Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge avenger. While driving at a low speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. In addition, the contact stated that the steering wheel seized. The check engine and ABS warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. While driving 45 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed, but…
2014 Dodge Avenger steering problems
severe 14 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
14
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 14 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Avenger, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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 10 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2014 Dodge Avengers report four main steering-related failure categories affecting safety and controllability. The most severe is sudden total power loss—engine shuts off without warning at highway speeds (65–70 mph), immediately killing power steering and leaving drivers fighting to steer to safety. One owner lost control and contacted Chrysler for a case manager; another at 48k miles experienced complete brake failure at 45 mph and rear-ended another vehicle. Steering wheel seize-up happens both while moving and reversing, sometimes resolving after restart but sometimes requiring rack-and-pinion replacement. Owners describe wheels locking, steering pulling hard to one side, and needing both hands to maintain control on city streets and highways. Brake grinding was noted early in ownership on one vehicle; powertrain leak repair followed by brake failure came next. Vehicle sway and uncontrolled pull to the right, especially over railroad tracks, have affected multiple owners from low mileage onward. Dealer alignment and tire rotation attempts have failed to resolve pulling complaints. Most critically, dealers and independent mechanics cannot diagnose or replicate these failures consistently, and owners report being told no problem exists when they cannot reproduce it. One owner had an EGR valve replaced with no lasting fix. No recalls were found for the 2014 model despite owners noting recalls exist for 2011–2013 Avengers covering steering and brake systems.
Same Dodge Avenger steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Complete Power Loss / Engine Stall
Engine shuts off without warning during highway and city driving, often at cruising speeds. Power steering assistance is lost along with engine shutdown, creating immediate steering control hazard. Some owners report the issue recurs repeatedly despite dealer visits; others experienced it once but catastrophically (at 70 mph on highway). Check Engine and ABS warning lights illuminate in some incidents.
When: Between 0 and 130k miles; one owner reports over 1 year of recurring stalls
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown at highway speeds; Power steering becomes inoperative immediately upon stall; No warning before failure; Gauges freeze or stick; Vehicle restarts but stalls again intermittently; Check Engine light and ABS warning light illuminate
Codes mentioned: Check Engine, ABS warning
Repairs/costs cited: Dodge dealerships unable to diagnose or fix despite multiple visits; one mechanic replaced EGR valve without resolving issue; no permanent repair identified
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner contacted Chrysler to request case manager assignment; at least one failure was reported to manufacturer; most repairs attempted only at dealership with no documented resolution
Steering Wheel Seize / Lock-Up
Steering wheel becomes immobilized or extremely difficult to turn while vehicle is in motion. Can occur during normal maneuvers (turning at intersections, reversing from driveway) or at highway speeds. In one incident, wheels locked and pulled hard left simultaneously. Abnormal vibration in steering column reported in some cases. Issue may resolve after engine restart in some instances.
When: Between 20 miles (new vehicle) and 130k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes completely locked or seized; Extreme difficulty turning wheel (requires both hands with force); Wheels lock and pull hard to one direction; Abnormal vibration in steering wheel; Inability to control vehicle direction; Issue may resolve temporarily after restart
Repairs/costs cited: One owner needed rack and pinion replacement; air bag sensor replacement attempted in another case but recurred twice; dealer alignment and tire rotation failed to resolve swerving complaint
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple owners reported failures to manufacturer; dealer service unable to diagnose or replicate in most cases; no recalls identified for 2014 model despite similar issues noted on 2011–2013 models
Brake Failure / Reduced Braking Performance
Brake pedal becomes inoperative or unresponsive despite being fully depressed. In one case, vehicle traveling 45 mph failed to slow when brakes applied, resulting in rear-end crash. In another, brakes seized along with steering wheel. Grinding noises noted at low miles, suggesting possible premature brake wear or system issues.
When: Various mileages; one case at 48k miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal depressed with no stopping effect; Brake grinding sounds; Brakes seize; Vehicle unable to come to halt
Repairs/costs cited: Powertrain leak repaired at dealership in one case, but brake failure recurred shortly after
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner noted 2011–2013 Dodge Avenger recalls exist for steering and brake systems; no corresponding recall found for 2014 model; manufacturer not notified in some incidents
Steering Pull / Sway / Instability
Vehicle pulls or sways uncontrollably from side to side while driving at various speeds, particularly noticeable over railroad tracks and at highway speeds. Requires constant two-handed steering effort to maintain vehicle control. Vehicle feels as though it will not follow driver input or wants to stall/shift gears without cause.
When: As early as 20 miles new; up to higher mileages
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle sways side to side uncontrollably; Car pulls hard to one direction (typically right); Extreme steering effort required (two hands needed); Vehicle pulls when crossing railroad tracks; Steering feels disconnected from driver control; Sensation of vehicle attempting to stall or shift gears
Codes mentioned: Traction Control warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Alignment and tire rotation attempted but failed to resolve; no successful repairs documented
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One incident reported to manufacturer; dealers unable to determine cause in most cases
Synthesized from 14 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I was driving on the beltway and the car just stalled. I was doing 70 MPH at the time. The car randomly stalls/won't crank and it has less than 4000 miles on it. I just purchased the car and have been back and forth to the dealership and they will not help me. It shuts off with no warning and all the gauges get stuck. I am afraid for my life and I can't get in touch with the manufacturer.…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 Dodge Avenger?
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 2014 Dodge Avenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 14 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 42,500 and 56,345 miles, with the median around 48,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 42,500; a quarter make it past 56,345. 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/2014/Dodge/Avenger.
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.