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 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I am reporting repeated safety-critical failures with my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee that have rendered the vehicle unreliable, dangerous, and now inoperable. I believe this vehicle suffers from a systemic electrical defect related to the Totally Integrated Power Module (TIPM)-a well-documented issue across Jeep models that causes starting failures, loss of power, and unpredictable behavior of vehicle systems. On [redacted], my vehicle failed to start. The starter clicks but does not engage. These symptoms align with known TIPM-related failures. Despite this, the authorized dealership (Madison Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM) has refused to test the TIPM, insisting on replacing the starter without confirming the root electrical issue. This places consumers at risk of breakdowns without warning and reflects a pattern of ignoring known defects. …
On September 1, 2020 shortly after starting the vehicle and while in motion, the engine stopped causing loss of control of the vehicle. I was able to bring the vehicle to stop in roadway with hard pressure on brakes. Fortunately, no contact was made with person or property. I attempted to re-start the vehicle but it would only crank and not start. Several minutes later was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle has had trouble starting on many occasions prior but this was the first time it stopped while driving. The only indication the vehicle had lost power was when I attempted to slow the vehicle and turn the wheel. Prior to this the dealership has examined the issue on at least four separate occasions spanning years. I have been told the fuel pump relay has been replaced twice on this vehicle. …
Low battery light came on while driving 35 MPH, and two miles later the majority of dashboard lights came on. Simultaneously, a constant beeping began and wipers turned on. The scary part is that within seconds, I lost power steering and brakes did not work correctly. The road I was driving was precarious, windy, and did not have a shoulder. I continued at minimal speed around the curves for less than a mile, looking for a safe place to pull over. Very soon, the car accelerator stopped and the car died. I managed to pull the car onto the side of the road (took effort without power steering). Terrible and sudden experience. Not enough warning to get the car serviced before complete electronic and vehicle shutdown occurred. Thankful that no other vehicles were around during the incident, as I am confident I did not have safe control of the vehicle during this time. …
The engine and all systems stop; turn off without notice. Actually not a stall, but all power ceases to work abruptly. The car then must be stopped fully to allow a restart. Without power steering or brakes the car is immediately subject to a rear end collision. It has always occurred at speeds around 15 to 20 MPH, and normally when slowing. Jeep dealers have been unable to fix the problem and, of course I cannot duplicate for them as it occurs without notice periodically. Jeep recently, finally issued a recall for a fix but the problem continues even after their "fix". The car does have an aftermarket supplemental braking system to allow towing by an rv. That has been disconnected as a possible cause, but the stalls have continued. I can't drive the car nor will I allow my family to do so.
Bought my car from parks Ford of wesley chapel on 7/16/17. 2 days later, the car had trouble starting.my mechanic looked it over. It had a power steering rack leak and embedded dirt underneath its carrier. Brought car back to Ford. They found nothing. Called again because of same problem. Was told by manager duber to try locking and unlocking car to engage starter. Did not work. Brought to Jeep. They found that a recall on the relay to the fuel pump was never fixed. They also said the front shocks were blown and leaking and not covered under warranty. Warranty company said that car had preexisting conditions and should have never left the dealership. They refused to fix it. This great price was false representation and misleading. I never would have bought the car knowing it needed all of this work.
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning and the steering wheel became difficult to steer. The vehicle was able to coast to the side of the road and the contact powered off the engine. Once restarted, the vehicle drove normally. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to start intermittently. The vehicle was taken to river oaks Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram (4807 kirby dr, houston, tx 77098) where it was diagnosed that the fuel pump was not holding pressure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the repair fees. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and did not assist. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000.
My check engine light came on, so I took my Jeep into the dealer, my Jeep has approx. 61K miles, very good care taken, oil changes, etc., has not even needed new brakes yet. Dealership says ther is small EVAP leak in exhaust system - $285 later, the light is off. They also tell me my power steering is leaking and will go out soon, it needs a steering gear replacement that will cost $1,955. I did some internet research and this appears to be an ongoing problem. Service manager thought it should be covered under powertrain warranty, but no. I believe this is a dangerous condition should my steering go out and should be a recall as many many others have had this same issue.
I began having difficulty steering and turning my vehicle at low speeds. I took my car to the shop for an oil change and mentioned the issue to the mechanic. They found that my 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited with 39K milage, that I have only been driving for 9months, had been leaking power steering fluid and the line was dry. After discovery this issue, I took the car to the dealer who told me the power steering pump and reservoir had failed and needed to be replaced. After this repair my car drove fine for about 100 miles, but now the steering has failed completely while driving 30mph in city traffic on the way to work.
There is a long standing recall on the subject vehicle fuel pump relay. However, Jeep is unable to supply a suitable replacement part. Unanticipated failure of this part can lead to immediate engine stoppage. FCA is unable to give a date when the replacement May be available. The consumer stated the steering column, windshield wipers, air suspension compressor, turn signals, and blind spot warning all failed. The check engine light and traction control light were illuminated. The information screen between tach and speedometer were locked into only one mode.
Leaking power steering fluid from unknown area caused smoke from under the hood and loss of steering capabilities while in motion. Also occasional ignition switch issues that occur when pressing the start button. Starter keeps turning the engine over however the vehicle never completes the crankng cycle. Driver has to open the door then hit the start button again before starter will stop. Push cap start must then be removed and the key inserted in order to turn the engine over and crank properly
Steering complaints in other Grand Cherokee years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the steering of the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 3% of the model year's 805 complaints. The component named most often is column (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee, though it has 9 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 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 41,000 miles, and 38% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury 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.