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
My power steering went out after 35k miles driven, it was bought brand new off the showroom floor. I took it to a dodge dealership and the parts to fix it are under engineer review and back order and they could not fix it, they couldn't give me a estimated time when they would be able to, I have been without a car to drive to and from work, school and my children's dr appoints for 3 months now while still making my loan payments. I have called the manufacturer and they are going on week number 2 of the employee there helping me not being able to reach anyone via phone or email to respond on what to do, or even where to start.
Driving down the road and when I try to make a right turn the car does not want to turn, it's as if there's no power steering. The fluid is not getting to the right side rack and pinion. The older models had a recall for this same issue and now my year model is having the same exact problem. It was not expected so it was difficult to turn into my own lane of traffic. Took it to a dodge dealer ship and they recommended replacing it but since it's not covered under my certified preowned warranty it has to wait. No warnings no lights nothing but shock
1. The power steering system keeps leaking for multiple different locations and is intermittent. The leak is never in the same spot. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2. There is a potential for safety problems with this if someone does not realize what the noise is coming from the vehicle. There is a whining noise that starts but not until there is no fluid in the reservoir. There is also no change in steering ability. If the power steering should lock up, that could cause a potential deadly situation. 3. The problem has been reproduced at an independent shop. 4. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone else but the independent shop. 5. There are no warning lights that come on and no message pop up for low fluid levels. The vehicle makes a whining noise that progressively gets louder but only when there is no fluid in the reservoir. …
Power steering leak, started in cold weather. Found other 2018 models have had a recall for the same issue - but my vin is not listed. Yes the vehicle can be inspected. No I've not had it looked at, I've been refilling the power steering fluid regularly and it leaks out. If the leak persists and the power steering goes completely out while operating it could put myself, passengers and others at risk. No warning lamps. I just noticed the steering was difficult.
The contact owns a 2017 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal scraping sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The contact became aware that the power steering cooler and hoses were hanging down underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the hood flew open and struck the windshield and cracking the bottom of the windshield. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and was able to partially close the hood. The contact then drove to her father's residence, and the contact's father assisted with closing the hood. The used car dealer, where the vehicle was purchased, was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. …
On Monday, August 16, 2021, I was driving towards a busy intersection when my steering wheel was all of a sudden unable to turn in either direction. I stopped the vehicle before merging on the busy intersection, which my next destination was I-80. My safety was very much at risk due to this as if it would have failed on I-80, myself or my children could have been severely injured as well as other drivers. I had the vehicle towed to a local dealership (Greenway Motors) and they inspected the vehicle and initially found that the power steering pump was broken and there was metal debris that would need to be flushed but that when they start the repair, more than likely the debris would also be in the steering gears. They said the vehicle was no longer under a warranty for this issue. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while the vehicle was started and running, there was an abnormal popping sound coming from the vehicle. The contact exited the vehicle and noticed a puddle of fluid on the ground underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that the fluid was possibly power steering fluid. The contact was on the way to work, and while the vehicle was in reverse(R), there was an abnormally loud sound coming from the steering wheel. The contact stopped at an auto specialty store, and when the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir, the reservoir was empty. The contact refilled the power steering fluid reservoir. The contact stated that later in the day the contact checked the power steering fluid reservoir was checked and was empty. There was no warning light illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2016 Dodge Journey. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40-45 MPH and turning the steering wheel to the left or to the right, the steering wheel was resistant. The contact stated that the failure progressively increased, and the steering wheel completely seized. The vehicle was towed to a certified independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with power steering failure. The mechanic performed unknown repairs on the vehicle; however, the failure recurred while driving approximately 40 MPH. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and confirmed that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V273000(Steering). …
Related recalls (3)
Steering › Hydraulic power assist › Hose, piping, and connections
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2009-2016 Dodge Journey vehicles manufactured July 31, 2007, to November 12, 2016. After exposure to cold temperatures, the power steering return hose may rupture at engine start-up causing a loss of power steering assist.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering return hoses, steel tubes, and power steering oil cooler, free of charge. The recall began on May 24, 2016.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Which Dodge Journey years have steering problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2010 (83), 2009 (79), 2015 (39), 2016 (34) and 2014 (28) model years. Steering complaints make up 8% of all complaints for the 2010.
Is there a recall for Dodge Journey steering problems?
Yes — 3 recalls, including 16V-273 (hose, piping, and connections, May 6, 2016); 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 Journey steering problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 73,000 miles; 38% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the hydraulic power assist › hose, piping, and connections (3 mentions), followed by the hydraulic power assist system (1).
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.