FaultScore

Dodge Durango steering problems

752 of the 19,338 complaints filed about the Dodge Durango are about the steering — 4% of everything owners reported. The worst model year for it is 1999.

752

Complaints

4%

Share of all complaints

46

Crashes

11

Fires

Steering complaints by model year

1998 Durango 103 13.7%

Median failure at 65,000 miles

1999 Durango 172 22.9%

Median failure at 70,048 miles

2000 Durango 90 12.0%

Median failure at 54,404 miles

2001 Durango 53 7.0%

Median failure at 53,163 miles

2002 Durango 31 4.1%

Median failure at 94,686 miles

2003 Durango 20 2.7%

Median failure at 60,749 miles

2004 Durango 31 4.1%

Median failure at 83,520 miles

2005 Durango 71 9.4%

Median failure at 88,061 miles

2006 Durango 23 3.1%

Median failure at 69,500 miles

2007 Durango 10 1.3%

Median failure at 160,000 miles

2008 Durango 8 1.1%

Median failure at 41,000 miles

2009 Durango 1 0.1%

Median failure at 40,000 miles

2011 Durango 27 3.6%

Median failure at 57,522 miles

2012 Durango 41 5.5%

Median failure at 87,000 miles

2013 Durango 24 3.2%

Median failure at 79,500 miles

2014 Durango 12 1.6%

Median failure at 65,500 miles

2015 Durango 3 0.4%

Median failure at 3,400 miles

2016 Durango 3 0.4%

Median failure at 52,869 miles

2017 Durango 11 1.5%

Median failure at 20,500 miles

2018 Durango 3 0.4%

Median failure at 10,000 miles

2019 Durango 6 0.8%

Median failure at 16,000 miles

2020 Durango 3 0.4%

Median failure at 24,085 miles

2021 Durango 4 0.5%

Median failure at 1,427 miles

2022 Durango 1 0.1%
2024 Durango 1 0.1%

What owners said

2022 Dodge Durango Magnolia, TX

STEERING

Replaced batteries, and power steering went out, it put my vehicle out of alignment... I tried getting an alignment at local Firestone. Told me they could not connect to the angle sensors and that I need to get a new rack and pinion

NHTSA complaint #11748362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Dodge Durango Worcester, MA

STEERING

1. Active Head Rest Inadvertent Deployment Driver's side 2. seat warmers and steering wheel warmer won't turn off unless vehicle is turned off and on again.

NHTSA complaint #11717614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Dodge Durango New Haven, MI

STEERING

Electronic power steering locks the wheel while turning. Have to use excessive force to get it out of the stuck position. I have went through several forums trying to figure out why this happens there are many other customers experiencing the same problem. There is no power steering pump to replace so this could be an absolute danger to anyone driving a Durango with this problem or others around them.

NHTSA complaint #11687820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Dodge Durango Avondale, AZ

STEERING

Manufacture defect, steering column rubbing against brake line causing brake line to rupture causing damages with possible danger of fire or possible collision

NHTSA complaint #11685097 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2024 Dodge Durango Tamarca, FL

STEERING

I purchased a brand-new 2024 Dodge Durango that has had an unresolved front-end noise since purchase. The service manager and two technicians confirmed hearing the noise, but the dealership and manufacturer have not been able to identify or repair it after multiple visits.The vehicle has also had loose bumper hardware, missing clips, loose hoses, and a defective roof rack. I am concerned this may be related to the suspension or steering, which could pose a safety risk if parts are loose or failing. The vehicle is available for inspection at any time.

NHTSA complaint #11674860 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Dodge Durango at 1,854 miles Brooklyn, NY

STEERING

The contact owns a 2021 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle started to pull to the left, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact felt a vibration in the steering wheel, and the vehicle pulling to the left or the right while driving downhill or on the highway. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed with wheel alignment and steering wheel failure. The wheels were aligned, and the steering wheel was adjusted; however, the failure recurred two more times. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 1,854.

NHTSA complaint #11652582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2013 Dodge Durango Dallas, OR

STEERING

While driving , the car just shuts off and the steering wheel and breaks lock. No matter how fast you’re going. Took to the mechanic and he said it was the WIN system.

NHTSA complaint #11647531 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Dodge Durango Dearborn Heights, MI Crash

STEERING

I was in a blizzard a few days ago on the freeway & got caught in a ditch, but thankfully got out. I wasn’t going that fast & couldn’t due to not being able to see through the snow well so I can drive safely. In order not to crash because there were semi trucks around, I had to whip the steering wheel along with the weight of the car on the snow in order not to crash due to the car being big & it was sliding pretty heavy & somehow a couple things went out of wack after turning my steering wheel. Definitely a scary experience. It is very hard to turn out of no where, as well it’s rare at times when it turns just a little smoothly. Also, once when first pulling off, it makes a consecutive clicking noise coming from or by the tires. When I give it acceleration while turning, as well, it makes that clicking sound. Then there’s just something about the engine or the drive train that sounds off. I’m still learning as I go about fixing what needs to be done.

NHTSA complaint #11638640 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2020 Dodge Durango at 48,000 miles Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

The contact owns a 2020 Dodge Durango. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH, the steering wheel locked, and the contact depressed the brake pedal but was unable to turn the steering wheel. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the power steering rack pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V154000 (STEERING). The failure mileage was 48,000.

NHTSA complaint #11631876 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Dodge Durango North Pole, AK

STEERING

Lost power steering after I started vehicle after driving. It happens to remove power steering unavailable code after restarting vehicle several times and power steering returns. I believe it may be something with ABS as the ECU and EPS is all connected. If something is off then it goes into limp mode. ABS was resetted and worked fine and not needing to replace the entire electric power steering. All started when I had 88K miles. One time the steering wheel locked on me while I was driving over a bridge with snow and ice on ground.

NHTSA complaint #11599340 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2011 Dodge Durango Philadelphia, PA

STEERING

Engine stopped while driving and steering was pulling to the right..was able to start back up and park it..has p0303 code..and p0300 code pending...checked number 3 spark plugs. And engine seems to be burning oil..cleaned up spark plugs and white smoke is coming out driver side exhaust pipe..will try changing pvc valve next..

NHTSA complaint #11591992 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Dodge Durango Charlevoix, MI

STEERING

I WAS DRIVING 45 MPH WHEN MY VEHICLE TOLD ME PUT MY CAR INTO PARK. I LOST CONTROL OF MY STEERING AND CONTROL OF MY ABILITY TO PUT MY CAR INTO OR OUR OF GEAR. I HAD STARTED TO SLOW DOWN DUE TO LOSS OF CONTROLS AND MY CAR HALTED TO AN ADRUPT STOP AND WOULD NOT ALLOW ME TO HAVE ANY CONTROL OF ITS FUNCTIONS. DUE TO BEING IN TRAFFIC I ATTEMPTED TO THE VEHICLE IN PARK AND IT DID NOT ALLOW, I WAITED APPROXIMATELY 5 MIN, AT THAT POINT IT ALLOWED ME TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK, I ATTEMPTED TO RESTART AND IT WOULD NOT ALLOW ME. AFTER WAITING APPROXIMATELY 10 MIN. I WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THE IGNITION MODULE WAS REPAIRED ON 6/13 AND A FEW DAYS LATER CUT OFF AFTER REPAIRS.

NHTSA complaint #11589603 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Dodge Durango Orange Park, FL

STEERING

Goodyear examined my Durango on October 4th 2023. Examination results reported a flawed electromechanical steering gearbox. Price to repair including parts, upwards of 4,000 dollars. I have a prepaid warranty covering repairs and parts. Parts availability from the Chrysler corporation are the issue. The dealership Orange Park Chrysler Jeep Dodge was informed AND examined the vehicle themselves. They related to me the "part isn't available". I returned to the Goodyear dealership. Their response is the same. Neither factory nor aftermarket steering gearbox are available for purchase. Therein lies the reason for this report from me. I've written emails to Chrysler (stellantis) customer service 3 times. The 3rd time being today October 16th. They responded once shortly after the October 4th email. Since then quiet as a church mouse. So far the steering gearbox just pops and makes grinding noises. I'm 67 years old and existing on disability payments. I can't get the parts. I still owe 32,000 plus (9650 for warranty coverage). So I CAN'T get rid of it. If it fails while being driven, State Farm won't cover the damages because I KNEW the vehicle was needing repairs and continued to drive it. I'm FORCED to drive it because of parts UNAVAILABLE by Chrysler or the aftermarket. I can't afford a rental car for what appears to be an EXTENDED period of time. I can't attach the 3 emails here. However the emails WILL be retained for future reference. Any assistance you may provide would be greatly appreciated.

NHTSA complaint #11550261 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Dodge Durango Simi Valley, CA

STEERING

While driving all sensors began flashing simultaneously. I took to mechanic and a few codes turned up. One for speed messages. One for can bus and the other was U0001. Took to dealership service and they had it for a week. After charging battery all sensors were cleared. Same day driving home all sensors came back on simultaneously. Car began making noises and driving in limp mode windshield wipers turned on by themselves. Took car to Firestone to check battery. They replaced battery. Sensors were still flashing all the way home but no other problems. Next day i lost power steering and ability to brake. Nearly crashing the Durango. I eventually was able to pull wheel and get to side of road. I tried to turn off engine,, but it would not turn off nor would the shifter allow me to shift to park. I sat in idle for a few moments and turned car off. I was near my home so drove home.. very difficult to steer. Then car sensors said to push clutch in . I have an automatic. It went crazy.

NHTSA complaint #11545306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2014 Dodge Durango Lexington, SC

STEERING

Rackin pinion, Lumbar drivers seat stopped working, 120v outlet came out, jerking at pulling off, all dash components do things when ever. Electrical issues within radio and dash.

NHTSA complaint #11542180 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2021 Dodge Durango California City, CA

STEERING

Before we bought the vehicle we were questioned the steering to get fixed because they stated it was so so alignment issue. But after we purchased within a year we have to get the steering fixed multiple times. Dealership Capricorn that's it was just a loose bolt. This causes a stream safety concerns because there are times where we can't steer correctly or if the steering wheel is straight. The vehicle drifts to the right. Try to take it back another time. Was told by dealership that was a cosmetic issue and is no longer covered on the warranty

NHTSA complaint #11542154 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2018 Dodge Durango Austin, AR Crash

STEERING

While on my way to an appointment it was raining and I noticed my car wasn't handling the water on the road like it usually did. It was pulling to one side or jumping around when it hit shallow water. I turned the traction control off and then back on and that seemed to make a difference. That night I got on NHTSA and searched for recalls with my VIN number. While other 2018 Durango's had recalls on the ESP it said mine wasn't one on them. About a week later it had been storming all night and I was on my way to work the next morning when I come around a curve to deep flowing water covering the road for approx. 30 yards before a small break and then a thin flowing of water for approx. 20 feet which I didn't see because it was still raining. When I hit the deep water it pulled me towards the right ditch, I was able to keep from going in the ditch but it was a constant fight until I was through the puddle. After the first puddle let go of my vehicle there was just enough time for me to feel relieved I had made it through it before I hit the shallow water and my car hydroplaned darting left, entering the ditch, ramping the side of a driveway and going airborne between two trees before coming down on it's front end and sliding 30 feet to a stop. The emergency contact system spoke asking who to contact but none of my ICE was displayed. Thankfully I was wearing my seatbelt although the tensioner didn't lock the belt in place like it should in the event of an accident. Also neither front airbag deployed, only the passenger side air curtain deployed. My passenger side mirror was hit by a mailbox as I ramped the driveway so I assumed that is why the side curtain deployed but the accident crushed and partially removed both my front and back bumper so my 2 front air bags should have deployed as well. An accident report was made and my insurance company ruled my car as a totaled. I told them what happened but I am not sure if the inspected the ESP system or not.

NHTSA complaint #11534477 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Dodge Durango Buckhannon, WV

STEERING

Electric Power Steering failed at 3 years (2020) as of this date (6/2023) no repair parts (paid for years ago) can be had. Even junkyard parts are VIN-coded making them also useless.

NHTSA complaint #11528379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2017 Dodge Durango North Pole, AK

STEERING

I took my 2017 Durango RT AWD in for my steering rack locking up on me while driving and after being parked out in the cold for about 10 min. The two technicians working on it did there multi point inspection and stated that my CV boot had a slight tear and needed replacement as the gears had sediment but were not able to recreate my issue as no codes came out minus a message stating Steering Rack was hot and was limited. A few hrs later they called and said it was done and when I picked it up after paying over $1000 I was not able to leave parking lot because the steering was locked. The brought out the techs and tried to get some codes with no luck. I did even ask to see the old CV boot to see what happened and they told me that they could not show it to me because it was a core they had to swap out. Either way, they told me that the worst thing they did not want was that I needed a new rack and pinion and was looking upwards to $5000 with labor($2K for part alone). It took me about 20 min in their parking lot moving forward and backwards until it unlocked on me. Essentially, I made it home 45 min later fighting with steering which locked up on me while driving almost crashing into the bridge rails on certain occasions or other obstacles as I had to get to the median so I could turn the wheels back in order to warm them up or vehicle to warm up as I was driving in cold weather. When i got home i looked under the vehicle and noticed the passenger steering rack boot cover being really stiff. I waited an hour and cut open the boot and noticed water had accumulated and there was lack of grease. Purchased another dust cover boot for $50 and cleaned and lubricated the steering rack and lucky that has stopped my issue for a while but keeps locking the wheel momentarily.

NHTSA complaint #11527312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

2019 Dodge Durango Parker, CO

STEERING

While driving 70 mph on the highway, the car gave a light that stated, "power steering unavailable" and in fact, I had no power steering. I had to really muscle the car to get it to turn at all. If this had happened while I was turning a corner, it could have been the cause of an accident. Obviously driving a car with no power steering is dangerous in and of itself, not to mention it happening out of the blue while driving at highway speeds. There was no prior warning to the light coming on. This is a car with just over 40k miles on it and is a used Dodge certified car. We had to wait several weeks for an appointment at our local Dodge dealership at which time they confirmed the steering rack is defective. The part was at least 60 days out, indicating to me that this is an issue with other vehicles as well. Fast forward to last week and we were informed the part was in and we could have the car back by the end of this week. However, yesterday (5/10/2023) we received a call that the part that was delivered to the dealership was also defective. They got the part installed, but could not get the computer to recognize it. Currently we do not have a timeline on when a new, hopefully not defective, part will be delivered. We are lucky because we have MOPAR care on the vehicle and it will cover the cost of the repair and they will reimburse us for the use of the rental car, although the rental car is inadequate compared to the car that I purchased.

NHTSA complaint #11521567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other Dodge Durango problems