2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems

STEERING

While driving my vehicle at approximately 75 MPH on the interstate the steering wheel froze/stuck while executing a long sweeping curve. The steering wheel would not turn and my wife whom was drivng was applying excessive pressure to the steering wheel to keep the vehile from running off the shoulder of the road almost lost control of the van when the steeringwheel broke loose and over corrected and the van made a sudden, sharp turn. This occured during an essentual 2 hor drive to a medical appointment. This vehicle matches the exact failure criteria currenly under active investigation by the NHTSA under PE25009 for steering binding. The manufacturer (Chrysler) refuses to honor or repair this known defect under warranty creating a sever and immediate hazaard for families operating these vans at highway speeds.

NHTSA complaint #11763987 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

During the turns the steering wheel in 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid locks-in. It requires extra force to unlock the steering wheel. This usually happens when the wheel is at 11 or 1 o'clock (30 degrees either direction). This is more noticeable at slow turns like on exit ramps.

NHTSA complaint #11763313 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Reference: NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009 In the last month, I've noticed steering problem with my mini van. I have to use both hands to steer in a curve and it jerks when coming out of the curve. It feels as if i am loosing control of the van. It also happens when i am changing lanes and steer the wheel past 11 and 1 oclock. It feels as if the car is fighting me to steer.

NHTSA complaint #11762408 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Steering sticks on occasion when turning at highway speeds both left and right around the 1 and 10 o'clock position

NHTSA complaint #11762431 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

While driving my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica FWD with approximately 86,000 miles, I have noticed abnormal steering behavior when going around gradual curves. The steering does not feel smooth and natural through the turn, and I feel like I have to pull/force the steering wheel to continue through the curve. The steering can feel like it is sticking or resisting rather than smoothly following the turn. This is concerning because it affects the vehicle’s steering response while driving. I brought the vehicle to a mechanic, who inspected it and diagnosed a problem with the steering rack assembly. I was quoted approximately $3,400 to replace the steering rack assembly. I am reporting this because I understand NHTSA is investigating steering problems involving 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles, including reports of steering sticking during gradual turns. The steering wheel does not simply pull to one side; rather, it feels as though the steering itself is resisting or sticking while I am making the turn.

NHTSA complaint #11761425 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Steering wheel gets stuck on curbes at higher speeds (1 o clock angle). Needs to be pulled back into place to avoid accident. This problem began at around 80k miles on the car. Also gets stuck at 11 o clock as well. My family does not feel safe driving this vehicle because of this issue.

NHTSA complaint #11760714 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

While driving the vehicle, the steering wheel is sticking between the 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock position.

NHTSA complaint #11760647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

The wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving due to a loss of power steering, but it soon regained normal function. However, not many trips after that, the power steering completely failed. It has not regained function.

NHTSA complaint #11759929 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

intermittently, but increasingly, when turning the wheel it feels almost like it gets temporarily stuck or like i no longer am controlling the steering. i notice it more often to the right, but have felt similar to the left. its a bit disconcerting, a bit like when your car starts to slide on ice. i haven't lost control yet but it does not inspire confidence.

NHTSA complaint #11759818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

When in a turn the steering wheel can feel stuck and you have to jerk the wheel to get it unstuck. Which could cause issues if there are cars driving next to you. This seems to be happening more and more often.

NHTSA complaint #11759307 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

SUDDEN, INTERMITTENT STEERING LOSS. THE VEHICLE CAN BE INSPECTED ANY TIME. MY SAFETY AND OTHERS ARE AT RISK. DEALER HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO REPAIR PROBLEM "SERVICE STEERING SYSTEM" WARNING LIGHT COMES ON.

NHTSA complaint #11759106 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STEERING

Another incidence of a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with "sticky" or intermittent loss of power steering while driving. This is not chronic at this point in time but is a problem that can catch one out if not paying attention. I ran my vin # and it shows no outstanding unfixed recalls but obviously this is a recurring safety problem that needs to be addressed. Recall V53 / NHTSA 19V-348 are the numbers that pop up from NUMEROUS complaints describing this very same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11759290 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

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.