Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2014 Dodge Durango steering problems
severe Owners of the 2014 Dodge Durango have filed 12 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
12
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Durango | 27 |
| 2012 Durango | 41 |
| 2013 Durango | 24 |
| 2014 Durango (this page) | 12 |
| 2015 Durango | 3 |
| 2016 Durango | 3 |
| 2017 Durango | 11 |
| 2018 Durango | 3 |
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 12 steering complaints filed for the 2014 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 7 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 ↗RA2 RG2 RJ2 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio's software. The customer may notice one or more of the following: · **Enhancements to software to correct an issue with the heated seat icon showing up in blue and the heated steering wheel icon remaining a constant red when off instead of grey induced by 15.24.00 flash.** · During an ignition cycle, there is loss of functionality to play from the list of media sources: USB (Universal Serial Bus)/SD (Secure Digital) Card/Bluetooth streaming device. · Intermittently missing tracks on USB/SD Card media modes. · Potential for inoperative or blank radio display. · Radio displays message ?Please insert update USB?. · AM/FM p
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗RA2 RG2 RJ2 Radio Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio's software. The customer may notice one or more of the following: · Potential for inoperative or blank radio display. · Radio displays message ?Please insert update USB?. · AM/FM presets lost over an ignition cycle. · iPod Synchronization will be incomplete causing the voice recognition to be inoperative. · Display shows multiple USB media song titles in the browse menu. · System incorrectly comes up in Aux mode. Unable to change CD tracks with steering wheel controls. · May be able to change AM/FM frequencies while changing SXM frequencies. · Display screen dim. · Paired phone list is deleted after ignition cycle. · No
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 Durango report power steering suddenly going out or becoming extremely stiff while driving, sometimes accompanied by smoke from the engine bay. One owner lost power steering at 507 miles on a new vehicle due to a power steering pump leak; others experienced complete loss of steering assist on city streets and highways with an electric power steering control module diagnosed as faulty. The control module has been on backorder with a manufacturer backlog of 160+ waiting customers.
A recurring electrical problem appears throughout these complaints: the EMC fuse in the fuse box repeatedly blows, causing the box to smoke and shutting down the entire vehicle—which in turn kills power steering. One owner states this happens despite the vehicle having been through recall service.
Multiple complaints describe all dashboard sensors flashing simultaneously, with diagnostic codes pointing to CAN bus faults (U0001). These cascade into limp mode, loss of braking, windshield wipers activating on their own, and false warnings. One owner lost both power steering and braking while driving on a highway, a particularly dangerous scenario.
Steering gear/rack leaks appear on used units as well, sometimes at relatively low mileage (63,000 miles). A few owners also report water pump failures appearing alongside power steering warning lights. Dealership responsiveness varies; some parts are backordered for months, leaving owners without functional vehicles.
Same Dodge Durango steering reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2013 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Power steering loss / hardening
Steering suddenly becomes stiff or power assist cuts out completely while driving, making the wheel very difficult to turn. Occurs unexpectedly mid-drive on city streets and highways. One owner reports electric power steering control module failure; another reports water pump failure with steering indicator illuminated; another cites steering gear/rack leaks.
When: While driving; one incident at 507 miles (new vehicle); one at 60,000 miles; one at approximately 63,000 miles on used vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel suddenly becomes very hard to turn; Complete loss of power steering assist; Power steering indicator light illuminates; Steering tightens up severely
Codes mentioned: U0001
Repairs/costs cited: One owner: electric power steering control module diagnosed as faulty, part on back order with 160+ customers waiting. Another: power steering pump leaked from behind pulley, fluid leaked onto serpentine belt. Another: steering gear/rack leaks diagnosed, repair quoted at $1,900 by dealership.
Fuse box and electrical shorts (EMC fuse)
Fuse box repeatedly blows the EMC (engine management control) fuse, causing the box to overheat and smoke like it is on fire. Each time the fuse blows, the entire vehicle shuts down. Dealer cannot resolve the issue even after vehicle has been through recall service.
When: Recurring issue; vehicle has had recalls but owner states problems persist post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: EMC fuse keeps blowing; Fuse box smoking heavily; Entire vehicle shuts down when fuse blows; Power steering loses function as a result of electrical shutdown
Repairs/costs cited: Owner pulled the fuse multiple times to stop the shutdown cycle. Dealer claimed to have fixed the issue under recall but owner reports it is not actually fixed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Vehicle has recalls; dealer stated nothing could be done and claimed the issue was fixed, but owner disputes this.
Electrical sensor cascade failures and bus faults
Multiple dashboard sensors begin flashing simultaneously without clear trigger. Diagnostic trouble codes indicate CAN bus failures (U0001) and speed message errors. Vehicle enters limp mode, windshield wipers activate on their own, and secondary systems malfunction (clutch pedal warnings on automatic transmission, shifter lock). Power steering and braking are lost in conjunction with these electrical faults.
When: Mid-drive; sensors came back on the same day after being cleared at dealership
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard sensors flash simultaneously; Windshield wipers turn on by themselves; Vehicle enters limp mode; Car makes strange noises; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Shifter locks in drive position; Engine will not turn off; False clutch-in warning on automatic transmission; Steering wheel becomes very difficult to operate
Codes mentioned: U0001, CAN bus fault, Speed message code
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership charged battery and cleared codes, but the same faults returned immediately. Firestone replaced the battery, but sensors continued flashing all the way home.
Water pump failure with secondary steering indicator light
Water pump fails prematurely, causing the temperature gauge and power steering indicator lights to illuminate together. Owner attributes failure to defective materials. No dealer diagnostic or repair was performed by the reporting owner.
When: At 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge illuminates; Power steering indicator illuminates; Water pump failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner self-diagnosed water pump failure; no repair costs or parts data provided.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Smoke from engine compartment (power steering pump leak)
Engine bay begins to smoke during driving, initially appearing as a fire hazard. Smoke clears after a few minutes. Diagnosed as a power steering pump leak originating from behind the pulley, with fluid contaminating the serpentine belt.
When: At approximately 507 miles on a new company vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke from under the hood during driving; Loss of power steering; No visible flames observed when hood opened
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering pump leak from behind pulley; fluid leaked onto serpentine belt.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer service appointment scheduled after customer service call. Dealership performed the repair.
Steering gear/rack leaks (used vehicle)
Leaking steering gear or rack assembly on a used Durango purchased from an official Dodge dealership. Dealership flagged it as a state inspection failure and pressured owner to repair immediately at premium cost, though a second mechanic shop indicated the leak was not severe enough to warrant urgent repair.
When: At approximately 63,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Steering gear/rack leak detected during state inspection
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $1,900 for repair. Second mechanic shop assessed the leak as not in need of immediate repair.
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Three weeks ago, the power steering failed on my SUV while in motion on a city street. It tightened up severely, making it very difficult to steer. The Dodge dealer says the electric power steering control module is faulty and the part is on back order. Today (dec.19), I was told the part would not be available until sometime in january. A parts representative offered to locate a generic part…
Had steering trouble with your 2014 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 2014 Dodge Durango?
It's a meaningful issue. 12 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 12 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 85,722 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/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.