2007 Chrysler Aspen steering problems
severe 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
The failure pattern owners describe
Eighteen owners of 2007 Chrysler Aspens describe multiple steering system failures that result in sudden, catastrophic loss of control. The most dangerous reports involve the steering linkage ball joint, tie rods, and right steering knuckle cracking or failing without warning—some at speeds as low as 25 mph, others on the highway. Ball joint failure and tie rod breaks cause complete steering lockup; one owner steered into an electrical box and nearly into a house after the steering locked solid during a corner turn. Another's wife lost all steering control while merging at 35 mph with a seven-month-old pregnancy and a toddler in the car.
Power steering hose ruptures also appear, with one owner reporting the hose routed too close to a pulley. Dealers have confirmed the defects when examined—tie rod replacement, right steering knuckle failures, ball joint breaks—yet many vehicles are excluded from NHTSA recalls (06V386000 and 16V352000) despite identical year/make/model to covered ones. Owners report steering wheel jerking and stiffness at highway speeds, vibrations unresolved after multiple tire and shock replacements, and wheels locking randomly. Chrysler has refused to acknowledge problems in multiple cases, dismissed failures as "bad luck," and withheld clock spring parts claiming they're not safety-related. Repair costs range above $500, and some owners paid insurance deductibles for accidents caused by component failures they believe are manufacturer defects.
Same Chrysler Aspen steering reports on nearby years: 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Steering linkage ball joint failure
Driver's-side ball joint on the steering linkage completely fails, resulting in total loss of steering control. Occurs during normal driving at low to moderate speeds.
When: 64,000 miles; regularly serviced vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of steering control; Unable to turn vehicle; Vehicle becomes unmaneuverable
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service required; parts replacement needed
Tie rod failure and cracking
Tie rod breaks or cracks, causing steering loss and loss of vehicle control. Some failures occur after minor impact (railroad tracks, bumps). One owner reported premature wear requiring replacement on nearly-new vehicle.
When: 60,000 miles; also reported on vehicle with few months of ownership (2010 purchase of 2007 model)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of steering control; Steering becomes difficult to maneuver; Vehicle veers uncontrollably; Visible power steering fluid leakage; Both wheels pointed inward after failure
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod replacement cost over $500 at independent mechanic; dealer had part in stock; damage to vehicle from collision not covered by manufacturer
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some vehicles covered under recall (NHTSA campaign mentioned), but affected vehicles were not included in recall coverage
Right steering knuckle cracking and failure
Right steering knuckle cracks or fails during normal driving, causing jerking, steering loss, and control issues. Multiple owners report this defect is covered under NHTSA recall 06V386000 for certain VINs, but their vehicles are excluded from recall coverage despite identical year/make/model.
When: 130,000 miles; 200,000 miles; 62,000 miles; as low as 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel loosens and becomes difficult to keep sturdy; Vehicle jerks to the right without warning; Loss of steering control; Jerking occurs especially over bumps; Steering wheel jerks at various speeds
Codes mentioned: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 06V386000 (STEERING) - vehicle VINs not included in recall
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed right steering knuckle failure requiring replacement; vehicles not repaired due to lack of recall coverage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 06V386000 applies to some 2007 Aspens, but affected owners' VINs excluded from recall; manufacturer offered no assistance to excluded owners
Power steering hose rupture and routing defect
Power steering hose blows out or ruptures during operation. At least one owner reports the hose is routed too close to a pulley, causing abrasion and failure. Results in complete loss of power steering.
When: Not specified by owners
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering hose blows out; Loss of power steering function; Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible
Repairs/costs cited: Owner temporarily repaired with marine-grade hose from hardware store; dealer service available but offered no remedy for design defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer dismissed failure as 'bad luck' and stated thousands of vehicles have no such problem
Steering wheel jerking and loss of control at highway speeds
Steering wheel suddenly jerks or locks up while driving at highway speeds (50+ mph), causing sudden loss of control. No clear root cause identified by owners or mechanics.
When: Various mileages; one report at 1,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly jerks or loosens; Loss of steering control at highway speeds; Vehicle becomes unmaneuverable; Steering wheel locks up; Feeling of no control in steering column
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs completed by owners; not diagnosed by mechanics
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response; Chrysler refused to acknowledge problem in at least one case
Steering stiffness and difficulty maneuvering after water contact
Steering becomes difficult to maneuver temporarily after vehicle encounters water (puddle). Condition resets on its own but recurs repeatedly. Owner is certified mechanic unable to diagnose cause.
When: 32,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes difficult to maneuver; Condition triggered by driving through water; Steering function resets independently after stopping
Repairs/costs cited: No repair attempted or diagnosed
Steering vibration during normal driving
Persistent vibration in steering wheel, especially when driving over bumps. Defect remains undiagnosed despite inspections by five mechanics including Chrysler dealer. Owner replaced tires and shocks multiple times without resolution.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration in steering wheel; Vibration worsens over bumps
Repairs/costs cited: Tires and shocks replaced three times without resolving vibration; root cause not identified
Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds
Steering wheel vibrates at highway speeds (65–70 mph). Dealership identified right tie rod as defective.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Car vibrates at 65–70 mph; Steering wheel vibration
Repairs/costs cited: Right tie rod replaced; dealership noted part appeared defective
Clock spring failure
Clock spring (steering column component) breaks. Manufacturer claims not a safety issue, but owner contends any airbag inflation component is safety-critical. Part is not in inventory.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Clock spring is broken
Repairs/costs cited: Part not available from Chrysler
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated clock spring failure is not a safety issue; part not in stock
Wheels locking and steering control loss
Wheels randomly lock up, traction control warning light flashes, and power steering becomes extremely difficult. Front and rear wheels lock simultaneously during operation.
When: 147,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Wheels randomly lock; Traction control warning indicator randomly flashes; Power steering extremely affected; Steering wheel difficult to maneuver; Front and rear wheels lock up simultaneously; Four wheel drive indicator randomly flashes; Gears independently shift at low speed
Codes mentioned: NHTSA CAMPAIGN 16V352000 (AIR BAGS) - vehicle VIN included
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not inspected or diagnosed by dealer; parts not available per VIN tool
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified; parts not available
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Chrysler Aspen?
It's a meaningful issue. 18 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 17 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 40,000 and 87,000 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 40,000; a quarter make it past 87,000. 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.