general problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica - part 2

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to turn the steering wheel slightly to the left or the right, the steering wheel was sticking, causing the contact to use added force to straighten the steering wheel. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the electronic steering system had failed. The contact was informed that the steering system needed to be repaired, and the rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,500.

While driving on i40 east of ashville, the power steering became sluggish. Like turning in molasses. I had to manhandle the steering wheel to complete the turns (at 70 mpg). My wife also drove on i40 and felt the same thing I was feeling. The next 3 days it did not do it again, I was driving in town. Later I felt it while going on a curve at about 62 mph. This also happened to be going up an incline. Earlier on i40 it did not mapper if going up hill or down hill.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at speeds above 30 mph, after making a slight turn to the right, the steering wheel became sticky, and added force was required to turn the steering wheel back to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the steering rack was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of the NHTSA action number: pe25009 (steering). The contact indicated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 114,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning, the steering wheel was sticky and failed to return to center automatically. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: pe25009 (steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 127,000.

Component/system failed: electric power steering (eps). The system intermittently fails during normal driving, showing a "service power steering" warning. Diagnostic codes include u113e (lost comm w/ eps), c2217 (sas not calibrated), c2210 (eps internal fault), p058c (low voltage), and p1009 (hybrid module mil request). The issue began immediately after a Chrysler recall service where the main charging unit was replaced. Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety risk: loss of steering assist creates a serious hazard, especially during turns or at low speeds. The steering becomes extremely heavy without warning, increasing the risk of collision or inability to maneuver safely in traffic or parking situations. Dealer confirmation: yes. A Chrysler dealer confirmed the eps fault and quoted $5,500 to replace the entire steering rack. No electrical diagnostics were completed, despite the issue starting after recent electrical recall work. Inspections by others: the dealer has inspected the vehicle. Chrysler corporate has been contacted but has not yet resolved the issue. No inspections by police or insurance. Warning signs: the issue started right after the dealership performed recall work. “service power steering” message appears, and diagnostic trouble codes are present. The error is intermittent and can clear after restarting, only to return later.

While driving at a steady 65 mph, I suddenly lost power steering, which severely reduced my ability to steer the vehicle. I was able to safely brake and pull over. After turning the car off for a few minutes, steering function returned to normal. A few hours later, during a second drive at approximately 35 mph, I experienced the same issue again while turning onto my street. The steering wheel became extremely difficult to turn and required significant effort with both hands to maneuver the vehicle into the driveway. This sudden loss of steering control posed a serious safety risk-not only to myself, but also to other drivers on the road-and could have easily resulted in an accident. No warning lights or dashboard alerts were displayed at any point. The vehicle was towed from my home to the dealership. Upon inspection, the issue was reproduced, and it was confirmed that the power steering system had failed and required repair, along with related components. All necessary repairs were completed and paid for out of pocket.

As I drive down the road above 45 mph my steering wheel feels like it gets stuck, I have to get it pulled back out of the stick. It’s a terrible feeling and is uncontrollable. All systems are off that may cause any issues and it still does this. This is a common problem that I have been researching with this year model can we get a recall on this. It’s been doing. It over 6 months.

The contact’s employer owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at undisclosed speeds and making a turn, the steering wheel became stiff and required extra effort to return the steering wheel to the center. There were no warning lights or messages available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 204,000.

Recurrent intermittent power steering failure and intermittent engine stall. Steering wheel gets stuck when turning right while driving at speed on highway. Steering wheel gets very heavy and requires some force to get it back to center. If I let go of the steering wheel, it would stay in the same position until I move it back. When driving at slower speeds, usually when navigating around turns or roundabouts, the engine will stall and then drastically jolt into gear. Two different mechanics have not been able to identify the root cause. They have checked alignment, electrical codes, and other potential issues without any answers. After research, I believe I am experiencing similar issues as detailed in the safety recall v53 / NHTSA 19v-348 power steering assist. My VIN was not included in the recall , but I believe my car is showing similar concerns. I have requested a local Chrysler dealer look into this issue specifically and I have an upcoming appointment.

The steering occasionally makes noises and sticks while turning. I feel that if this happens at the wrong time it could potentially cause an accident.

Steering seems to catch at times, generally when the steering wheel is around 1 and 11 o'clock, steering wheel has to be turned harder to be straightened out which and lead to over correction and can possibly cause an accident, this has happened multiple times while driving.

The contact owns 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving and making a slight left turn on several occasions, the steering wheel became stuck and failed to return to the center. Additionally, the contact stated that the steering wheel was forcefully returned to center to straighten the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

The power steering stops working intermittently while driving. Today we were going about 40mph and the steering wheel locked up for about 2 minutes. We were driving straight forward . When we came to the stop light we turned the engine off and restarted the engine. We could have a major accident. It has been doing this for about 3 weeks. We are not going to drive it until it fixed.

Power steering went out and can’t back on.

Steering exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, "particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position. " also power steering service light comes on when car is started but then turns off when car is placed into drive on a semi regular basis, probably about 4 out of every 10 start ups.

Electronic power steering failure at around 40k miles driven. Was able to replace completely understand warranty.

Going around curves the vehicles steering seems to lock in the turn and then jerks out of the turns. The dealership says there's nothing wrong. . It's dangerous and scarey and this is a minivan the steering should not lock or get stuck going around curves off offramp anywhere between 30- 55 mph. It's scarey . The car turns out of the lane on several occasions at first that's how I thought the car operated and now I discovered I'm wrong as it is getting worse . I cant get the car dealership to fix it!.

When going into a turn, the steering wheel hangs and requires more force to straighten out.

In the dash bord power steering not aveleble warning also stop start not responding then servic charging. . . . . . . Not safe to drive this car at all. I had to go the dealership more than four times a year recently spending a lots of time and money. Again engen lights come up.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering wheel locked up while attempting to make a left or right turn. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the steering column needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact there was no repair for the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.

Steering wheel feel like it’s get stuck.

The hybrid battery coolant heater (part 68443445ac) was confirmed a problem, however the dealership wont review any recalls on my vehicle until I pay $1700 to replace that part. However, there are multiple incidents online showing this is a problem with this vehicle and should be a recall as this is obviously defective within the first 150000 miles. My car has roughly 124k miles, making it just outside the warranty coverage. Shortly before this lamp warning (check engine) came on my steering wheel started "sticking" making it hard to steer in a curve, causing me to veer off the road. Within 7 days of this happening, is when my check engine light appeared, throwing code poe15. The heat now also takes much longer to warm up- like 30 minutes longer. The dealership said none of the issues are connected, however after online research I have determined that is not true.

Blown head gasket. Had to get it repaired. Steering is catching as well. Probably need a new steering box. It’s been one expensive repair after another.

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has ongoing electrical problems that match the same symptoms described in existing recalls, but my VIN is not included in those campaigns. The issues began around 08/30/22. The vehicle has experienced stalling, electrical shutdown, dashboard warning lights, loss of power steering issues, failure of the start-stop system, dead batteries, loud creaking, popping, squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning, backing up, steering lock, or going over bumps. These events began in 2021 and continue despite numerous repairs at mechanics and dealerships. Despite repairs and inspections, the problems continue. I have reviewed NHTSA recalls and found recall numbers 18v524000, 20v334000, 19v143000 as well as battery ground recall for 2017–2019 models, and my vehicle’s problems are identical to those safety issues. The dealer confirmed that my VIN is not covered, so I have been responsible for repair costs. These defects create a serious safety hazard, especially when the vehicle stalls or loses power while driving. It places my family and other drivers at risk of a crash. We have been stranded on highways and in the center of busy intersections due to loss of power. I strongly request that NHTSA investigate whether the existing recalls should be expanded to include additional VIN ranges, since many 2018 Pacifica owners (myself included) are experiencing the same electrical failures. I have had the vehicle inspected/repaired 4/15/21, 9/15/22, 10/2/23, 11/22/23, 8/10/24, 7/21/25, 8/7/25, 9/23/25 for battery ground, electrical module replacement, wiring repair, and strut repairs. The issues persist despite these attempts.

Steering system becomes stuck. You have to give a hard jerk to the steering wheel to free the steering. Happen on an irregular basis but does occur. This can cause an over steering issue. Vehicle is currently at a dealership to be inspected for possible cause. There were no warning lights or messages.

Having trouble with steering. At times steering wheel makes noises and locks up while turning. I was told a recall was already done and that I need a new computer that will cost 5k for part and install. I just had issues with panel lights going on and off and had to replace secondary battery due to stop/start button which ive had trouble with consistently. I think this issue with computer may be due to recall issue and I believe this issue should be fixed and paid for thru recall process. It is an ongoing issue with Pacifica 2018 with start/stop and push button starts. I have taken it to 2 dealers. They said recall done. So I need new part.

In March of this year (2024), while driving down the road at 45 mph, my Pacifica's dashboard suddenly lit up and flashed all kinds of warnings including abs off, the check engine light, the parking brake, the service electronic throttle control, electronic stability control off, collision off, warning parking brake, and other lights that I'm not sure what they mean. It seemed like every warning light in the panel lit up. The van slowed down and wouldn't let me accelerate and it felt like the power steering wasn't active. I pulled into a parking lot and shut the engine off. After restarting, the check engine light was lit, but the van let me proceed. I took it to my auto shop that said the codes were all electronic/ software related and I had to take it to a dealership. The dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong and that the codes didn't save. On June 9, the lights started flashing again while I was parked in a parking lot while I was on a road trip. I was able to capture the end of it on my camera. I again turned the engine off and on again, and the van "reset" with only the check engine light on. I was able to proceed through the rest of the weekend and the check engine light actually turned off after a day. Then on June 22, the warning lights started flashing again. My son was driving this time (along with my husband and 2 other sons). He pulled into a parking lot to return the van home, but it wouldn't go into a gear. Slowly, they toggled through the gears until it would allow them to drive the van home. He also said that it felt like he lost power steering. Losing steering, the ability to accelerate, the ability to put the vehicle in gear while driving, and losing the abs system and the electronic stability system definitely puts my family and others at risk of an accident. I am prepared to take it to my dealer if asked. It has not been inspected by anyone else accept a local car shop and the dealership.

I had had multiple incidents when the van would get stuck in a gear or would lose the ability to accelerate. The passenger doors, specifically the right side passenger door would get suck and continuously open because it could not close. The rear view cameras would get stuck and after reverting to d it would stay on the screen for at least 5 min before switching back. The screen would also go blank. The van would also get stuck between gears or would shut off at a stop light. On this particular day I was driving and was starting to slowdown for the light signal. The van suddenly jolted and stopped completely. I tried to turn it on and it would not start. I was very lucky that the car behind me noticed me slowing down and did not hit the van. I tried to turn on the van and the electrical function would turn on but not the engine. Then after continuously trying to start it the gear function would not move. I also want to add that at the time of purchase the van was missing a air duct and I was not made aware of that. I was told by the dealer that it had active recalls but they were not able to fix the recalls because the engine would not start. It had an active recall for the flash software and for the start stop. Dealer tried to tell me it overheated, however this is false, there was no white smoke and no other indications that the van had overheated. I wasn't able to add that the electrical in the vehicle is a problem. The radio and screen would just go blank at times.

The steering wheel seems to "lock" or become stiff when traveling over 50 miles an hour. It does not happen all the time, but causes over correction which is scary at higher speeds.

There is a loud clicking and popping noise from the front drivers side suspension when turning or going over bumpy ground. The car also pulls to one side unexpectedly when going around corners sometimes while driving the car will shut down and restart as if rebooting a computer.

When driving at 60-70 mph steering wheel feels like it is sticking. It won't return back to center. It is a very uncomfortable feeling, like the steering wheel is going to get stuck turning. I see that there has been another complaint filed. - NHTSA id # 11578790.

Tried to start car. When start button was pressed the dash lit up like a christmas tree. Multiple error messages. Fcw unavailable, power steering unavailable, fuel door open, park brake unavailable, park sense unavailable, service hybrid electric system, power steering unavailable. The gear indication, both on dash and by shifter was flashing. The car would not turn off. I had to open hood and disconnect 12v battery for the car to power off. Waited 10 seconds and connected 12v and it power on, but the check engine light is still active.

Driving along and the power steering stops and you can’t turn then it releases and then a little bit later it’ll do it again so the power steering comes back-and-forth but I feel it’s a hazard.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, the steering wheel seized and was unable to be turned. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle; however, the steering failure message was displayed, and the power steering function was not available. The vehicle was not taken to an independent mechanic or the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The approximate failure mileage was 74,780.

When traveling 65 - 75 mph, steering wheel sticks/gets stuck when making right turn. Steering does not auto-correct itself like it should. After researching issue, it’s related to an issue with the power steering rack and pinion. It needs to be replaced. The part itself is over $2,000.