2020 Dodge Charger Steering Wheel Shakes at 70 MPH: Fix Guide

Driving your 2020 Dodge Charger should be a smooth, exhilarating experience, especially at highway speeds. So, when you notice your steering wheel shaking noticeably at or around 70 mph, it can be unsettling and concerning. This common issue often points to underlying problems with your wheels, tires, or suspension components. Addressing it promptly is crucial for both your driving comfort and safety.

What drivers notice on this 2020 Dodge Charger

Drivers of the 2020 Dodge Charger often report a distinct vibration or shimmy that becomes pronounced as they reach certain speeds, typically between 60-80 mph, with 70 mph being a common sweet spot for the symptom to appear. This isn't just a minor annoyance; it can affect the handling and stability of your performance sedan.

At a glance: difficulty, repair cost, and diagnostic workflow

• Difficulty Rating: 8/10 — Moderate to advanced
• Common Symptoms: Vibration through the floorboard or seats: The shaking might not be isolated to the steering wheel but can be felt throu; Humming or roaring noise: Especially if the issue is tire-related, you might hear unusual tire noise that changes with s; Vehicle pulling to one side: While less common for speed-dependent shakes, severe alignment or suspension issues could c; Uneven tire wear: Over time, an unresolved vibration issue can lead to feathering, cupping, or other irregular wear patt
• Estimated Repair Cost: $200–$1,800 (parts + typical shop labor)
• OEM Tooling Required: Standard OBD-II scanner and hand tools

Diagnostic workflow:

1. Confirm the symptom on your vehicle.
2. Scan for stored or pending codes with an OBD-II tool.
3. Inspect the most common causes in this guide (visual checks first).
4. Run verification tests before replacing parts.
5. Repair, clear codes, and verify on a test drive.

Symptoms and warning signs

Beyond the primary symptom of a shaking steering wheel, several other indicators might accompany this issue in your 2020 Dodge Charger:

• Vibration through the floorboard or seats: The shaking might not be isolated to the steering wheel but can be felt throughout the vehicle's cabin.
• Humming or roaring noise: Especially if the issue is tire-related, you might hear unusual tire noise that changes with speed.
• Vehicle pulling to one side: While less common for speed-dependent shakes, severe alignment or suspension issues could cause a pull.
• Uneven tire wear: Over time, an unresolved vibration issue can lead to feathering, cupping, or other irregular wear patterns on your tires.
• Reduced handling precision: The car might feel less responsive or stable, particularly during lane changes or cornering at speed.

How to verify and confirm the issue

To accurately diagnose why your 2020 Dodge Charger steering wheel shakes at 70 mph, a systematic approach is best. Start with the simplest and most common culprits:

• Check tire pressure: Ensure all four tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended pressure, found on a sticker inside the driver's door jamb. Incorrect pressure can cause vibrations.
• Visual tire inspection: Look for any obvious bulges, cuts, or uneven wear patterns on your tires. Also, check for any foreign objects embedded in the tread.
• Inspect wheel condition: Examine your wheels for any visible bends, cracks, or damage, particularly on the inner lip. A bent rim is a common cause of speed-related vibrations.
• Professional wheel balance check: This is often the most critical step. Take your Charger to a reputable shop to have all four wheels balanced. Even a small imbalance can cause significant shaking at highway speeds.
• Road test on varying surfaces: Drive your Charger on different types of roads (smooth asphalt, concrete) to see if the vibration persists or changes. This can help rule out specific road conditions.
• Suspension component inspection: While less likely to be the sole cause of a speed-specific shake, worn tie rods, ball joints, or control arm bushings can exacerbate vibrations or cause other handling issues. A professional technician can check for play in these components.

Common causes (most likely first)

For a 2020 Dodge Charger exhibiting steering wheel shake at 70 mph, the following are the most frequent culprits:

• Unbalanced wheels: This is by far the most common reason. Even a small weight loss from a wheel can lead to vibrations at specific speeds.
• Worn or damaged tires: Tires with uneven wear, internal belt separation, or bulges can cause significant vibrations. Even new tires can be defective.
• Bent rim: Hitting a pothole or curb can bend a wheel, leading to an imbalance that causes shaking at speed.
• Loose or worn suspension components: While less common for speed-specific shakes, worn tie rod ends, ball joints, or control arm bushings can contribute to instability and amplify vibrations.
• Worn wheel bearings: A failing wheel bearing can cause a humming noise and vibration that increases with speed. However, this is usually constant and not just at one speed.
• Brake issues (less common at constant speed): Warped brake rotors typically cause vibration when braking, but severely warped rotors could potentially contribute to a shake at speed even when not braking, though this is rare.

Related guides on this vehicle

• Steering Wheel Shakes or Vibrates at Highway Speed 2017 Toyota Corolla
• Strut Mount Bearing Noise When Turning Steering Wheel 2000 Toyota Tacoma
• P0006 2000 Nissan Sentra: Diagnosis & Fix Guide

Step-by-step diagnosis and fixes

Here’s a methodical approach to diagnosing and resolving the steering wheel shake in your 2020 Dodge Charger:

1. Check and correct tire pressure: Start with the simplest. Inflate all tires to the recommended PSI.
2. Thorough visual inspection of tires and wheels: Look for any damage, bulges, or uneven wear. Rotate tires front to back if wear patterns are suspected, then re-test.
3. Professional wheel balancing: This is critical. Have all four wheels balanced by a reputable shop. Ensure they use a modern, accurate balancing machine. This often resolves the issue.
4. Wheel alignment check: If balancing doesn't fix it or if you notice uneven tire wear, an alignment check is prudent. Misalignment can cause tire wear and contribute to handling issues, though usually not a pure speed-dependent shake. You can find more information on general automotive repairs and diagnostics in our All repair guides.
5. Suspension and steering component inspection: If the problem persists after balancing and alignment, have a technician inspect the steering and suspension components for wear or play. This includes tie rod ends, ball joints, control arm bushings, and sway bar links.
6. Wheel bearing inspection: Check for play in the wheel bearings by jacking up the car and trying to wiggle the wheel at 12 and 6 o'clock, then 3 and 9 o'clock.
7. Brake system inspection: If the vibration is also present or worsens during braking, inspect brake rotors for runout or warping.

Repair options and cost factors

Addressing a shaking steering wheel in your 2020 Dodge Charger involves various potential repairs, each with different cost implications:

• Tire pressure adjustment: Free (DIY).
• Tire rotation: $20-$50.
• Wheel balancing: $50-$100 for all four wheels. This is often the most cost-effective first step.
• Tire replacement: $150-$300+ per tire, depending on brand and type. If tires are worn or damaged beyond repair.
• Bent rim repair/replacement: Repair can range from $100-$250 for minor bends, while replacement can be $200-$500+ for an OEM wheel.
• Wheel alignment: $80-$150.
• Suspension component replacement (e.g., tie rod end, ball joint): $150-$400+ per component, including parts and labor. The specific part for your Charger model hub will influence this.
• Wheel bearing replacement: $200-$500+ per wheel, including parts and labor.

When to see a professional

While many initial checks like tire pressure and visual inspection can be done by a DIY enthusiast, certain issues require professional expertise and specialized equipment. If:

• Wheel balancing and alignment don't resolve the issue.
• You suspect bent rims or internal tire damage.
• You hear unusual noises accompanying the shake.
• There's visible play in suspension or steering components.
• You're uncomfortable performing the diagnosis yourself.

It's always best to consult a qualified mechanic. They have the tools and experience to accurately diagnose complex issues and ensure your 2020 Dodge Charger is safe to drive. For more information on your specific vehicle, you can explore our Dodge vehicle hub.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my 2020 Dodge Charger shake only at certain speeds?

Shaking that occurs only at specific speeds, like 70 mph, is a classic symptom of an imbalance. This is often due to an unbalanced wheel or tire, where the rotational forces become pronounced at a particular frequency (speed), causing the vibration. As the speed changes, the frequency shifts, and the vibration might lessen or disappear.

Can tire pressure cause my 2020 Charger steering wheel to shake?

Yes, incorrect tire pressure can certainly contribute to a shaking steering wheel. Over- or under-inflated tires can alter the tire's contact patch and ride characteristics, leading to vibrations, especially at higher speeds. Always ensure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer's recommended specifications.

How often should I balance my 2020 Dodge Charger tires?

It's generally recommended to have your tires balanced every 5,000 to 7,500 miles, or whenever you get new tires, have a tire repaired, or notice unusual vibrations. Regular balancing helps ensure even tire wear and a smooth ride for your 2020 Dodge Charger.

Sources and further reading

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This information is not a substitute for OEM service procedures; always use a qualified technician for safety-critical work.

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