DODGE: WHEN DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MINUTES AND WOULD TURN STEERING WHEEL, A CLICKING/POPPING NOISE OCCURS AND CAN BE HEARD AT 25MPH OR WHILE STOPPED. MODEL 2012-2013 AVENGER/200.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Dodge Avenger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Avenger have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 45,000 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
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Avenger | 21 |
| 2010 Avenger | 9 |
| 2011 Avenger | 10 |
| 2012 Avenger (this page) | 19 |
| 2013 Avenger | 19 |
| 2014 Avenger | 14 |
1crash
What stands out
Among the 6 model years of Dodge Avenger 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.
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2012 Dodge Avenger steering complaints reveal multiple interconnected failures starting early in the vehicle's life. Power steering high-pressure hoses crack and leak within weeks, draining the reservoir dry despite repeated refills. One owner reported the reservoir empying completely in nine hours after the hose was replaced, with the dealership acknowledging this is a common problem they stock parts for.
Tire wear is extreme and recurring. Owners report inside-shoulder wear through to steel cords by 12,000–15,000 miles, with the pattern repeating on every replacement set. Alignments show wheels mostly in spec, yet the wear persists, suggesting an underlying suspension geometry or manufacturing issue unrelated to simple misalignment.
Rack-and-pinion assemblies fail at 16,000–35,000 miles. Tie rods require replacement multiple times within the first few years. Clock springs fail around 35,000 miles, disabling airbag function.
More critically, numerous owners report complete electrical shutdown while driving at 45–65 mph. The engine shuts off instantly, killing power steering, braking assistance, headlights, and dashboard displays. One owner paid $1,400 over three months while dealers misdiagnosed fuel pumps before a TIPM module failure was finally identified. Other owners describe being terrified to drive these cars due to undiagnosed stalling events.
Steering column shorts cause horns to blare uncontrollably, and dealers have disconnected horns as a temporary fix rather than repairing the wiring short. Chrysler's response across complaints has been nonexistent or dismissive, with warranty claims repeatedly denied.
Same Dodge Avenger steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering high-pressure hose cracking and leaking
High-pressure hose develops cracks, causing rapid fluid loss from the power steering reservoir. Owners report the reservoir empties within hours of refilling, with fluid pooling under the car. The dealer stated this is a common problem and keeps the part in stock.
When: Early ownership; one complaint shows leak continuing after hose replacement in cold weather (-30 to -35°F)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fluid leaking from underneath vehicle; Reservoir completely empty despite recent topping off; Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or locks up; Noise from reservoir area when fluid level is low
Repairs/costs cited: High-pressure hose replacement performed under warranty; cost not cited by owner
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged this as a common problem and keeps the part in stock. Covered under warranty initially.
Complete loss of engine power and all electrical systems while driving
Engine suddenly shuts off while vehicle is in motion at highway speeds, causing immediate loss of power steering, braking power, headlights, dashboard displays, and all electrical function. Key remains in on position but everything goes dark. Multiple owners report this occurring repeatedly over short time periods and describe it as a major safety hazard.
When: While driving at 45–65 mph; three instances in one week reported by one owner
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning; Complete electrical system failure—all lights, gauges, and power systems go dark; Power steering disabled, making steering impossible; Brakes lose power assistance; No warning lights before failure
Codes mentioned: Possible TIPM module failure (mentioned in narrative #2)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner paid $1,400 over 3 months for multiple misdiagnoses (fuel pump shortage, fuel pump replacement) before TIPM module identified as root cause by dealership
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner in narrative #2 references Chrysler TIPM settlement lawsuit involving thousands of vehicles; no recall response documented in other complaints
Steering wheel lock-up during turns
Steering wheel suddenly becomes immobile or extremely difficult to turn back to center position. One owner reported being unable to turn the wheel left after a right turn, causing the vehicle to crash head-on into a tree.
When: Early-to-mid ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stuck or locked in one direction; Inability to return steering wheel to center or straight position; Hard steering requiring excessive force
Clock spring failure in steering column
Clock spring component in steering column fails, disabling airbag continuity. Owners report this begins around 35,000 miles and requires replacement at owner expense despite potential life-safety implications if airbag does not deploy in a crash.
When: At approximately 35,000 miles; one complaint at 50,000 miles after rack-and-pinion replacement 7 months prior
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning or clock spring malfunction indication; Airbag may not deploy in event of accident if not replaced
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement cost cited as $500; not covered under extended warranty purchased at time of vehicle purchase
Rapid and excessive tire wear
Both front or rear tires wear through their treads to the steel cords on the inside shoulder in extremely short mileage intervals (12,000–15,000 miles per set). Alignment shows wheels within spec or only marginally out, yet wear pattern recurs immediately on replacement tires.
When: First occurrence by 12,000–15,000 miles; recurs on every subsequent tire set
Symptoms owners cite: Inside shoulder of tires worn through to steel cords; Tires wear excessively and repeatedly despite multiple alignments and tire replacements; Alignment checks show wheels mostly in spec or only 0.03 degrees out
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tire replacements (one owner through 6 sets in 4 years); alignment performed multiple times; one owner required camber kits to correct alignment after damage found, all at owner expense. Chrysler refused warranty assistance.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contacted multiple times by owners; no warranty assistance provided
Rack and pinion failure
Entire rack and pinion assembly requires replacement at very low mileage. One owner had it replaced at 35,000 miles and at 50,000 miles reported needing additional steering repairs (clock spring).
When: At 16,892 miles (narrative #10); at 35,000 miles (narrative #6, seven months into ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering issues requiring rack and pinion replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Complete rack and pinion replacement; one owner replaced at 16,892 miles as part of pattern of failures
Tie rod failure and premature replacement
Tie rods require replacement at unexpectedly low mileage. Owners report multiple tie rod replacements over short ownership periods.
When: At 25,000 miles (narratives #10, #16, #18); within first 2 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Strange noise while steering (narrative #16); Steering issues requiring tie rod replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple tie rod replacements per owner; one owner required both lower tie rods replaced at 25,597 miles
Steering column electrical short in horn circuit
Electrical short develops in the steering column, causing the horn to continuously honk spontaneously while the vehicle is parked or in motion. The horn cannot be silenced and continues regardless of switch position. Dealers have disconnected the horn as a temporary fix and charged for diagnostic work without permanent repair.
When: Mid-to-later ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Horn honks continuously while driving or parked; Horn honks even when not activated; Horn cannot be silenced once short activates
Repairs/costs cited: One owner charged $900 by dealer for attempted repair with uncertain outcome; one owner had horn disconnected as temporary workaround
Engine stall with loss of power steering and brakes
Engine stalls while driving, causing simultaneous loss of power steering and brake assist. Vehicle loses responsiveness and becomes difficult or impossible to control. One occurrence shows the vehicle downshifted suddenly to 10 mph at 60 mph.
When: At 130,000 miles (narrative #9); also reported at lower mileage in narrative #14
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving; Power steering stops working; Brakes lose power assistance; Traction control and throttle warning lights illuminate (narrative #9); Vehicle jerks and skids (narrative #9); Steering wheel may seize
Codes mentioned: Traction control warning, Throttle warning
Repairs/costs cited: One owner's vehicle taken to independent mechanic who identified need for brake, sway bar, and battery replacement but could not repair; dealership (Luther Brookdale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram) did not diagnose or repair after visit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted; no response received per owner
Excessive vibration at speeds above 45 mph
Vehicle vibrates violently at speeds above 45 mph. Vibration worsens over time and continues despite multiple dealer visits, front suspension inspections, rear strut replacement, and multiple tire replacements. No fault found despite six warranty visits and ongoing deterioration.
When: From early ownership onward; one complaint shows vibration worsening from 8,000 miles through 90,000 miles over 4-year ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Violent shaking at speeds above 45 mph; Vibration worsens at higher speeds and over time; Vehicle body vibration over road bumps; Rear swaying during snow/wind conditions
Repairs/costs cited: Rear struts replaced; tires replaced six times in 4 years; O2 sensor wiring found pinched and replaced; front suspension repeatedly inspected with no faults found; dealer now seeks high diagnostic fee for continued issue
Synthesized from 19 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 Dodge Avenger?
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 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 25,000 and 77,111 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 25,000; a quarter make it past 77,111. 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/Dodge/Avenger.
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.