Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2011 Dodge Charger owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I drive a 2011 Dodge Charger rt my vehicle continues to loss power and when power is lost I have no power streering or brakes. I was advised my vehicle has a active recall t-36 in which the problems I'm have are a direct result of the recall. My vehicle has been in the shop multiple times at classic Dodge in denton tx. The only thing classic Dodge has done is replace the battery stating we had to start there and advised me FCA has not sent out a fix and wont until feb 2018. I have reported to classic Dodge in denton as well as my FCA case manager my vehicle continues to loss power and has almost resulted in several crashes and FCA has failed to resolve the problem and has stopped returning my phone calls. On 12-05-17 I was involved in a automoble crash in the Charger caused by the loss in power and I ran into a tree causing vehicle structual damage.
Several times, the car has stalled while driving. I have had to come to a complete stop, restart the engine and it has gone away. In the last 18 months I have noticed on random occasions, when doing a left turn, it feels like the power steering is no longer working, and this only happens on left turns. Finally, I have some strange electrical issues happening, sometimes my left low beam will work, other days it won't. Now the sound to the speakers have stopped, and then today, I left to go to work, my car won't start, all I have is an illuminated etc light and nothing. I have tried getting Dodge to look at it repeatedly, it is clearly a wiring electrical fault, they keep telling me nothing is under real, and I keep putting money after money into the car, and I think its going to get me hurt one day.
Without warning while driving at highway speeds I began to smell a plastic melting smell. Almost immediately the radio shut off and I got a "battery saver mode" message. Within seconds the car's engine quit. When the engine stopped so did all power to the controls including steering and brakes. When got the car to the side of the road I could see visible blue smoke coming from the front of the passenger's side engine compartment. Popped the hood and identified that the smoke was coming from the alternator. Car would not start again. Had towed to shop and alternator is shot. Apparently there is a 2 to 3 week back order due to high demand related to failed alternators. I could have been killed or killed others easily when I lost power at highway speed.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving and attempting to turn right, the steering wheel became difficult to turn. In addition, the power steering indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to larry h miller Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram provo (1825 north university parkway, provo, utah 84604, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the electro hydraulic power steering failed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was not covered under warranty for the electro hydraulic power steering repair. The failure mileage was 70,000.
I was driving, with my son in the car, and my electrical system completely failed. My windows, steering, brakes,and etc. Stopped working while I was driving. Behind me was an log truck fully loaded. Thanks god there was just enough space for him to swurve around my car. This could have been a deadly accident. This all happen while my car was moving and I was able to get in a safe position before stopping the car. After it stopped, nothing worked in the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and there was an abnormal burning odor. In addition, the power steering warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the wiring was replaced. The dealer and manufacturer were not contacted. The failure mileage was not provided.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving at high speeds, the steering wheel column abnormally vibrated. The contact discovered that the spoiler failed. The contact also experienced wobbling in the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2011 Dodge Charger. While driving approximately 35 MPH, an unknown warning light illuminated and the power steering failed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 14V634000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.
I was driving back home from work when my steering wheel locked on the freeway. All these lights came up on the dashboard from traction ABS battery came on. Luckily I could pull over I shut the car off and turned it back on but it did it another 3 times before I got home very unsafe.
Power steering pump is messed up, I've taken to the shop and they are saying it's a known issue with 2011-2014 Dodge chargers. I checked and saw that multiple Dodge chargers have been recalled however it seems ours was never recalled.
Steering complaints in other Charger years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2011 Dodge Charger?
NHTSA has 39 complaints about the steering of the 2011 Dodge Charger, 6% of the model year's 695 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2011 Dodge Charger steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering recall for the 2011 Dodge Charger, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2011 Dodge Charger steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 62,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to steering problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
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.