I had just gotten an oil change and the air filters changed the day before. I am sitting in 5 o’clock traffic, and maybe 5 minutes from home, all lights turn on on the dash, the message center tells me I need to pull over immediately, that the engine is going to turn off. I pull as far off to the side of the road as possible, but am sticking out maybe a couple inches (there were no shoulders besides the 5 foot barrier before a 3 foot ditch). The car turns off, I can’t shift gears, I can’t turn the car off, nothing. A kind fellow pulled up behind me and notified me I was still somewhat in the road and offers to help push the car out of the way. I told him what the problem was, and he informed me that the air filter could have too much oil going through it and he helped me get it started again, but to no avail, as it is really difficult to turn the steering wheel in either direction.

The following day the car is taken to the dealership to get it diagnosed, however, an appointment is needed and the appointment isn’t until 4 weeks out, and in the mean time I am told it is too dangerous to drive (no other vehicle available). I am called a couple days later, and am informed an earlier appointment is available, so I take that one to get it diagnosed at an earlier date. The warranty expired before I bought the car, so I don’t get the courtesy vehicle available. I get the diagnosis back 3 DAYS LATER that it is the electrical power steering pump needs to be replaced, and that since the car is not under warranty, it would cost $2600 out of pocket.

Metal flakes were finally found in the power steering pump after the second complaint of noise when turning the wheel. The power steering pump and rack/pinion were changed. Fortunately I have an extended warranty and it only cost $100. Following that, the car does not drive straight on uneven roads. It feels like you are balancing a board on a ball, and can hook left or right depending on the surface.

I took the car back in Dec. 2015, and I feel it sat for two days before they finally put it on the rack before closing, and was told nothing was wrong. Back to dealer in Feb. and a four wheel alignment was done, with the toe being adjusted. No change in how the car drove. Back to dealer in March, insisted that someone road test it with me. Service advisor when he drove it, finally said it felt "darty."

Back in April, supposedly a 4 wheel alignment was done again and the steering wheel was centered. The steering wheel can still turn left or right when coming to a stop, in addition to a steering wheel "shimmy" when stopping from highway speeds. I was also told in a phone message that the rack was likely more sensitive now, and basically since they couldn't duplicate the problem, there was nothing for them to fix.

I used to love my car and the styling, but will never, and never recommend, a Dodge purchase again. I have always bought new cars (Chevy) and have never experienced so many recalls.