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 ↗2016 Dodge Charger steering problems
severe Owners of the 2016 Dodge Charger have filed 17 NHTSA complaints about the steering, typically surfacing around 32,175 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
17
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2012 Charger | 53 |
| 2013 Charger | 30 |
| 2014 Charger | 62 |
| 2015 Charger | 13 |
| 2016 Charger (this page) | 17 |
| 2017 Charger | 8 |
| 2018 Charger | 4 |
| 2019 Charger | 9 |
2crashes
7injuries
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 ↗Electric Power Steering Gear If any of the following DTCs exist, it is okay to replace the steering gear: C2217-00, C15C1-00 (EPS Mechanical Performance) or C15DB-00 (Latch Active) otherwise perform the following; 1) Electrical, Communication or DTC (other then above) issue please contact: Terry Gavit @ cell (248) 882-6108 terry.gavit@fcagroup.com Engineering is requesting a copy of Vehicle Scan Report (VSR) to be emailed to the above address. 2) Noise or Mechanical issue please contact: Ruth Delong @ cell (810) 569-0354.~ If you do not receive a return call within 15 minutes, proceed with the repair.~ Please be sure to attach a copy of the Vehicle Scan Report on the repair order
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Electric Power Steering Gear If any of the following DTCs exist, it is okay to replace the steering gear: C2217-00, C15C1-00 (EPS Mechanical Performance) or C15DB-00 (Latch Active) otherwise perform the following; 1) Electrical, Communication or DTC (other then above) issue please contact: Terry Gavit @ cell (248) 882-6108 terry.gavit@fcagroup.com Engineering is requesting a copy of Vehicle Scan Report (VSR) to be emailed to the above address. 2) Noise or Mechanical issue please contact: Ruth Delong @ cell (810) 569-0354.~ If you do not receive a return call within 15 minutes, proceed with the repair.~ Please be sure to attach a copy of the Vehicle Scan Report on the repair order
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report power steering that cuts out without warning at highway speeds and while maneuvering curves—sometimes the wheel locks up completely, then suddenly power returns, causing harsh unintended steering inputs. One owner had to shut down the car, wait 10–30 seconds, then restart just to get power steering back. This happens intermittently, making it unpredictable.
Worse, multiple owners report complete power loss while driving. One was on the interstate at 70 mph when the engine shut down; lights stayed on but the car went dead, locking up power steering and braking simultaneously. He was stranded five hours before the car would restart.
Driveshaft bolts back out and snaps in half on at least two vehicles—one owner spent $1,700 on replacement. A recall exists for 2016 Charger driveshafts.
Front suspension rattles over bumps and the steering wheel feels loose, not fully connected to the road. One vehicle pulled hard to the right after alignment work. Two owners report the steering column itself traps the driver's foot between pedals, and another has a faulty turn signal switch that activates the wipers during turns—a dangerous distraction.
Brakes lock up during power loss events. One car moves forward or backward while parked. Dealerships clear codes repeatedly without fixing the root cause.
Same Dodge Charger steering reports on nearby years: 2013 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Intermittent Power Steering Loss
Power steering assist cuts out randomly or becomes very stiff, sometimes requiring vehicle shutdown and restart to restore function. Occurs while driving at any speed, including highway speeds, creating serious loss-of-control risk.
When: Intermittent, ongoing after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering goes out completely while maneuvering; Steering wheel becomes very stiff and nearly impossible to turn; Power steering assist comes back on suddenly after being out; Requires shutdown and restart cycle to restore function; Loss of control on curves and high-speed braking
Codes mentioned: Service Electronic Stability Control message, Service Electric Power Steering message, Low voltage diagnosis (per dealership)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership reset codes and performed voltage diagnosis; no permanent repair documented. One owner reported $1,700 repair for related driveshaft issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge stated issues were 'nothing' and cleared codes without repair. No recalls issued for power steering systems reported in narratives.
Driveshaft Failure
Drive shaft bolts back out and shaft snaps in half, causing loss of power and steering/braking function. One complaint mentions recall for 2016 Charger driveshaft issue; another owner paid $1,700 for replacement.
When: Unspecified mileage; one complaint at 74,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise from drivetrain; Driveshaft coming apart or snapping; Driveshaft bolts backing out
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement driveshaft cost $1,700. One owner references existing recall for 2016 Dodge Charger driveshaft.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2016 Dodge Charger driveshaft; owner asking how coverage works.
Front Suspension and Steering Looseness
Front end rattles over bumps; steering wheel feels loose and not fully responsive; vehicle pulls to one side. Some owners report rattling in front suspension that was addressed at dealership but pulling sensation persists.
When: Early ownership; recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling noise in front end when driving over bumps; Steering wheel feels loose or not secure; Steering unresponsive, feels disconnected; Vehicle pulls to the right; Car moves forward or backward in park
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced front struts (May 2018); same problem recurred. Wheel alignment performed; pulling to right persisted. Owners paid for two replacement tires.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No factory replacement or recall mentioned. Dealerships performed strut replacement and alignment without resolving all symptoms.
Steering Column Mechanical Faults
Steering column undercarriage traps driver's foot between brake and accelerator pedals. Turn signal switch is faulty, causing wipers to activate during turns, creating distraction and near-crash incidents.
When: Early in ownership (1,950 miles reported for foot trapping)
Symptoms owners cite: Steering column undercarriage traps foot on brake-to-accelerator transition; Turn signal switch malfunction causes wipers to activate; Wipers engage unintentionally during turns
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in complaints. Vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired per one complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of foot-trapping incident.
Brake System Issues
Brakes lock up when power steering fails; car continues to move in Park; brakes do not respond fully when pressed at highway speeds. Related to broader electrical/power loss episodes.
When: Intermittent, during ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes lock up during power loss events; Car moves forward or backward while in Park; Brake pedal does not stop car when pressed; Car shakes when braking at speeds over 55 mph
Codes mentioned: Service Brake System message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership replaced missing caliper on one vehicle; no permanent fix for brake response issues documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or TSBs mentioned for brake system.
Complete Power Loss While Driving
Engine shuts down while driving on highway at speed; lights remain on but vehicle loses all electrical function (power steering, braking). Vehicle stranded for extended periods; restart is intermittent and unreliable.
When: During ownership; one incident after factory flash recall on engine computer
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while at highway speed; Power steering locks up due to power loss; Brake system loses function; Lights stay on but engine dead; Vehicle stranded for hours before restart; Multiple service system messages appear (ESC, AWD, power steering, brake)
Codes mentioned: Service ESC, Service AWD System, Service Electric Power Steering, Service Brake System
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership performed factory 'flash recall on engine computer' before incident occurred. No repair codes found; codes cleared without fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or repair provided. Dodge told owner issues were 'nothing' and codes were cleared.
Wheel Bearing Noise
Strange noise from front wheels; dealership replaced both left and right wheel bearings in succession, indicating possible underlying issue with bearing design or installation quality.
When: April 2016, shortly after purchase in March 2016
Symptoms owners cite: Strange sound from front wheels
Repairs/costs cited: Right wheel bearing replaced; noise returned. Left wheel bearing replaced; no resolution stated.
Synthesized from 17 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 2016 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 2016 Dodge Charger?
It's a meaningful issue. 17 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 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 23,000 and 47,000 miles, with the median around 32,175. A quarter of owners report trouble before 23,000; a quarter make it past 47,000. 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/2016/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.