Steering System Inspection After a Collision This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding conditions under which replacement or repair of steering system components are required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Chrysler 200 steering problems
severe Owners of the 2015 Chrysler 200 have filed 86 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 45,000 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
86
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 200 | 24 |
| 2012 200 | 45 |
| 2013 200 | 38 |
| 2014 200 | 13 |
| 2015 200 (this page) | 86 |
| 2016 200 | 23 |
9crashes
5injuries
What stands out
Of the 6 model years of Chrysler 200 we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 86.
Owners have filed 86 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.
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.
Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Flash: Powertrain Diagnostic and System Improvements This bulletin involves reprogramming the Powertrain Control Module (PCM) with the latest available software. A small number of customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation the technician may find one or more of the following DTCs set in the PCM memory: U1504 - Implausible Message Data Length Received From Steering Angle Sensor. P0128 - Thermostat Rationality. P0335 - Crankshaft Position Sensor Circuit. P0340 - Camshaft Position Sensor Circuit Bank 1 Sensor 1. U1424-00 - Implausible Engine Torque Signal Received. P1066 - Cylinder 1 Oil Supply Solenoid Valve Switch Off Time Out Of Range
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Gear Assy - Steering Rack & Pinion Electric
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2015 Chrysler 200 is plagued by intermittent but catastrophic failures that rob the driver of steering, brakes, or engine power while moving. Power steering loss is the most common complaint—the steering wheel locks up with no warning, sometimes repeatedly during a single drive. Owners report replacing the steering rack, pinion, and electric power steering modules without the problem stopping. Battery replacement has not helped either.
Complete electrical shutdowns occur at highway speeds (55–70 mph). The engine dies, the car won't respond to the starter, the shift knob freezes, and steering and brakes go dead. Some owners have had to disconnect the battery to regain control. Dealerships claim they cannot recreate these failures, yet many owners report the same problem recurring after "repair."
Transmission defects are rampant: the car slips from Drive into Neutral without warning, especially at traffic lights. The shift knob locks frequently, trapping the car in its current gear. Some vehicles have had the transmission replaced twice within 20,000 miles and still fail.
Stalling is relentless. The engine quits at any speed with no prior warning. Power steering vanishes simultaneously, and restarting takes multiple attempts or waiting minutes. One vehicle stalled five times in a single month.
One owner's lower ball joint failed at the factory and separated at a stop sign, nearly destroying the car and trapping them at a dealership for weeks. A steering wheel seizure at 61 mph caused a head-on crash into an oncoming vehicle and then a rock face, hospitalizing the driver with serious injuries. Another owner's steering locked at 45 mph, destroying the car against a pole.
Dealers have been unable or unwilling to fix these problems permanently. Chrysler has refused buybacks and lemon-law action appears necessary in some cases.
Same Chrysler 200 steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Loss / Electrical Failure
Loss of power steering accompanied by warning lights ('Power Steering Unavailable') or complete electrical shutdown. Multiple owners report sudden inability to steer, sometimes occurring multiple times during a single drive. Battery replacement and steering rack/pinion replacement have not resolved the issue for some owners.
When: Various speeds and driving conditions, including during heavy traffic, highway driving (55-70 mph), and normal city driving. Some incidents occur within 2-3 weeks of purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Warning light 'Power Steering Unavailable' appears on dash; Steering wheel locks up or becomes extremely hard to turn; Loss of steering control without warning; Difficulty steering after engine restart; Intermittent power steering failure; Steering wheel becomes stiff while turning left or right
Codes mentioned: P2302, P2305, P2308, P2311
Repairs/costs cited: Firestone identified electrical issue; battery replacement at one dealership; steering rack and pinion replaced ($2300+) without resolving issue; electric power steering module ordered at another dealership; PDC connector C4 terminal pushouts on pins 15 & 18 repaired; PCM flashing performed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Takata airbag recall mentioned; Chrysler roadside assistance dispatched vehicles to dealerships; one owner traded vehicle due to safety concerns; warranty coverage applied; Chrysler told one owner the vehicle did not meet their VIN-based recall criteria.
Complete Electrical / Computer Shutdown While Driving
Sudden total shutdown of the vehicle while driving at highway speeds, causing loss of all steering, braking, and transmission function. Engine shuts off completely, warning lights cycle, and vehicle becomes unresponsive. Restart is difficult or impossible, sometimes requiring battery disconnection. Multiple owners report this recurring after dealer repair attempts.
When: Occurs at various speeds (30-70 mph), including on highways and city streets. One incident reported at 55 mph, another at 65 mph on I-26, another at 61 mph in mountains. Affects vehicles within first 2-3 years of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and service transmission alarm illuminate; Vehicle begins to lurch and decelerate; Complete loss of steering ability; Loss of braking ability; Engine shuts down completely; Car will not restart or restarts only after several minutes; Service lights flash and car shakes with clicking/grinding sounds; All electrical systems working (lights, radio) but engine will not start; Shift knob locks and cannot be moved to Park
Codes mentioned: P2302, P2305, P2308, P2311
Repairs/costs cited: Power distribution center replacement; PCM flashing; PDC connector repaired; some repairs attempted but failures recurred; one owner traded vehicle; multiple repair attempts at dealerships have not permanently resolved issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler roadside assistance dispatched tow trucks; dealership attempted repairs but stated they could not recreate issue; Chrysler customer service asked specific questions suggesting this is a known pattern; one owner considered lemon law action after multiple failed repair attempts.
Lower Ball Joint / Front Suspension Failure
Factory assembly defect where lower ball joint is not fully installed. The pinch bolt is present but the ball joint head never fully passed through, causing the joint to separate suddenly during normal driving with significant force.
When: At stop sign during normal driving; within 2 weeks of purchase (new vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Jolt and noise heard at stop sign; Lower ball joint separation from knuckle; Right front tire flipped out and turned 90 degrees; Front end resting on fender; Axle jerked out with significant force
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced right front lower arm, knuckle, axle, and splash shield; power steering relearn and four-wheel alignment performed; vehicle required extended dealership stay during planned vacation and subsequent rental car.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Care willing to work with owner initially; buyback department refused vehicle replacement and claimed coverage under warranty; vehicle sat at dealership for over one month; Chrysler refused further assistance; owner advised by attorney to pursue lawsuit against Chrysler and dealership.
Transmission Failure / Harsh Shifting / Gear Slipping
Transmission slips out of drive to neutral unpredictably, especially at traffic lights and while driving on highways. Shift knob frequently locks, preventing gear changes. Multiple replacements have not resolved recurring issues. Some owners report harsh jerking during acceleration and deceleration.
When: At stoplights; while driving on highways (55-70 mph); within 2-20 months of ownership; one owner had transmission fail twice within 20,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Gear slips from drive to neutral without warning; Shift knob locks, preventing shift into Park or any gear; Dashboard instruction to 'shift into Park and choose desired gear'; Harsh jerking during gear changes; Transmission shifts hard and unpredictably; Clucking/vibrating noise during shifting; Delayed shift when putting vehicle in drive; Lurching sensation during acceleration or deceleration; Vehicle jerks sideways during acceleration/deceleration; Transmission slow to downshift
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement (at least one vehicle replaced transmission twice within first two years); recall for transmission replacement mentioned by multiple owners; dealership unable to fix recurring issues; one owner had 20+ shop visits for same problem with no permanent fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler stated they do not have a fix for the problem (per one owner); transmission replacement recall issued but owner reported same faulty part reinstalled; vehicle in shop 20+ times with no resolution.
Intermittent Stalling During Driving
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds with no warning lights or sounds. Occurs multiple times during single drive or within a few days. Difficult to restart; sometimes requires 2-3 attempts or waiting several minutes. Loss of power steering and brakes during incidents.
When: Within first year of ownership; at various speeds (15-70 mph); some incidents occur multiple times within a week; one owner reported 5 incidents in one month.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off suddenly with no warning; No warning lights prior to stall (sometimes); Battery light, traction light, and power steering warning appear after; Power steering becomes inoperable; Braking system warning displayed; Unable to shift into any gear after stall; Difficult restart requiring multiple attempts; Engine makes clicking/grinding sounds on restart attempt; Service lights flash and car shakes
Repairs/costs cited: Motor replacement performed on at least one vehicle with 54 miles on it; dealership unable to recreate issue and returned car without repair; one owner replaced battery ($390) at dealership suggestion but battery tested fine.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership stated they cannot recreate the issue; Chrysler customer care advised to drive car and wait for light to recur; Chrysler told one owner no recall applied to their VIN; multiple owners attempted contact with Chrysler with little response.
Steering Wheel Seizure / Hard Steering
Steering wheel becomes extremely difficult to turn or locks up completely with no warning. Occurs while turning or changing lanes. One owner reported steering wheel seized while driving 45 mph resulting in crash into pole. Another owner at 61 mph in mountains crashed into oncoming vehicle and rock face.
When: At 45 mph, 61 mph, while making turns or changing lanes; at 48,000 miles in one crash incident
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel seizes without warning; Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff or locked; Unable to turn steering wheel; Steering becomes difficult while attempting to turn; Abnormal noise from steering; Vibration in steering wheel
Repairs/costs cited: Strut mount bushings identified as needing replacement in one case; two crashes resulted in vehicle destruction and medical injuries; no successful repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failures; dealer diagnosed strut mount housing as defective but did not repair; one vehicle destroyed in crash; medical attention required for owner (broken nose, cuts, sprained neck, head trauma, bruises).
Brake System Failure / Hard Brake Pedal
Braking system fails during power steering loss incidents. Brake pedal becomes extremely stiff and unresponsive, clicking or feeling unstable. Some owners report pedal feels like it will fall through floorboard. Antilock brake system fails while driving.
When: Occurs during electrical shutdowns and power steering failures; some intermittent incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes fail to operate as intended; Brake pedal becomes extremely hard/stiff; Brake pedal clicks and feels unstable; Pedal feels like it will fall through floorboard; Braking system notification on display; Antilock brakes fail; Vehicle does not slow when brake pedal depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder checked and found OK; shops report brake surge as normal; one owner reported this as side effect of steering/electrical shutdown; no permanent repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership advised brake issues are normal; Chrysler notified of failure but no recall action documented.
Synthesized from 86 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had steering trouble with your 2015 Chrysler 200?
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 2015 Chrysler 200?
It's a meaningful issue. 86 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 63 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 17,400 and 70,000 miles, with the median around 45,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 17,400; a quarter make it past 70,000. 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/2015/Chrysler/200.
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.