Does Dodge have electric power steering?
Yes. In Dodge’s current lineup, electric power steering (EPS) is standard on the majority of models, including the Charger, Challenger, and Durango. Older Dodge vehicles from the 2000s and early 2010s often used hydraulic power steering.
What is electric power steering and why it matters
Electric power steering uses an electric motor and sensors controlled by a computer to provide steering assist, rather than a hydraulic pump driven by the engine. This approach reduces engine load, improves fuel economy, and enables features such as variable steering feel and assist levels that adapt to speed and driving conditions.
For drivers, EPS typically means lighter steering at low speeds (parking maneuvers) and progressively firmer feedback at higher speeds. It also simplifies maintenance by removing or reducing the need for a traditional hydraulic power steering fluid system in many layouts.
Current Dodge models with electric power steering
The following are the Dodge models that use electric power steering in today’s lineup.
- Charger
- Challenger
- Durango
These models reflect Dodge’s shift to EPS across its mainstream passenger vehicles, aligning with industry trends toward more efficient, electronically controlled steering systems.
EPS vs hydraulic power steering: key differences
Here are the main distinctions between electric power steering and the traditional hydraulic system Dodge used in earlier years.
- Power source: EPS uses an electric motor controlled by onboard electronics; hydraulic steering relies on a belt-driven pump connected to the engine.
- Efficiency: EPS generally improves fuel economy by eliminating engine load from the power-steering pump.
- Feel and variability: EPS can adjust steering assist with speed and drive mode, offering variable feel; hydraulic systems have a more fixed assist profile tied to engine RPM.
- Maintenance: EPS reduces fluid maintenance, while hydraulic systems require regular checking and replacement of power-steering fluid.
- Diagnostics: EPS faults are typically detected by the vehicle’s computer and may trigger a warning light; hydraulic issues usually present as hard steering or fluid leaks.
In practice, most buyers of current Dodge models will experience EPS as the standard steering assist, with the older hydraulic setups largely relegated to discontinued or legacy vehicles.
How to verify which system is in your Dodge
Checking the owner’s manual and vehicle specifications
To confirm whether a specific Dodge model uses EPS, start with the owner’s manual, the window sticker when new, or the manufacturer’s specification sheet for that exact VIN. These sources will state the type of steering assist provided.
If you’re inspecting a used Dodge, you can also look for common indicators: an electric motor or control module near the steering rack/column, and the absence of a hydraulic power-steering pump driven by the engine belt. In ambiguous cases, a dealer or a qualified mechanic can read the vehicle’s ECU fault codes to identify EPS components.
Summary
In today’s Dodge lineup, electric power steering is standard on the Charger, Challenger, and Durango, reflecting a broader industry shift away from hydraulic systems. If you’re shopping for a new Dodge, EPS is the norm; for older or discontinued Dodge models, hydraulic steering was more common. Always check the specific vehicle’s documentation or VIN to confirm the steering system. EPS offers efficiency benefits, adaptable steering feel, and lower maintenance demands compared to older hydraulic setups.
