Improper Up Shift With Paddle Shift This bulletin involves replacing both steering wheel paddle shifter. Customers may experience the following:When trying to upshift using the paddle shifter on the steering, the transmission will downshift instead.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Charger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Dodge Charger have filed 62 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 70,000 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
62
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2010 Charger | 10 |
| 2011 Charger | 39 |
| 2012 Charger | 53 |
| 2013 Charger | 30 |
| 2014 Charger (this page) | 62 |
| 2015 Charger | 13 |
| 2016 Charger | 17 |
| 2017 Charger | 8 |
| 2018 Charger | 4 |
4crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 62 steering complaints filed for the 2014 Dodge Charger, 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
Owners have filed 62 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.
Among the 14 model years of Dodge Charger in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Improper Up Shift With Paddle Shift This bulletin involves replacing both steering wheel paddle shifter. Customers may experience the following:When trying to upshift using the paddle shifter on the steering, the transmission will downshift instead.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
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 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 ↗Steering Column.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2014 Dodge Charger's steering system shows consistent failure patterns across 62 complaints. The most common issue is sudden power steering loss while driving—owners report losing all assisted steering control at highway speeds (65 mph) or during low-speed parking, sometimes with no warning and sometimes preceded by flashing dashboard lights and battery saver mode activation. The service power steering warning light typically illuminates when this happens, but some owners report the loss without any alert.
Owners also report grumbling noises during low-speed turns that correlate with low power steering fluid levels. Despite the system being sealed, fluid gradually disappears. The underlying causes cited include leaks from the reservoir seals, rack outer seals, pump, hoses, and rack ends. Owners note the aggressive ATF+4 power steering fluid degrades seals over time, making them porous.
A secondary failure pattern involves steering wheel locking or becoming extremely difficult to turn, sometimes requiring all available strength to turn the wheel. This can happen at any speed and may unlock after restarting the engine.
Some owners describe an electrical component to the failures—dashboard lights flashing, tachometer and speedometer dropping to zero, engine losing power, and steering cutting out simultaneously, often linked to alternator issues and battery saver mode activation. Multiple owners suspect the alternator malfunction (covered under recall 14V-634) causes electrical spikes that destroy the electric power steering pump.
A third failure involves the steering wheel column assembly physically detaching and collapsing into the driver's lap while driving or adjusting steering height—a heavy assembly that causes interior destruction and injury risk. This problem sometimes recurs even after dealership repair.
Dealership diagnostics frequently show no codes or cannot reproduce the failures, leaving owners unrepaired and unsafe. Parts are commonly on backorder, indicating a systemic issue.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2015 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering fluid loss and pump failure
Owners report low power steering fluid levels (without external accident damage), grumbling noises at low speeds during turns, and complete loss of power steering function. The alleged sealed system leaks from reservoir seals, rack outer seals, pump, hoses, and rack end seals. Fluid loss is said to be aggressive ATF+4 fluid degrading seals over time. When fluid level drops, power steering quits entirely, removing assisted steering control.
When: Low mileage (55k–110k miles); some failures within first 1–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Grumbling noise during low-speed turns or backing; Power steering warning light illumination; Hard steering wheel or complete loss of power steering; Low fluid level despite no visible leaks; Steering becomes limp or unresponsive
Codes mentioned: PS401, P06DD
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of power steering pump (cost cited $1400–$2000+), power steering rack, reservoir, seals, hoses, or entire EHPS assembly. Some owners cite long wait times and parts on backorder. One owner paid $500 co-pay for $1400 pump replacement after FCA initially refused.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 14V-634 (alternator) addresses electrical failures that secondary damage power steering pump. NHTSA Campaign 17V435000 (electrical system) cited but some VINs excluded. FCA has refused coverage in some cases, blaming battery or owner damage rather than pump defect.
Electrical system failure causing power steering loss
Multiple owners describe driving incidents where battery saver mode activates, dashboard lights flash, service power steering light comes on, and power steering cuts out suddenly. The owners suspect alternator malfunction (tied to recall 14V-634) causes electrical short that destroys the electric hydraulic power steering (EHPS) pump or disconnects power to it. One owner reported all warning lights flashing, transmission service messages, tach and speedo dropping to zero, engine losing power, and steering losing power simultaneously.
When: Most incidents 2016 onward; mileage 31k–109k miles; some owners replaced alternator per recall before failure
Symptoms owners cite: Battery saver mode activates unexpectedly; All or multiple dashboard warning lights flash simultaneously; Service power steering warning light comes on; Power steering suddenly stops working while driving; Engine power loss alongside steering loss; Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely hard to turn; Tachometer and speedometer drop to zero; Transmission shifting issues or service transmission message
Codes mentioned: 14V-634 (alternator recall), 17V435000 (electrical system campaign)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners cite EHPS pump replacement ($1400–$2000) after electrical failure. Some dealers claim battery at fault and owners replaced battery; steering still non-functional, indicating pump damage. One owner's pump was quoted $1400 with $500 co-pay; FCA later refused to cover under recall consent order. Multiple mechanics and owners confirm 89+ units in one area alone on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA initially blames 2-year-old battery instead of alternator defect. Refuses warranty coverage in some cases. Alternator recall 14V-634 exists but does not prevent post-recall power steering pump failures from electrical surge. No blanket recall for pump damage secondary to alternator fault.
Steering wheel column detachment and physical collapse
Steering wheel and column rod come completely loose and collapse into owner's lap while driving or adjusting steering wheel height. Owners report the heavy assembly causes interior damage (destroyed windshield wiper lever, damage to lap and legs). Problem recurs even after dealer warranty repair. One owner had incident twice within 1.5 years; first repair was covered by certified pre-owned warranty, second recurrence not covered.
When: Within 1–2 years of ownership; low mileage (69k miles cited); can occur when adjusting steering wheel angle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel and column rod suddenly detach and fall into driver's lap; Heavy assembly causes direct injury risk and interior destruction; Occurs while driving or adjusting steering wheel lever up/down; Problem persists or recurs after dealership repair
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership repair under certified pre-owned warranty (first incident); subsequent failure requires additional repair. One owner spent 20+ days in shop for first incident with no loaner vehicle; repair incomplete as issue recurred within weeks. Owners cite alignment issues, new tires smoking after repair, indicating improper reinstallation.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Certified pre-owned warranty covered first incident but not interior damage. No recall identified. Owners threatening Colorado lemon law action (30+ days in shop requirement met).
Steering lock or extreme stiffness while driving
Owners report steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely difficult to turn while driving at variable speeds (0–65 mph). Some describe steering becoming 'almost impossible to turn' requiring all available strength. Locking occurs intermittently over 10+ separate occasions for some owners. Turning left specifically mentioned by fleet users as triggering loss of power. Steering may unlock after turning engine off and on, or may remain locked.
When: Multiple occurrences from 0–65 mph; can happen at any time with no predictable pattern; sometimes linked to low-speed parking maneuvers
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or becomes extremely hard to turn; Locking occurs without warning while driving; Multiple instances (10+ times for some owners) over extended ownership; Turning left may trigger complete power loss (fleet vehicles); Engine restart may temporarily reset condition; Service power steering light may or may not illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics cite power steering pump failure as likely cause. Dealership diagnostics often show no codes or defect. Multiple mechanics unable to reproduce or diagnose. One police fleet (4 units) quoted $2000+ per vehicle for EHPS pump replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge dealership diagnostics report no defects on test; manufacturer offers no assistance unless recall is identified. No recall triggered by locking symptom.
Steering wheel vibration and harsh feedback at highway speeds
Owners report vibration in steering wheel and dashboard when driving at highway speeds (80+ mph), especially during light rain or drizzle. Condition does not occur on city streets. One owner reports steering wheel pulling left and right repeatedly on highway, nearly causing loss of control, with battery saver mode active beforehand. Another owner reports steering pulling hard left on highway, causing crash into center divider with no control.
When: Highway speeds (65–80+ mph); during light rain/drizzle in some cases
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel vibration at highway speeds; Dashboard shaking in sync with steering wheel; Steering wheel pulling left or right repeatedly; Near or complete loss of vehicle control; Condition reproduces at specific speeds (80 mph threshold noted); Battery saver mode active before incidents
Repairs/costs cited: One owner sought dealership diagnosis; problem not resolved. Owners mention concern that the issue will worsen.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership unable or unwilling to address; problem remains unresolved.
Steering rack failure requiring replacement
Owners report difficult steering that worsens over time, eventually requiring steering rack replacement. One owner at 61k miles reported difficult steering at 40 mph; diagnosis was steering rack failure. Another owner at ~70k miles reported left turn difficulty with locking sensation and knocking/rattling noise from wheel area; diagnosed as needing brake/rotor replacement and lower control arm replacement, but problem persisted; later codes PS401 and P06DD appeared; locking became more frequent.
When: 60k–80k miles; progressive worsening over time
Symptoms owners cite: Difficult steering that worsens progressively; Steering wheel hard to turn, especially turning left; Wheel locks or resists turning; Knocking or rattling noise from wheel area during turns; Low and high-speed knocking noise during turns
Codes mentioned: PS401, P06DD
Repairs/costs cited: Steering rack replacement (61k miles case). Brakes, rotors, and lower control arms also replaced in one case ($unknown cost), but problem persisted post-repair. Owner states dealership has no explanation for continuing symptoms.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership diagnostic determined steering rack replacement needed and performed it (one case). Another case where replacement did not resolve issue—dealership claims no known cause.
Intermittent power steering loss with dash alerts
Power steering cuts out suddenly while driving, triggering service power steering warning light and multiple dash warning lights. Condition is intermittent; steering may work again after restarting the vehicle or after waiting, only to fail again later. One owner lost steering and braking simultaneously while turning at low speed; another nearly crashed after sudden power steering loss at 65 mph. Some owners report steering returning to normal after restart or time delay.
When: Intermittent, unpredictable; can occur at city speeds or highway speeds (40–65 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering cuts out suddenly with no warning; Service power steering warning light illuminates; Multiple dashboard warning lights flash; 'Do not put in park' warning message displayed; Steering becomes extremely difficult or impossible to turn; Intermittent failure; steering may return after restart or delay; Possible simultaneous loss of braking feedback
Repairs/costs cited: Owners took vehicles to dealers; some were told battery was the issue and purchased new battery, but steering failure recurred. No repair performed in several cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership blamed battery in some cases; owner purchased battery but failure persisted. Some claims denied or unresolved.
Synthesized from 62 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
All four axles and spindle nuts are literally decaying and crumbling. Its to the point the guy at the tire shop said its not safe. Being a awd vehicle it puts a lot of strain on the hubs. The car only has 65,000 miles on it.
Wife dropped me off at work and literally the service power steering system light came on the dash. They vehicle lost power steering and this happened out of nowhere. Thankfully she was stopped in a parking lot when this happened and the power steering quit
Tl* the contact owns a 2014 Dodge charger. The contact stated that while driving at 20 MPH, the interior lights flickered, the stereo failed, and the brake pedal vibrated when it was depressed. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle veered to the driver and passenger side intermittently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 62 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 44 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 48,380 and 90,000 miles, with the median around 70,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,380; a quarter make it past 90,000. 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/2014/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.