Chrysler Pacifica harsh shifting problems

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 Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

The transmission shifts harshly, clunks when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and hesitates before suddenly lurching. Engine RPM rises before the transmission engages, and some describe the resulting jolt as feeling like being hit from behind. The steering wheel locks stiffly during gentle turns to the right, then suddenly releases causing a jolt back to the left at times, all other times it requires a hard pull of the wheel manually to get the steering to release, which also causes a hard jerking to the opposite direction. Battery and stop/start system: Repeated Auxiliary battery replacements which power the stop/start system and warning lights. On 5 occasions the Aux battery has been replaced and within a week the system fails with no diagnostic readings identifying the cause. This leads to harder drains on the main battery. The main battery (purchased from Autozone, has been replaced on warranty because it never makes it past the 2-year mark) occasional starting difficulties, and inconsistent stop/start operation. Dash Screen: The screen freezes or turns blank while operating the vehicle. Complete loss of cabin temperature control. At other times the display will freeze on the Chrysler brand logo and is completely unresponsive to any haptic touch. The software just freezes. Even after complete shutdowns and time outs the display does not reset immediately. It's a coin flip if it's going to work. These problems have been ongoing since I purchased the vehicle in 2019. Dealerships have recognized them and consistently say that until Chrysler is forced to fix this the Dealerships can't do anything about it without charging me repairs/replacement.

Filed Aug 16, 2026 · Steering · MI

I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. At approximately 110,000–115,000 miles, I began experiencing an intermittent sticking sensation in the steering while driving. When traveling straight and then making a gradual steering correction or beginning a turn, the steering wheel sometimes feels like it sticks in the straight-ahead position. It requires noticeably more effort, or an extra push, to get the wheel to turn rather than steering smoothly. This occurs while the vehicle is in motion and is especially concerning at higher speeds because it interferes with making small, smooth steering corrections. The vehicle also has a noticeable clunk or hard shift at approximately 35 mph while driving. I do not know whether this is related to the steering problem, but I am including it because it is another abnormal condition occurring while the vehicle is in motion. I learned that the federal safety agency has opened Preliminary Evaluation PE25009 involving 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacificas for intermittent loss of electric power steering. The symptoms described in that investigation, including a sticking sensation during gradual turns and increased steering effort, closely match the steering problem I am experiencing.

Filed Jul 6, 2026 · Engine, Steering · 50,000 miles · AL

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced power and hard shifting. Additionally, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

Filed May 30, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · SC

2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle has ongoing steering, electrical, and power steering/EPS failures. The steering wheel intermittently jerks/pulls while driving, the vehicle has experienced random loss of steering assist, and the electrical system cuts out or malfunctions during normal use. The steering wheel lights and backup camera guidelines also disappear during driving sessions and only return after fully restarting the vehicle. The exact root cause is UNKNOWN, but the affected systems appear to include the EPS/power steering system, steering/suspension components, battery/electrical system, and possibly related control modules. My safety and others’ safety were put at risk because the vehicle has lost steering assist and had electrical failure while being driven, including a prior failure in an intersection. When the steering assist drops or the wheel jerks, the vehicle becomes difficult to control. This is especially dangerous because I transport my family in this vehicle. The issue has been reported repeatedly since purchase. The vehicle was inspected/repaired through Carvana/SilverRock’s repair process at Brockman Automotive, including rack and pinion/steering-related work. After that repair, the vehicle continued to drift and handle improperly. A later independent inspection at Davidson Automotive identified a loose/not properly secured tie rod, alignment problems, and a failed auxiliary battery. The shop could not complete deeper diagnostics until those prerequisite issues were corrected. The vehicle has also suffered abnormal front tire wear after the steering/alignment problems. Warning/symptoms before or during failures include steering wheel jerking/pulling, clunking/clanking/grinding/groaning noises, vehicle drift, service start/stop warning, electrical malfunctions, intermittent steering wheel control/light issues, loss of backup camera guidelines, and loss of steering assist. The vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request.

Filed Mar 17, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · GA

This car has had so many issues in the 2 years that i have had it. Blown head gaskets, hard shifting, cruise control getting stuck in a high gear and not shifting. When fixing the head gasket it was apparent that it wasnt the first time being fixed. For such a nice vehicle it has way too many problems for the amount i purchased it for. There needs to be some sort of compensation for this. Upon looking into these issues there are thousands among thousands of people with the same head gasket issues and transmission issues as well.

Filed Mar 9, 2026 · Brakes, Steering · IL

The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections, creating a significant safety hazard for both the driver and surrounding traffic. These symptoms were first reported on February 4, 2026. Shortly afterward the vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealership, which documented a brake vacuum leak in the braking system. Despite that inspection and documentation, the braking condition has continued to worsen and the vehicle no longer feels safe to operate. The braking performance is inconsistent and stopping distance appears to be increasing. In addition to the braking failure, the vehicle experiences powertrain issues including transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, and loss of power during acceleration and when driving uphill. The vehicle also has severe vibration and instability originating from the front driver-side wheel or steering area while driving, which affects vehicle stability and control. These combined mechanical failures involving braking, drivetrain operation, and steering/wheel stability create a serious safety risk during normal operation, particularly while braking in traffic or attempting to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently feels unsafe to operate due to these worsening conditions and unresolved mechanical defects.

Filed Feb 16, 2026 · Driver assistance · TX

On two separate long trips (over 4,000 miles total in recent months), the adaptive cruise control system has failed while driving on the freeway. This is the most dangerous situation I have ever experienced while driving. When the failure occurs: All cruise control and lane-assist buttons become unresponsive. Dynamic cruise control remains engaged. When I press the brake, the vehicle slows—but as soon as I release the brake, it begins accelerating again. There is no way to turn the system off. The first time this happened, I attempted for several miles to reset the system while controlling speed using the brake. I exited the freeway. At a traffic light, when I began to release the brake after stopping, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and nearly struck the truck in front of me. With the brake fully depressed, I shifted into neutral. The transmission made a loud clunk as the engine began revving. I then shifted into park, which caused another loud clunk. I turned the vehicle off while sitting in a turn lane, waited a moment, and restarted it. The system appeared to reset, and I was able to continue driving. Approximately two weeks later, while returning from California, I tested the cruise control system again during a long drive. After about three hours, the exact same failure occurred. This time, I recorded video of the incident and have documentation of the malfunction. This system is extremely dangerous in its current state. I paid a significant amount for this vehicle and its safety systems. A failure like this could easily result in a serious accident or loss of life. I do not believe I should be responsible for paying for a vehicle or system that is defective and poses a safety risk. I have video but could not upload it..

Filed Feb 9, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · WI

As I was leaving the gas station the Check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the Fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke Vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - Sudden loss of propulsion - Fire risk / fuel involvement - Hybrid system interaction - Manufacturer declined to document incident

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · Steering · 70,432 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and attempting to slow down to park in a parking spot, the steering wheel started shaking unexpectedly. There was a clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack and pinion needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,432.