CHRYSLER: STEERING WHEEL RETURNABILITY. AFTER COMPLETING A TURN THE CUSTOMER MAY EXPERIENCE A STEERING WHEEL THAT DOES NOT RETURN TO CENTER ON ITS OWN. THIS BULLETIN INVOLVES INSTALLING AN EXTERNAL POWER STEERING COOLER AND REPLACING BOTH POWER STEERING RETURN LINES. MODELS 300/300C/CHARGER/SRT/CHALLENGER/SRT. UPDATED 8/23/10.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Dodge Charger steering problems
moderate 18 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
When does it fail?
Of the 18 steering complaints filed for the 2009 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 15 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
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.
DODGE: STEERING GEAR HONK, HISS OR GROAN DURING LOW SPEED PARKING LOT MANEUVERS.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Multiple owners describe sudden steering lockup during low-speed turns, accompanied by popping or clicking noises and illuminated airbag/traction-control lights. Diagnostics point to a plastic clock spring breaking or loosening inside the steering column—a component that controls the airbag and turn signals. Failures occur between 11,000 and 60,000 miles. In several cases, steering columns measure out of specification (37mm instead of 34mm), suggesting manufacturing tolerance drift or poor repair work after the airbag recall.
Power steering hose failures are also documented, with owners reporting blowouts at crimp points resulting in total loss of steering assist. One owner experienced two failures within two years.
Turn signal switches malfunction independently—becoming stiff, refusing to disengage, or activating the wrong signal direction. Dealers have replaced these switches, but the root cause remains unclear.
After airbag recall service, at least one owner reports new grinding noises from the steering column that dealers cannot diagnose or fix.
Repair costs documented range from $531 for clock spring replacement to $2,850 for steering column replacement. Chrysler has refused assistance on multiple claims, stating dealers have not confirmed manufacturer defect despite media coverage of these issues dating back to 2010.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Clock Spring Failure
Plastic clock spring breaks or loosens, causing steering wheel lockup, popping noises, and disabled turn signals. Multiple owners report sudden loss of steering control during turns at low speeds. Airbag and traction control warning lights often appear simultaneously. Mechanic noted the component is made of plastic and questioned durability.
When: 11,000 to 60,000 miles; incidents occur during low-speed turns
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or becomes difficult to turn; Popping or clicking noises from steering column; Turn signal malfunctions or stays engaged; ESP/ABS/airbag warning lights illuminate; Steering wheel must be forced to unlock
Codes mentioned: ABS/EPS warning lights, Airbag warning light, Traction control light
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement, $530.93 cited in one case; dealer unable to diagnose in at least one case despite three visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: In complaint #5, manufacturer provided full refund for repairs; no recalls implemented despite media coverage in 2010 and 2012
Steering Column Dimension Issue
Steering column measured out of specification (37mm instead of spec 34mm, or 34.5mm when max is 34+/-0.7mm). Owners report steering lockup during turns, particularly when using turn signals. Broken column housing and loose clock spring found during inspection. This dimensional drift appears to correlate with clock spring failures.
When: Occurs during routine turns at low speed; discovered at variable mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Steering lockup with quick jerking movements; Steering wheel becomes difficult to turn; Lockup during turn signal use
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column replacement quoted at $2,850; owners note this cost and choose not to proceed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer stated dealer has not determined this to be a manufacturer defect; refused assistance
Power Steering Hose Failure
Power steering hoses fail at crimp points, causing complete loss of power steering and fluid leaks. One owner reports a second hose failure within two years. Faulty crimping identified as root cause in both cases.
When: Incidents at 65+ mph in one case; second failure within 2 years
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power steering; Steering becomes difficult to control or maneuver; Power steering fluid leak
Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement; one owner experienced pump damage from the failure
Turn Signal Switch Sticking/Malfunction
Turn signal switch becomes stiff to operate, fails to disengage after activation, or activates the opposite signal. Appears related to clock spring issues but also occurs as standalone complaint. Switch gets stuck in engaged position requiring manual intervention.
When: During low-speed turns or routine driving
Symptoms owners cite: Turn signal switch hard to push down; Turn signal stuck in engaged position; Turn signal will not turn off via switch; Opposite signal engages when trying to shut off signal
Steering Noise (Grinding/Popping) Without Lockup
Grinding or popping noises occur from steering column or wheel during turns, but without complete lockup. One case occurred after airbag recall service, suggesting the recall work may have introduced or failed to resolve this issue. Dealer unable to diagnose in at least one instance.
When: At low speeds during turns; 15,000 miles noted in one case; post-recall in another
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise when turning steering wheel; Popping noise from steering column; Noise present at 15 mph turns
Repairs/costs cited: Brake repair attempted but did not resolve noise; dealer unable to diagnose on subsequent visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Airbag recall was performed; issue persisted after recall service
Tire Pressure Sensor and Tie Rod Issues (Steering-Related)
Tire pressure sensor illuminates repeatedly; vehicle examined for steering-related issues with tie rods needing replacement. While the sensor complaint is tangential, the tie rod replacement indicates wear or premature failure in the steering system.
When: At 66,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Tire pressure warning light illuminates repeatedly; Tie rods require replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rods replaced; failures continued despite repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered no assistance
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Tl*the contact owns a 2009 Dodge charger. While driving at a low speed of 15 MPH and turning the steering wheel right or left there was a noise in the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who repaired the brakes but the noise continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer who stated that they could not repair the vehicle because they could not hear the noise or duplicate the…
Had steering trouble with your 2009 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 2009 Dodge Charger?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 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 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 38,690 and 113,709 miles, with the median around 60,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 38,690; a quarter make it past 113,709. 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/2009/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.