Wierd type vibration when turning the wheel when car is stationary. Fluid leaking from when car is parked oil or transmission fluid. Was a recall at some point on the plastic oil plugs.
2013 Chrysler 300 steering problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 13 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Chrysler 300, 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2013 Chrysler 300 steering system has multiple documented failure modes ranging from cosmetic (peeling steering wheel chrome that causes injury) to critical (sudden power steering loss at highway speeds, complete electrical shutdown, and uncontrolled acceleration). Several owners report dealerships cannot diagnose or replicate intermittent steering failures even when the dealer's computer shows they occurred, and key steering-related recalls have had parts availability issues.
The 2013 Chrysler 300 steering system generates complaints across multiple failure types. The most serious: sudden power steering loss during turns at 25–40 mph, leaving owners wrestling with a stiff, unresponsive wheel. One owner reported power steering seizing around 29,000 miles; another at 120,000 miles. In one case, the power steering fuse was replaced but the loss recurred. Separate complaints describe total electrical shutdown—engine dying mid-turn in traffic, gauges going dark, dashboard screens turning white—with no warning precursors. One owner described burning electrical smell and was told by the dealer that while the computer showed the event occurred, they couldn't fix it.
Mechanical steering also seized in one incident where the steering wheel locked simultaneously with uncontrolled acceleration and brake failure, resulting in a three-car crash and passenger injury; that failure couldn't be replicated at the shop.
Less critical but still problematic: steering wheel chrome peeling, with sharp edges cutting the operator's hands during normal driving—the owner suspects the heated steering wheel feature may accelerate deterioration. Two separate fluid leaks from the steering area are reported, along with vibration when turning at rest. Extensive suspension rust around control arm bushings is documented, with one complaint referencing a collision attributed to suspension failure. Recall campaign 17V435000 was issued but parts remained unavailable months after notification.
Same Chrysler 300 steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel chrome peeling / sharp edges
Chrome plating on steering wheel rim peels back progressively, creating sharp edges that have lacerated the driver's thumbs during normal steering operation. Owner suspects heated steering wheel function may accelerate deterioration.
When: March 2019 and subsequent use; exact mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Chrome plating peeling away from steering wheel rim; Sharp edges on peeling chrome causing cuts to operator's hands; Progressive worsening over time
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspected in March 2019 but declined coverage; no repair completed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty (Zurich) denied coverage as cosmetic defect
Complete electrical system shutdown / no power steering
Sudden total loss of electrical power while driving at highway speeds, resulting in loss of power steering, engine stall, dead gauges, and erratic electrical behavior (lights flickering, screens going white, burning smell). Occurs mid-turn in traffic with no warning lights preceding failure.
When: Various occasions; one reported at 40-45 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical shutdown while driving; Engine stall mid-intersection; Total loss of power steering; Dashboard lights and screens malfunction (flickering, going white); All warning lights illuminate simultaneously after failure; Radio shuts off; Burning electrical or rubber smell; Engine will not turn over after shutdown; Erratic electrical behavior (lights, AC/heat, brake interference)
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed; unable to restart; dealer reportedly can see event in computer but cannot diagnose root cause
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 14V634000 exists but some VINs not covered; similar complaints exist for uncovered units
Power steering loss intermittent / seizure
Power steering suddenly cuts out during normal driving at moderate speeds, making the steering wheel extremely stiff and difficult to turn. Power steering function returns after vehicle is stopped and restarted. Occurs sporadically over time.
When: Between 25-40 mph during turns; one case at approximately 29,000 miles, another at 120,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden complete loss of power steering while driving; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to maneuver; Power steering returns after vehicle restart; Power steering malfunction indicator illuminates; Recurrence of seizure episodes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced power steering fuse in one case but failure persisted; no successful repair documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer reported no open recalls for affected vehicles; one case manufacturer stated 'no recall' despite NHTSA campaign 17V435000 (steering) notification received
Steering system failure with uncontrolled acceleration and brake failure
Loud noise followed by uncontrolled acceleration, simultaneous failure of steering wheel (locked), brake system (failed to stop), and seat belts (failed to retract). No warning lights. Resulted in multi-vehicle crash.
When: Mileage unavailable
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise preceding failure; Uncontrolled vehicle acceleration without driver input; Brake pedal depression did not stop vehicle; Steering wheel locked; Seat belts failed to retract; No warning lights illuminated; Air bags failed to deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to independent mechanic; failure could not be duplicated and was not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall notification received for NHTSA campaign 16V240000 (powertrain) but not formally notified of this specific failure
Electrical system overheating / TIPM failure
Safe battery mode light illuminates followed by stalling, hard steering, dashboard warning lights flickering, severe vibration, and excessive heat emanation from vehicle. Multiple restart attempts required. Alternator and battery test normal; issue persists after PCM replacement. Suspected TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) failure.
When: Mileage not stated
Symptoms owners cite: Safe battery mode light illumination; Vehicle stalling and hesitation; Multiple warning lights flickering on dash; Severe steering wheel vibration and hardness; Extreme heat from vehicle exterior; ABS and brake failure warning lights; Vehicle jerking and making unusual sounds; Difficulty controlling vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator tested and replaced; battery tested good; PCM (refurbished) replaced without resolution; vehicle parked due to unresolved issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler customer service told owner to save receipts for potential reimbursement
Steering recall parts unavailable
Vehicle received notice of NHTSA campaign 17V435000 (steering) but dealership unable to obtain replacement parts. Manufacturer unable to provide timeframe for parts availability.
When: At time of recall notification; no failure experienced by owner
Symptoms owners cite: None; recall preventive but no parts available
Repairs/costs cited: Recall repair not completed; parts not in stock
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 17V435000 issued but parts unavailable; manufacturer unable to confirm availability timeline
Suspension rust causing control arm bushing degradation
Extensive rust accumulation on suspension components, particularly around control arm bushings with metal beginning to separate. Owner reports complaint filed involving someone hitting a wall due to this issue. Described as life-and-death safety concern.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Extensive rust on suspension parts; Metal corrosion and separation around control arm bushings; Loss of suspension control (reported by other owner)
Steering wheel vibration / power steering fluid leak
Unusual vibration sensation when turning steering wheel while vehicle is stationary. Fluid leaking from vehicle when parked, believed to be oil or transmission fluid. Vehicle may have had prior recall for plastic oil plugs.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Unusual vibration when turning wheel at rest; Fluid leaking when parked
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Prior recall possibly for plastic oil plugs
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Underneath the vehicle, on the suspension parts there is tons of rust! The metal is beginning to come apart around the control arm bushings!! Someone told me about this issue, and had me look, and my car is completely worse then his!!!!!! This issue needs to be resolved, a complaint has been filed, where someone hit the wall due to this issue!!!!! Don't let people die!!! Make Chrysler fix…
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Chrysler 300?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 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 10 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 29,000 and 116,000 miles, with the median around 72,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 29,000; a quarter make it past 116,000. 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/2013/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.