2018 Chrysler Pacifica: ball joint or control arm failure

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Suspension · CA

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has developed a progressively worsening creaking noise from the front left suspension. It began two years ago occurring only occasionally when accelerating from a full stop or exiting a driveway, and has since become constant under most normal driving conditions including acceleration, deceleration, and slow turns in either direction. The vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles and has been driven exclusively on regular paved roads with no off-road or unusual use. The pattern of gradual degradation on a low mileage vehicle suggests a corroding or deteriorating structural component rather than impact damage. An authorized Chrysler dealership recommended replacing both lower control arms at approximately $3,300, framing this as necessary to continue diagnostics rather than a confirmed repair. No specific component was isolated as the cause. This is directly relevant to Recall V15 (the federal safety agency 19V143000), issued for right front lower control arm ball joint separation on 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles, which could cause loss of directional control without prior warning. My vehicle was excluded from that recall despite exhibiting similar symptoms on the left side. Two documented owner reports establish safety relevance. A mechanic warned an owner that their left ball joint should be replaced or risk failure while driving, leaving them unable to steer ([XXX]). Separately, an owner reported control arm bolts falling out causing the vehicle to steer itself in random directions ([XXX]). I request the federal safety agency investigate whether Recall V15 should be expanded to include the left front lower control arm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 14, 2024 · Brakes, Steering · FL

While I was driving the right control arm seperated from the car. I was fortunate that I wasn't on the highway, also that I did not cause a collision with another car/person. With no warning the car felt as if it dropped on to the ground. Soon after I received an error message saying to service the brakes which i assume was also damaged when the control arm fell... I had to have the car towed to a repair shop and received a list of repairs. The car is avaliable for inspection. I had no clue how something like that could even happen. Ive been trying to find answers when i saw a recall on another car by the same maker that perfectly summed up what happened to me. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.

Filed Sep 3, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · MI

2018 Pacifica with multiple similar issues. August 2018 - Recall - Reprogram Powertrain Control module May 1019 - Recall fixes (Power steering and ball joint). July 2021 - start/stop light came on - took to dealership and they replaced the battery for that system. Feb 2022 - Recall customer satisfaction notification 1 Y65 July 2022 - ISSUES begin - Cylinder misfire - and car would not start and was smoking. Van was towed to dealership. The dealership had the van for 2 months and had a difficult time really diagnosing the issue. They ended up replacing the right Cylinder head - which is a major part of the engine. Just being over the 60,000 mile mark, we had to fight with Chrysler to honor the warranty on this very expensive fix. Spark plugs were also changed at that time. August 2024 - check engine light is back on, as well as the automatic start/stop button. We took to Auto zone and the diagnosis was Cylinder 6 misfire. All along we have felt there should have been a recall on this van. Is it an electrical issue that is failing? Searching online there are a lot of these complaints about Cylinder misfiring issues with this year/model. It also looks like there may have been a class action lawsuit as well. A 4 year old van should not need a major engine repair. Now here we are 2 years later with a 6 year old van and having a similar issue. We are worried it is going to be another costly fix. We have had nothing but issues with this van and it is unacceptable, especially regarding a brand new car. We have all our receipts indicating appropriate and timely oil changes and transmission flushes, etc from the dealer.

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 Jan 23, 2023 · Steering · FL

Steering control loss due to the lower right control arm knuckle pinch bolt failure causing the lower control arm to separate from the steering knuckle. This problem had been identified by Chrysler and repaired in May of 2018 under Recall V15, but has occurred again. Due to the inability to having any directional control of the vehicle could have resulted in a serious accident had I been operating the vehicle at a higher rate of speed or in a more populated traffic area. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership and has been repaired. I also contacted Chrysler directly to report the problem but I don't feel they take the matter as serious. There were no vehicle warning lamps or message except at the time of failure. As I lost control of the vehicle a brief message appeared saying "Electronic Steering Component Failure"

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 1, 2022 · Suspension · AL

Loud creaking noise (and sometimes what sounds like a spring) coming from the front passenger side suspension. At first this happened when the vehicle was backing up with the steering wheel turned and locked to the left. It's now extended to while braking. I know prior models were recalled for bad lower control arm ball joints. My vehicle didn’t fall in that window, but this vehicle should be included in that recall (v15 recall)

Filed Oct 10, 2021 · Suspension · CA

There is a very loud creaking noise coming from the front driver side suspension. This happens every time when I put the vehicle in reverse and turn and lock my steering wheel all the way to the right and press the accelerator to back up. It doesn’t sound safe. I know prior models were recalled for bad lower control arm ball joints. My vehicle didn’t fall in that window, but this vehicle should be included in that recall (v15 recall).

Filed Sep 9, 2021 · Electrical, Suspension · FL

The upper control arms bushings needed replaced due to a popping noise from the wheel any time I turned. You then could feel the pop under your feet when you turn. We got them fixed, but now it has started popping again just 2 weeks later. There is now a rattling/clanging noise coming from the feet area when you hit a bump. It’s pretty loud at times and you can feel vibrating in the steering wheel. I feel very unsafe with my two children being in the car and traveling around town. The auto start stop battery has also been replaced many times. It keeps going out and will make my car turn off while driving at times.

Filed Mar 11, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · TX

Had a wheel alignment it still pulling to the side .I do think it the control arm lower arm,train axle assembly axle shaft. Radio doesn't work correct or with bluetooth. If I get a call it won't go back to playing the radio or bluetooth. Need to turn off car for awhile and start again! Back camera sometimes blackout.

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 May 21, 2019 · Suspension, Transmission · 9,605 miles · MI

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 chrysler pacifica. While driving 25 MPH, the contact heard a loud abnormal noise. The contact was able to park the vehicle on the side of the road. While she was exiting the vehicle, the contact noticed that the front driver's side wheel was turned completely to the left. The vehicle was towed to orchard chrysler dodge jeep ram (located at 64600 van dyke, washington, mi 48095, (586) 430-5086) where it was diagnosed that the tie rod and axles needed to be replaced. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired per an unknown recall. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 9,605. *bf consumer stated after the accident, there was a recall on the right side tie rod. Consumer wants to know if the left side is defective.