2017 Chrysler Pacifica: loss of power steering

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Steering · PA

Steering is loose and fails at times resulting in very hard turning. When making a left turn into oncoming traffic, lost steering entirely for a few seconds. Symptoms point to failing steering rack which is very dangerous

Filed Oct 18, 2026 · Steering · WI

Intermittent loss of power steering when on the highway going around curve to another highway. Steering while locks while turning right and does not naturally turn back left. Making it difficult to correct. Also noticed at low speed steering wheel becomes heavy and hard to turn.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · PA

This occurred on [XXX]. I was driving with two passengers heading west bound on [XXX] in Ohio and starting to go off an exit ramp. The passenger side power window went down without anyone pressing a button. I pulled up on the driver-controlled passenger window switch to correct the window, and it went up. But, either immediately upon going up or shortly after (I don't remember), the van experienced a series of electrical faults. The CEL came on, I start hearing warning chimes, the infotainment screen rebooted. I heard a clicking noise from under the hood, which I later learned was the parking pawl trying to engage. Dash screen said something about "speed too high to shift to park." Momentarily the wheel jerked hard - I think I lost power steering (if the car fully shut off I think that's what happened). I gained control and directed the car to the side of the road. I don't know what state the car was in at this point - either fully off or electrically on but no engine power. In any case, I shifted to park, pressed the on/off button and the car fully shut down. After a couple of minutes I attempted to start the car again, and it started right up with no issues. The CEL was lit, but the car drove fine. When I got to my destination about 20 miles away, I checked the battery terminals. I found that the negative terminal could be turned about a quarter turn if I used some force, but it was not what I would consider 'loose'. I still tightened the connection as much as I could, to the point that the connection was now immovable. The CEL cleared after a few cycles of turning the car on and off. A scan later showed that code P1B14 was stored. I called multiple Chrysler dealerships and each told me that they could not diagnose the problem unless it was actively acting up. The car has not malfunctioned since the incident four days ago. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 9, 2026 · Steering · AR

Our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been experiencing a steering malfunction that appears to be identical to the condition currently under investigation by the federal safety agency under Action Number PE25009. For the past few months, the steering wheel has intermittently exhibited a sticking or binding sensation while driving through gradual curves. When this occurs, the steering wheel becomes temporarily resistant to movement, requiring the driver to apply additional force to overcome the resistance and continue steering through the curve. When the steering wheel releases from the sticking position, the sudden change in resistance can make it difficult to maintain smooth, controlled steering. The problem has become noticeably worse and more frequent over the past few weeks. We had the vehicle inspected by an independent mechanic, who advised that the power steering motor needs to be replaced and recommended that we take the vehicle to an authorized Chrysler dealership. The Chrysler dealership (Lewis Chrysler Dodge in Fayetteville, AR) inspected the vehicle and informed us the steering rack and pinion assembly and both tie rod ends need to be replaced and quoted us a cost of $4,450 for parts and labor. After researching the problem, we discovered the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25009 involving 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The symptoms described in the investigation closely match what we have been experiencing, including intermittent steering resistance during gradual turns and the need to apply additional steering force to overcome the resistance. Because the condition has been getting worse, we are concerned about the possibility of a total loss of power steering while driving. We cannot afford the quoted repair cost, and because of our safety concerns, we have stopped driving the vehicle. We are submitting this complaint so that our experience can be documented and considered part of the federal safety agency's ongoing PE25009 investigation.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Brakes, Engine · 107,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel soon after the vehicle was purchased. An independent mechanic replaced the EVAP purge valve, but after the repair, the power steering assist failed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A mobile mechanic attempted to clear the codes, but the power steering failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed back to the independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test provided several fault codes, including electrical, ABS, brakes, traction control, rack and pinion, and the check engine warning light was displayed. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

Filed Aug 13, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · CA

I have been had intermittent loss of power steering during gradual turns and then suddenly it returns. Very dangerous situation!!

Filed Aug 1, 2026 · Steering · CA

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN [XXX], approximately 99,880 miles) intermittently loses electric power steering assist while driving. The Service Power Steering warning illuminates and steering effort increases substantially. Assist returns on its own without restarting the vehicle. Failures correlate with extended driving and heat. I scanned the electric power steering module directly. It reports DTC C2217 (electric power steering module internal) and C2210 (ECU over-temperature), both stored and currently present. Live data captured at idle in park shows 7.98 Nm of driver steering input with 0.00 Nm of assist torque and 0 amps of system current draw, confirming assist was fully inactive. Battery voltage was steady at 14.1 to 14.2 volts throughout, ruling out a supply or ground fault. The module also reports an implausible internal temperature reading while drawing no current, indicating an internal electronics fault rather than a genuine thermal event. This is a non-hybrid, front-wheel-drive vehicle. Intermittent loss of steering assist at speed presents a crash risk. I am aware of investigation PE25009 covering the EPS system on 2017-2018 Pacifica vehicles INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 24, 2026 · Steering · CA

The vehicle exhibits an intermittent, completely silent sticking and binding sensation in the steering wheel during gradual turns at highway speeds (occurring across all speeds between 20–80 MPH). The binding defect triggers during both left and right-hand gradual turns, requiring the driver to apply sudden, manual physical force to break past a resistance "notch" point, which is followed by a sudden return of power steering assistance.The vehicle's electrical system has been thoroughly diagnosed and isolated: a brand-new auxiliary and main battery were installed, and secondary 12V accessories were completely disconnected, verifying the charging system maintains a perfect, steady 14.1 to 14.2 volts under load while the steering binding continues to occur. This rules out standard battery/alternator low-voltage failure.The vehicle was brought to a certified Chrysler dealership where a technician test-drove the minivan and explicitly witnessed, verified, and confirmed the bi-directional steering binding failure in real-time. Despite the physical failure being witnessed, the vehicle's computer is not throwing any active dashboard warning lights or standard diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs). This vehicle matches the exact model year, mileage bracket, and dangerous high-speed sticking characteristics currently under active federal investigation by the ODI under the federal safety agency Action Number PE25009.

Filed Jun 17, 2026 · Steering · GA

Vehicle: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Gas (VIN: [XXX]) Component: Steering / Electrical Power Steering (EPS) Gear Rack Incident Description: I am filing this report in relation to active the federal safety agency Preliminary Evaluation PE25009 regarding the intermittent loss of electric power steering assist. While driving on curved roads, the steering system exhibits a distinct "sticky" or binding sensation during gradual, sustained turns. This mechanical resistance is highly localized and most noticeable when holding the steering wheel slightly off-center, specifically near the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions. When attempting to exit a curve, the steering wheel fails to smoothly return to center on its own. It requires a deliberate, manual "nudge" or extra physical driver effort to break past the sticky threshold. Once this resistance is overcome, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist suddenly reactivates, creating a brief oversteer condition that requires immediate correction to keep the vehicle tracking safely in its lane. The behavior feels heavily tied to an internal electronic fault within the steering gear module rather than standard lane-keep assistance intervention, as the binding sensation persists even with safety features deactivated. This creates an unpredictable driving dynamic, particularly at highway speeds where subtle, precise inputs are required. Additionally, this vehicle has an extensive history of rapid battery failure, requiring multiple complete replacements of both the main and auxiliary batteries within consecutive 12-month periods. I suspect a systemic voltage drop or a compromised electrical ground circuit (potentially related to Chrysler Recall V53 / the federal safety agency 19V‑348) may be concurrently affecting or accelerating the failure of the highly voltage-sensitive EPS rack assembly. The temporary binding of the steering infrastructure represents a clear, progressive safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Steering · TN

The steering wheel in my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is sticking or catching, especially during turns or when trying to return the steering wheel back to the centered position. Unknown cause. The steering system nearly consistently exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position, and very noticeably at highway/freeway speeds. A very dangerous situation. During these events, there is increased steering effort required to return the steering wheel back to center. After or during the correction of the steering wheel back to the center position after these events, there seems to be some type of a sudden reactivation of the power steering assistance. It feels extremely dangerous to continue to operate this vehicle with this current condition.

Filed Jun 3, 2026 · Steering · MI

While driving my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, the vehicle experienced a sudden, severe malfunction of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The dashboard illuminated a "Service Power Steering" warning light, which was accompanied by an immediate, complete loss of power steering assist. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and heavy. It required immense physical force to steer. This failure occurred suddenly without warning, creating an immediate and severe crash hazard by making the vehicle uncontrollable. The vehicle also suddenly restored power assist while I was using the extra force which made driving very dangerous. I use my minivan to drive my kids to school every day and this hazard could have resulted in tragic loss of life especially with an infant and three toddlers in my car. I just noticed that the safety probe PE25009 has been opened last year with no recalls yet. Please help us resolve this ASAP as this is a critical, life-threatening, safety issue.

Filed May 27, 2026 · Steering · WV

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica steering wheel started locking in place at approximately 10 a 2 o'clock the other day as we were on a couple hundred-mile trip over the Memorial Day weekend. We looked up the symptoms, it said there was a recall for the Power Steering Assist v53/the federal safety agency 19V‑348. I drove the car slowly the entire way home and set up an appointment at CDJR of Morgantown for the next day May25th at 8am. After arriving at the dealership, I was informed that this particular recall was closed, although its description fit exactly what my car had been doing the previous day. I informed them that my main battery IBS had been broken for nearly a year and wondered if that could have been the problem also. They took the car at 8am and at 9 am the man at the desk that had been helping me came to the waiting room and informed me that URSE dodge (where I bought the vehicle in 2017) showed record of performing the recall check " That's a lie" I replied! None the less, at 10 am they reported to me that the auxiliary battery had 0 CCA and needed replaced and that the IBS would also need replaced, all of which would run me nearly 1000 dollars. I asked when they could get the IBS and the parts department said 5 days, I asked the gentleman that had originally been helping me if they checked the ground wire from the original recall and he said yes, and it was fine. I changed the auxiliary battery and the IBS myself at Advance Auto yesterday and after I had the main battery hot lead off it also cleared all the codes that the dealership said was on the vehicle (electrical codes). I drove the vehicle yesterday and I can't say for sure that it did it, although I believe it stuck lightly a couple of times. The IBS and the auxiliary battery are my fault, I should have addressed them sooner. The bigger issue here is that URSE dodge in Fairmont never called me, I never received a recall notice.