Dodge Avenger Steering Problems
Owners have filed 123 complaints with NHTSA about steering problems on the Dodge Avenger across 12 model years. The 2008 model year has the most (21). The words owners use most often: “rack pinion” (10% of reports).
- 123steering complaints
- —median miles at failure
- 15mention a crash
- 8mention an injury
- 2related recalls
- 39%of reports with a speed happened at 50+ mph
What owners describe
Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.
- Rack pinion: mentioned in 12 of 123 complaints (10%)
At what mileage do steering problems happen?
Based on 77 complaints that reported the odometer reading.
How serious are the reports?
Of 123 complaints, 15 mention a crash, 8 an injury.
Dodge Avenger steering complaints by model year
| Model year | Steering complaints | Share of that year | Median miles |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 Avenger | 14 | 7% | 42,500 |
| 2013 Avenger | 19 | 3% | 35,000 |
| 2012 Avenger | 20 | 4% | 40,000 |
| 2011 Avenger | 10 | 5% | 122,000 |
| 2010 Avenger | 9 | 6% | 59,227 |
| 2009 Avenger | 2 | 3% | 128,550 |
| 2008 Avenger | 21 | 3% | 57,000 |
| 1999 Avenger | 1 | 2% | — |
| 1998 Avenger | 3 | 5% | — |
| 1997 Avenger | 4 | 5% | 93,000 |
| 1996 Avenger | 8 | 5% | 131,000 |
| 1995 Avenger | 12 | 6% | 113,080 |
When owners reported it
Related recalls (2)
Steering:column
Model years: 2011
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2011dodge journey, jeep wrangler, chrysler 200, chrysler 200 convertible, dodge avenger, dodge nitro, jeep liberty, dodge caliber, jeep compass, jeep patriot, dodge grand caravan and chrysler town & country vehicles. Some of these vehicles may have been built with a missing or incorrectly installed steering column pivot rivet.
Risk: A missing or incorrectly installed rivet could compromise the ability of the steering column to support the occupant loads in the event of a frontal crash, decreasing the effectiveness of the frontal impact safety system. As a result, the condition may increase the potential for injury in a frontal crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect for rivet presence and alignment and repair the steering column pivot as required, free of charge. The safety recall began on july 4, 2011. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
Steering:electric power assist system
Model years: 2010
Problem: Chrysler is recalling certain model year 2010 chrysler sebring, 300, charger (lx) and dodge challenger (lc), avenger (js), and journey (jc), as well as model year 2011 dodge ram light duty pickup (ds) vehicles. Some of these vehicles may experience a separation at the crimped end of the power steering pressure hose assembly.
Risk: Leaked power steering fluid onto hot engine components could cause a fire.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace as necessary the power steering pressure hoses free of charge. The safety recall began on december 20, 2010. Owners may contact chrysler at 1-800-853-1403.
What owners report
Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.
My 2012 dodge avenger will shut off whenever it feels like and you lose control of power steering. It feels like itâs not getting gas. It will crank back up when it feels like.The horn honks randomly.
No accidents rears tires leaning inwards
The contact owns a 2013 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated while driving 50-55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power steering functionality. The contact was able to pull to the side of the road by using physical strength. The vehicle was restarted after several attempts. The contact stated that…
This is a HUGE SAFETY issue!!!!!! The engine randomly shuts off, which also causes the brakes to stop working and to have no power steering. Anything connected to the battery is fine (lights, radio, dashboard, etc.). myself, any passenger, and those around me are put at risk by the car shutting off…
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Avenger. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound. Additionally, the passengerâs side seat headrest exploded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related…
Frequently asked questions
Do all Dodge Avengers have steering problems?
No. NHTSA has 123 owner complaints about steering for the Dodge Avenger. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.
Was there a recall on the Dodge Avenger steering?
Yes: 2 safety recalls list steering. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.
What do owners say about steering problems on the Dodge Avenger?
The most frequent phrase is “rack pinion”, in 12 of 123 complaints.
Other Dodge Avenger problems
- Electrical System problems (596)
- Air Bags problems (564)
- Engine problems (437)
- Power Train problems (417)
- Vehicle Speed Control problems (268)
- Suspension problems (229)
- Seat Belts problems (206)
- Visibility/wiper problems (187)
See all Dodge Avenger problems.