2012 Jeep Wrangler Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 204about this part
- Share
- 24%of 836 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 32,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 204 complaints about the steering of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler, 24% of the 836 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 32,000 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Jeep started violently shaking when hitting a bump in a city road, tightened lose sway bar, but a couple weeks later noticed violent shaking again when traveling on the highway and almost caused me to lose control of the vehicle and had vehicle towed home. Will not drive as I am terrified of causing an accident and death.”
NHTSA complaint #11291880, filed 2019-12, 77,000 miles“My vehicle clock spring has gone out. My vehicle has 45000 miles and is a model year 2012. Other years, specifically 2008-2011 have been recalled for the very same thing. Also 2012 rhd models have been recalled for the very thing. My airbag light chimes and is illuminated when driving the vehicle, whenever I turn left, right or stop or accelerate.”
NHTSA complaint #10927471, filed 2016-11, 45,000 miles“Abs light, anti-skid light and traction control light come on. Touched the brake slightly and Jeep went into a skid. My steering wheel wants to lock up, my brakes are trying to brake. Seems like a faulty ABS wheel sensor and eveeyone is having this problem”
NHTSA complaint #11407691, filed 2021-04, 179,000 miles“Jeep sahara unlimited goes nearly unstable (aggressive front end oscillation) when hitting potholes/bumps at speed (~50-60 MPH), only way to stop is to slow down to nearly 10-20 MPH. Very dangerous on highway or any road going at speed for fear of getting hit in rear as you slow down. Has happened numerous (100+) times since I bought the car, I minimize the issue by avoiding known potholes/bumps on roads I use. …”
NHTSA complaint #11257477, filed 2019-09, 10,000 miles“For months ongoing, at approximately 50 MPH and again at 80 MPH my steering wheel shakes and the whole vehicle vibrates. I do not have a lift kit on my vehicle nor any other suspension or steering modifications. I had a local chrysler dealer inspect tie rods, ball joints, track bar, and steering stabilizer but was informed that all parts are in working order and do not need replacement/repair. My Jeep has 99k miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #11256869, filed 2019-09, 95,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10159313Mar 14, 2019The SKU is a Tie Rod Center Stud. The Customer commnunication requested return of unsold inventory to inpsect for possible incorrect direction threads (right hand rather than…
- 10217579Mar 24, 2017Clockspring Replacement (X68 Warranty Extension) This bulletin involves diagnosing the clockspring/Steering Angle Sensor (SAS).If the diagnostic tests indicate the…
- 10218804Apr 12, 2014Transmission Oil Cooler Tube This bulletin involves inspecting the transmission oil cooler tubes, power steering return tube and if necessary installing a protective sleeve on…
- 10139638Apr 12, 2014Transmission Oil Cooler Tube This bulletin involves inspecting the transmission oil cooler tubes, power steering return tube and if necessary installing a protective sleeve on…
- 10220421Jun 21, 2013The Electronic Vehicle Information Center EVIC Does Not Function Properly This bulletin involves installing the correct EVIC switch in the steering wheel to allow the EVIC to…
- 10189189Jun 21, 2013The Electronic Vehicle Information Center EVIC Does Not Function Properly This bulletin involves installing the correct EVIC switch in the steering wheel to allow the EVIC to…
- 10136898Jun 21, 2013The Electronic Vehicle Information Center EVIC Does Not Function Properly This bulletin involves installing the correct EVIC switch in the steering wheel to allow the EVIC to…
- 10220405Jun 6, 2013Some of the above vehicles may experience a condition where the power steering return tube contacts the aluminum transmission oil cooler tube. Continuous contact of the aluminum…
- 10189173Jun 6, 2013Some of the above vehicles may experience a condition where the power steering return tube contacts the aluminum transmission oil cooler tube. Continuous contact of the aluminum…
- 10136882Jun 6, 2013New Safety Recall Advanced Communication ? N28060613 Chrysler Group LLC (Chrysler) announced a safety recall on certain 2012 and 2013 model year (JK) Jeep Wrangler vehicles. Some…
Steering: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 17% |
| 2025 | 3 | 4% |
| 2024 | 72 | 10% |
| 2023 | 57 | 15% |
| 2022 | 86 | 21% |
| 2021 | 255 | 27% |
| 2020 | 239 | 39% |
| 2019 | 447 | 60% |
| 2018 | 1,117 | 61% |
| 2017 | 19 | 6% |
| 2016 | 28 | 6% |
| 2015 | 29 | 6% |
| 2014 | 26 | 4% |
| 2013 | 167 | 25% |
| 2012 | 204 | 24% |
| 2011 | 58 | 12% |
| 2010 | 66 | 10% |
| 2009 | 65 | 17% |
| 2008 | 156 | 18% |
| 2007 | 138 | 25% |
| 2006 | 86 | 12% |
| 2005 | 58 | 9% |
| 2004 | 67 | 35% |
| 2003 | 14 | 14% |
| 2002 | 10 | 9% |
| 2001 | 10 | 6% |
| 2000 | 11 | 4% |
| 1999 | 3 | 1% |
| 1998 | 16 | 6% |
| 1997 | 31 | 8% |
| 1995 | 6 | 3% |
| 1994 | 5 | 3% |
| 1993 | 2 | 2% |
| 1992 | 3 | 4% |
| 1991 | 1 | 1% |
| 1990 | 2 | 3% |
| 1987 | 1 | 3% |
Other parts of the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
282 complaintsEngine
172 complaintsElectrical system
148 complaintsAir bags
128 complaintsOther or unknown
54 complaintsBrakes
52 complaintsFuel system
45 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
41 complaintsElectronic stability control
30 complaintsBody and structure
30 complaintsVehicle speed control
26 complaintsExterior lighting
21 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2012 Jeep Wrangler
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology