Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2015 Dodge Journey steering problems
moderate Owners of the 2015 Dodge Journey have filed 39 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 68,000 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
39
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2011 Journey | 23 |
| 2012 Journey | 23 |
| 2013 Journey | 20 |
| 2014 Journey | 28 |
| 2015 Journey (this page) | 39 |
| 2016 Journey | 34 |
| 2017 Journey | 15 |
| 2018 Journey | 11 |
When does it fail?
Of the 39 steering complaints filed for the 2015 Dodge Journey, 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
Owners have filed 39 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 11 model years of Dodge Journey in our records for steering problems, this one ranks #3 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.
RE9 Radio Software Enhancements This bulletin involves updating the radio and navigation software, if required. A customer may experience, one or more of the following conditions: ? Navigation screen locks up or display will be blank. ? Incorrect symbols displayed when entering destination using QWERTY keyboard. ? Navigation feature lockout disable. ? Navigation system resets intermittently. ? Translation improvements/corrections. ? System consistency and operational improvements for menu selections, month/date formatting, and Garmin translation functions. ? Radio system improvements during remote start operation. ? Unable to adjust radio volume using steering wheel switch intermittently. ?
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The steering on 2015 Dodge Journeys fails in multiple dangerous ways. The most severe: the engine shuts off completely while driving, killing power steering and brakes with no warning lights or diagnostic codes—restarts only after turning the ignition cycle. This happens at any speed, from parking lots to highways doing 50–60 mph, and worsens in cold or wet weather. One owner's vehicle stalled at a busy intersection and took 20 minutes to restart, blocking traffic.
Power steering also fails gradually, starting with difficulty turning right at low speeds or when parked, then progressing to both directions becoming nearly impossible to turn. Dealerships identified power steering pump failures, hose ruptures, and rack-and-pinion breakage; one owner was quoted $1,500 for repairs. Some report the steering wheel locking rigid mid-drive as if the engine were off.
Fluid leaks (red power steering fluid pooling under the vehicle) happen alongside steering loss, and owners who topped off fluid found the problem persisted. Owners describe dangerous scenarios: one nearly hit multiple vehicles on a freeway when steering and brakes vanished; another had to emergency-brake across three lanes. Dealership diagnostics repeatedly find no codes and cannot reproduce the failures, leaving vehicles unrepaired. Some owners note these same failures in 2014 and 2016 models with active recalls, but their 2015 VINs are excluded from coverage.
Same Dodge Journey steering reports on nearby years: 2012 · 2013 · 2014 · 2016 · 2017
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stall with loss of power steering and brakes
Engine shuts off completely while driving at various speeds, with no warning lights or diagnostic codes. Power steering locks up and brakes fail. Vehicle restarts after turning ignition off and back on.
When: Occurs at low speeds (turning), highway speeds (50-60 mph), and during deceleration. Some reports note worse performance in cold/rainy conditions. Mileage range: 2,108 to 100,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning indicators or check engine light; Power steering locks up completely; Brake pedal becomes hard or brakes fail; Electrical systems continue to work (lights, wipers, radio, music still playing); Vehicle may stall at red lights or stop signs; Repeated/intermittent stalling over time; Takes 20+ minutes to restart in some cases; Worse in cold, rainy weather
Codes mentioned: P0562 (System Voltage Low), P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit), No codes found in many cases despite dealer diagnostics
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships unable to reproduce issue or identify root cause; computer updates attempted without confirming fix; one recall exists (16V273000 for steering, 2016 models) but not applied to all 2015 VINs; TIPM (Total Integrated Power Module) suspected but not confirmed by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall 16V273000 applies to some 2016 models but coverage gaps for 2015 models reported; crankshaft/camshaft sensor wire harness recall exists for 2016 but not 2015; dealers claim no warranty coverage for undiagnosed issues
Power steering loss or severe loss of assist
Power steering fails to provide normal assist, making the steering wheel extremely difficult to turn, especially at low speeds, during parking, and when stopped. Onset typically in cold weather. Gradually worsens over time.
When: Begins as early as 30,000 miles; progressively worse through 60,000-95,000 miles. More pronounced in cold weather; improves at highway speeds.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel very hard to turn, especially to the right; Complete loss of power assist when turning at stops or low speed; Must accelerate to turn effectively; Loud noise from power steering pump, increases with cold weather; Intermittent loss of assist when turning left; Steering becomes stiffer as ambient temperature drops
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering hose failures reported at 60,000-95,000 miles; power steering pump failure requiring replacement; steering rack and pinion failures; serpentine belt replacement; one owner quoted $1,500 for rack and pinion repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships inspected and claimed everything was fine; Chrysler stated noise is normal; no recalls applied to complaint VINs despite similar recall existing for 2016; repairs not covered under recalls
Steering wheel lockup while driving
Steering wheel locks up rigid and cannot be turned while vehicle is moving, as if parked with engine off. Occurs suddenly without warning.
When: During highway driving, turning, or low-speed maneuvers. Mileage varies.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes completely rigid and immovable; Locks occur suddenly with no prior warning; Happens both during turns and straight driving; Vehicle may continue running during lockup
Codes mentioned: Lost communication with steering sensor (check engine code reported)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers reported replacing steering gear, rack, and module to resolve
Power steering fluid leaks
Power steering fluid leaks from failed hose connections or pump seals. Red fluid visible beneath vehicle.
When: Reported across mileage range; some noted leak discovery after cold weather onset.
Symptoms owners cite: Red fluid visible under vehicle or in engine bay; Loss of power steering assist correlating with low fluid; Drastic leaking in some cases
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering fluid hose replacement performed; pump replacement; fluid refills temporary fix only
Steering wheel vibration and noise during braking
Steering wheel vibrates and makes loud noise when braking or coming to a stop.
When: Reported as early as 3,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Loud noise from steering when brake pedal depressed; Steering wheel vibrates during braking; Occurs when coming to a stop
Repairs/costs cited: Cause not determined at dealership; not repaired
Steering sensor communication failure
Vehicle loses communication with steering sensor, triggering check engine light and rendering steering wheel controls inoperable.
When: Occurs at random times.
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light and traction control light illuminate; Lost communication with steering sensor (code message); Steering wheel controls (horn, blinker, cruise) stop working; Windshield wipers run at full speed and cannot be turned off; Unable to use remote start
Codes mentioned: Lost communication with steering sensor
Power steering issues on right turns at low speed
Power steering system fails to provide assist when turning right, especially when vehicle is stopped or moving slowly. No noticeable pump leak or noise.
When: Affects stationary turning and low-speed maneuvers.
Symptoms owners cite: No power steering assist when turning right from standing still; Turns are difficult without acceleration; Funny noise during failed assist; Assistance becomes more normal once vehicle is moving
Serpentine belt and component failure with steering stiffness
Serpentine belt comes off during driving, causing steering to become rigid and stiff. Associated with engine noise and major fluid leaks.
When: During acceleration while driving.
Symptoms owners cite: Strange engine noise while accelerating; Serpentine belt and crankshaft come off; Steering wheel becomes rigid/stiff; Battery warning light illuminates; Large oil leak; Engine stops
Synthesized from 39 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Repeated system low voltage issues, vehicle stalls while driving - does not matter the speed - it has done it at 50 - 60 miles a hour rendering power brakes and steering useless. Stalls at red lights or stop signs while moving or still. It is worse during cold and rainy conditions. Vehicle will eventually start back up after about 20 minutes of being stranded. Yesterday during pouring down…
My vehicle is experiencing steering issues. The steering wheel is very hard to turn and sometimes it feels like it's locked and it won't turn at all. It happens when pulling out of parking space and turning (especially sharp turns) at low speed. This issue started when the weather is cold.
My car steering wheel make noise when I turn the steering and was told it's in recall I take to the dealer 3timrs nd they never fixed it
Had steering trouble with your 2015 Dodge Journey?
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 Dodge Journey?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 39 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 23 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 30,000 and 81,000 miles, with the median around 68,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 30,000; a quarter make it past 81,000. 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/Dodge/Journey.
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.