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 ↗2013 Dodge Charger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Dodge Charger have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 75,000 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
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Charger | 18 |
| 2010 Charger | 10 |
| 2011 Charger | 39 |
| 2012 Charger | 53 |
| 2013 Charger (this page) | 30 |
| 2014 Charger | 62 |
| 2015 Charger | 13 |
| 2016 Charger | 17 |
| 2017 Charger | 8 |
4crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 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.
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 ↗Convergence Telematics Module (CTM) Software Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the Convergence Telematics Module (CTM) software. The customer may notice the steering wheel controls and USB functionality may not operate properly after the ignition is cycled.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: RE2 RE3 RE4 RE6 RE7 RB4 RB5 RB6 RB4 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio?s software and Navigation if required. A customer may experience, one or more of the following conditions: Radio display screen shows ?Test Mode?. Navigation screen locks up or display will be blank. Navigation feature lockout disable (International Only). Navigation system resets intermittently. Translation improvements/corrections. System consistency and operational improvements for menu selections, month/date formatting, and Garmin translation functions. Radio system improvements during remote start operation. Unable to adjust radio volume using steering wheel switch intermittently. Sec
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 Charger steering system exhibits multiple distinct failure modes. Most common is power steering loss, ranging from intermittent shutdown (especially at startup or when turning) to complete failure mid-turn. Owners report the "SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM" warning light appearing during highway driving, parking maneuvers, and left turns. When power steering fails, steering becomes hard or immovable, forcing drivers to wrestle the wheel or coast to a stop.
A second pattern is steering column or rack lockup, particularly on left turns. Owners describe the steering becoming hard or grabbing around 75,000–108,000 miles, sometimes with squealing noises. One owner's steering column-to-rack joint was found nearly separated. Police fleet vehicles all displayed identical left-turn power steering loss.
A third failure involves electrical cascade: when the alternator or charging system fails, the power steering module loses power and locks up intermittently, sometimes alongside wipers cycling uncontrollably and other electrical failures. One detailed case involved alternator replacement under recall that did not resolve the steering issue.
In rare but severe cases, multi-system failure occurs: power steering, brakes, and engine all fail simultaneously while driving. One owner heard a loud front-end noise at 45 mph and lost all steering control two weeks after purchase, hitting a guardrail hard. Chrysler declined to help, claiming damage was too extensive to diagnose.
Repair costs range from $800 to $2,000+. Dealers have refused warranty service citing intermittency, and some manufacturers denied recall coverage despite multiple identical complaints across civilian and police fleets.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss or intermittent shutdown
Power steering system randomly loses function, either completely or intermittently, often accompanied by 'SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM' warning light. Occurs during driving, turning, or at startup. Steering becomes hard to turn or unresponsive. Some owners report the system returns to normal after restart or sitting; others describe total loss of power assistance.
When: Variable: 55 mph highway driving, low-speed turns, at startup, reversing. Occurs as early as 58,000 miles to 108,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes very hard to turn or completely unresponsive; SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM warning light appears; Intermittent loss at startup or mid-turn; Happens without prior warning in some cases; System sometimes restores after vehicle restart
Codes mentioned: SERVICE POWER STEERING SYSTEM message
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replacement reported in several cases; cost $1,280–$2,000+. One owner bought used pump on eBay with no result. Police fleet of 4 vehicles quoted $2,000+ per vehicle for repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall (2020 model year) was issued for charging system issues linked to steering lockup in at least one case; pump replacement was not covered under manufacturer warranty in several instances.
Steering column or rack-and-pinion locking, particularly on left turns
Steering becomes hard or locks, especially during left turns. In some cases, the entire steering rack or pinion system becomes inoperable mid-turn, forcing the driver to apply extreme force or become stuck. Occurs both when stationary and at higher speeds. One owner reported the steering column-to-rack joint was worn and nearly separated.
When: 75,000 miles and beyond; appears intermittently early, then becomes consistent. One case at 61,000 miles on reverse.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn, particularly on left turns; Steering locks up mid-turn, especially at highway speeds; Loud rubbing or squealing noise when turning; Steering becomes grabbing or jerky; Intermittent locking that becomes consistent over time
Codes mentioned: Unknown steering wheel warning light (reported but not detailed)
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column-to-rack joint replacement cost $2,000. One owner had gear rack and pinion plus power pump replaced. Repairs not always attempted at dealer due to intermittency.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer initially refused to repair intermittent issue during warranty. Manufacturer (FCA) stated no warranty coverage and reported no other complaints.
Electronic power steering module malfunction linked to electrical system failure
Alternator malfunction or charging system failure causes cascading electrical failures including power steering lockup. When battery voltage drops or alternator fails, electrical components including the steering column module lose power or reset, causing steering to lock and unlock intermittently. Wipers, lights, and other systems may cycle on and off simultaneously.
When: June 2020 timeline in one detailed case; can occur early in vehicle ownership or after years of service.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering locks and unlocks intermittently; All electrical devices turn on and off simultaneously; Battery warning light and 'BATTERY SAFE MODE' message appear; Windshield wipers activate uncontrollably; Multiple electrical systems fail at once
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, BATTERY SAFE MODE message, SERVICE POWER STEERING message (secondary to electrical failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced under recall but issue recurred. Dealer found corrosion at alternator signal plug and cleaned it. Problem returned a week later. Dealer later refused to diagnose charging system without charge, claiming it is separate from alternator.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Alternator recall issued. Dealer performed alternator replacement and corrosion cleaning under recall but did not resolve underlying electrical issue.
Multi-system failure with steering loss, brake failure, and stalling
Simultaneous failure of power steering, brakes, and engine while driving. Vehicle becomes undriveable mid-trip with no prior warning. Power steering loss is accompanied by brake system failure and engine stall. Vehicle becomes stuck in gear and will not restart despite push-button start prompting.
When: Occurs while driving away from parking lot or during normal driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes hard (power steering loss); SERVICE AWD and SERVICE POWER STEERING lights illuminate; Brake system fails; Engine stalls; Vehicle will not restart despite push-start button system prompting; Instrument panel cycles and gauges swipe with phantom noises
Codes mentioned: SERVICE AWD, SERVICE POWER STEERING
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle required 3-hour wait for specialized tow truck due to AWD system. No repair details provided.
Sudden steering wheel shake and loss of control (suspected tie-rod or suspension failure)
Front end noise followed by violent steering wheel shake and vehicle steering itself without driver input. Owner heard a sharp sound from the front end, then steering wheel shook violently and moved side-to-side uncontrollably. Vehicle shot to the right and collided with guardrail. Occurred early in vehicle ownership (12 days after purchase). Chrysler inspection deemed damage too extensive to determine cause.
When: Approximately 2 weeks after purchase (10/10/2013 purchase, 10/22/2013 incident) at ~45 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from front end; Steering wheel shakes violently; Steering wheel moves back and forth without driver input; Complete loss of steering control; Vehicle shoots to one side uncontrollably
Repairs/costs cited: Approximately $12,000 in damage. Owner filed claim with Chrysler; inspection performed but damage too severe to determine cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler inspected vehicle but refused assistance, stating damage was too extensive to determine cause.
Steering column module failure (windshield wiper control malfunction secondary issue)
Steering column module fails, causing secondary effects including uncontrollable windshield wipers. Wipers activate at high speed without input and cannot be turned off via stalk controls. Vehicle must be stopped and wiper fuse removed to disable wipers. Estimated repair cost $800.
When: After 5 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate at high speed without input; Wiper stalk controls do not respond; Wipers continue running even after vehicle restart; Wipers on dry windshield
Repairs/costs cited: Steering column module repair quoted at $800. Only solution was removing wiper fuse.
Power steering fuse blowing repeatedly
Power steering fuse blows multiple times in short succession, causing intermittent power steering loss. Associated with thumping noises and vibrations when turning.
When: Recurring over 3-month period.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering fuse blows; Thumping noises when making turns; Vibrations when turning; Intermittent power steering loss
Repairs/costs cited: Fuse blew three times in less than 3 months; no permanent repair documented.
Synthesized from 30 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 2013 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 2013 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 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 22 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 58,000 and 108,161 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 58,000; a quarter make it past 108,161. 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/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.