161 of the 1,353 complaints about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica are about the steering — 12% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 12,900 miles.
161
Complaints
8
Crashes
0
Fires
2
Injuries
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
STEERING
The steering is sticky at highway speeds. While making slight curves, the steering feels momentarily unresponsive and then suddenly catches up to create a high potential for loss of control.
NHTSA complaint #11758842 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
When driving at higher speeds, around 50 mph +, the steering wheel gets stuck into position. You have to over correct it out of the stuck position to stay in the lane. When in a turn, it get stuck around 1 or 11 o'clock and you have to pull hard to the left or right to get it out of the stuck position, which makes you drift into the wrong lane in the stuck position, then swerve towards the wrong lane to fix it. It seems to be getting worse over time. When driving at low speeds, 5mp +, when in a turn, the whole steering wheel column shudders when going back to the straight position. It happens when turning into driveways and parking lots, and can be very startling. The vehicle has been taken to Chrysler service centers multiple times but they always say they can't recreate the problems.
NHTSA complaint #11758773 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009 The steering now appears to stick while going into and out of corners on the highway. The problem gets worse as speed increases.
NHTSA complaint #11758598 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Driving down the road at medium speeds, steering seems to bind or catch at about "1-3pm" when turning to the right - had two near misses and several others that would have been if I had not been on alert. This issue developed in the last 200 miles. Current mileage is 99,995.
NHTSA complaint #11757949 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Driving at speeds above 50 mph the steering wheel sticks or catches when I’m trying to turn. If you check subreddits and other places online, this is a very well known issue that needs to be addressed. It could be very dangerous if you couldn’t correct it while in a curve. I’m surprised this isn’t a recall already being that it happens at high speeds and deal with the steering rack.
NHTSA complaint #11757297 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. At approximately 110,000–115,000 miles, I began experiencing an intermittent sticking sensation in the steering while driving. When traveling straight and then making a gradual steering correction or beginning a turn, the steering wheel sometimes feels like it sticks in the straight-ahead position. It requires noticeably more effort, or an extra push, to get the wheel to turn rather than steering smoothly. This occurs while the vehicle is in motion and is especially concerning at higher speeds because it interferes with making small, smooth steering corrections. The vehicle also has a noticeable clunk or hard shift at approximately 35 mph while driving. I do not know whether this is related to the steering problem, but I am including it because it is another abnormal condition occurring while the vehicle is in motion. I learned that NHTSA has opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25009 involving 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacificas for intermittent loss of electric power steering. The symptoms described in that investigation, including a sticking sensation during gradual turns and increased steering effort, closely match the steering problem I am experiencing.
NHTSA complaint #11757303 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
While driving my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Limited, the steering intermittently sticks or binds slightly when traveling through gradual curves. When exiting the curve, the steering wheel does not naturally return to center and requires additional manual input to straighten the vehicle. The issue is most noticeable during gradual turns and creates concern about potentially overcorrecting when returning the vehicle to a straight path. The vehicle has approximately 102,000 miles. The symptoms appear consistent with those described in NHTSA investigation PE25009 involving 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacificas.
NHTSA complaint #11757126 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Re: NHTSA Action Number PE25009 Steering wheel exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position.
NHTSA complaint #11757028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
2018 Chrysler Pacifica, when driving on 45 mph and 70 mph curvy roads, the steering wheel “sticks” in the turn position and requires extra force to re-center it. Mainly during right curves, and occasionally on left curves. Chrysler dealer service department suggested replacing entire rack and pinion steering assembly for $6,200.
NHTSA complaint #11756233 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Over the last couple of months, while driving around curves, the steering wheel sticks in the 1 or 11 o'clock position. It will not recenter on its own. It is unnerving and dangerous, potentially causing an accident. All suspension components have been inspected and found to be in proper working order. The steering rack seems to be the culprit. No warning lamps, the vehicle seems to be operating normally otherwise.
NHTSA complaint #11755855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Engine fail with less than106000 miles. Replace brand new engine November 2025. Steering rack has intermittent power issues. It started having steering issue around July 2026. It makes the steering hard to turn during highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11755581 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Steering capability malfunctions regularly and it is available for inspection upon request. When driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel will "jump" and turn slightly. It will also vibrate when held still while driving. This occurs whether staying in a lane or changing lanes. It does not matter if the road is smooth or uneven. No, the problem has not been reproduced by a dealer or service center. The vehicle has been inspected, but the issue was not reproduced. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to 50,000. Around December 2023, it initially appeared at 50,000 miles, but it was intermittent and not able to be reproduced when test driven. After 70,000 miles, the shaking and jumping occurred regularly at highway speeds over 65mph. After 75,000 miles, the steering wheel will stick after it "jumps" over 65 mph and requires control to adjust it.
NHTSA complaint #11753042 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The steering wheel is physically sticking at the 11:00 and 1:00 positions during gradual turns, requiring extra effort to return to center, very scary with my kids in the car. Please investigate, dealership acting like I’m making things up.
NHTSA complaint #11752505 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
We purchased this 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid about a year ago from a dealership in Florida, and the vehicle is now located in [XXX]. The issues involve a malfunctioning high‑voltage hybrid charging system/battery and a possible steering or suspension component failure. For now, the vehicle has been under dealer inspection since XXX. Our family’s safety is at risk due to a charging failure in which the vehicle consistently stops charging after reaching 2–3 bars when plugged. I must unplug and reconnect the charger multiple times to resume charging, and this behavior occurs every time the vehicle is charged now. Last week, when the vehicle was fully or nearly fully charged, a “rotten egg” odor entered the cabin, especially in the middle and rear seat area. The smell consistently appeared only after charging and was concentrated near the area where the high‑voltage battery is located. Prior to these failures, the only warning was an intermittent Check Engine Light. Another issue, we also experience a metallic spring‑like noise during hard turns in both forward while parking. As of the dealer’s initial observation on XXX, their notes state: “Electrical System – replace battery. Repair – Found battery is the incorrect one installed in the vehicle for an EV system. On the van not charging fully. Chrysler corporation is aware of the issue and is working on a technical service bulletin/possible recall by the end of the year. That needs to be complete first before tech would advise that the customer’s charging cable is not working properly.” As i understand, we need to change other small battery with right specifications. Although there are currently no open recalls on our specific vehicle, the electrical burning odor has left us extremely concerned for our safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11749554 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The electric power steering (EPS) is the affected system. While driving around curves in the road, the steering wheel intermittently sticks. This puts the safety of those in the vehicle as well as others on the roadway at risk. The problem has been reproduced and confirmed by a dealer to be an electric steering rack failure. There have not been any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms.
NHTSA complaint #11749248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
STICKING STREERING WHEEL AT ABOUT 11:00AND 1:00 OCLOCK ON HIWAY
NHTSA complaint #11747079 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Our 2018 Pacifica has had problems similar to what many others have described in the ongoing NHTSA Investigation (PE25009), but recently while driving highway speeds around a curve the steering failed to respond briefly which caused us to drift towards the oncoming lane before the steering started to respond. We stopped at a Pep Boys repair shop and had them to inspect the steering components but they were uncertain of the cause. I was a certified mechanic many years ago as a young man, and this is the most serious safety problem I've ever experienced. Even when this steering problem is brief it can be enough to cause a driver to oversteer and lose control as the steering delay catches up to a driver's input. The possibility of crossing into oncoming traffic is frightening to say the least, so YES it put my family and others safety at risk! There haven't been any warning lights. I suspect it is the rack & pinion system since it has an electric motor rather than a power steering pump. If it's due to the electric motor there should be a warning lamp that lets the driver know if it's failing.
NHTSA complaint #11746931 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Vibration at low speed when turning. hangs in position during turning creating safety issue because the steering wheel needs to be yanked in the opposite direction. steering wheel locks in position at speed unable to turn at all. entire front end has been preplaced except for rack and pinion / electronic steering box happens every time the vehicle is driven
NHTSA complaint #11745930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The steering sticks when making gradual turns on the highway almost like it gets stuck
NHTSA complaint #11745671 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My Pacifica has a "sticking" or "catching" sensation, especially during gradual highway turns. I feel this is very dangerous and risks my safety and the safety of others on the highway.
NHTSA complaint #11745412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
The steering wheel gets stuck when doing gentle turns at moderate speeds (30-50mph). This is a safety issue because you have to fight hard to return the steering to neutral, leading to the possible to overcorrect. The problem seems to get worse when the vehicle is hotter, or after driving for several minutes. The problem has happened for several years and is getting worse and more frequent. Changing brakes and tires has not fixed it. The dealer has been unable to diagnose and fix it and I have paid for several diagnoses out of pocket now.
NHTSA complaint #11741429 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
When we are driving around small curves as well as straight, the steering locks up. I am reporting as I was told to because this happens in all of these vehicles. If I move the wheel a little bit it comes out of it. This is our main vehicle and it just did it on the interstate going 80. It is a complete safety concern and extremely dangerous to be dealing with it especially when you have your children with you. It has been doing it since I had gotten the car back in March and it is making me nervous
NHTSA complaint #11741144 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
2018 Chrysler Pacifica exhibits severe 'sticky' and binding steering at highway speeds (70+ mph). When maintaining a straight line or slight left curve, the steering wheel notches and resists physical effort when trying to turn back to the right. Correcting the vehicle requires sudden, excessive force to break the electronic resistance, causing a jerky movement that risks overcorrection and loss of vehicle control. This is a severe, intermittent tracking and safety hazard under the ongoing NHTSA EPS gear investigation.
NHTSA complaint #11740453 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Sticking steering during gradual turning from 30-70mph.
NHTSA complaint #11739710 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
Positions during small steering corrections, especially at highway speeds and during straight-line driving. Condition feels like temporary increased steering effort or intermittent reduction of electric power steering assist. Additional force is required to move the steering wheel past the sticking point 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock. Once resistance releases, steering may suddenly move farther than intended, causing brief overcorrection or oversteer. Issue occurs repeatedly during lane correction maneuvers and creates a safety concern because steering input is not smooth, consistent, or predictable. Problem appears to be worsening over time. No warning lights were present when symptom occurred. Vehicle mileage at onset: 80,000. Current mileage: 82,500. This complaint appears related to NHTSA investigation PE25009 involving sticky steering and increased steering effort in 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.
NHTSA complaint #11739480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
We experience a sticking between 11 and 1 when driving at slow (parking lot) speeds and at highway speeds. It makes it more difficult to drive on the high around long turns, because if it's a gentle turn, holding the right angle of turn is difficult if it's sticking around that area. This can lead to unintentional swerving. This is an ongoing issue.
NHTSA complaint #11737240 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
When turning slightly right or left, the lower steering column makes a clicking sound while staying stuck and you have to forcefully move the steering wheel in the opposite direction to get the steering unstuck. A safety hazard of possible over correction could send someone into oncoming traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11734734 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
I am experiencing the exact issues identified in NHTS Campaign Number: PE25009. The steering system on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position. It is most prevalent at speeds over 60MPH. The safety of everyone in the van has been put at risk by requiring increased steering force in the opposite direction that could easily be overcompensated for by the driver. The first time it occurred, I overcompensated which easily could have caused a crash into a guardrail or vehicle. Fortunately, it did not and I was aware of the issue and how to react when it continued during the drive. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other indicators that there's a problem with the van. After parking the vehicle, I saw online that it could be possible to reset the steering sensors by turning the wheel all the way in each direction several times. Not sure if it was a coincidence, but I did not experience the same sticking for the remainder of the drive even with reaching the same speed and taking similar, gradual turns. A service center inspection will come next.
NHTSA complaint #11733986 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.
NHTSA complaint #11732649 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
STEERING
As I am driving a warning pops up on the dash and says “ power steering unavailable service required “ while that shows up the steering wheel locks up. It goes away abruptly but it causes me to over turn.
NHTSA complaint #11730702 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.