its a common issue on the 2019 and newer wranglers because they made some steering gearboxes out of aluminum and it must have worn excessively. there are a few pn changes on the gearbox and the final one is a steel housed gearbox. the other possibility is there is some play in the mounting of the steering gearbox. if you do a search, you can find a video of how to check that, but from what i understand, that is very rare

look at her steering gearbox and if its primarily silver, she has the aluminum one, the steel one is all black. if she has the aluminum one, from what i have read, you are pretty much stuck replacing it. since yours is a certified jeep though, maybe if you complain to the dealer, and let @JeepCares know, maybe jeep will replace it under warranty.

my wife's 2019 has done it since we got it last year but its not a certified pre-owned so we are going to have to buy a gearbox and install it our selves. hers has a dead spot of about 3-4 inches so its pretty bad.

 

Well go figure....

Thanks for the info, that is disappointing. 38k miles, sheesh. I forget that materials science and engineering haven't been invented yet. Our is definitely not that bad yet thankfully.

 

Hi @ZJjustin,

We are sorry to learn about your vehicle concerns. If you schedule an appointment with an authorized dealership and need an extra layer of support, please send our team a private message with your VIN.

Blair
Jeep Cares

 

Hi @ZJjustin,

We are sorry to learn about your vehicle concerns. If you schedule an appointment with an authorized dealership and need an extra layer of support, please send our team a private message with your VIN.

Blair
Jeep Cares

Hi,
So, only private message you if I set up an appointment with an authorized dealership. But, if I've set up an appointment with an authorized dealership, in what way would "JeepCares" be helpful? Seems like circular reasoning.

EDIT: Wasn't trying to be spicy, in case it came across that way.

 

Wranglers often have vague steering it’s normal. But if excessive, check the track bar common culprit or steering box adjustment. Test-drive another Wrangler to compare. If under warranty, have the dealer check for TSBs. Otherwise, an aftermarket stabilizer or brace can help.

 

and may just be normal for Wrangler's? I've only ever had Grand Cherokee's and her a Liberty. Could just be a nuance of the Wrangler platform.

No obvious spots in the steering or suspension seem wrong/loose/worn out at a casual glance/wiggle. And it's not as the the steering wheel rotates 45 degrees before a response, just more of a dead spot than I'd expect in a new vehicle.

When you drive both IFS and a solid-axle jeep, then you notice that IFS rack-and-pinion steering is a lot more precise than jeep wrangler's. It's not just a JL issue. My JK's stock steering is noticeably less precise than IFS rack-and-pinion.