My engine light has been on since I got the care in may of 2012-, I have always had problems with air going low on the drivers side front tire, and recently my steering has become hard to move even though it has power steering has fluid in it. At times the vehicle will shut off when I back out or come to a stop at a light or stop sign.
2007 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems
severe 51 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
51
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
1crash
5fires
When does it fail?
Of the 51 steering complaints filed for the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 50,000-75,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 51 steering complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA steering complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 8 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2007 Pacifica's most dangerous problem is unexpected engine stalling while driving. The engine cuts out at speeds from 15 to 60 mph—often under 40 or during turns and deceleration—and restarts immediately when shifted to neutral. The catch: when the engine dies, power steering and brakes die too. Owners report loss of steering control and locked brakes at intersections, while merging into traffic, and on highways, with some nearly hit by other vehicles. This happens randomly, sometimes five times in 4.5 miles, sometimes days apart. Dealers and independent shops can't find the root cause; they've tried software updates, throttle body replacement, EGR valves, fuel pump swaps, and tightening electrical grounds without fixing it. No consistent diagnostic codes appear.
Power steering failures multiply the danger. In several cases, power steering fluid leaks caused engine compartment fires on vehicles under 15,000 miles, still in warranty. One fire caused property damage to a building and nearby vehicle before fire crews arrived. Motor mounts are failing repeatedly—one owner had the right mount replaced three times—causing the engine to shift inside the bay and affect steering. Separately, the front subframe is corroding unusually fast, weakening engine support and allowing the suspension cradle to fail mid-drive, which has caused steering to lock and vehicles to swerve into traffic lanes.
Steering noise—grinding, rubbing, or clunking during turns or reversing—is chronic and intermittent, making dealer diagnosis nearly impossible. Some owners report a loud rubbing sensation through the steering wheel that dealers cannot find or fix despite multiple visits.
These are safety-critical failures that repair shops have failed to isolate or resolve, and no manufacturer recall or technical service bulletin has proven effective according to the narratives.
Same Chrysler Pacifica steering reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling with power steering/braking loss
Engine cuts out while driving at various speeds (15–60 mph, often under 40 mph or during deceleration/turns), causing immediate loss of power steering and power brakes. Vehicle restarts after shifting to neutral and restarting ignition. Occurs intermittently and unpredictably, sometimes multiple times per short drive, sometimes days apart. No warning lights or check-engine codes present in many cases.
When: Primarily during low-speed maneuvers, turns, traffic merging, coasting to stops, or shortly after refueling (full tank). Some occurrences on freeway at highway speeds. First reported under 100 miles; continues at various mileages (21k–104k reported).
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies without warning; Power steering becomes hard or unresponsive; Power brakes cease or lock up; No warning lights or codes in many cases; some report check-engine light or ETC light; Vehicle immediately restartable; Loss of steering control and inability to maneuver or stop
Codes mentioned: P0440 (erroneous evaporation code, one case), ETC (electronic throttle control) light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attempts include: software update, throttle body replacement, EGR valve replacement ($2500+ reported in one case), loose electrical ground tightening, fuel pump replacement. No consistent fix; failures persist after multiple repair attempts. Independent mechanics and dealers unable to duplicate or identify root cause in many cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Previous owner also experienced same failures with no root cause determination. Chrysler specialist visit noted in one case; one case resolved with vehicle replacement. No recall or TSB confirmation in narratives, though owners inquire about them.
Power steering failure and fire hazard
Power steering system fails or loses assist function, in some cases accompanied by fluid leak, smoke, and engine compartment fire. Failures range from temporary loss of power assist (30 seconds or longer) to permanent loss requiring hard steering. Fire incidents involve fluid pooling and ignition under hood.
When: At low speeds (5–15 mph during parking or low-speed maneuvers), while driving through water on road, after fueling, or without clear trigger at 13k–23k miles. Fire incidents within warranty period on low-mileage vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering stops functioning or becomes very hard; Fluid leaks from front end; Smoke from under hood; Screeching noise from serpentine belt (when wet); Engine compartment fire; Difficulty steering, especially during turns; Loss of power assist intermittently or completely
Repairs/costs cited: One case: power steering pump and belt repaired under warranty at 23k miles. Cases involving fire: Chrysler ordered independent adjuster inspections (inconclusive results); Chrysler paid for one vehicle replacement. Splash guard missing/not replaced noted as potential cause in one narrative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler inspections ordered; one case resulted in vehicle replacement. Warranty coverage noted for pump/belt in one case. No broader TSB or recall mentioned. Vehicles were in warranty or near warranty expiration when fires occurred.
Motor mount failure and steering/suspension effects
Engine motor mounts fail and break repeatedly (replaced 3 times in one case), causing engine to shift within engine bay and strike transmission or suspension. Owner reports steering locking up, vibration felt through steering wheel, and suspension control problems. Internet reports note widespread motor mount failures in this model with no manufacturer coverage.
When: Failures occur early and recur within warranty and shortly after. Motor mounts are not expected to fail without major accident per owners. Mileage variable; one reported at ~56k miles after multiple replacements.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering locks up or becomes very hard; Vibration or shudder felt through steering wheel; Engine visibly shifts in bay; Popping or clicking noise from transmission area; Stuttering/shuttering at 30–35 mph range (transmission shift issue reported); Steering veers to left when let go of wheel after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Right motor mount replaced for third time at Athens Dodge Chrysler Jeep. Other parts replaced in conjunction: torque converter ($2500+ estimated by owner), tie rods, struts. Dealership claims defect per Chrysler after steering veer post-repair. Owner reports steering veer issue only appeared after torque converter service.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler not covering motor mount costs per owner research in chat forums. Dealership washing hands after failed repairs and blaming Chrysler per owner. One case: manufacturer contacted after loud thumping and grinding from steering column (under 100 miles) and stated they did not know the cause; working on TSB. Rack and pinion and sway bar links replaced as attempted fix.
Steering noise and rubbing sensations
Loud rubbing, grinding, or thumping noises when turning (particularly right turns) or reversing. Owner describes it as rubbing in wheel well, grinding/clunking from suspension or steering, or vibration resonating through steering wheel. Noise occurs on cold start or after sitting and is intermittent, making dealer duplication difficult.
When: Mostly at low speeds during turns or when reversing, first thing in the morning or after vehicle has sat idle. One case ongoing since vehicle was new (2007).
Symptoms owners cite: Loud rubbing or grinding noise when turning (especially right turns); Loud clunks when backing up and turning or straightening wheels; Vibration/shudder felt through steering wheel; Short grind noise resonating into steering wheel; Noise more pronounced in cold/after idle; Intermittent nature makes diagnosis difficult
Repairs/costs cited: Cross member replaced; noise persisted. Rack and pinion replaced (in one case with motor mount work). Dealers unable to duplicate and offer no fix. Owner reports multiple dealer visits (3–4 times, one lasting 3 weeks) with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer says nothing wrong with car; Chrysler contacted per one case and stated working on TSB. No recall or permanent fix confirmed in narratives.
Steering hardness and control difficulty
Power steering assist fails intermittently, making steering wheel very hard to turn or control. Distinct from complete power loss; this involves partial or intermittent loss of assist. May occur during turns, acceleration, or at specific road conditions.
When: Intermittently while driving at various speeds. Cold starts reported in one case (stalls and hard steering every morning).
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very hard to turn; Difficulty controlling direction of vehicle; Power steering assist lost intermittently; Hard steering wheel combined with stalling events; Requires great force to turn steering column
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report taking to multiple mechanics/dealerships; diagnosis difficult due to intermittent nature. One case mentioned tightening of loose electrical grounds by dealer (unsuccessful).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer contacted in one case; stated they did not know the cause and were working on TSB.
Fuel system / fuel gauge malfunction affecting ignition/stalling
After refueling (especially with full tank), engine stalls repeatedly and check engine light illuminates. Fuel gauge malfunctions: drops from half-tank reading to empty (E) suddenly, then may read correctly after overnight rest or next start. Nozzle cuts off during fueling and requires restart to complete fill. Owner suspects saddle-bag dual fuel tank system malfunction.
When: Occurs after fuel fill-up events and within first 5–20 miles driven post-refueling. Gauge malfunction apparent around half-tank mark. Stalling continues even days after fill-up.
Symptoms owners cite: Multiple engine stalls within short distance after refueling; Fuel gauge drops from ~half-tank reading to (E) empty suddenly; Gauge may read correctly again after overnight rest; Nozzle cuts off multiple times during fueling; Check engine light on (solid, non-flashing); Stalling at idle (stop lights) especially after refuel; Loss of power and power steering during stalls
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic aware and scheduling visit. Suspected dual fuel tank (saddle-bag) system issue by owner.
Water intrusion and belt slip (power steering loss)
When vehicle travels through standing water or water splashes into engine compartment, serpentine belt gets wet, slips, and loses grip. Power steering belt loses drive and power steering assist ceases for 30 seconds or more until belt dries. Screeching noise from belt during slip phase.
When: During or after driving through water on roads.
Symptoms owners cite: Screeching noise from serpentine belt; Power steering fails completely for 30 seconds or more; Driver unable to maneuver vehicle until power steering restored; No directional control during failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owner suspects splash guard was left off during previous service and not replaced. Investigating whether replacement splash guard is the fix (not yet confirmed in narrative).
Tie rod separation and wear
Outer tie rod ends separate from vehicle or wear prematurely. Low mileage when failure occurs (38k–68k miles). Owner expresses concern that mileage is too low for this type of damage.
When: At 38k–68k miles, early in vehicle ownership for first owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Tie rods separate or begin to separate; Steering control affected
Repairs/costs cited: Both outer tie rod ends replaced. One case: dealer and manufacturer contacted but denied assistance with repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer denied assistance per one case.
Steering cradle and subframe corrosion/structural failure
Front subframe and engine cradle deteriorate rapidly due to corrosion and rust; steel is uncoated and unprotected. Engine support becomes unsafe, suspension cradle fails. Corrosion unusually rapid and extensive for mileage.
When: Not clearly specified, but substandard materials implicated as manufacturing defect.
Symptoms owners cite: Cradle holding front suspension rusts and breaks off; Right front tire hits wheel housing when cradle fails; Vehicle involuntarily swerves into other lanes; Engine no longer safely supported; Subframe structural failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed corrosion issue. One case: right front tire hit wheel housing when cradle broke; owner able to pull to shoulder on two-lane road.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer aware of substandard steel in front subframe per owner research.
Engine compartment fire (non-power steering origin)
Engine compartment caught fire with no obvious cause on vehicle shutdown; fire smoldered then ignited entire vehicle. Nothing unusual noticed during driving or shutdown.
When: Post-shutdown; fire discovered burning after engine was turned off.
Symptoms owners cite: Fire in engine compartment; Vehicle totaled
Synthesized from 51 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Vehicle caught fire. Fire started in the engine, but was not noticed when the vehicle was shut off. It smoldered then ignited entire vehicle. Nothing unusual was noticed when driving the vehicle, or when shutting off the engine. The engine size is 4.0 ltr. *tr
This vehicle tends to stall at or below 35 MPH. Have been to independent mechanics and Chrysler and no one can seem to figure out why it stalls. When it stalls there is a loss of control of the car and is very dangerous especially when in rush hour traffic. My wife drives this vehicle along with my 3 children. I have seen numerous complaints on this matter and I am quite surprised there has not…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler pacifica. She would hear loud thumping and grinding , when turning the steering column. She had to use great force in order to turn the steering column. The manufacturer was contacted and after numerous attempts to correct the failure they stated they did not know what the caused the failure. They also stated they were working on a technical service…
Had steering trouble with your 2007 Chrysler Pacifica?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the steering problem on the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a meaningful issue. 51 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 38 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 55,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 75,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 55,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $700 for steering repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to steering?
No active recalls currently cover steering issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2007/Chrysler/Pacifica.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.