This is not the first time this has happened and this is flat out dangerous! After driving all day I was almost out of gas so I stopped at one of my regularly used gas stations. As like I always do when I get gas I got a full tank and I do not overfill, once the handle pops I'm done pumping. Vehicle started fine and I drove off the gas station with no problems. Once on the main road I approached…
2006 Dodge Charger steering problems
moderate 89 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
89
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 89 steering complaints filed for the 2006 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 14 model years of Dodge Charger we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 89.
Owners have filed 89 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Dodge Charger has well-documented, recurring defects in the front-end steering and suspension (tie rods fail repeatedly at low mileage) and a dangerous fuel system flaw that causes engine stalling with loss of power steering and brakes after refueling. Plan for substantial repair costs and avoid full fuel fill-ups unless you can tolerate the stall risk.
Owners of 2006 Dodge Chargers describe two major clusters of steering failure. First, the front-end suspension—particularly tie rods, ball joints, and control arms—deteriorates rapidly. Clunking from the front end, wheel misalignment, and uneven tire wear (especially on the outside edges) appear at 20,000–50,000 miles. Owners report replacing tie rods multiple times within a few years of ownership; one had replacements at 22,316 miles, again at 51,972 miles, and multiple times thereafter. Another owner's tie rod connector literally separated from the car and hung on the pavement. Tire wear is so severe that owners need four new tires by 34,000–50,000 miles despite light driving. Service managers told owners this is a known issue on early Chargers but blamed owners and refused recalls.
Second, the fuel system stalling issue is widespread and dangerous. After filling the tank (without overfilling), the engine stalls suddenly—sometimes multiple times per drive—usually during turns, at intersections, or in heavy traffic. When the engine dies, power steering and brakes fail immediately, leaving owners unable to steer or brake in live traffic. Owners identified the root cause as a collapsed fuel tank or faulty EVAP check valve allowing raw fuel into the engine. The workaround is to never fill the tank completely, which is an unreasonable burden. Fuel tank replacement costs $1,200–$2,000 and is not covered by recall, though Chrysler acknowledged the problem and TSBs exist.
Additional electrical faults include shifter assembly failure (cannot shift out of park), tachometer dropout, and climate-control interference with window operation. Steering can lock up or fail entirely mid-drive, compounding the hazard.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2009
Failure modes owners describe
Tie Rod and Front End Suspension Failure
Tie rods, ball joints, control arms, and related front-end components fail prematurely, causing clunking, wheel misalignment, excessive tire wear (especially outer edges), and loss of steering control. Multiple replacements occur within warranty period at low mileage. One owner's tie rod connector wore down and separated from the asphalt at approximately 34,000 miles; another had steering detach from the column due to cracked tie rods at 85,000 miles.
When: Low mileage: 22,000 to 50,000 miles for initial failures; repeated replacements within 10,000–20,000 mile intervals. Some failures reported at 85,000–113,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise from front end; Steering wheel vibration and shaking at highway speeds; Front-end rattling over bumps; Excessive or uneven tire wear (outside edges); Wheels out of alignment; Steering becomes stiff or very difficult to turn; Steering column detachment; Tie rod visibly hanging or protruding inward; Loss of steering control mid-turn
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod ends, inner and outer tie rods, ball joints, control arms, tension struts, sway bar links, and bushings replaced. One owner replaced tie rods at $2,000 per service visit; another faced a $1,500 bill for ball joints, power steering line, and tie rod at 25,000 miles. Parts wear down rapidly (within 3 oil changes in one report).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledge the issue as a known problem on early model Chargers but refuse to issue recalls. One service manager told an owner 'it is an issue that we will continue to have and there is nothing we can do about it.' Chrysler directed complaints to product development teams but took no recall action.
Engine Stalling and Loss of Power Steering After Fuel Fill-Up
Engine stalls without warning immediately after filling the fuel tank, occurring during turns, at intersections, on freeways, and while decelerating. Stalling results in complete loss of power steering and power brakes, creating severe crash hazards. Owners report multiple stalls per fill-up; workaround is to avoid filling the tank completely. Root cause identified by owners as a collapsed fuel tank or faulty EVAP system check valve allowing raw fuel into the engine.
When: Occurs minutes to hours after refueling; most common during first 50 miles after fill-up. One owner reported first occurrence at 73,000 miles; continues through 102,000+ miles. Typically happens after fuel tank has been full or close to full.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls without warning, no check engine light; Complete loss of power steering and power brakes when stalled; Multiple stalls per refueling cycle (up to 4–6 times per trip); Engine hard to restart (2–4 attempts common); Engine runs rich or floods with raw fuel; RPM fluctuates as if starving for fuel; Stumbling, missing, jerking after refuel; Difficulty refueling at pump (nozzle shuts off prematurely, takes 20 minutes)
Codes mentioned: PE13016 (NHTSA category, fuel evap system)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite fuel tank replacement cost of $1,200–$2,000; one dealer quoted $1,200 specifically. Tank and EVAP components sold as one sealed unit, non-repairable. Crank position sensor and camshaft position sensor replacements attempted by some dealers but did not resolve stalling. PCM replacement attempted. Workaround: do not fill tank to capacity (limit to 3/4 tank).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA PE13016 investigation issued but closed as low safety priority despite hundreds of complaints. Chrysler acknowledged the problem on forums and service bulletins exist (TSBs referenced). Dealers instructed owners not to overfill but refused recalls. One owner reported Chrysler offered to cover 75% of a fuel tank replacement ($1,200–$2,000).
Power Steering Failure and Lock-Up
Power steering assist fails or locks up completely during driving, making the steering wheel inoperable or extremely difficult to turn. Occurs during normal driving, highway merges, and in traffic. In severe cases, steering wheel detaches from steering column or a telescopic steering component jams against metal pieces.
When: Mileage variable: reported at 15 mph, 25 mph, 35 mph, and highway speeds (65–70 mph). One case at 97,000 miles; another at 110,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up completely; Steering becomes very stiff or hard to turn; Power steering assist suddenly fails; Steering wheel detaches from steering column; Telescopic steering jams in forward position, prevents turning; Whining noise from power steering rack
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump and rack replacement expected cost $1,200. Tie rods, inner and outer, and control arms also need replacement when steering fails. Telescopic steering system replacement required in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. One dealer noted this should be recalled, especially given instances that have resulted in death (per one owner's research). Manufacturer made aware but offered no assistance in most cases.
Electrical and Ignition System Malfunctions
Multiple electrical gremlins including inability to shift out of park, power windows inoperable unless climate control is off, interior lights shut off when climate control is on, tachometer fails intermittently, dashboard lights die at night, radio cuts off, and starter/ignition switch issues. Shifter assembly cable becomes dislodged or assembly fails entirely.
When: Reported across various mileages. One complaint at 47,000 miles with replaced engine and transmission. Failures described as ongoing and intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Cannot shift out of park; Shifter assembly cable dislodged; Power windows operate only when climate control is off; Interior lights shut off when heat/AC is on; Tachometer fails intermittently; Dashboard lights die at night; Radio cuts off; Car does not turn over (but battery, starter, alternator are functional); Multiple electrical circuits fail simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter assembly and cable replacement required in at least one case. Extensive troubleshooting by multiple mechanics and service departments; ground wires cleaned, O2 sensors changed, throttle body cleaned, but issues persist. One owner spent thousands on TCM, ECM, tune-up, and spark plug coils without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service departments unable to resolve; some cited inability to duplicate. One owner noted TSBs exist for the problems but dealers fail to use them.
Suspension and Steering Component Wear
Bushings deteriorate, control arms wear out, and suspension components fail, causing excessive tire wear on the inside of tires, front-end vibration, and uneven tire replacement at low mileage. Suspension parts described as 'junk' and not the correct parts for the model in at least one case.
When: Around 34,000 miles; new tires worn down by December 2011 after purchase in July 2010 with brand-new tires.
Symptoms owners cite: Front-end vibration at various speeds; Vibration when going over speed bumps or potholes; Vibration when slowing down or coming to a stop; Excessive inside tire wear (tires worn to metal); Toe positioning incorrect; Rear camber possibly out of adjustment
Repairs/costs cited: Tire replacement required (all four tires); tire rod ends replacement recommended. One expert mechanic found suspension parts were incorrect for the model and replaced them; no further issues reported after this repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Service department manager acknowledged 'this is a big issue with early model Chargers' but Chrysler has not issued a recall. Dealer advised replacement of tire rod ends as necessary.
Synthesized from 89 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
At certain speeds my vehicle will vibrate. Going over speed bumps or into even the slightest pot hole the vehicle will vibrate. When slowing down or coming to a stop the front end will vibrate. Took the vehicle to the dealership and they advised my front tires needed to be changed and/or rotated to the back due to an unusual wearing on the tires. The wear was on the outisde of the tires. When…
At 18,500 we had to replace the left front outer tie rod end. Now at 33,000 we are being told the same thing. I have on line and see that there are quite a few others with this same problem. This is a serious issue and would like something done as far as a review or something. One gentleman was going 55 MPH when his broke and they crashed. I don't want this to be me nor do we have over $400…
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Dodge Charger?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2006 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 89 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 79 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 58,230 and 102,000 miles, with the median around 80,475. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,230; a quarter make it past 102,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Dodge/Charger.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.