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 ↗2012 Dodge Challenger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Challenger have filed 19 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 36,200 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 |
|---|---|
| 2009 Challenger | 8 |
| 2010 Challenger | 33 |
| 2011 Challenger | 14 |
| 2012 Challenger (this page) | 19 |
| 2013 Challenger | 15 |
| 2014 Challenger | 20 |
| 2015 Challenger | 6 |
| 2016 Challenger | 9 |
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 19 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Challenger, 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
Among the 11 model years of Dodge Challenger in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 13 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.
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 2012 Challenger's steering has a track record of failure that puts drivers in dangerous situations. Power steering goes out suddenly—hard enough that owners can barely turn the wheel, especially in parking lots—and in some cases, owners report the system fails intermittently, forcing them to hand-steer a heavy car during traffic. One owner paid $1,434 just for a power steering pump and still had steering problems afterward.
Electrical system failures are endemic. Multiple owners describe complete electrical death while driving—dashboard lights going crazy, loss of power steering, loss of radio and air conditioning, then the engine stalling on busy highways. Alternators fail and are replaced, sometimes twice, but new batteries get drained by undiagnosed electrical faults in the fuse box. Dodge has a recall (T-36) for the alternator, but parts are scarce and wait times stretch to two months.
The suspension fails structurally. One owner heard a snap while driving normally in rain and found the strut plate and strut rod completely broken, with the front end nearly dragging on the ground. Another's front passenger wheel detached at just 14 miles. A third owner reported heavy rust and weak welds throughout the suspension and steering linkages.
Low-speed steering maneuvers produce a whirring electric motor sound and squeaking that dealerships either cannot replicate or dismiss as normal. One incident combined unintended full-throttle acceleration with simultaneous brake and power steering failure in a parking lot, ending in a barrier strike.
Same Dodge Challenger steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering system failure and loss of assist
Electronic/hydraulic power steering suddenly goes out or becomes extremely stiff, making the vehicle hard to steer. Some owners report the system works intermittently. One owner replaced the power steering pump at significant cost and still had steering difficulty afterward.
When: Variable; one case at 7,803 miles; others after years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of power steering assist while driving; Steering becomes very hard or tight, especially during turns; Whining or high-pitched sound from power steering area; Intermittent power steering failure; Difficulty steering at low speeds or in parking lots
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported power steering pump replacement cost of $1,434 for parts alone; another spent $1,000 on electrical repairs without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership told one owner it was due to aftermarket wheels (owner disputes this)
Electrical system failure and battery drain
Multiple owners report total electrical system failures—dashboard lights go haywire, alternator fails, battery drains despite replacement. One owner had alternator replaced twice (once by independent mechanic, once by Dodge). Failures cause loss of power steering, radio, air conditioning, and engine stall. One owner reported a grounding fault in the fuse box.
When: One case mentioned at time of failure after warranty expiration; alternator recall mentioned (T-36); another case involved alternator replacement attempts from 2018–2019
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical system failure with dashboard lights coming on randomly; Speedometer jumping up and down; Vehicle loses all power and dies while driving; Alternator failure indicated by warning lights; Battery goes dead repeatedly despite replacement; Windows going up and down on their own; Fuse box grounding out; ABS and traction control lights illuminating with alarm chime; Burning smell when power is lost
Codes mentioned: Check engine light (misfiring and coil issues noted), ABS fault, Traction control fault
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator recall T-36 exists; one owner faced 1.5 to 2 month wait for parts at dealership. New battery and alternator replacements have not resolved issues in some cases. One owner's ignition switch was found stuck in the ON position, damaging both switch and battery; cost $900–$1,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge recall T-36 for alternator and diodes; owner reported Dodge said similar issues exist and they are investigating but cannot help in warranty-expired case. Extended warranty letter sent same day owner's car failed. One dealer said they only get a few parts to work with for recall.
Steering noise—electric motor whirring and squeaking
Owners report squeaking and electric motor whirring sounds during low-speed steering maneuvers, particularly in parking lots or when backing up. Sounds come from near the passenger side of the engine bay. One dealership service writer dismissed it as normal ('they all do that').
When: Present at low-speed maneuvering; one owner noted it immediately during initial service
Symptoms owners cite: Squeaking noise during parking lot maneuvers and backing; Electric motor whirring sound at low speed; Clicking noise in passenger wheel when turning left; Sound comes from passenger side near engine
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claimed they could not reproduce the noise; service writer suggested it was normal for all vehicles.
Strut and suspension structural failure
Strut plate and strut rod snapped while driving in normal conditions without hitting a pothole or bump. One case involved passenger side suspension failing. Another owner reported multiple suspension and steering components with heavy rust and weak welds, including struts, strut plates, control arms, bushings, tie rod ends, axles, rear suspension arms, and drive shaft u-joints.
When: One failure while driving in rain at normal speeds; one case identified during dealership inspection at 11,653 miles (initial failure at 7,803 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Popping or snapping sound from suspension; Vehicle pulls hard to one side; Passenger side front end drops down; Heavy rust visible on structural joints and welds; Strut rod completely snapped
Repairs/costs cited: Strut plate and strut rod replacement required; one owner described snapped strut rod as possible weak weld issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer replaced front hub bearings and rack and pinion in one case; remained in communication with owner for approximately one year while diagnosing recurrent snapping sounds.
Steering linkage failure—tie rod fracture
Front passenger side wheel detached from vehicle at very low mileage. Tow truck driver identified a fractured tie rod as the cause. Dealer did not initially inform owner of the cause.
When: At 14 miles on vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger side wheel detaches from vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod was fractured; required wheel reattachment and tie rod replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer would not initially disclose the root cause.
Steering failure combined with engine stall and braking failure
At low speed in a parking lot, the vehicle accelerated on its own to full throttle (brakes failed), and power steering failed simultaneously. Vehicle struck a concrete barrier and stalled.
When: During slow-speed parking lot maneuver at 10 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration to full throttle; Brakes failed or ineffective; Power steering failed at same time; Vehicle unable to stop or steer
Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
2012 Dodge challenger going 10 MPH in parking lot, turning right into parking space, car accelerated by itself, and stuck itself at full throttle speed, brakes failed, power steering failed. Car hit and went up on concrete barrier. Bounced back, stalled. *tr
Had steering trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Dodge Challenger?
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 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 7,803 and 113,000 miles, with the median around 36,200. A quarter of owners report trouble before 7,803; a quarter make it past 113,000. 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/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.