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.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems
191 complaints (21% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 14,400. 8 crashes reported.
- owner complaints
- 191
- of this car's complaints
- 21%
- typical mileage
- 14,400
- crashes
- 8
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chrysler Pacifica steering problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Power steering loss 42Steering lock-up 17Pulling 6Steering noise 5
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Related investigations
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of alleged defects related to the electric power steering (EPS) system in model year (MY) 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. ODI has received 94 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting a condition in which the steering system exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position. Complainants allege that during these events, increased steering effort is required to return the wheel to center. In many cases, this is followed by a sudden reactivation of EPS assistance, which may result in an oversteer condition. This behavior could increase the risk of a crash, especially at higher speeds. ODI has identified multiple VOQs describing similar symptoms. This investigation will assess the frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged EPS malfunction. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
PE25009
What 2018 Chrysler Pacifica owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Steering wheel binding/sticking under continuous lateral load at 30+ mph on banked right-hand ramps, requiring breakaway force to unstick. It jerks the vehicle and my passengers look at me like I'm crazy. Only does it on right hand turns, left seems fine. No noises. Very scary as I'm afraid that it isn't going to unstick one of these times, or the sudden jerk when it releases is going to cause an accident. It started doing this several weeks ago and happens pretty much every time now. If I make small steering adjustments while going around the right hand bank, it doesn't seem to happen. Only when I hold the wheel at a constant position while traveling around the curve.
When turning the wheel slightly (ie. 10 or 1 position), the wheel will lock up and stick requiring additional effort/overcompensation to get turn the wheel back. The issue has become increasingly worse over the past few months, but there was no distinct onset or issue that prompted the first problem.
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.
While driving the vehicle in a gradual turn, steering will stick and not return to center without applying extra force to the steering wheel.
Makes a clicking popping noise when turning the wheel. The sound is highly noticeable when stationary or moving very slowly, and occurs specifically when the steering wheel is forced almost all the way to the bump stop either way. Dealership quoted over $4000 for electric rack and pinion. I had just paid $17000 for it without an extended warranty.
Experiencing steering lockup around the 2 o clock position when cornering to the right. Doesn’t lock up to the left, only to the right.steering will Lock up and won’t release unless a slight tug on the steering wheel. We experience this every time you remotely hold in the 2 o clock position for the slightest bit of time. I have kids in this car and when we’re going 65+ down interstates, this is a serious safety issue and concerns me greatly for the safety of my family. Van only has 95k miles on it. Spent a considerable about of money on this can van and we can’t even drive it and have to pay a shop a few more thousand to fix this. It wouldn’t be a big deal if I was one of a few people but reports say 287k people are experiencing this. Unacceptable.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheelbecame difficult to turn. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Investigation: PE25009 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
An Electric Power Steering System (EPS) code came up on the dash and then it locked up the steering going down the road with my wife and children in the car on 10-13-2026. Bought the car from a dealer on 10-12-2026. Replaced main and auxiliary batteries on behalf of dealerships expense on 10-14-2026. 10-16-2026 the code came back up and locked the steering up again going down the highway with my wife and children in the car. The dealer is taking action as we speak, we will see what they do.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The contact was notified of the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25009 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the investigation. The failure mileage was 72,000.
Questions about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering
Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have steering problems?
Owners have filed 191 complaints about the steering of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 21% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 14,400 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chrysler Pacifica have bad steering?
The Chrysler Pacifica model years with the most steering complaints are 2017 (289 complaints), 2018 (191 complaints) and 2005 (54 complaints).
Other 2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems
Engine 382Electrical 291Transmission 159Driver assistance 64Fuel system 50Acceleration 35Brakes 31Suspension 20Body 19Seats 10Airbags 9Wheels 8Visibility 6Locks 5Seat belts 3Tires 2Lights 1
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