Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Challenger steering problems
severe 20 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
20
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 20 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Challenger, 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
Among the 11 model years of Dodge Challenger in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Steering Column Squeak / Moan While Turning Wheel This bulletin involves removing/installing the steering column, removing/installing the bulkhead pass through boot, removing the wiper seal, and applying lubricant to the intermediate shaft bearing sleeve. Customer may describe a squeak and/or moan noise while turning the steering wheel. Noise can be heard both while vehicle is stationary or while driving. Noise is typically more noticeable during cold temperatures and may go away when vehicle warms up.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SUMMARY TO BE PROVIDED ON A FUTURE DATE.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of the 2014 Dodge Challenger report widespread power steering defects beginning at 38,000 miles and continuing through 74,000+ miles. The most common complaint is a stiff or locked steering wheel, especially during left turns or low-speed maneuvers in parking lots. Multiple owners state they needed both hands to turn the wheel and underwent rack and pinion replacement, with some dealers covering the cost under warranty and others refusing.
Beyond the rack, owners describe intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist accompanied by a "SERVICE POWER STEERING" warning message. A few report sudden electrical shutdown with all dashboard lights illuminating, causing loss of both power steering and power brakes. One owner had the electronic power steering pump replaced for $1,800; another spent $2,100 on two separate repair attempts that still did not fix the lock-up issue.
Power steering fluid evaporation or leakage surfaces in several complaints. One owner was told by a dealer that fluid evaporates in the reservoir; another was advised the system is actively leaking. A clock spring failure in the steering column also appears, disabling cruise control and traction control functionality.
Owners note that despite the volume of complaints, Dodge has not issued a recall. Dealers often deny warranty coverage and quote $3,000+ for repairs. The steering reservoir is inaccessible behind the wheel well, making routine fluid checks difficult for owners.
Same Dodge Challenger steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013
Failure modes owners describe
Rack & Pinion Failure / Power Steering Stiffness
Rack and pinion assembly fails, causing extreme difficulty turning the steering wheel, particularly during left turns. Owners report needing two hands to turn the wheel at low speeds and difficulty recovering from curves. Multiple owners required rack & pinion replacement.
When: Starting at 22,000–48,800 miles; some reported as early problems not noticed until later.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel extremely difficult or stiff to turn; Difficulty turning left especially; trouble exiting left curves; Steering wheel required two hands to maneuver at low speeds; After replacement, steering becomes easy (one-finger turning)
Repairs/costs cited: Rack and pinion replacement at independent shops or dealers; one owner paid out-of-warranty cost; dealer warranty covered one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge has not issued recall despite numerous similar complaints; warranty denial in some cases; one case covered under warranty.
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Hydraulic Unit / Motor Failure
Electronic power steering hydraulic motor or control unit fails, causing loss of power steering assist. Owners experience sudden stiffness or complete loss of power steering, some with SERVICE POWER STEERING warning message. Manual steering remains functional but requires significantly increased turning force.
When: 38,000–74,000 miles; one case at 40 mph while cruise control engaged.
Symptoms owners cite: SERVICE POWER STEERING message on instrument display; Power steering becomes rigid or non-functional; Manual steering still works but requires much higher effort; Intermittent loss of power steering for seconds to minutes; High-pitched whining or groaning noise while turning
Codes mentioned: SERVICE POWER STEERING (message code)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of rack and pinion assembly or electronic power steering pump; one repair $1,800; diagnostic fee $200–$300; repair estimate $3,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case covered under warranty (rack and pinion replacement); Dodge notified in some cases; no recall issued.
Power Steering Fluid Leakage or Evaporation
Power steering fluid leaks or evaporates from the reservoir, causing the steering to become stiff and difficult to turn. One dealer attributed fluid loss to evaporation; another opinion noted active leakage. Low or contaminated fluid reduces power steering assist.
When: Observed around 38,000–48,800 miles; one case noted 2018 service for fluid check and fill.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering becomes very rigid with quick or slow turning; Groaning noise from steering system; Difficult to maneuver in tight spaces or during emergency swerve; Fluid reservoir hidden behind front passenger wheel well, difficult for owners to check
Repairs/costs cited: Fluid check and refill; second opinion noted possible active leak; fluid reservoir inaccessible to average owner for routine inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised fluid evaporation as cause in one case; no recall or service bulletin mentioned.
Steering Wheel Lock-Up or Intermittent Hardening
Steering wheel intermittently hardens, locks, or becomes extremely difficult to turn while driving. Defect appears systemic to Electric Power Steering (EPS) or control modules. Two separate professional repairs at cost of $600 and $1,500 failed to resolve the issue permanently.
When: Multiple occurrences from early ownership through 74,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks up or hardens intermittently while driving; Extremely difficult to maneuver vehicle; Issue persists despite two separate professional repair attempts; Defect does not respond to standard repair procedures
Repairs/costs cited: First repair attempt $600; second repair attempt $1,500; problem remained unresolved after combined $2,100 spent.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or TSB mentioned; defect not corrected by standard repair.
Clock Spring Failure in Steering Column
Clock spring component in the steering column fails, affecting cruise control, traction control, and ABS functionality. One owner reported failure after making a left turn, with check engine light illuminating after ABS engaged.
When: Mileage not specified; one complaint mentioned low-mileage vehicle.
Symptoms owners cite: Inability to use cruise control; Inability to turn traction control on or off; ABS engagement without clear cause
Repairs/costs cited: Clock spring replacement quoted at $589 parts plus approximately $300 labor ($889 total).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge identified part as clock spring; no recall or warranty information provided.
Complete Power Loss (Electrical Shutdown)
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, including power steering, power brakes, lights, and stereo. In one case, all dashboard lights illuminated before shutdown; in another, vehicle shut down at a red light with brakes applied. Manual steering and braking continued but with significantly increased effort.
When: 25–57,362 miles; one case at red light.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete electrical shutdown while driving; All dashboard lights illuminate; Loss of power steering and power brakes (manual steering/braking still functional with high effort); Lights and stereo malfunction or continue operating erratically; Vehicle stalls without warning; Battery disconnect required in one case to shut down electronics
Repairs/costs cited: Electronic power steering pump replacement $1,800 in one case; one case required towing to dealership; technician unable to duplicate intermittent failure in another.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case towed to dealer but technician unable to duplicate; manufacturer not informed in one case; no recall mentioned.
Synthesized from 20 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I have a 2014 Dodge challenger. I was driving and made a left hand turn and then my ABS came on and now I cant use my cruse control and I cant turn the traction control off or on . Call Dodge and they are telling me it is a clock spring in the steering column and the price is $589.00 and the labor will be about $300.00. I think that's is a bad part to put in a car.
Steering wheel locks up at while driving making it very hard to turn. The dealerships, wants $200/300 for a diagnostic fee and $3k to repair it. This has been reported for years now as you can se with the other complaints. Dealerships must be held accountable for such safety hazards. Thousands of these cars are on the road and millions of lives are in danger. You are our voice please speak…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Challenger?
It's a meaningful issue. 20 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 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 37,992 and 62,236 miles, with the median around 57,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 37,992; a quarter make it past 62,236. 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/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.