Air bags failed to deploy in the frontal/side collision prior to a head on collision into a median/ditch and a roll over in a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Vehicle was totaled so nothing was done to repair. Consequences were a totaled vehicle, loss of personal property and severe bodily damage to driver resulting in brain contusions and hematomas, a 7 in gash on forehead and neck surgery to correct two disc that were crushing spinal cord into a "z" shape>
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel shook violently without warning. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front upper and lower ball joints failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure recurred worst than before. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
My 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee interior lights stay on and windows will not work. Have had this problem fixed 2 times now and it has happened again. On the internet it says it is a flaw in the wiring harness. A black ground wire breaks. Also the vehicle is developing the death wobble where going down the road if you hit a bump the front end shakes violently. Had this same problem on my 1997 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Very dangerous.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to maneuver. The failure occurred constantly. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the steering gear box needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.
We slipped on some black ice and the Jeep went up a hill and then we flipped and landed upside down. This is the second time this happened the other time was last year feb 18 2013 when my 2001 Jeep Grand Cherokee rolled over three times before landing upside down. Last year it was me and my 3 sons. Thus year it was me and my husband. I injured my leg and back. Also neither times did the air bags deploy.
Related recalls
Steering › Gear box (other than rack and pinion)
On certain sport utility vehicles, the power steering gear May contain an improperly formed spacer clip, which could dislodge within the steering gear.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the steering gear assemblies. Owner notification began on March 12, 2003. Owners who take their vehicles to an authorized dealer on an agreed upon service date and do not receive the free remedy…
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 73 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 6% of the model year's 1,295 complaints. The component named most often is gear box (other than rack and pinion) (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 03V-079 (gear box (other than rack and pinion), Mar 10, 2003). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 76,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 5 crashes, 0 fires and 3 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.