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 ↗2013 Dodge Challenger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Challenger have filed 15 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 80,000 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
15
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Challenger | 8 |
| 2010 Challenger | 33 |
| 2011 Challenger | 14 |
| 2012 Challenger | 19 |
| 2013 Challenger (this page) | 15 |
| 2014 Challenger | 20 |
| 2015 Challenger | 6 |
| 2016 Challenger | 9 |
| 2017 Challenger | 5 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 15 steering complaints filed for the 2013 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
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.
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 2013 Dodge Challenger steering system generates complaints across multiple failure modes. The most serious involves complete power steering loss without warning, forcing drivers to manually steer at highway speeds. Owners describe needing both hands to turn at 50–70 mph, with one case occurring at only 17,500 miles. Left turns appear particularly problematic, with intermittent hard steering on cold starts and persistent stiffness requiring two-handed effort.
Several owners report total electrical collapse—gauges dropping to zero, ABS and ESC lights, radio and navigation going dark, power steering failing, and the engine shutting off while the vehicle is in motion. One owner experienced this at 60 mph on a highway and had to coast to a stop with no brakes or steering.
Power steering fluid leaks also appear, causing stiffness and control issues around 60,000–82,000 miles. Dealers have diagnosed pump failure and recommended expensive rack-and-pinion replacement (one quote: $1,800), though pump parts have been reported on national back order. One owner noted their manual listed a power steering reservoir, but the vehicle had none, making fluid checks impossible.
One dealer stated this issue occurs nationwide on multiple Mopar vehicles. An NHTSA recall was issued for at least one owner, but the repair parts remained unavailable with no loaner accommodation provided.
Same Dodge Challenger steering reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering system failure and loss of assist
Power steering assist stops functioning without warning, forcing drivers to manually steer vehicles at highway speeds and during critical maneuvers. Owners report the steering becomes extremely hard to turn, requiring both hands to control the vehicle.
When: Primarily 50,000–82,000 miles; one case at 17,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light illuminates; Steering becomes extremely hard or stiff; Power assist cuts out during driving or turning; Intermittent failure during left turns; Hard steering when car first starts, especially when turning left
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cite power steering pump failure, steering rack and pinion replacement recommended ($1,800 reported); pump parts reported on national back order. One owner noted low power steering fluid as diagnosed cause but had no reservoir visible to check or refill.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall performed on some vehicles (later found unrelated). One dealer stated the issue is happening nationwide on several Mopar vehicles but declined to remedy under warranty.
Electrical system failure affecting power steering and other systems
Complete or partial electrical system collapse that disables power steering along with other critical systems, resulting in total loss of steering assist, braking function, and engine shutdown while vehicle is in motion at highway speed.
When: No specific mileage noted for most incidents; one at 65,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard gauges drop to zero; ABS and ESC warning lights illuminate; Power steering fails; All electrical systems go dark (radio, navigation, lights); Engine shuts off while driving; Complete vehicle shutdown while in motion; Vehicle will not restart
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers mention possible wire communication fault to vehicle computer/bus; one owner reported disconnecting and reconnecting battery temporarily restored partial power. Repair status unclear; one report notes parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall notice received by one owner (9/2017) stating urgent repair needed, but recall parts unavailable. Dealer and manufacturer reportedly provided no accommodation or loaner vehicle. One owner mentions seeing recalls for electrical system, power steering pump, and alternator on other vehicles but none matched their VIN.
Power steering fluid leak
Power steering system develops leaks that reduce fluid level, causing steering stiffness and control issues. One owner with 82,000 miles reported rack failure; another noted leaking fluid at approximately 60,000 miles.
When: 60,000–82,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes stiff or difficult; Power steering fluid leakage visible; Steering rack failure
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement required in at least one case. Owner noted vehicle owner's manual indicates a power steering reservoir should exist, but none is present on their vehicle.
Steering noise and operational issues
Intermittent clicking or noise from steering system during turns, accompanied by poor steering response. Cause could not be determined by dealer at time of complaint.
When: 59,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Intermittent clicking noise when turning; Steering does not operate well; No warning lights present
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer unable to diagnose root cause; vehicle not repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred owner to NHTSA but provided no repair or remedy.
Synthesized from 15 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
I was driving my car like normal for the past 2/12 years. It's a 2013 challenger 5.70. My car went dead while driving. I lost control of the car, but, thank god I didn't hit anything or anyone. I ran tests on my car battery, it's good. Interesting note: I had the alternator replace six months ago on a factory recall. The Dodge dealer told me it's not the alternator, though replaced it anyway.…
Driving on the highway at about 70 mile the car power went out on ABS and then all gages showed zero, steering went out and car shut of completely going at 60 then. No brakes no steering engine shuts off was so scared .... Car had to come to a stop on it own had stopped on the highway
Vehicle warning lights started coming on... ESC, ABS,brakes, dashboard went dark no radio or nav. Power steering failed. Was able to bring vehicle to a safe stop... Vehjicle was completely dead.. Will not start again... *js
Had steering trouble with your 2013 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 2013 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 15 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 13 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 60,000 and 88,221 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 60,000; a quarter make it past 88,221. 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/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.