2018 Chrysler Pacifica: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Nov 8, 2026 · Steering · TX

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid experiencing intermittent electric power steering problems consistent with the federal safety agency investigation PE25009. The steering wheel repeatedly sticks near the 11-o'clock position during gradual turns and when returning toward center. This has occurred at highway speeds and requires additional steering force to overcome the resistance. The steering can then release unexpectedly. There are no warning lights or DTC Codes related to this issue. We had a repair shop look at the issue and they suggested performing a wheel alignment. While this helped some at first, the issue has continued to occur and worsened in recent weeks. I have also experienced grinding noises when returning from a left turn, with vibration transmitted primarily through the vehicle floor and body. The condition is intermittent but recurring, and I am concerned about losing predictable steering control, particularly at highway speeds. I am requesting that this condition be investigated in connection with PE25009.

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Steering · MI

While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden and intermittent "catching" or sticking sensation in the steering wheel. This issue happens exclusively when initiating a slight turn to the left, specifically around the 11 o'clock steering wheel position. There is no noise (no clunking, clicking, or grinding) associated with the failure. When the steering wheel "catches," it requires additional physical force to pull the wheel past the sticking point. Once it breaks free, the electric power steering suddenly engages with a sharp jolt, which causes the vehicle to momentarily jerk or oversteer.

Filed Sep 25, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · NC

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 the federal safety agency 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 the federal safety agency 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 on: 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.

Filed Sep 12, 2025 · Steering · FL

Often when making a gradual turn such as exiting an interstate onto the off ramp, the steering wheel will stick/lock at the 3 o clock position. This requires considerable force to return the wheel to the 12 o clock and straight position. I took it into the dealership and they found nothing wrong but it seems like an issue with the steering rack. I've heard numerous reports of others encountering this as well and I want it to be known this is a common issue. There is no grinding, scraping or noise indicating something is broken but seems to be a manufacturing defect. It is extremely dangerous and can sometimes be rather difficult to correct the wheel.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA · fire

On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “Your car is on fire!” So we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going West also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.

Filed Oct 7, 2024 · Steering, Wheels · OH

Been complaining about his front steering key suspension since 2020 about rattling and squeaking whenever customer turn in the wheel

Filed May 25, 2023 · Suspension · CA

There is a prominent loud creak/squeak noise when locking the steering wheel all the way to the right, and slowly backing up. It is replicated every time. There is a V15 lower control arm recall on prior years, but this VIN was not covered. I am very concern it may be of similar issue, and makes me worried for the safety of my children.

Filed Dec 22, 2022 · Suspension · GA

The left ball joint (front lower control arm) became squeakier and squeakier until the mechanic said it should be replaced or risk it failing while I drive which could leave me unable to steer/control the car. The mechanic said the dealer ought to cover it since they recalled some of this model year for this same issue on the right side but not all of them. The dealer would not cover replacement.

Filed Mar 11, 2022 · Electrical · MN

When car is shut off, there is a mechanical/thrumming/grinding sound that you can hear coming from the center of center console, quite possibly carried through the vents. Very rhythmic, but sometimes not, can go on for several minutes, sounds like it could be an opening and shutting of a fresh air vent, does not sound good, like it could be overheating a small electrical motor that could overheat and start a fire. Not clear what stops it, maybe an overheat sensor, when it stops there is a releasing/settling sound that is longer than the clicking/moving/servo motor kind of sound that happens continuously. Happens VERY regularly, not every time, sometimes only lasts a few seconds, sometimes several minutes. Can be heard from outside the vehicle, too. I captured a video that has the sound in it see https://youtu.be/tDlwzWUmJv4.

Filed Jan 28, 2021 · Suspension · 52,000 miles · CA

On driver side tire I hear a popping or grinding sound when I turn and sounds like my ball joint popping

Filed Aug 15, 2020 · Transmission · 112,000 miles · PA

I was driving near my home at 20mph when car came to a dead stop. It felt like the bottom of car had fallen. I turned off car and restarted it to see if it would move. It wouldn't. I calledaaa and it was towed to an auto service. It was transferred to pompey auto group in scranton, pa. Had my husband been driving this vehicle on major highways for his job at a higher rate of speed, it could've been catastrophic. Luckily it happened to me as I was not transporting my grandchildren and I was close to home. Thinking back months earlier, I recalled that on many occasions, as we were backing out of our driveway, we would hear a grinding noise. It was mentioned to several repairmen , including authorized chrysler servicemen, and no one supposedly found any issues. By the way, back in september of 2019, we also had a problem with the battery that controls the engagement in the park position. We have documentation for both issues, should you need further information. Indeed, both issues are safety issues and both could cause deaths if they are not immediately solved. The issue w/ the battery park position engagement occurred while the car was stopped on a major highway in nj. The last problem occurred on a city street on july 30, 2020.