What 891 owners told NHTSA about the 2021 Jeep Wrangler 4-door 4xe

My 2021 Jeep Wrangler has the well known "Death Wobble". Jeep isn't taking this very serious safety concern seriously. When speed increases to 70 mph the jeep shakes uncontrollably and you must slow down almost to a stop to regulate again. This should be a recall! Huge safety issue. If you google jeep death wobble you could read for days how many jeep owners are experiencing this issue. There apparently is a recall for older jeeps, but unfortunately jeep did not fix the issue and the 2021 jeeps are also affected. It's time to put a recall on the 2021 jeep wranglers and fix the death wobble.

NHTSA ODI 11703444

Driving on the highway at 60 - 65 mph, and almost lost control of the steering. The steering wheel was violently shaking/vibrating, and I had to pull over. It's called the "death wobble" online. I had to get off the highway and drive below 60mph to manage the steering. I went to the dealership, and they "found that excessive movement in both ball joints of the drag link assembly was caused by air being trapped inside the steering damper." Both were replaced. The vehicle had only 47,800 miles and had never been driven off-road.

NHTSA ODI 11701478

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11700876

The 1st time it happened I was getting on highway and went over a Crack in road and my jeep started vibrating violently. Totally scared me but once I slowed down it stopped so I figured it was a fluke thing. My hubby drove it to Seattle and going 70 he went over grooved pavement and the shaking happened again. Third times a charm at 65 and didn't go over anything and it scared the crap out of me so bad I slowed down to 30 in a 60 in order for it to stop. Immediately contacted dealership and was told it would be hundreds of dollars and it isn't covered under warranty. I bought this Jeep brand new, only has 41,000miles and dont beat her up on off road because she is my daily driver. This violently shaking is scary and this could really do a new driver some harm and needs to be addressed and fixed in ALL Jeep vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11699813

While driving at highway speed on November 11, 2025, my 2021 Jeep Wrangler experienced a sudden and complete electrical failure without warning. A “Battery Saver Mode” message appeared, and within seconds multiple safety systems began shutting down. First Failure: While driving on the highway and exiting, the vehicle abruptly lost power steering, ABS, stability control, airbag system, exterior lighting, dashboard displays, and engine power. Multiple warning lamps illuminated at once. Steering and braking became extremely difficult, creating an immediate safety risk. I was able to coast to a stop and park. The vehicle then appeared stable and the messages cleared. Second Failure: After restarting the vehicle, the warning reappeared. While driving on a major high-traffic roadway, the vehicle experienced a total electrical shutdown in active traffic and would not restart. Third Failure: A towing service attempted to jump-start the vehicle; it briefly powered on, illuminated nearly every warning light, then immediately shut down again with the radiator fan running at full speed. The electrical system continued to collapse and the vehicle required a full tow. Inspection and Diagnosis: The dealership confirmed a complete alternator and charging system failure at approximately 36,419 miles. This failure occurred at only 4 years of age, which is unusually early for an alternator or charging system failure. The vehicle’s original battery also failed unusually early (at only 2.5 years old) without warning, which may have been an early indication of a charging system issue. The vehicle is lightly used, garage-kept, never off-roaded, and regularly maintained. The sudden loss of steering assist, braking assist, airbags, lighting, and engine power at speed and in high-traffic areas created an extreme safety risk for myself and others. This appears to be a premature electrical system failure and may relate to broader charging system concerns reported in similar vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11699506

The jeep upon hitting a bump on the right tire on freeway at speeds, right tire goes into a, "death wobble," and violently shakes steering wheel and vehicle like it is coming apart. . Around 60-70 mph. Usually on a left corner and right tire hits a bump. Steering wheel violently shakes. Jeep right wheel violently shakes. Has happened several times till the vehicle gets pulled over to a slow or stop. Once slowed to a crawl or stopped. It stops it. Very dangerous to drive.

NHTSA ODI 11696784

While driving the 'service shifter' warning will flash and once this happens the steering locks up and the car shuts down. This primarily happens when hitting a bump, pot hole, railroad tracks, etc. After the warning flashes and the steering locks up, every light on the dash comes on as the car is shutting down. The vehicle is in the shop for the 3rd time within 9 months for the same issue. The dealership replaced the star link connector saying that was the issue but it is still occurring. The vehicle is currently in the shop with this issue and they are saying there is nothing wrong and 'no codes being thrown.' We have had this happen at least a dozen times on us while driving. A handful without hitting a bump or one of the specified causes. Once this happens, the car become immobile and has to be towed. The first time this occurred was within 10 days of purchasing the vehicle; it started happening in January and is still occurring. After the dealership 'fixes' it, the issue will not occur for a couple of months then it will happen again.

NHTSA ODI 11695988

I was driving 72 miles per hour on 4 lane highway and the steering wheel and front end of the jeep was vibrating uncontrollably. The cruse control stopped working, i applied the brake and was able to slow down and pull over to the side of the road. No flat tires so I pulled back on to the highway and arrived at my destination without further incident. 10-24-25 The same thing happened last week but i thought maybe the lane assist went off because there were no road lines (newly repaved road) but my Jeep doesn't have lane assist. After researching on line I believe what occurred is what they call "Death wobble" there were no bumps in the road - the road is in good condition so I'm not certain what prompted the death wobble.

NHTSA ODI 11695510

While driving on a couple occasions the traction control light kicked in and wouldn’t allow me to turn I had to come to almost a complete stop, I thought it had gone away and a few days later I had a death wobble that occurred on a very busy hwy and had to pull into the middle lane to prevent an accident. I could not let go completely of the wheel but I also couldn’t really control the vehicle I had to stop it. I was not turning when this one happened I was going straight I had already turned and drove straight for a few minutes before it happened. I was able to drive a quarter of a mile to the auto repair shop where it is sitting. He told me himself it is very dangerous to drive it when that occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11682704

Unpredictable complete loss of power steering that will continue until the brakes are applied and speed is reduced to approximately 30 mph and voltage level spikes, as high as 16.3 volts as shown on the instrument panel. It is not temperature related. When disabled it requires two hands and extreme strength to turn, especially when taking an off ramp. Voltage level is typically ranging between 12.7 - 13.7 volts during normal conditions as well as when in no power steering conditions. The first trip 3-4 months ago to the dealership and the only finding was a corroded ground loop which did not solve the issue. After no success begging for a loaner car we left the Jeep 19JUN25 while on vacation for second trip this week. I requested them to contact Stellantis STAR Center and this is the report: 24JUN25 Good morning - our STAR case engineer pointed us in the direction of a similar STAR publication that we had followed the last visit. I did not find any faults within the charging system or any voltage regulators at this point. There were 5 labeled grounds in this publication that were common for building up corrosion. The ground that is on the frame near the driver rear close to the 48v battery had a large amount of corrosion. He cleaned up each ground and applied dielectric grease yesterday, so now I am having him take on a few test drives to see if the issue persists. I have a video of the spike leading to steering reengagement but unable to upload it.

NHTSA ODI 11668853

June 5, 2025 stopped at red light turned green tried to turn left and the jeep flashed the electric red bolt symbol and check engine light came on lost all power would not go when gas pedal was pushed. a/c lost power started blowing hot air and engine turned off. Restarted engine finally got it to go enough to pull out of traffic. Turned off engine opened hood checked battery cables, fuses and all was intact. Started engine drove slowly to the Autozone store to have the diagnostic test done and it showed P2101 power train system throttle actuator A control motor circuit range /performance detected unexpected voltage on the throttle actuator control motor circuit also C121C-00 ABS torque request signal denied Anti-lock Brake System U0401-00 implausible data received from ECM/PCM “A”. System was reset to be able to drive home. 6/16/25 went to start jeep to go to work made a clicking noise check engine light on and the voltage warning sensor flashing and showed Service Electronic Stability Control error would not stay running checked battery cables fuses and restarted engine tried to back out of driveway engine would not go. Had jeep towed to Moore CDJR dealership where it was purchased from 9/2023 to have serviced found throttle body needs replaced dealership contacted several parts dealers, Mopar, and other dealerships etc. to locate the part needed was advised couldn’t find the parts needed for the repair. Contacted service department and they advised they were calling National Auto Care my extended warranty for approval for repair. My concern is if I had been driving 65 mph and it went out I would have been in a accident when the vehicle stopped functioning. Safety of myself and other drivers would have been compromised. This is the 2.0L Turbo motor and have been advised that there are several issues with this motor and should trade in vehicle. I don’t have that option and this is the only vehicle I have.

NHTSA ODI 11667564

Death Wobble/uncontrollable shaking when vehicle hits any kind of inconsistencies in the road, especially on the freeway. Yes it’s available for inspection upon request. I have taken it to the local Jeep dealership mechanics and Les Schwab auto center to have the problem inspected/fixed and both have told me “everything looks fine” but it is absolutely not fine when I have to put my hazards on and pull over to almost a complete stop to get the shaking to stop on the freeway. It’s terrifying. No lights or warnings happen before the incident occurs.

NHTSA ODI 11664076

I am writing to formally express my frustration and concern regarding an ongoing issue with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. For several years, I have experienced severe shaking in my vehicle when driving at speeds between 50-70 mph after hitting a minor bump. The vibrations are so severe that it feels like the vehicle is going to shred itself in half. The issue has gotten worse over the years. Once this occurs, it requires rapid deceleration to 40 mph for the issue to subside. Most concerning is that on [XXX], this shaking occurred twice while driving in heavy traffic on [XXX] with my [XXX] son in the back seat. The severity of the issue poses an undeniable safety risk—not just to me and my passengers, but to others on the road as well. Given Jeep’s reputation for durability and off-road capability, it is deeply disappointing that such a serious issue is not being addressed with more urgency. After the event on [XXX], I initially addressed this issue with a Jeep service center at Dellen Chrysler Jeep and Dodge in Greenfield, IN. I was informed that the problem was related to the steering damper. However, despite recognizing the issue, my vehicle has yet to receive the necessary replacement due to a nationwide shortage of the part more than 2 months later. I implore someone from Dellen, Jeep, and/or NHTSB to do the right thing and properly warn owners about this serious safety issue. As a consumer and Jeep fan, it is unacceptable to me that: 1) A vehicle fails this catastrophically during normal driving, putting the public at risk. 2)Jeep doesn’t have sufficient inventory to fix the problems. 3)Jeep isn’t doing anything to make owners aware of this seriousness of the issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11659822

Steering damper has been replaced 4 times due to random starting of violent shaking when hitting a bump on the highway. When this shake occurs the vehicle is harder to control and entire vehicle shakes. It was replaced 4 times but they had 6 chances to permanently fix this issue. Some times they chose not to do any work on the car. Being as this makes the vehicle harder to control, hitting another bump while shaking causes dangerous unpredictability when driving. The jeep dealership was able to recreate the shaking before replacing the steering damper each time. The part was inspected and prepped by the mechanic each time before being replaced in my vehicle. There are no indications such as warning lamps or messages prior to it happening it is unpredictable. I was told by the mechanic the last time it was replaced that this is an ongoing issue with 2021 Jeep Wranglers and that Jeep keeps updating the steering damper part but the have yet to be able to fix the issue with all the new updates to the part they are making. The first time it occurred was at about 17K miles and my car is now at 45K miles, so it has been replaced 5 times in the span of 28K miles

NHTSA ODI 11658098

Extreme steering wobble at speeds over 65 mph when hitting bumps on the highway. First time was with about 20,000 miles didn’t not know what it was, and it stopped after slowing down. After more times this happened I want to the dealer my warranty was expired and the want to replace the steering stabilizer to start. This problem now happens about every 5 miles on the highway and I fear losing control so I don’t drive over 65 mph with this vehicle. What can be done to fix this

NHTSA ODI 11653332

The following is copy of an email sent to JEEP CEO in November and then again in January. I have not received a response. I have also sent an email to the dealer. I ask NHTSA to look into Dear Mr. [XXX] : I would like your assistance in a major issue I am having with my 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport. I have contacted the dealer (Airpark Jeep- [XXX] ) and your corporate customer service department with both saying they are unable to help me. As I am sure you know, social media has a lot of information on what is referred to as the Jeep Death Wobble- A problem with the stabilizer bar. My jeep has this issue and it hits mostly at highway speeds causing the entire jeep to shake violently until the jeep settles down. This is now happening too many times and there is nothing the driver can do, but hold tight on the wheel and hope the shaking doesn't cause an accident. I can not believe this was not addressed via a safety recall! This problem has the potential in my opinion to lead to serious injury or death of passengers in the jeep and others nearby! I will be turning the jeep in at the end of February and I assume the dealer will have to fix the problem (I am told it takes a couple hours to replace the stabilizer bar), before the vehicle is sold as a used jeep. To allow this condition to exist is inexcusable by both Jeep HQ and the local Jeep dealer. Because this has been a known issue and Jeep and your dealers have done nothing to resolve this problem, I will not simply go away. I and other jeep owners are owed something more than "We can't help". I have owned two CJ-7s, one Grand Cherokee, and now my Wrangler Sport. As part of a Sheriff's Search and Rescue Team, I am required to have a solid 4-wheel drive vehicle. Based on this experience and a few other issues that were not resolved, I will now consider purchasing the Ford Bronco instead. I would like the courtesy of a response please. Thank you, [XXX] [XXX] Deputy Director FBI NEIA INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11641641

On three separate occasions the vehicle began violently shaking giving the impression the front wheels were coming off (aka the death wobble). On all three occasions the shaking started while driving straight on paved road at 45-60mph. The first two incidents occurred within a week’s time. The Jeep services testing reported no issues. At that time they performed a realignment and sent me on my way. The most recent occurrence happened on Jan. 18, 2025. On this occasion the same Jeep services testing reported a possible problem with the tie rods. This vehicle was purchased in Jan 2021 and currently has about 25,500 miles. It has not been driven off road and has not been modified. Considering Jeep’s well documented issues of this nature, it does not seem that they have addressed the problems.

NHTSA ODI 11640231

While cruising control is engaged, turning the steering wheel 5-10 degrees to the right will result in disruption of the cruise control and displaying a message "cruise control cancelled." This results in an abrupt deceleration during a turn that is unexpected and can create a safety hazard. Additionally, the illumination of steering wheel switches flickers with 5 degrees of right turn. This appears to be consistent with the findings of recall 15B, but my VIN is not included in the recall.

NHTSA ODI 11640066

My 2021 jeep wrangler unlimited started shaking uncontrollably at highway speeds, and whenever I hit a bump in the road. I took it to a dealership which shows no active recalls. The dealership ran a diagnostic a d claims it is a faulty steering wheel damper. As this is an ongoing issue from previous jeep years, I was hoping you could investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11638370

01/21/25 While driving on Interstate 64 at posted 70 mph suddenly experienced a complete shuddering of the vehicle. I was able to maintain forward direction with speed. Control on by “gripping” tightly with both hands and then braking quickly to shoulder and engaging 4 way flasher. I thought at first I must have hit something in the road or experienced a sudden tire blowout. But myself, spouse and brother-in-law exited the vehicle and could discern no apparent vehicle damage. No loose body trim / tires intact. I got down on the pavement and viewed the undercarriage and no loose parts were observed. Decided to drive it if possible. Vehicle started up fine and then accelerating to speed limit pulled up existing tire pressure and they were 36-37 psi. About 15 miles later now on I69 experienced the same sudden intense “shuddering “ of the vehicle. This time I braked quickly and let off the gas peddle and the wobble stopped. Immediately continued to Evansville Jeep dealer , reported the issue. They could not examine the vehicle immediately and though I expressed concern about driving the vehicle 50 miles back home I was told no loaner car available. I did make an appointment for 01/23/25 the earliest opening. The person handling the issue evidently discussed the issue with a technician and came back and stated it was a common Jeep issue and may need a “damper “ or repair to a damper. When asked if my extended warranty would cover the repair he wasn’t sure though I have less than 60XXX miles and purchased May 2021 with 100,000 miles extended warranty. I told we have a major trip planned soon and have concerns.

NHTSA ODI 11637552

Jeep Wrangler 2021 death wobble. This is the fourth time I’ve had a death wobble in two years out of nowhere. The vehicle will also of a sudden go into a shaking moving wobbling scenario, which feels completely unsafe to drive. I have brought this vehicle into Jeep four times in the past two years for this problem. I am requesting a buyback. They refuse to buy it back based on this very unsafe situation

NHTSA ODI 11637200

I have a 2021 Jeep Wrangler Sport that only has 24k miles on it (all oem stock components with zero modification) and I have been experiencing death wobble issues when traveling at highway speeds and driving over seam transitions where the road meets bridge crossings. The vehicle shakes uncontrolably and it's absolutely terrifying. The only way to get it to stop is to remove my foot from the gas pedal, apply the brakes and come to a near stop. I took it to the dealership and all suspension parts are in good condition with no wear and bolts are tightened to oem torques. The dealership is recommending a steering stabilizer be installed, which is going to cost me $400 with no guarantee it will fix the issue. Many Jeep forums state the steering stabilzer is a band aid fix that does not resolve this serious safety defect long term. We'll see what happens, but quite honestly I'm scared to even drive it anymore. If it continues to experience death wobble after this supposed fix, I'm getting rid of it and trading it in on a more reliable brand, but am concerned about the next person who ends up buying it. It's an obvious design flaw that has been going on with Jeeps for 2 decades and Jeep needs to go back to the drawing board and figure out a permanent long term fix. I have owned many vehicles in my life and I have never experienced this problem with other brands. It seems to be synonymous with the Jeep brand.

NHTSA ODI 11636369

With less than 35,000 miles on a 2021 jeep wrangler, I have started to experience extreme shaking when going over a bump. Otherwise, known as the “Death Wobble”. The steering wheel shakes uncontrollably and could cause a serious accident while driving. I was told that the 2021 and newer models would not have this problem due to manufactures addressed the design flaw. Jeep has known about this issue for many years but has done nothing to make repairs or changes to the vehicle design. This is a huge safety concern because I could lose control of my vehicle while the steering shakes uncontrollably or cause an accident because the only way to stop the shaking is to quickly decrease speed. My vehicle was inspected by Gillman Jeep in Houston, Texas.

NHTSA ODI 11636383

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ODI 11636253

I was driving down the highway about 75 miles an hour I hit a bump and the front tires started shaking had to pull over before it would stop. About a week later it happened again at 65 mph.

NHTSA ODI 11635850