Steering complaints by model year
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owned a 2021 Jeep Renegade. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 mph around a curve, the steering wheel went straight, and she attempted to correct it. The lane departure warning with lane keep assist engaged and began to beep and took control of the vehicle. The vehicle fishtailed, crossed the lane, the driver lost control, and crashed into a ditch. The vehicle flipped on its side. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags were deployed. The driver was wearing a seat belt, but her head smashed through the passenger side window. The driver sustained a concussion, and medical attention was provided. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000. …
September 1, 2021 Re: [redacted] I purchased this vehicle on or about August 17, 2021 Upon delivery but after completion of paperwork, the transport agent conveyed that the vehicle had 'quick steer". He tried to explain that the car just steers or drives on its own. Very bad weather, I didn't risk driving it. I had the opportunity to drive it and the steering wheel becomes self operating, the brakes respond and during driving the vehicle literally stops responding to manual driving. Both the steering wheel and brakes are automatically generated. In upper left corner of dash a directional turns red to green. There is no indication of why or how. It's dangerous and can lead to death by car accident. I presented the dealership with concerns, too
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The primary components that failed in my 2018 Jeep Renegade, equipped with a 2.4L engine, include the electrical system and the fuel pump assembly. The vehicle has randomly reset its electrical equipment by morning and has turned off while driving, which stiffened the steering wheel without warning. These components should be available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? My safety and the safety of others were put at significant risk numerous times. The vehicle has randomly turned off while driving, causing the steering wheel to stiffen without any warning. This sudden loss of power and control in traffic is extremely dangerous and could easily lead to accidents. 3. …
Bought my car brand new, after one month it started shutting off randomly. While driving on the highway the engine shut off completely. "shift gear to p appeared on my dash". I had to turn on and off multiple times before it would turn on again and occur over and over again. Got the car towed to the dealership who told me it was completely normal and that I should be checking my oil every time I get gas. Said all I needed was an oil change. Did not have any concern for the dangerous occurrence I was in on the highway.
I was driving in right lane,40-45MPH, heard a very loud bang (not a tire), front end of jeep lifted UP, then began veering to the right heading off the road. I was unable to break or turn steering. Next thing, I woke up from being knocked out, hit a pole, 3 witnesses heard the bang as well - one witness told police, all 3 air bags went off. Emergency services were summoned. Car totaled. Pole is still standing upright. Fortunately I did not die or get seriously injured. Emergency services said if I had hit the tree next to pole, the outcome of my injuries would have been totally different. Car was towed to auto repair center and they had never seen collision damage such as this. Insurance company notified. Police report made at time of accident.no driver citations. …
While driving on a busy freeway the car started violently jerking to the left. I slowed and moved to the right lane as the jerking became more and more frequent. By the time I made it to the next exit the car had become difficult to control. As I took the next exit the power steering failed completely. I've had the car to the dealership and a second mechanic. both say it is a failure of the Electronic Control Unit and the steering column needs to be replaced. I barely managed to get the car off the freeway. I hate to think what could have happened had this occurred on a twisty road rather then a fairly straight stretch of freeway. I had no warning. first indication of the problem was the car jerking to the left. Warning lights didn't come on till power steering failed about a mile down the road.
Vehicle was purchased May 16, 2016. On August 6, 2016 the vehicle completely shut off while traveling 60 MPH down the interstate. The electronic traction control light came on and the 4-wheel drive lights shutoff completely. It only traveled approximately 20-30 feet before coming to a complete stop. All the lights on the dashboard came on and stayed on. After the stop, the driver was able to put the vehicle in park and attempted to restart the vehicle to remove it from the interstate. The vehicle did not restart, did not turn over; absolutely nothing happened. Shortly after the complete shutoff, the vehicle was hit by another vehicle. Now that the vehicle is in the shop, the body shop is also unable to start the vehicle. They have replaced the air bag assembly and seat belts and the light indicating the fuel shutoff is still on.
I've had two separate occurrences happened to me. The first one I came to a stop sign and made a complete stop, when I went to accelerate my accelerator, brake pedal and steering wheel locked, I had to put the car on park and turn the engine off in the middle of the street, wait a moment, turn it on, it took a while to turn on but then everything went back to normal and I continued my journey. The second time, I was I was driving and slowed down to make a left turn, as I started turning my car completely stopped in the middle of the road, again, everything locked, and I almost got it with oncoming traffic. Once again I had to put the car on park and shut the engine off in the middle of traffic and wait for it to turn back on. I have no idea what is causing this but it's very dangerous and I could've been seriously injured as well as other people.
Frequently asked questions
Which Jeep Renegade years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (17), 2015 (15), 2016 (15) and 2018 (11) model years. Steering complaints make up 3% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Jeep Renegade steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for any Jeep Renegade model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Jeep Renegade steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 24,000 miles; 73% happened before 50,000 miles.
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.