10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
47,655 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2011 Dodge Challenger steering problems

steering problem

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2011 Dodge Challenger Owner Comments

problem #14

Jan 262022

Challenger

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle randomly swerves back and forth when driving. It is very scary and could easily cause an accident and take my life. I-€™ve taken it to vigo dodge and had 3 different mechanics inspect my car over 5 hours and although they each drove my car and experienced what I-€™m referring to, they didn-€™t know what the problem is. I was told to just drive it til it got worse and then maybe they could find the problem. I-€™m scared to drive my car over 30 mph cause the random swerve could make me lose control or even swerve into oncoming traffic. I desperately need help and don-€™t know what to do.

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

problem #13

Aug 292020

Challenger

  • 139,975 miles
I was driving my Dodge Challenger down the road and then loss power steering. The car is almost impossible to drive. Upon further reading and researching many Challenger owners with the 2011-up have the issue the electric power steering pump fails. I have read over a hundred similar complaints on 3 sites... here is one sitte https://https://the electro-hydraulic steering.pumps fail with no warning. I called Chrysler Fiat and was told its not an issue for recall" really loosing all steering is not an issue" then the part is over $1,000 and $250 labor. I almost ate a light pole turning a corner so I find this a real problem and danger with these cars.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #12

Aug 012019

Challenger

  • miles
Takata recall power stern tight alternator recal and air bag light came on and won't go off

- Taborcity, NC, USA

problem #11

Nov 072015

Challenger

  • 31,485 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The power steering pump went out making the car inoperable while out of town. The cost to fix this problem was over 1,400.00.

- Aiken, SC, USA

problem #10

Jun 092017

Challenger

  • 29,000 miles
Steering got very hard when making turns and vibrations in floor on passenger side.

- Picayune, MS, USA

problem #9

Feb 242017

Challenger

  • 80,000 miles
Driving my 2011 Dodge Challenger R/T on the highway on the second lane switching lanes approaching my exit. As I turned to the right lane all the lights on my dashboard went on and without warning my car turned off causing the steering wheel to stiffen up. Luckily I was able to stop the car pull to the shoulder and realized my battery was dead. I jumpstarted my car and was able to get to my destination which was nearby and I parked and turned off my car. As soon as I tried turning it on my battery was dead again. I called my roadside assistance for a jump and was able to get my car going but as soon as I turned the steering wheel my car seemed to have a short which caused all the dashboard lights to go and my car to turn off and kill my battery. Reading how many other Dodge owners have gone through very similar problems and been fortunate to avoid getting hurt or hurting other drivers. I believe this issue should be looked into a bit more since it seems to be more common and should not be at the owners expense. Ive been very happy with my Challenger to this point. I just want to be able to drive my Challenger comfortably not worry about my safety and know the manufacturer has done everything possible to take care of the issue and avoid the same problem in future models. I eventually would like to own a newer Challenger model. Knowing that steps are being taken to avoid similar issues on them, I can see myself getting one, even if asked to return the one I own now.

- South Gate, CA, USA

problem #8

Aug 192016

Challenger

  • 36,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The electrical system on this vehicle shuts the vehicle down when the battery isn"T strong enough to support the computer. This happens while driving. Causing loss of steering and control of the vehicle. The traction control shuts off and because the engine shuts down the power steering is gone and the power brakes. This happened to me coming around a sharp corner of an off ramp. I lost all control of the vehicle and almost went off the road. I called the service dept. Of my dealership and they told me this is common when the battery charge isn't powerful enough to sustain the computer. But there are no warning signals or anything within the car to tell you the battery is low. I did a system check when I pulled over and the system said "ok". I feel this is a serious safety issue. Some one can seriously be hurt or killed.

- Throop, PA, USA

problem #7

Aug 192015

Challenger

  • 77,000 miles
I was driving my vehicle and was waiting to make a left turn at the intersection. My battery appeared to be losing power and I lost my power steering. I believe the alternator went bad which led to the battery dying while driving, causing me to lose power. This was dangerous as I could have lost power and may have caused an accident. I will be taking it to a mechanic to get the alternator replaced. I see Dodge has some recalls on alternators but not sure if it applies to my vehicle

- Fullerton, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 222015

Challenger

  • 52,707 miles
My wife an I were on the interstate when the first incident happened, running 70mph, the instrument panel blinked and all instruments went down the car shut down, there wasn't any electrical to anything. I guess being a manual, it started back up automatically. The second incident was when we were on our way home we decided to take a different way home because this had happened, it therefore happened again same problem but we were running 57. We stopped at a sonic shut the car off, when we started it back up it sound like it was starting out of time, the same thing happened to us again the closer we got home. The car is parked and has not been moved.

- Oak Grove, LA, USA

problem #5

Dec 292014

Challenger

  • 25,000 miles
I was driving home from work and another vehicle was merging onto the highway on the inside shoulder. I made a normal lane change to avoid getting T-boned and my steering locked up causing me to spin out and hit a guardrail.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #4

Dec 302014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 49,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I nearly was killed today getting off highway I-10 when my entire car shut down. The entire electrical system failed ABS, esp, bas, traction lighting all came on - power steering did not work- completely shut down with no recourse finally coasted to park in the garage close by on a downhill exit. I was fortunate enough to find an exit to the parking lot and literally coasted in without power steering or any electrical and was afraid the brakes would not work to even stop the car. Fortunately, it coasted and stopped. Previously received an alternator recall notice from Dodge, but was told they did not have any parts available to fix this vehicle. I had no idea that meant my entire car would die on the highway without the ability to even steer.

- San Antonio, TX, USA

problem #3

Jul 192014

Challenger 6-cyl

  • 44,000 miles
I was driving my car on 7/19/2014 as normal and I noticed several drivers from other cars pointing at my hood. There were no dash indicator lights on. I pulled over and the car powered down and smoke started billowing through the vents and from under the hood. I released the hood and noticed the alternator smoking heavily and melting, I thought it was about to catch fire. I had the car towed to the dealership and was told 4 days later the alternator had to be replaced, not covered under warranty; due to it being considered an accessory; would cost $723 to repair. Being that the car only has 44,000 miles on it, I was very disturbed. My car was ready in about 4 days which I went ahead and paid for repairs as I need the car for transportation and even after I saw the countless reports of similar incidents on the internet and was appalled this part had not been recalled. I figured most cars have to have at least one major repair so I'm good for awhile. Wrong! the same week the car got out of the shop, I started hearing a clicking under the gear shift and the ABS, esp and traction came on the dash. I contacted the dealership to make an appointment to bring it in but it isn't until a week later. I was told as long as the light doesn't steadily remain on, I should be fine until my appointment driving it. Today I was riding along on a highway and the car begin to lose power not allowing me to accelerate or steer, now the malfunction light is on. Dodge really needs to consider recalling this model as problems start to occur at 40,000 miles from what I have read and can cause serious safety issues because it stalls with the indicator lights following leaving consumers with the inability to steer or get out of the dangers of incoming traffic.

- Hattiesburg, MS, USA

problem #2

Jul 042014

Challenger

  • 62,000 miles
Problem identical to prior customer complaint with all internal lights and gauges blinking. Driving down the road and the lights started flashing, engine started racing, smelled rubber, speedometer racing. Pulled over to the side of the road. Put the car in park, and the light show continued. All of a sudden the car cut off and never started again. Had to call a tow truck to pick it up and take to repair shop. Repairman exact words were "the alternator is fried and it destroyed your battery". after a new battery was put in the car, the alternator started smoking. Battery/installation $250, alternater/installation $750. Could only get alternator from Dodge dealership because they claim the car was too new for an aftermarket alternator.... and was on back order. I may not be the smartest sperson in the world, but doesn't it seem that there are some major issues going on if the supposedly new alternator is on backorder. Had my son and I been on the highway driving and the car cut off, this story may have had a different ending. I'm very concerned that there has not been a recall. I hope and pray that Dodge is not waiting for someone or some family to lose their life before making this a safer vehicle. This not only puts Dodge Challenger owners at risk, but the other drivers on the road as well.

- Raleigh, NC, USA

problem #1

Oct 022013

Challenger

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2011 Dodge Challenger. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, the panel lights illuminated intermently, the power steering failed and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 41,000.

- Sandiego, CA, USA

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