2011 Dodge Charger: loss of power steering

Filed May 13, 2026 · Electrical · NE

Manufacturer failed to provide an adequate remedy for Safety Recall 17V‑435 (T36). On 09/12/2018, the dealer "inspected" the 180-AMP alternator (Part 4801833AB) and cleared it as safe. On 09/25/2019, this exact component suffered a total fatigue failure, causing a "no-start" condition and electrical collapse. Safety Risk: This vehicle is equipped with Electro-Hydraulic Power Steering (EHPS). The alternator failure poses a risk of sudden loss of power steering assist and engine stall, which are the primary safety hazards identified in 17V‑435. Regulatory Issue: FCA (Stellantis) has denied reimbursement for the repair by incorrectly citing "Basic Warranty Expiration," which is a violation of the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act (Safety recalls do not expire). Furthermore, FCA claims the part is "not covered," despite the dealer invoice identifying it as the 180-AMP unit central to the T36 recall. I am requesting an ODI review of the adequacy of the "inspection-only" remedy for this VIN.

Filed Dec 17, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 129,497 miles · SC

Tl* the contact owns a 2011 dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the traction control and power steering assist warning lights illuminated. The failure recurred several times. The contact was able avoid a crash. The contact was able to move the vehicle into service station and was able to drive the vehicle home. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to jim snatcher motors (511 calhoun street, johnson, sc, 29832, (803) 275-2576) where the vehicle was repaired under the federal safety agency campaign number: 17v435000 (electrical system) however, the repair failed to fix the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the alternator failed to provide the needed amps. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 129,497.

Filed Feb 6, 2019 · Steering · 70,000 miles · UT

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, 801‑734‑9791) 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.

Filed Aug 20, 2017 · Electrical, Fuel system · 104,000 miles · IL

On the morning of 8/20 I drove 2 blocks from my house when the chattery save mode turned on accompanied by the battery light on the dash shortly after the car lost power steering and all electric components shut off and then the car shutoff and was immobile after that. I pushed the car home and the car hasn't turned over since. I disconnected the battery and used a battery charger to recharge so I can put my windows up when I reconnected the battery I put the car in run knowing the alternator was bad and pending recall. As the windows hit the closed position black smoke started coming off the alternator and I promptly disconnected the battery again completely after turning the car into off position again. The alternator continued to smoke for 5 minutes as I stared at it with fire extinguisher in hand and phone in the other with 911 dialed and ready. As the car sat in the driveway after all this I noticed a fuel smell that came from the car then I noticed a fuel leak. A constant dripping of 1or 2 drops per 5seconds. The leak comes from below the door hinges area of the passenger side rear door. I cannot find the origin but this is where it drips from. I've read that this is also a common problem but dodge or any other affiliate has recalled any fuel components and people that have changed the full fuel system tank hoses pumps everything still continue to have this issue when the vehicle is filled with gas to max capacity and the leak stops once the fuel level reaches 3/4 tanks or less.

Filed Feb 8, 2017 · Electrical · 76,000 miles · TX

On freeway when lights on dash all started flashing. As pulling over, I lost power steering in my car and all electronics. As soon as I put it in park my car shut off. Look up the p60 recall on 160amp altenator on chargers. I have the 180amp that did the exact same thing but is not covered under recall. This needs to be fixed as it can be a major hazard to me or others. All with not one indication my altenator was going out.

Filed Jan 20, 2017 · Brakes, Electrical · 10 miles · OR

3 separate vehicle shutdowns while accelerating to pass another vehicle and to override cruise control. Esc and ABS light came on along with "acc/fcw unavailable vehicle system error" in the evic at 30mph. Seconds later all warning lights shut off, the turned back on a few seconds later and repeated constantly. Power steering was 100% lost while turning, almost causing me to go into a ditch. At about 25mph, again at 35mph, and again at 40mph, my car had briefly applied the ebrake by itself, even though the ebrake was fully disengaged, and a clicking sound could be heard coming from the shifter. The speedometer drops to zero, then warning lights turn off again and speedometer goes back to normal function. Brake pedal became very stiff, making it difficult to stop. When I came to a full stop at an intersection, the ebrake prevented me from accelerating, then I was able to accelerate after a couple of seconds and then my power steering went out. Then the airbag light came on. After the intersection, the brake light remained on, speedometer stayed at 0, airbag light stayed on. Dinging constantly, as cars normally do when you first start them ( about 1 ding a second). Radio and most interior lighting shut off, headlights shut off, then came back on and started flickering, accompanied by a "battery saver mode" message on the evic. Windshield wipers started moving, but very slowly. Engine sounded windy, like a siren from a fire truck and engine was noticeably less powerful. Burning smell from engine. Once stopped, car would not restart, and almost no power to any area of the car. Replaced battery, which fixed nothing. Window was stuck down, so we pulled the battery and put it on a charger to see if it was charged, and put it back in the car. The battery was connected about 45 seconds, with the engine off but the car in acc mode, and alternator started smoking. 20 cel codes.

Filed Aug 6, 2016 · Electrical · 56,000 miles · FL

Alternator died out of no where at 56k miles and they don't want to take responsibility. I was driving on a busy street and all the lights went off and power steering went out , then power and rolled into a parking lot. Almost got killed driving and car went crazy with all lights and now is dead.

Filed Mar 15, 2016 · Electrical · 67,000 miles · NJ

My 2011 dodge charger has been back to the dealer several times for various recalls. The first recall was for a defective wiring harness that caused fused to trip. The repair corrected the problem for a short time but the fuses continue to trip. The latest recall is for an alternator problem. The vehicle was operating properly until the alternator light came on. The vehicle lost steering and then all power after the alternator light came on. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. Who is replacing the alternator. They claim the battery is "shorted" and must be replaced. They claim that battery is not included in the recall.

Filed Aug 10, 2015 · Electrical · AR

When driving the car it started flashing the ABS brake light and traction control light, then the steering became very hard to do then it went into battery saving mode and the battery light came on. All of this happened without warning while driving. Was told by dodge the alternator went out and that the v8's were not covered under the recall only the v6's even though mine did the same as the ones under recall.

Filed Jun 25, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 34,000 miles · IL

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 the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v634000 (electrical system). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 34,000.

Filed Nov 17, 2014 · Brakes, Driver assistance · 37,000 miles · NJ

Driving from philly to nj at 2am on sunday right before I entered the bridge lost power steering,ABS,radio and battery saver light came on I had my wife and 3 kids with me after a minute or so started losing the headlights . I just wanted to get to jersey side and stop somewhere and call for help. I was very lucky because got to rt.73 highway and mt.laurel police spotted me and helped me a lot by taking us home safe. I had my car towed to the nearest garage and they told me the alternator died so I called the dodge dealership they said that no dodge chargers had that problem reported before I was "first". They were so rude on the phone and said just suck it up and pay $790 . Well I got it fixed not at the dealership but at the gas station mechanic . I also paid $150 for towing and now I'm afraid that its going to fail again soon. I called the corporate right after I heard about the recall and they told me that my VIN it is not recalled. They still investigating for more VIN numbers.

Filed Oct 27, 2014 · Airbags, Electrical · 74,000 miles · SC

I own a 2011 dodge charger and recently had to replace the alternator. The battery light suddenly appeared followed by the ABS and skid control lights. My vehicle shut down completely within a matter of minutes. I had no steering or brake capabilities. My repair cost to replace the alternator was $813.87. In addition to the alternator issue, my airbag light came on a week ago so I went online and discovered the airbag recall. Upon contacting chrysler I was told my vehicle was not included in this recall although the dodge dealership confirmed this to be the same issue /repair as stated in the recall (airbag wiring harness needs replacing).