Dodge Charger power steering loss problems

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 Feb 9, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · NC

While driving, all of a sudden the ABS light, power steering light, electrical control message came up, traction control light all came on. For about 15/20 seconds, I had no power steering, and could not brake. Very scary. This happened 3 different times. During one of these times, everything on my dash went black. Then the heat turned on and we couldn’t roll down the windows. Very scary and dangerous. Especially the not being able to brake for any amount of seconds.

Filed Feb 26, 2025 · Engine, Fuel system · OH

Filled fuel tank up until the pump shut off. As I drove onto the road, the engine suddenly died causing me to run off the shoulder as the power steering went out as well. I eventually got it re-started, but it ran rough and stalled out several more times on my way home. After some online research, I determined that it was probably raw gas getting pulled down the EVAP tube. I avoid the problem now by not filling the tank up all the way, but do it once in a while accidently and the problem returns. Highly dangerous situation.

Filed Oct 23, 2023 · Steering · DE

While driving the vehicle the steering became very difficult, to the point I could not control my car and had to pull over. The steering seem to have locked up while driving. I had it towed to auto repair shop which I was advised I had to change the power steering pump. That's not in my budget.

Filed Sep 15, 2023 · Steering · 53,000 miles · NC

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a left turn, the power steering failed to operate properly, causing the steering wheel to become difficult to turn in either direction. The contact stated that the "Electric Power Steering Failure" message was displayed after the failure. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 53,000.

Filed Jul 13, 2023 · Steering · TX

The electric steering rack failed. I was turning into a parking lot and suddenly there was no power steering. Luckily I had both hands on the wheel and was able to avoid an accident. A dash light came on at that time related to steering. My mechanic was able to pull the code. I was able to drive home. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? I have the EPS unit right now - but it is a Core and I have 14 days to return. Please let me know ASAP if you want me to keep it. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Sudden loss of power steering without advanced notice. Old cars with power steering often make a "noise" prior to failure. Electric Power Steering like on my car doesn't provide advanced notice of issues. Also, failures of power steering at 57K miles are rare. But Dodge (Chrysler) have had prior the federal safety agency issues and recalls prior with EPS. Also, it seems like this may be a common issue - as there are almost no new parts available, no reman/aftermarket parts, and very difficult to find used. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? No - out of warranty Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Nothing prior - but warning light after EPS failure.

Filed Jul 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NY

I am experiencing the same issue as identified with the federal safety agency ID NUMBER: 11525511, June 5, 2023. Dodge has a known issue with the wiring for the fuse for the a/c located in the front PDC. Technical Service Bulletin NUMBER: 08-040-14 REV. A. On or around June 2020, I took my 2012 Dodge Charger to my local dealership during the COVID pandemic for an issue with my AC not working. I had the car inspected by numerous mechanics who indicated there was an issue with the fuse for the a/c clutch (#12), They would replace the fuse numerous times, the AC would come on and blow warm air or cool air, but mostly warm. Replacing the fuse numerous of times did not resolve the issue. Neither did replacing all the cooling system and radiator and fan as well. My auto shop had a mechanic who specializes on the computer for cars take a look at my Charger and found technical service bulletins NUMBER: 08-040-14 and NUMBER: 08-040-14 REV. A which directly describes the issue I am experiencing with my vehicle. The mechanic has even placed a small nail in the cavity next to the fuse to hold it in its place and my AC is blowing fine and cold air until that fuse is moved or touched. This also caused issues with the fuse for the steering wheel on the car which the Dodge dealership addressed when I lost steering power on my vehicle. They did NOT repair the issue with NUMBER: 08-040-14 on my vehicle. I paid the $199.00 diagnostic fee just for the shop to put a new fuse in (which I repeatedly told them was not the issue at that time) and I am still having the same problem. I would like Chrysler/Dodge to contact Armory Dodge and authorize not only a refund for the $199.00 diagnostic fee I paid to have the issue identified (which they did not) and also authorize the repair needed as instructed on the TSB NUMBER: 08-040-14. The dealership has informed me that they do not even have the repair kit needed Part No. 68235388AA (wire harness kit) and would need to do a workaround to repair the issue.

Filed Jul 4, 2023 · Fuel system · NC

After filling up with gas car shut off 1/2 mile causing loss of power steering. Restarted and did the same thing about 1/2 mile again

Filed Apr 25, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · 109,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2014 Dodge Charger. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle experienced a loss of power steering, stalled, and then lost motive power. The vehicle was able to restart but was inoperable. The battery warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the residence. The contact became aware of the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 17V435000 (Electrical System); however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle had not yet been taken to an independent mechanic or a local dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 109,000.

Filed Mar 13, 2023 · Steering · CA

I was driving on Interstate 15 North when suddenly my power steering stopped working. I was unable to adequately turn the steering wheel to switch lanes while I was moving 65mph. The light "Service Power Steering" started blinking and I was virtually unable to turn my steering wheel left or right. I was stuck in a life-threatening situation. I immediately had to put my hazard lights on, brake, and fight for my life to try to turn the steering wheel so I could pull over. I almost impacted the barrier and several drivers during this. My mechanic states that my power steering pump failed, without any known cause.