Steering Gears, Pumps and Hoses This tech tip applies to vehicles built before 12-23-2010, these vehicles can exhibit a squeak or rubbing noise when turning the steering wheel. Do not replace the steering gear, steering pump, power steering pressure hose or power steering return hose before investigating the dash seal ring. The source of the noise may be the sealing ring under the dash seal. To correct the issue apply MOPAR product part number 04318070AD (Silicone Spray Lube) to the inner dash seal interface and also the outer engine compartment interface. Do not use any alternate lubricants. If MOPAR product part number 04318070AD (Silicone Spray Lube) is not available then replace the asse
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2011 Dodge Challenger steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 14 steering complaints filed for the 2011 Dodge Challenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 11 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.
Cruise Control Slow Or No Response This bulletin involves upgrading the software on the Steering Column Control Module (SCCM). A customer may experience, no response or slow response to cruise control switch activations. Issues will be experienced by the customers that activate/press the switches in a very fast manner.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report two primary steering and electrical failures in 2011 Dodge Challengers that create hazardous loss-of-control situations.
Alternator-related electrical shutdown: Starting around 40,000 miles, alternators overheat, smoke, and fail, triggering complete electrical system collapse while driving. The engine stalls, killing power steering and power brakes simultaneously. Dashboard lights illuminate, speedometer races, and the car becomes a coasting hazard. Repairs cost $723–$750 for the alternator plus $250 for battery replacement. One owner saw an alternator on backorder at the dealership after replacement, suggesting systemic demand. Chrysler issued a recall for alternators but reported inability to supply parts.
Power steering pump failure: Electric power steering pumps fail suddenly without warning, making the car nearly impossible to steer. One owner almost hit a light pole; another spun out and struck a guardrail during a defensive lane change. Repair costs exceed $1,000–$1,400. Chrysler told an owner this is not a recall issue.
Weak battery logic failure: Some vehicles shut down completely when battery charge drops below the threshold needed to power the computer, even if diagnostics show "OK." This kills the engine, steering, and brakes on the highway with zero warning.
Unexplained random swerving: One owner reports the vehicle randomly swerves side to side during normal driving. Three dealership mechanics could not identify the cause despite driving the vehicle and experiencing the swerve.
Same Dodge Challenger steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2012 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure with electrical shutdown
Alternator overheats, smokes, and melts, causing complete electrical system shutdown while driving. This kills the engine, battery, power steering, and power brakes simultaneously, leaving the driver unable to steer or stop safely.
When: Reported at 40,000–44,000 miles; can occur suddenly during normal highway driving
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator smoking and melting; All dashboard lights illuminating or blinking; Engine stalling without warning; Complete loss of electrical power; Loss of power steering and power brakes; Speedometer racing; Smell of burning rubber
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement $723–$750; battery replacement $250. Parts reported on backorder at dealers; aftermarket alternators unavailable for newer model year.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall issued per owner #6, but parts unavailable to perform recall. Dealer in narrative #4 stated this is common when battery charge is insufficient to support computer but characterized as not a recall issue.
Power steering failure (electric pump)
Electro-hydraulic power steering pump fails suddenly with no warning during normal driving or turning, forcing driver to steer a car that becomes extremely difficult or impossible to control. Multiple owners report loss of power steering during highway merges, lane changes, and turns.
When: No specific mileage stated; occurs during active driving
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Loss of power steering during lane changes and turns; Vehicle becomes nearly impossible to drive
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement over $1,000–$1,400 plus labor ($250). Owner in narrative #5 reports part cost exceeds $1,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler told owner in narrative #5 this is not a recall issue, despite loss of steering being a critical safety defect.
Electrical system shutdown triggered by weak battery
Vehicle's electrical system shuts down the engine, power steering, power brakes, and traction control when battery charge drops below threshold needed to support the computer, even if battery shows 'OK' in system diagnostics. Owner experiences sudden loss of control mid-turn with no warning indicator.
When: Occurs while driving; no specific mileage provided
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminating (ABS, ESP, BAS, traction control); Engine shuts down mid-drive; Loss of power steering; Loss of power brakes; Traction control shuts off; No warning signals present before shutdown
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service department stated this is common when battery charge is insufficient but acknowledged it is a serious safety issue; no fix offered.
Random steering swerve
Vehicle randomly swerves side to side during normal driving at moderate speeds, creating significant risk of losing control or hitting other vehicles. Multiple inspections by dealership mechanics could not identify cause despite mechanics experiencing the problem firsthand.
When: Occurs during normal highway driving; owner afraid to exceed 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle randomly swerves back and forth; Uncontrolled lateral movement while driving
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Three different dealership mechanics inspected vehicle over 5 hours but could not diagnose; owner told to drive until problem worsens.
Steering lockup during maneuvers
Power steering locks up suddenly during normal lane changes or turns, causing loss of steering control. One owner spun out and hit a guardrail when steering locked during a defensive lane change at highway speed.
When: During active driving maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering locks up without warning; Loss of steering control during lane changes and turns
Stiff steering and passenger-side vibrations
Steering becomes very hard when turning, accompanied by vibrations in the passenger-side floor area. Likely related to power steering system malfunction.
When: During turning maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Very hard steering during turns; Vibrations in passenger-side floor
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
I nearly was killed today getting off highway I-10 when my entire car shut down. The entire electrical system failed ABS, esp, bas, traction lighting all came on - power steering did not work- completely shut down with no recourse finally coasted to park in the garage close by on a downhill exit. I was fortunate enough to find an exit to the parking lot and literally coasted in without power…
Had steering trouble with your 2011 Dodge Challenger?
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 2011 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 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 12 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 36,000 and 77,000 miles, with the median around 49,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,000; a quarter make it past 77,000. 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/2011/Dodge/Challenger.
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.