Does the Jeep Wagoneer have electric power steering issues?
Tiffany and her husband, the owners of a 2024 Jeep Wagoneer, have experienced the frustration of repeated dealer visits. The SUV has been taken to the dealer six times to fix the same problem, with the electric power steering failing while driving and necessitating a tow to the dealer.
Tiffany (@myfiercepearcelife), in her TikTok clip, says the Jeep Wagoneer they purchased in December died while they were driving it on the freeway. Her husband had to restart it while they were on the busy highway.
She says, "I'm having my brand new 2024 Jeep Wagoneer towed to the Jeep dealer for the 6th time since buying it at the end of December. The electric power steering dies while I drive it, eventually dying all the way."
After they picked up their kids, the car died two more times.
Despite the dealer's assurance that the issue was fixed after finding a loose bolt on the battery, the Wagoneer dies again the next day while Tiffany drives it. This has left her feeling unsafe, especially with her kids in the car, due to the fear and uncertainty of driving a malfunctioning vehicle.
The Jeep Wagoneer goes back to the dealer.
This time, the dealer replaced the battery, said it was fixed, and they picked up the vehicle from the dealer. The same electrical issue happened again, but the Wagoneer would not restart. So, they have it towed to the Jeep dealer.
Now, the dealer has replaced the alternator. They tell them that it's good to go again. It's now the fifth time the Wagoneer has been at the dealer for the same issue.
After taking it to the dealer and picking the vehicle up, the problem recurred within a day or two, causing further disappointment and inconvenience.
Tiffany's story continues
"So, after taking it to the dealer, we picked the vehicle up, and it happened again in a few days."
"The car dies while I'm driving it, and the electrical goes out. There is no power steering; there is nothing except that the engine is still running and the car is still moving. It's terrifying."
"They have "fixed it" 5 times with the same problem reoccurring each time after we get it back. We have filed under the lemon law and are waiting to hear back. I want a 3 Row SUV with ample trunk space that doesn't try to ghost us when I drive my family."
Tiffany answers some questions from the comments.
Did You Do Your Research?
"We did, but now as extensive as we should. However, when you buy a car that doesn't have the best reliability, it's a statistical risk. You are risking getting one that has issues or one that doesn't have issues. It was in the back of our minds, but not at the front."
"We were focused on having three rows and second-row bench seats, and there are limited 3-Row SUVs with all that and trunk space. So, when we found this Jeep Wagoneer, this exact model, it was the only one within driving distance and had what we were looking for."
"It also had heated and ventilated seats, so I have Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS), and getting ventilated seats is the item that I was really hoping for this time around getting a car for me."
Have You Filed For the Lemon Law?
"We have already filed, and we have an attorney, and we sent all the paperwork in, and Jeep has denied the claim. So, we are pushing back again because we have taken the car to the Jeep dealer six times to be fixed for the same problem, and they told us, 'You are good to go now.'"
What Vehicle Did You Have Before You Bought the Jeep Wagoneer?
"I wasn't getting a new car just for fun. I've had a GMC Acadia for several years. I loved the car; it was great until the computer in the car completely died. So, I drove it for two or three more years just because we didn't need a new car."
"However, we now have three kids, and we want them to be able to sit three across the back and then have lots of trunk space to be able to travel and needed navigation and all these other things in my new car."
So, What's Next?
"So, that's why we bought the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer. So, now we are back to looking for a new SUV that fits our family's needs. We aren't the only family looking for a good three-row SUV."
Does the 2024 Jeep Wagoneer have reliability issues?
Several 2024 Jeep Wagoneer owners on Reddit have reported experiencing electrical issues, including battery draining, random error messages, and system malfunctions. These issues range from simple glitches to complete system shutdowns, with some owners reporting multiple dealership visits without a resolution.
Common Electrical Problems Reported:
- Battery Draining: Many owners have reported that their Wagoneers, including the hybrid 4xe versions, experience rapid battery drains, even when the vehicle is not in use. This can lead to the vehicle being unable to start or other systems failing.
- Random Error Messages and System Failures: Some owners have reported experiencing a variety of error messages, including those related to transmission, power steering, and other critical systems. In some cases, these issues can lead to complete system shutdowns.
- Auxiliary Battery Problems: Some owners have speculated that the auxiliary battery, often used to power electronic components, maybe a source of the issues.
- Software Issues: Some users have suggested that software glitches or updates may contribute to electrical problems.
Troubleshooting and Resolution:
- Dealer Visits: Many owners have reported taking their Wagoneers to the dealership for repairs, but some have found the issues difficult to diagnose and fix.
- Battery Resets: Some dealerships have reset the vehicle's computer or attempted to charge the batteries as a solution.
- Lemon Law Considerations: Some owners, like Tiffany, particularly those with recurring or severe issues, have considered pursuing lemon law claims.
Conclusion:
If you're experiencing electrical problems with your 2024 Wagoneer, document the issues, including dates, times, and descriptions of the symptoms.
- Contact the Dealer: Report the problems to your dealer and seek assistance.
- Consider a Warranty: If you're concerned about the vehicle's long-term reliability, consider purchasing an extended warranty.
- Explore Lemon Law Options: If you experience recurring or severe problems, research lemon law options in your state.
It's Your Turn
Do you own a Jeep Wagoneer? Have you experienced ongoing electrical issues with your 3-Row SUV? If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Jeep Grand Cherokee story: We Bought A Jeep Grand Cherokee, Had Our 4th Major Breakdown In Less Than a Year, and It’s Been In the Shop 60 Days Already
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Tiffany
Comments
On the other hand, it's a…
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On the other hand, it's a Jeep product. What did Tiffany think was going to happen?
My car was in the shop…
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My car was in the shop multiple times for multiple issues and is supposedly now fixes. 111 days at the dealer. 2023 Garnd Wagoneer. Check engine light had been on for most of the time I've owned it as well as engine thermostat failure before the recall, rear windshield replacement due to trim failure, and other issues. It's terrible.
You bought a jeep they are…
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You bought a jeep they are not know for quality. Ever since foreign company. Owns jeep.built on the cheap.every auto company. Except Subaru and Mazda. Even Toyota putting out junk.
.
Why don't people do any…
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Why don't people do any research before spending so much money? Just 5 minutes with Consumer Reports will tell you Jeeps SUCK, with some of the worst reliability in the industry.
I too bought my 2024 Jeep…
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I too bought my 2024 Jeep Wagoneer L in December 2024. It’s been in the shop 4-6 times for minor (but annoying) radio/settings issues, i.e. driver comfort settings reverting back after I have saved them. The dealership has replaced the radio and that resolved “most” of the issues, but the heads-up display keeps reverting back to the default setting. Now there’s a map update out and the only way to update it is via WiFi and I have tried pairing my phone to it to download the update w/o success. I’ve also parked real close to the house so that it could connect to my WiFi and let it “download” overnight w/o success. Other than that, love the vehicle.
I too bought a 2024 Wagoneer…
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I too bought a 2024 Wagoneer in Lewisburg PA. It has been nothing but a problem. First it was a dead battery issue. Then the second battery was dead. Those were both replaced. Then it was a blown fuse. The vehicle had barely 100 miles on it. It was in the shop for two weeks that trip. When we finally got it back, we traveled to the Finger Lakes in NY for a family gathering. While going through a small town, on the 4th of July, several dash lights came on, and the vehicle stopped dead in the middle of the street, causing a traffic jam. The power steering was gone and the vehicle shut completely off. I was finally able to restart it. However, this happened 4 times before we could get to our anticipated location. It went back to the dealership again. They said it was fixed, and we got it back. Wrong! It happened again the very next day as I was attempting to go to church. Again it stalled/stopped as I was only traveling 6 miles. So, back to the dealership it returned. (FYI…The dealership is 75 miles away.) At this point we are talking about a vehicle with less than 400 miles on it. We got it back again. Through all of this, they would NOT provide us with a loaner car. On July 11, the same thing happened and it went back again. We were supposed to drive this vehicle back to our Florida residence on July 12. We needed to be back for an important medical appointment on July 14. Therefore, we had to leave the vehicle in PA and purchase last minute plane tickets, and then rent a car at the Florida airport to get to our home. A few weeks later, my wife had to fly back to PA so she made an appearance at the dealership on Aug 4. The vehicle was still not fixed. They gave her a loaner (filthy dirty with absolutely no gas) that day which she used for 2 days. She returned to Florida so the loaner sat until they picked it up on Aug 15. (They were advised that it was no longer needed.) Our vehicle was at the dealership from July 11 until the service mgr said it was fixed and they were delivering it to our house on Aug 15. I gave them the proper address. They delivered it to a wrong address, in the next town. My wife and I have hours and hours of time on the phone trying to talk with the dealership general mgr, the dealership owner, Chrysler/Stellantis, and the Jeep Wagoneer Specialist that was assigned to us, in an attempt to get some help with this problem. FORGET the dealership general manager, all he did was LIE and would not take or return phone calls when messages were left with his staff and on his office and personal phone. And as far as the dealership owner, he is an absolute A$$. For a man of his stature (owns many dealerships), and thinks he is the “cock of the walk”, he talked terribly to my wife on the phone when she questioned him about buying the vehicle back, which is what his general mgr had previously said they would do. So, here we are in Florida with a brand new Wagoneer sitting in our son’s garage in PA. We need the vehicle in Florida, but I am afraid to get in the thing and drive it down. The vehicle is an absolute DEATH TRAP! This week we will be hiring a lawyer and taking a new approach. I might add that this is our second Wagoneer. We previously owned a 2022 which also had MAJOR electrical issues. Shame on us for getting another one. But, I am a retired Chrysler Jeep Dealer/Owner. I’m loyal to the brand…or at least I was! The dealer I referred to above is now the owner of my previous dealership/property. Do your homework if you are thinking about buying a Wagoneer folks…and run away!