2018–2023 Jeep Wrangler: Power steering assist cuts out (electrical / EHPS)
Likely causes, ranked
- Low battery voltage or charging-system dropoutsDIY
- EPS/EHPS connector, ground or CAN-bus communication faultShop
- Steering gear or EHPS module fault (including bulletin repairs)Shop
Real-owner fix counts will appear here as reports come in.
Rough cost: $300–$300DIY or shop: See DIY or shop section
Parts to check
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Symptom: A Service Electric Power Steering message, suddenly heavy steering, or assist that cuts in and out, sometimes with a cascade of other electrical warnings.
Likely causes
- Battery / charging. JL forum members often find a weak main or auxiliary battery, poor cable connections, or charging dropouts behind intermittent EPS loss. The electric-hydraulic pump needs solid voltage.
- Connectors and network. Threads describe CAN faults (including U0131 lost communication with the EPS module) and connector/ground issues that shut assist off.
- Gear / EHPS bulletin path. If power and network check out, dealers follow steering-gear and EHPS software/hardware procedures such as those in TSB 08-074-20 for wander, pull and play complaints.
Rough cost range
| Repair | Reported |
|---|---|
| Battery/cables DIY | Often under $300 for a quality battery and cable service |
| Dealer EHPS/gear diagnosis | Varies widely; confirm bulletin coverage first |
DIY or shop?
Battery and cable checks are DIY. Module, pump and gear work are a shop job.
Useful steps
- Note every warning message and whether a restart brings assist back.
- Load-test the batteries and clean the main grounds.
- Scan for EPS and network codes, not just engine codes.
- Ask the dealer about TSB 08-074-20 and any related steering campaigns for your VIN.
Vehicle focus: 2018–2023 Jeep Wrangler.
Safety / mechanic note
Loss of power steering assist can make the Wrangler hard to steer, especially at low speed. Verify with a mechanic. Steering is a safety system.
Recalls & service bulletins
Technical service bulletins
- 08-074-20 Jeep service information covering steering wander, pull or excess play on certain JL Wranglers, including steering-gear and EHPS-related repairs and software where specified. Details
NHTSA complaints: 2,786 keyword-matched complaints for Jeep WRANGLER 2018–2023 (of 4,853 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-10-16).
Always check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Sources
What actually fixed it?
Had this problem? Tell other owners what the real fix was. Reports are counted above; we never show made-up numbers.