Steering System Inspection After a Collision This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding conditions under which replacement or repair of steering system components are required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Chrysler 300 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Chrysler 300 have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 62,000 miles at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 300 | 21 |
| 2009 300 | 8 |
| 2010 300 | 3 |
| 2011 300 | 7 |
| 2012 300 (this page) | 28 |
| 2013 300 | 13 |
| 2014 300 | 11 |
| 2015 300 | 10 |
| 2016 300 | 6 |
4fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 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.
Among the 13 model years of Chrysler 300 in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Steering Column If vehicle comes in for steering column replacement, verify column installed. Go to Info Column in Star Parts and open the flow chart to determine which column is installed. If column is Daimler, verify that a replacement Daimler column is in stock and use for replacement. If no Daimler column is in stock, replacement must use Presta column (which require a number of other componenets to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see L-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Switch-Padedle Down Audio LT. Switch-Paddle Up Audio RT. Issue Description: When traveling over bumpy roads, a high pitched ringing/bell sound may come from the left or right paddle switch's in the steering wheel. If this noise is heard, replace both Left and Right Paddle switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Switch-Padedle Down Audio LT. Switch-Paddle Up Audio RT. Issue Description: When traveling over bumpy roads, a high pitched ringing/bell sound may come from the left or right paddle switch's in the steering wheel. If this noise is heard, replace both Left and Right Paddle switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Switch-Padedle Down Audio LT. Switch-Paddle Up Audio RT. Issue Description: When traveling over bumpy roads, a high pitched ringing/bell sound may come from the left or right paddle switch's in the steering wheel. If this noise is heard, replace both Left and Right Paddle switch.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The steering system on the 2012 Chrysler 300 shows a pattern of failures across multiple modes. Most serious: complete power steering loss mid-drive. Owners report the steering wheel either locking solid or becoming so stiff it requires two hands to turn, sometimes during low-speed turns and sometimes with simultaneous engine stall and electrical blackout. One owner lost power steering on the highway; another lost it repeatedly while transporting young children and had to carry spare fuses.
Electrical failures are central. Alternator failures cause instrument panel blackout, burning smells, and loss of all electrical power—including power steering. One owner experienced alternator failure at 1,000 miles; dealerships have installed refurbished units under recall even when no permanent fix was available. Intermittent electrical gremlins cause power steering to tighten unexpectedly and clear after restart, affecting multiple owners since 2013.
Mechanical noise is widespread and unresolved: grinding and squeaking from the steering column during turns, beginning weeks after purchase and persisting over months. Dealerships acknowledge hearing the noise but claim it's "typical" for the electronic power steering motor—no fixes have been offered.
Steering column lockup during turns, sometimes accompanied by engine stall and ABS warnings, has sent owners to dealerships where rack-and-pinion replacement was needed. In at least one case, the steering column itself required replacement but the part was unavailable through the recall process.
Power steering fluid leaks appear in early ownership, and fluid loss combines with electrical system failures to create hazardous situations where owners cannot steer reliably at any speed.
Same Chrysler 300 steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Electrical system failure causing complete power loss and steering lockup
Alternator failure, battery discharge, or wider electrical faults cause total loss of electrical power while driving, disabling power steering, brakes, and engine control. Vehicle stalls mid-drive with instrument panel blackout or erratic behavior.
When: At various speeds; narratives cite 15 mph, 30 mph, 45 mph, 65 mph highway speeds. Some incidents reported early in ownership; one at 1,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine cuts off mid-drive; Lights flicker or go out; Radio turns off; Instrument panel illuminates erratically or goes dark; Battery warning light appears; Burning smell from engine bay; Whirring noise under hood; Vehicle unable to accelerate; Steering wheel locks; cannot turn; Cannot shift transmission out of neutral or into park
Codes mentioned: Battery saving mode indicator, Power steering mode enabled indicator
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement (some refurbished units installed under recall); battery replacement attempted; one case required transmission replacement at 1,000 miles, then again at 10k, 20k, 30k intervals.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V435000 (Electrical System); alternator recall cited; one dealer refused repair and claimed remedy not available; parts unavailable at multiple dealership locations; manufacturer notification provided no resolution.
Power steering loss or extreme stiffness
Electric power steering system fails intermittently or completely, leaving driver unable to turn wheel or requiring excessive manual force. Failures occur suddenly without warning, often at low to moderate speed in turns.
When: At 5 mph, 15 mph, 25 mph, 35 mph, 45 mph turns and low-speed maneuvers; some incidents early in ownership (one at 76k miles); one intermittent ('comes on and back off').
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes immobile; Steering wheel suddenly very stiff, requires two hands to turn; Power steering gradually tightens over ~5 minutes until manual steering only; Steering wheel difficult to maneuver on turns; Power steering fails with acceleration, returns when speed drops; Brief hesitation in steering response on attempted turns
Codes mentioned: Power steering warning indicator, Power steering light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement; power steering fuse replacement (temporary, fails again); dealership diagnosed 'electrical power steering pump' replacement needed; one independent mechanic found power steering fluid leak, hose/pump repair attempted; multiple dealerships unable to diagnose or reproduce.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V475000 (Steering); one case VIN not included in campaign; manufacturer stated vehicle functioning as designed (wheel misalignment claim); no recalls or TSBs noted as effective in complaints.
Steering column noise and mechanical resistance
Grinding, squeaking, rubbing, or scrubbing sounds emanate from steering column during turns. Noise continues intermittently over extended periods despite dealer inspections.
When: Began within weeks of purchase (one new car, 2 weeks post-delivery); noise persistent over months (one complaint spans 8 months); occurs during turns at all speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding noise from steering column when turning; Squeaking noise when making turns; Loud scrubbing/rubbing noise from steering column; Whirring or spinning motor noise heard when turning; Noise audible but cannot be diagnosed on dealer test drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers examined vehicle, heard noise, but claimed 'normal sounds from electronic power steering motor' or 'typical' and took no action; one owner recorded video as proof; no repairs completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Headquarters contacted by owner; requested return to dealer and conducted follow-up call; issue remained unresolved; no TSB or remedy identified.
Steering wheel lockup during turns at low speed
Steering wheel suddenly becomes immobile or extremely resistant mid-turn at low speeds (5–35 mph), sometimes accompanied by engine stall, loss of instrument panel function, or ABS warning illumination.
When: At 5 mph, 15 mph, 30 mph, and 35 mph during turns or acceleration; incidents lasting 1–2 seconds to complete lockup.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes mid-turn without warning; Engine stalls during or after steering lockup; ABS warning light illuminates; Instrument panel lights illuminate; Emergency flasher activates independently; Unable to shift transmission
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light, Power steering light, Stability control light, Service engine light
Repairs/costs cited: One case: rack and pinion replaced; another: steering column replacement needed but parts unavailable; one owner noted steering returned to normal after restart with wrecker personnel assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 16V352000 (Air Bags—steering column related); parts unavailable for recall repair; manufacturer stated exceeded reasonable repair timeline; one dealership refused diagnosis pending parts; police report filed in at least one incident.
Intermittent electrical gremlins affecting steering and accessory systems
Sporadic electrical faults cause Bluetooth connection loss, heated seat failure, backup camera flickering, and most critically, intermittent power steering stiffness that resolves after restart or parking. Issues escalate in frequency and severity over time.
When: Starting 2013 (within first year of 2012 model ownership); becoming more frequent and aggressive over time.
Symptoms owners cite: Bluetooth disconnects randomly; Power seat heating intermittent; Backup camera image flickers or distorts severely; Power steering tightens without warning during turns; Steering returns to normal after car sits or restarts; Multiple electrical systems fail in sequence
Repairs/costs cited: Battery, alternator, and starter tested and found perfect by service centers; no root cause identified; owner purchased spare power steering fuses; no permanent repair completed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement documented; owner unable to obtain service diagnosis.
ESC (Electronic Stability Control) light with loss-of-control risk
ESC warning light illuminates; owner informed by recall center that this condition can cause loss of vehicle control. Dealership service attempted but parts unavailable or remedy not in stock.
When: No specific mileage given; approximately 57,500 miles in one case.
Symptoms owners cite: ESC light illuminates
Codes mentioned: ESC warning light
Repairs/costs cited: NHTSA Campaign 17V435000 (Electrical System) referenced; part unavailable at multiple dealership locations (Downtown LA, Glendale, Inglewood); one dealership initially quoted customer repair cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 17V435000 (Electrical System); recall supervisor initially unresponsive; no timeline for remedy provided; information forwarded to supervisor but no follow-up after July 20 (complaint received July 15).
Fluid leak from power steering system
Power steering fluid leaks from front undercarriage, sometimes accompanied by smoke and stalling.
When: At 11,060 miles (early in ownership); another at low mileage with simultaneous stall.
Symptoms owners cite: Fluid leaking from under vehicle front; Steering wheel hesitates to maneuver; Vehicle stalls; Smoke from engine bay
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic diagnosed power steering fluid leak; power steering hose or pump replacement; leak repaired; one case involved transmission failure (smoking fluid at 1,000 miles).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 10V475000 (Steering) referenced; manufacturer stated VIN not included in campaign.
Synthesized from 28 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 2012 Chrysler 300?
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 2012 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 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 20 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 39,000 and 88,000 miles, with the median around 62,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 39,000; a quarter make it past 88,000. 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/2012/Chrysler/300.
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.