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 ↗2012 Dodge Charger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Dodge Charger have filed 53 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 72,000 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
53
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Charger | 31 |
| 2009 Charger | 18 |
| 2010 Charger | 10 |
| 2011 Charger | 39 |
| 2012 Charger (this page) | 53 |
| 2013 Charger | 30 |
| 2014 Charger | 62 |
| 2015 Charger | 13 |
| 2016 Charger | 17 |
2crashes
3fires
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 53 steering complaints filed for the 2012 Dodge Charger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 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
Owners have filed 53 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 14 model years of Dodge Charger 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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗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
Owners of 2012 Dodge Chargers report a dominant and dangerous failure pattern: alternators failing between 37,000 and 119,000 miles, typically in the first 2–4 years of ownership. The failure is not gradual. Drivers report the car displays "battery saver mode," then loses radio, heating, air conditioning, and instrument cluster display in seconds. Within a minute, power steering and power brakes vanish entirely. The engine stalls. Owners describe being unable to steer or brake while on the highway, in rush-hour traffic, on turns, or on curving roads—one owner was near a cliff drop-off. Several report near-collisions and mention the presence of young children in the car.
Dealers confirm alternator failure in all cases where diagnosis occurred. One owner's trusted technician measured the alternator output with a clamp meter and documented wildly fluctuating amperage. The P60 recall (NHTSA 14V634000) covers certain 160-amp alternators on 2011–2014 Chargers, but many vehicles have 180-amp units that fail outside the recall. Owners report dealerships claiming their vehicles are not covered and refusing warranty repair. Part availability is severely constrained—multiple aftermarket retailers had none in stock, forcing dealership purchases at $800–$1,500 cost. One owner reports the dealer installed a recalled (defective) alternator during a recall attempt, which then failed again.
Independent of alternator issues, owners also report power steering pump failures beginning around 37,000 miles. Steering becomes locked or extremely hard to turn, sometimes requiring two separate replacements within months. Grinding and whining noises accompany these failures. One police department reports replacing front suspension and power steering pumps on all six fleet Chargers multiple times. Owners cite power steering fuses blowing repeatedly during turns.
Transmission shifter sticking and failure to engage gears properly appears in several complaints, sometimes alongside electrical system failures. Brake work is frequent, though whether this is secondary to electrical system shutdown or a separate durability issue is not consistently clear from narratives.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator failure causing complete electrical system shutdown
Alternator fails or produces unstable output, triggering battery-saver mode and cascading loss of critical electrical systems. Vehicle loses power steering, brakes, ignition, and all electrical accessories simultaneously, leaving driver unable to steer or brake safely.
When: Occurs between 37,000 and 119,000 miles; typically 2–4 years of ownership for 2012 model year vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode warning on dashboard; Radio and entertainment system shut off; Instrument cluster goes blank or displays erratic readings; Power steering suddenly lost; Power brakes lost or become extremely hard to apply; All warning lights illuminate (ABS, battery, traction control, check engine, brake); Engine stalls without warning; Burning smell from engine bay or electrical components; Whizzing or humming noise; Windshield wipers activate on their own
Codes mentioned: Battery saver mode indicator, Charging system fault codes, Alternator voltage output unstable
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement or rebuild required; owners report costs $800–$1,500+. Some report alternator parts on national backorder, forcing dealership purchase. P60 recall alternators noted as defective in at least one complaint where dealer installed recalled part that continued to fail.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: P60 recall (NHTSA 14V634000) issued for certain 160-amp alternators on 2011–2014 Chargers, but many vehicles with 180-amp alternators also failing outside of recall scope. Chrysler claims non-recalled alternators are not covered. Some owners report dealer refusal to diagnose or repair vehicles; parts unavailable for extended periods.
Power steering failure or loss of assist
Electric power steering pump fails or loses assist, making steering wheel extremely difficult to turn or completely locking up. Can occur during turns at any speed. Often accompanied by electrical anomalies and alternator-related issues.
When: Reported from 37,000 miles onward; affects vehicles across the ownership timeline
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn or completely seized; Power steering warning light illuminates; Grinding or whining noise from steering system; Steering lock-up during turns, particularly sharp turns or U-turns; Excessive force required to turn wheel at low or high speeds; Service power steering indicator on dashboard; Steering wheel stiffens suddenly without warning
Codes mentioned: Service power steering warning, Electric power steering pump fault
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement typically costs $1,400–$1,800 out of warranty. One owner reports replacing pump twice within 4 months. One owner reports power steering fuses blowing repeatedly when turning. Some owners or dealers mention steering rack issues.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs issued for steering (dealer documented 'seven TSBs for steering' in one complaint). At least one recall mentioned (NHTSA 17V435000 for steering on some 2012 Chargers). However, most complaints indicate no recall coverage for power steering pump failures.
Instrument cluster and electrical system malfunction
Instrument cluster goes blank, displays erratic readings, or all warning lights illuminate simultaneously. Often coincides with alternator or power steering failures. Includes scenarios where gauges show false mileage or fail to display critical information.
When: Occurs at various mileages; often concurrent with alternator failure events
Symptoms owners cite: Entire instrument cluster goes dark or blank; Speedometer shows incorrect readings (jumps to 80 mph when parked, shows 0 mph); All dashboard warning lights illuminate at once; Center touchscreen display shuts off or goes blank; Gauges and readouts become unreliable
Codes mentioned: Multiple simultaneous warning codes
Repairs/costs cited: No specific repair reported; typically resolves or is masked once alternator is replaced.
Brake system issues (power brake loss and pedal feel problems)
Power brakes fail or become inoperable during electrical system shutdown events. Also reported as recurring brake work needed and grinding noise on turns, suggesting possible rotor or pad wear; however, causation unclear and separate from electrical failures.
When: Power brake loss coincides with alternator/electrical failures. Recurring brake work reported across multiple service visits.
Symptoms owners cite: Power brakes lost during electrical failure; Brakes become extremely hard to apply; Extra strength required to depress brake pedal; Clicking or grinding noise when turning; Wheels uncontrollable during braking, swerving
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light illuminates
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor turning or replacement performed in at least one case. One owner reports three brake service visits in ownership period.
Transmission shift/gear engagement problems
Gear shifter sticks or fails to engage gears cleanly, requiring multiple attempts to select proper gear. Also reported as transmission not shifting out of drive or shifter sliding without parking. May be linked to electrical system failures.
When: Reported from various mileages; sometimes concurrent with electrical events
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shifter sticks and requires two or three attempts to engage; Shifter slides up and down but won't park; Transmission fails to shift out of drive; Gear shift malfunctioning
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter replacement mentioned as necessary repair. One owner cites 'heavy vibration under feet' alongside shifter issues.
Synthesized from 53 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
service shifter error and powerstwering warning light turned on
So, I've had a problem with the electric p/s pump with it making grinding noises as I turn and locking up. I did end up replacing it because the dealer near me neglected to tell me there was a recall on it and wanted to charge me to fix it. The pump I replaced it with is starting to do it again... I want it replaced with a brand new OEM pump.
Had steering trouble with your 2012 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 2012 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 53 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 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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/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.