Steering complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge Avenger. While driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. While driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to come to a halt. As a result, the contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle. The contact sustained minor bruises that required medical attention. The front passenger did not sustain any injuries, but required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the crash scene to an auto body repair center where the mechanic was unable to diagnose the vehicle based on the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. …
Just bought the car, within a month the brakes were grinding. Took it to the dealership and there was a power train leak which they replaced. A few days later, I was at an intersection turning and my wheel completely locked, causing me to hit the car in front of me and the air bags deployed. An officer happened to be on the same road and saw that my car was also smoking as well which May have been due to the previous power train leak. I looked at other recalls and sure enough, there are some on the 2011-2013 regarding steering and brake systems as well. They definitely need to check the 2014 Dodge Avenger as well for similar issues. Now the front passenger area and my axel is ruined and needs to be replaced.
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start later the same day. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V552000 (Engine); however, the VIN was not included. The dealer and the manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 162,000.
I was driving from arkansas to texas and was approximately ten miles from my destination when the car pulled to the right on a narrow two lane highway hitting the approximately one foot tall concrete bride side. It was misting rain and the car kept pulling right and then started to go into a skid. I tried to steer to stop skidding and spun around into the ditch and rolled. Only the passenger side curtain air bags and the passenger seat airbag deployed. No airbags deployed on the driver side or from the dash or steering wheel. The vehicle sustained major damage to the front, sides and top. There had been prior warranty repair to the driver seat airbag by orr Dodge of searcy because the airbag system malfunction warning light had come on in the vehicle.
This is a HUGE SAFETY issue!!!!!! The engine randomly shuts off, which also causes the brakes to stop working and to have no power steering. Anything connected to the battery is fine (lights, radio, dashboard, etc.). myself, any passenger, and those around me are put at risk by the car shutting off in the middle of the road. Someone could hit me because I am not moving, or I am trying to get out of the way. or I might end up hitting someone else because the brakes don't work. this is a huge risk to life and limb. Noone other than myself has tried to see what is going on with my car, specifically. i have already put out a lot of money on parts that research says it COULD be. other people have had the same complaint about their Dodge vehicles. they have even taken them to many repair shops, with no one finding a real answer as to why this is happening. …
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the passenger's side seat headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 13V282000 (Electrical System, Air Bags) and 11V315000 (Steering). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.
I was driving down the highway this has happened I believe atleast 3 times now, all of a sudden while driving not sure if a specific speed but I was going atleast 50 MPH each time, the steering wheel seems to lock up for a good second or two which is a long time when your going that speed. It's extremely scary and the first time it happened I didn't know if it happened or not than it happened again not sure how long after and that's when I was like OK maybe that steering wheel did lock up before than when it happened again I knew for sure it was really happening cause I had a friend in passenger seat who witnessed this . Now it's been a while and my car all of a sudden won't start and my steering wheels will not lock . I've replaced sensors tried deleting codes . The codes I got were wrong immobilizer key and low voltage . …
The contact owns a 2010 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced an electrical short. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. A dealer was not contacted. Upon investigation, the contact associated the failure with NHTSA Campaign Number: 10V475000 (Steering) and 10V009000 (Service Braces, Hydraulic) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Related recalls (2)
Steering › Column
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, Jeep wrangler, Chrysler 200, Chrysler 200 convertible, Dodge avenger, Dodge nitro, Jeep liberty, Dodge caliber, Jeep compass, Jeep patriot, Dodge grand caravan and Chrysler town & country vehicles.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on July 4, 2011. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering › Electric power assist system
Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 Chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and Dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 Dodge Ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles May experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on December 20, 2010. Owners May contact Chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
NHTSA investigations
Steering column separation
Mr. Larry a. Sackey submitted a petition to the national highway traffic safety administration (NHTSA) by letter dated April 18, 2003, requesting that nhtsafurther investigate the defective collapsible steering shaft system on 1987-1995 vehicles manufactured by the daimlerchrysler corporation.in part because of 49 cfr ? 30120(g), NHTSA has decided to limit the scope of the petition vehicles to 1993-1995 models,…
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Avenger years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2008 (21), 2012 (20), 2013 (19), 2014 (14) and 1995 (12) model years. Steering complaints make up 2% of all complaints for the 2008.
Is there a recall for Dodge Avenger steering problems?
Yes — 2 recalls, including 11V-315 (column, Jun 8, 2011); 10V-475 (electric power assist system, Oct 7, 2010). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Dodge Avenger steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles; 45% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the column locking › anti-theft device (6 mentions), followed by the rack and pinion (5).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.