STEERING ANGLE SENSOR (SAS) WHICH MAY CAUSE ONE OR MORE DIAGNOSTIC TROUBLE CODES - U0429, C1219, C123F, C1241 - REPAID RESPONSE TRANSMITTAL.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2006 Dodge Durango steering problems
severe 23 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
23
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1fire
1injury
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
REVISED POWER STEERING SYSTEM BLEEDING PROCEDURES.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two main categories of steering trouble on the 2006 Durango: sudden, unpredictable power-steering loss and mechanical wear leading to complete loss of assist.
The most alarming complaint pattern involves complete power steering failure during wet driving — specifically when hitting puddles or driving in rain — even though multiple owners or shops found no fluid leaks and replaced the serpentine belt without fixing it. Dealers and Daimler-Chrysler gave no explanation or repair path, yet owners report hearing from online forums that many others experienced the same problem. Several owners were nearly hit or nearly lost control during these events.
The second major failure mode is the power steering rack and pinion assembly rusting out. The metal transfer pipes corrode from road salt exposure, leak all the fluid, and force a complete rack-and-pinion replacement (around $1,000) rather than just replacing the bad pipe. One owner reported rust visible at 3,000 miles; dealers refused warranty coverage.
Owners also report intermittent power steering loss unrelated to wet conditions — sometimes accompanied by engine stalling — that can be temporarily fixed by restarting but returns unpredictably. A few cite steering column electrical shorts causing random windshield wiper activation and erratic steering controls after multiple warranty part replacements. Four-wheel-drive systems self-engaging without driver input add to the safety concerns on some vehicles.
Same Dodge Durango steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss during wet driving conditions
Complete or partial loss of power steering assist when driving through puddles or rain, occurring even after serpentine belt replacement. Some incidents involve simultaneous electrical system symptoms (dimming lights, battery light). Dealerships found no visible leaks or damage.
When: Variable mileage; wet/rainy conditions trigger events
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering assist in puddles/rain; Vehicle lights dim during event; Serpentine belt squealing; Steering becomes heavy or unresponsive; Loss of vehicle control requiring emergency stopping
Repairs/costs cited: Serpentine belt replacement ineffective; root cause unresolved per owner complaints
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer inquiries to Daimler-Chrysler yielded no explanation or repair instructions despite multiple similar reports
Rack and pinion steering assembly rust and failure
Metal transfer pipes on the power steering rack assembly rust out due to road salt exposure and moisture, leading to complete loss of power steering fluid and total loss of assist. Multiple owners report the entire rack and pinion assembly must be replaced rather than just the failed pipes.
When: 3,000 to 80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hissing or squealing sounds from steering; Gradual or sudden loss of power steering; Vehicle pulling to one side; Steering becomes stiff and unresponsive; Wheel snaps back with unusual sound when turned manually
Repairs/costs cited: Complete rack and pinion replacement required at approximately $1,000+; dealer refused warranty coverage for rust damage on early failure (at 3,000-6,000 miles)
Intermittent power steering failure with electrical anomalies
Sudden loss of power steering assist without warning, sometimes accompanied by simultaneous engine stalling. Occurs at various speeds on highways and local roads. In several cases, turning off and restarting the vehicle restores steering temporarily, but the problem recurs intermittently.
When: 34,000 to 230,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering assist; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Loss of engine power coinciding with steering loss; Heavy steering effort required; Intermittent nature — problem returns after restart
Steering column electrical shorts and switch malfunctions
Erratic operation of steering wheel controls, windshield wipers, and washers activating spontaneously during normal driving. Temperature-dependent (worse in cold mornings). Clock spring, multifunction switch, audio controls, and front control module replaced under warranty without resolving the issue. Owner concerns include potential airbag deployment or vehicle fire.
When: Temperature-dependent; worse in cooler mornings
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate involuntarily; Windshield washers activate involuntarily; Steering wheel audio controls work in reverse or erratically; Ignition switch remains engaged until recycled; Intermittent electrical behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring, multifunction switch, individual audio controls, and front control module replaced under warranty — problem persisted
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused to authorize additional diagnosis after warranty parts replacement
Ignition switch difficulty and resistance
Ignition key requires multiple insertion attempts (10–12 times) before the switch will turn, necessitating manipulation of the steering wheel. Problem recurred over time and required ignition switch replacement.
When: At startup/parking lot scenarios; ongoing over time
Symptoms owners cite: Ignition switch will not turn initially; Key must be reinserted multiple times; Steering wheel lock resists turning; Multiple attempts required for vehicle startup
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition switch replacement in 2012; cost approximately $1,200
Four-wheel drive system self-engagement
Four-wheel drive engages automatically and unexpectedly while driving at various speeds, even when remotely unlocking the vehicle while parked. Engagement causes jerking and steering malfunction. Root cause identified in one case as a failed transfer case selector motor.
When: While driving at slow speeds to 75 mph; also during remote unlock while parked
Symptoms owners cite: Four-wheel drive engages without driver input; Steering malfunction coinciding with 4WD engagement; Sudden vehicle jerking; Unpredictable engagement at various speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Transfer case selector motor replacement (one documented case at 80,000 miles)
Rack and pinion torque retention failure
Steering rack assembly fails to hold torque, causing vehicle to steer right and pull left under braking. Steering becomes unstable during normal operation. Entire rack and pinion assembly, intermediate steering shaft, and steering box replacement required.
When: 22,880 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle steers right while traveling straight; Vehicle pulls left when braking; Steering torque cannot be held; Unstable steering behavior
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced rack and pinion box, intermediate steering steering shaft, and steering box at 22,880 miles
Synthesized from 23 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2006 Dodge Durango?
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 Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 23 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 34,000 and 123,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 34,000; a quarter make it past 123,000. 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/Durango.
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.