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 components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star. UPDATE: 11/9/2016 If the new bearing does not fit through the double dash, you need to re
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Dodge Durango steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2013 Dodge Durango have filed 24 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 84,834 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
24
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Durango | 27 |
| 2012 Durango | 41 |
| 2013 Durango (this page) | 24 |
| 2014 Durango | 12 |
| 2015 Durango | 3 |
| 2016 Durango | 3 |
| 2017 Durango | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 24 steering complaints filed for the 2013 Dodge Durango, 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
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 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.
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 components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 components to be replaced). For more information and details on PN's, see W-Series Flowchart in Star Parts. Contact parts specifying for assistance regarding correct part numbers, for technical assistance contact Star.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2013 Durango's steering system is inseparable from a critical electrical failure: the vehicle shuts off completely without warning at any speed (10 to 75 mph), killing the engine, dashboard lights, power steering, and power braking simultaneously. Owners lose all control. The shutdown happens during acceleration from stops, on highways, during turns at intersections—with no warning codes and no predictable pattern. Some tie shutdowns to bumps (potholes, railroad tracks); most call it random. It occurs once per week to four or more times daily. Restart sometimes requires only a key-fob touch; sometimes the vehicle restarts on its own. No dealer can reproduce it during diagnostic testing, and prior fuel pump relay recalls have not stopped the stalling.
Separate from shutdown, steering gear boxes leak and fail early: one at 56,115 miles, another at 80,000 miles. Replacement parts were unavailable under applicable recalls. Power steering assist can fail entirely even after pump and fluid replacement, requiring dangerous force to turn the wheel. One owner reports chronic vibration in the steering wheel from day one; tires and wheels were replaced twice without fixing it, and the dealer claimed all Durangos vibrate this way.
One alternator caught fire under recall T36; Chrysler customer care promised PCM and battery coverage, then refused it. An owner reports steering wheel seizure at low speed with independent windshield wiper activation. Brakes lock or become unresponsive during shutdown events. Undiagnosed clunking in the front-brake area persists after pad and rotor replacement.
Same Dodge Durango steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014
Failure modes owners describe
Unplanned electrical shutdown / stalling
Vehicle shuts off completely without warning while driving at various speeds. All electrical systems (dash lights, headlights, brake power, power steering) go dead. Vehicle can restart on its own, via key-fob touch, or requires turning ignition or placing in Park. Occurs at highway speeds (30-75 mph) and slow speeds (10-40 mph). Some owners associate shutdown with bumps (potholes, railroad tracks, bridges); others report random timing. Happens once per week to multiple times daily. No diagnostic codes appear in most cases. Dealers cannot reproduce the condition during testing.
When: Across vehicle lifetime; one owner reports first occurrence at 95,000 miles, continues today; another reports 5–6 years of ownership; incidents range from occasional to 4+ times weekly
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Loss of power steering assist; Loss of power braking (hard brake pedal, inability to press brakes); Dashboard lights extinguish; Steering wheel becomes hard to turn or locks up; Brakes lock or become unresponsive; Vehicle shuts off and restarts without driver input; Vehicle shuts off upon slight key-fob contact without turning key
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports prior fuel pump relay replacement (paid out of pocket) with no resolution. Dealers unable to diagnose; fuel pump relay recall previously completed on some vehicles without fixing stalling. Alternator recall (17V435000, 15V115000, 14V634000) mentioned by one owner but VIN reportedly clear. One alternator replacement mentioned post-failure did not resolve stalling.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Fuel pump relay recall previously issued and completed on some vehicles. Alternator recall (17V435000, 15V115000, 14V634000) exists for 2011–2014 Durangos. No open recalls cited by dealer for the stalling complaint itself. Owners report dealer inability to identify root cause; Chrysler customer care (case #32398928) mentioned but coordination with dealers incomplete.
Steering gear box failure / leak
Steering gear box requires replacement. One owner at 80,000 miles discovered leak during routine service visit that dealership attributed to the gear box, not coolant line as initially suspected. Another owner reported steering gear leak at 56,115 miles discovered during independent technician oil change; steering gear replacement suggested. One owner reports steering wheel seizure at 50,024 miles during low-speed driving (10 mph).
When: 80,000 miles; 56,115 miles; 50,024 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering gear leak; Steering wheel seizes or becomes difficult to turn; Burning odor during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Steering gear box replacement required at dealership. At 56,115 miles, NHTSA campaign 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was applicable by VIN but replacement parts were unavailable from manufacturer. Independent technician recommended replacement; dealer diagnosis confirmed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 17V572000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) applicable but parts unavailable. Manufacturer directed owner to call NHTSA to enforce recall.
Power steering failure / loss of assist
Power steering loses assist or fails completely. One owner reports both pump replacement and fluid replacement without resolving the loss of assist; requires major force to turn wheel. Steering becomes difficult during vehicle shutdown events. Multiple owners report inability to steer during unplanned shutdowns.
When: Unspecified timing; part of shutdown events; one owner states ongoing after pump and fluid service
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist lost; Steering wheel requires excessive force to turn; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to turn; Cannot steer vehicle during electrical shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump replaced; power steering fluid replaced; problem persists requiring major force. No resolution reported.
Steering wheel vibration
Persistent vibration felt in steering wheel. Owner replaced tires at 450 miles; replaced tires and wheels again. Vibration continued despite component replacements. Dealer brought in new Durango from lot and confirmed vibration present on new vehicle as well, then claimed 'all Durangos have this vibration.' Owner states vibration could cause loss of vehicle control if defective part fails.
When: From day one of ownership; persisted through multiple service visits (7+ visits to dealer)
Symptoms owners cite: Bad vibration in steering wheel; Vibration felt throughout vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Tires replaced at 450 miles. Wheels and tires replaced again. Vibration persisted. Dealer acknowledged vibration present on new Durango from lot, stating it is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer claims vibration is normal on all Durangos.
Alternator failure with fire / smoke hazard
Alternator started to smoke and catch fire after shorting itself out. Vehicle was initially on the road, then parked in driveway when fire occurred. Covered under recall T36. Chrysler Customer Care initially authorized replacement alternator and stated they would cover PCM and battery if needed. After replacement alternator installed, dealer reported Chrysler would not cover PCM or battery. Vehicle will not run with new alternator installed.
When: Unspecified mileage; vehicle was operational when parked
Symptoms owners cite: Alternator began smoking; Alternator caught fire; Alternator shorted itself out; Vehicle will not run after alternator replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced under recall T36. Chrysler Customer Care initially stated PCM and battery would be covered if needed but later refused to honor this commitment. Vehicle non-operational post-repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall T36 issued. Chrysler Customer Care (case #32398928) initially authorized replacement alternator, PCM, and battery. Later denied coverage for PCM and battery. Notes made in customer file but Chrysler later denied authorizing the additional repairs.
Brake failure / hard brake pedal
Brakes fail or become unresponsive during vehicle shutdown events. Brake pedal becomes hard or locked and cannot be pressed. One incident at very low mileage (6,000 miles) with both brake failure and difficult steering. NHTSA campaign 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) was suggested as possible cause but dealer could not confirm.
When: 6,000 miles; during shutdown events
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail completely; Brake pedal becomes hard / locked; Unable to press brake pedal; Brakes lock up
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; vehicle not serviced for this issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA campaign 14V154000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic) suggested as possible cause by dealer but cause not confirmed. Vehicle not repaired.
Steering pull / drift to one side
Vehicle pulls hard to the right during acceleration from stop or while accelerating at highway speed. Does not occur every time. Owner states if not caught in time, vehicle will hit another car or go into ditch.
When: Occurs intermittently during acceleration events
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls hard to the right during acceleration; Unpredictable pulling behavior; Loss of directional control if not corrected
TPMS / tire pressure light issues
Low tire pressure light came on when tires were properly inflated. Dashboard indicated all four tires needed air. After adding air, TPMS light came back on during next service visit despite being off when vehicle dropped off. Dealership claimed TPMS issue is common.
When: At low mileage; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Low tire pressure light illuminates incorrectly; TPMS light cycles on and off; Dashboard indicates air needed when tires properly inflated
Repairs/costs cited: Air added to tires; vibration remained. TPMS light reappeared after service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership acknowledged issue is common.
Brake / suspension clunk or noise
Clunking noise heard and felt in front brakes or suspension area when stopping. Clunk felt in floor, steering column, and brake pedal. Front brake pads and rotors replaced without resolving the issue. Separate complaint reports bumping noise under right floorboard felt when applying brakes or turning.
When: Unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Clunking noise in front brakes or suspension; Clunk felt in floor, steering column, and brake pedal; Bumping noise under right floorboard; Noise/vibration when braking or turning
Repairs/costs cited: Front brake pads and rotors replaced; clunk persisted. Root cause not identified.
Windshield wipers activate independently
Windshield wipers activate on their own without driver input during vehicle control loss event at low speed (10 mph). Occurred simultaneously with steering wheel seizure and brake pedal seizure.
When: 50,024 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers activate without driver input
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator and transmission diagnosed as needing repair. Powertrain module later identified as failed and was replaced by dealer.
Synthesized from 24 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Within about the last 6 weeks my SUV has been stalling while driving in heavy traffic areas which is highly dangerous & I lose all control of my vehicle I have contacted the Dodge dealership where I purchased this vehicle from & they are doing the bare minimum to correct this issue!!!! Knowing my vehicle has active recalls!!!
Had steering trouble with your 2013 Dodge Durango?
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 Durango?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 24 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 18 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 50,024 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 84,834. A quarter of owners report trouble before 50,024; 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/2013/Dodge/Durango.
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.