I was driving on the street thankfully at a lower speed about 25 MPH and the power steering suddenly gave out. It then came back randomly while turning. It did that multiple times before I was able to get it to the dealer. I have been told it is an electrical problem. It has been 2 1/2 months and they have not been able to fix it. I do have a loaner. I had a Chrysler customer care case but they…
2017 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems
moderate 235 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $700 · see steering across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
235
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
7crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 235 steering complaints filed for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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
Of the 11 model years of Chrysler Pacifica we track for steering problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 235.
Owners have filed 235 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2017 Pacifica steering system is a known hazard—it sticks in turns at any speed with little warning, and power steering regularly cuts out with no clear fix after multiple dealer attempts. Electrical malfunctions, sudden stalling, and transmission jerking are also widely reported, making this vehicle unsafe for families until Chrysler identifies and recalls the root cause.
Owners of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica describe a steering system that frequently sticks or locks when turning, refusing to self-center and requiring excessive force to straighten the wheel—sometimes at highway speeds with no warning. This sticking happens on gentle curves, lane changes, and on-ramps, often at the 10 o'clock to 1 o'clock positions, and many report it worsens on long drives or in warm weather. Dealers often cannot reproduce it during tests, leaving owners stuck with expensive repairs (rack and pinion, steering modules) that sometimes fail to solve the problem.
Power steering assist also cuts out intermittently or completely, forcing drivers to maneuver heavy steering wheels by brute force—a hazard particularly for smaller or older drivers. Some owners describe voltage fluctuations (10–16 volts) that correlate with the failures.
Beyond steering, owners report widespread electrical gremlins: dashboard lights cycling on and off, infotainment screens freezing, navigation showing vehicles in impossible locations, wipers activating on their own, and batteries dying repeatedly. A few owners describe sudden complete power loss while driving—steering assist, brakes, and acceleration all gone at once.
The vehicle also jerks or surges violently during acceleration and gear changes, sometimes feeling like it was hit from behind. Transmission issues often follow rack-and-pinion repairs. Engine stalls have sent owners into oncoming traffic on highways. One owner's brakes failed with a constant hissing noise and the van rolling forward despite pedal pressure.
Owners cite unresolved TSBs and recalls (08-007-17, 08-033-21, 18V-049, 19V348000) that dealerships claim have been completed or for which no fix is available yet. Multiple repair attempts often yield no permanent fix.
Same Chrysler Pacifica steering reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Steering wheel sticks in turns, won't return to center
During gentle or moderate steering inputs in curves, lane changes, or highway on-ramps, the steering wheel gets stuck and will not self-center. Driver must apply excessive force to overcome the stickiness and return the wheel to center, causing jerky, unpredictable vehicle realignment. Happens at various speeds from 25 mph to 70 mph. Mechanics often cannot reproduce it on demand; no warning lights appear.
When: Typically after 30 minutes to several hours of driving; some owners report it worsens over long trips or in warmer weather. First appears anywhere from early ownership to 60,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel stuck in turn position (typically 10 o'clock to 1 o'clock positions); No self-centering action after turn; Requires excessive manual force to unstick; Jerking or swerving of vehicle when forcing wheel back to center; Intermittent; happens on curves, lane changes, and highway ramps; No warning lights or messages
Codes mentioned: C2205-96 (Steering angle fault)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership/independent shops suggest or perform: Steering angle sensor replacement (~$755), rack and pinion replacement (estimates $4,000–$5,000), steering module replacement, electronic power steering computer replacement, steering column sealing. Despite repairs, problem often recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls mentioned: NHTSA recall 18V-049 (power steering). TSBs cited: 08-007-17 (Body Control Module water intrusion), 08-033-21 (BCM communication faults). Many owners report their VINs are not included in known recalls despite matching symptoms. Some dealerships cannot replicate the issue and refuse to repair.
Power steering loses assist intermittently or completely
Intermittent or complete loss of power steering assist, causing the steering wheel to become very stiff or impossible to turn without extreme force. Often occurs during normal driving at both highway and low speeds. In severe cases, steering locks up completely mid-turn or while driving, leaving the driver with no assisted control.
When: Starts intermittently and progresses to frequent or constant failure. Often triggered by turning on headlights, foglights, shifting into gear, or after the vehicle has warmed up. Some cases occur within months of purchase; others at 60,000+ miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering warning light appears intermittently then stays on; Steering becomes very stiff or completely locks up; Excessive force required to turn wheel (difficult or impossible for average-strength drivers); Power steering cycles off and on while driving; Loss of power steering assist mid-turn at highway speeds; Voltage fluctuations (10–16 volts) visible when power steering fails
Codes mentioned: Excessive voltage output codes, Power steering unit faults
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership repairs include: Power steering unit replacement (takes 1+ week), accessory battery replacement, brake booster vacuum pump replacement, CAN-bus system repair. Multiple repairs often do not resolve the issue permanently; symptoms recur within days to weeks.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Referenced TSBs: 08-007-17, 08-033-21. Recall 18V-049 cited but noted as not available or not completed despite showing as completed in owner records. Some dealers report problem is electronic and not easily fixable.
Loss of all power (steering, braking, acceleration) while driving
Complete loss of engine power, steering assist, braking assist, and acceleration at highway or low speeds, leaving the driver with no control. Vehicle either stalls or becomes unresponsive. Lights and accessories may still work. May restart after a few seconds to minutes or require towing.
When: Can occur at any speed from 10–70 mph, with or without warning. Some cases involve newly purchased vehicles with under 400 miles; others at 60,000+ miles. Happens both in normal driving and while stopped at lights.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; No power steering or power braking assist; Vehicle stalls or fails to respond to accelerator; All dashboard warning lights flash or illuminate; Electronics (radio, accessories) may still function; Vehicle restarts after engine shutdown and restart; Alternator or battery voltage faults recorded; No warning before loss of power
Codes mentioned: Multiple electrical codes, Alternator fault codes, CAN-bus voltage loss codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attribute to: Alternator failure, electrical system faults, CAN-bus communication loss. Repairs include alternator replacement, battery replacement, CAN-bus wiring repair, body control module inspection. Problem often recurs after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Campaign 19V348000 (Electrical System). Some owners report recalls show as completed in records but dealer states 'no fix available at this time.' No manufacturer recall specifically for this failure mode.
Vehicle jerks, surges, or hesitates during acceleration or gear shifts
Violent jerking or surging forward, as if transmission slips or vehicle is hit from behind. Occurs randomly during acceleration from stops, coasting, cruise control, or downshifting. Also includes transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, or failure to accelerate. Vehicle may also decelerate on its own.
When: Starts intermittently and becomes more frequent over months or years. Can happen multiple times per day or only occasionally. Occurs at any speed and during any driving condition.
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden jerking or surging forward sensation; Transmission hesitation or delayed response to accelerator; Failure to accelerate from stop or red light; Vehicle shifts into neutral unexpectedly while driving; Transmission won't shift into intended gear; Rough engine vibration during jerking episodes; Jerking happens with no warning lights (sometimes); Problem intermittent; hard to replicate for dealer
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module faults, Shifter module faults, Check engine light (sometimes no code)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced: Entire transmission, transmission control module, shifter module, valve bodies. Owners report Chrysler also replaced valves. Despite multiple repairs, problem often recurs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None specifically mentioned for this symptom. Dealers perform repairs but often cannot identify root cause or prevent recurrence.
Electrical system malfunctions (dashboard, infotainment, lighting)
Widespread electrical glitches including dashboard lights cycling on/off, center infotainment screen freezing or glitching, radio constantly scanning, navigation showing incorrect locations, windshield wipers activating on their own, and door locks/windows operating independently. Battery dies repeatedly despite replacement.
When: Can start shortly after purchase or develop over time. Battery drain or repeated dead batteries occur without clear cause.
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning lights illuminate or flash; Center screen freezes, glitches, or shows incorrect info; Radio scans continuously or makes random phone calls; Navigation places vehicle in wrong state or ocean; Windshield wipers activate without user input; Windows or door locks operate independently; Battery drains and dies repeatedly despite replacement; Rotary gear shift dial lights fail to illuminate; Electrical noise or arcing (e.g., alarm activating on own); Software resets do not resolve issues
Codes mentioned: CAN-bus voltage loss, Body Control Module faults, Electrical system codes (Campaign 19V348000)
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include: CAN-bus system repair, Body Control Module water intrusion cleaning, electrical harness inspection, software updates, battery replacement (multiple), brake booster vacuum pump replacement (shorted internally). Water intrusion noted in some cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSBs 08-007-17 (BCM water intrusion) and 08-033-21 (BCM communication faults) cited. Campaign 19V348000 (Electrical System) applies. However, owners report these TSBs/campaigns do not resolve intermittent electrical faults.
Brake system failure (loss of braking assist, brake pedal stuck)
Loss of brake assist causing hard brake pedal and extended stopping distance. Brake pedal may get stuck to floorboard or fail to return to normal position. Constant hissing sound from brake system suggests vacuum leak. Vehicle rolls forward even when brakes applied.
When: Reported from early ownership to high mileage. Dealership documented brake vacuum leak in at least one case.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake assist; pedal becomes very hard; Brake pedal stuck on floorboard or fails to return; Constant hissing sound from brake system; Vehicle continues to roll forward when braking; Requires excessive force to stop vehicle; Stopping distance increases; Braking performance inconsistent
Codes mentioned: Brake vacuum leak
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership inspection documented brake vacuum leak. Brake booster vacuum pump replacement attempted in some cases. Problem continues to worsen despite repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned. Dealership documented the vacuum leak but condition worsened after inspection.
Engine stall without warning while driving or at stops
Engine stalls unexpectedly while driving at various speeds or while stopped at lights. No warning lights precede the stall. After stalling, vehicle may be difficult or impossible to restart for several minutes. Creates serious safety hazard in traffic.
When: Occurs within months to years of ownership. Can happen once or repeatedly. Stalls have been reported to happen after 4 months of ownership on brand-new vehicles.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls while driving at any speed; Engine stalls at red lights or while idle; No warning lights or messages before stall; Vehicle difficult to restart or won't restart for several minutes; Loss of power steering and braking when stalled; Vehicle blocks traffic after stall; Some stalls accompanied by rough vibration or jerking
Codes mentioned: Engine misfire codes, CAN-bus communication loss
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer kept vehicle for extended periods (up to 4 months) but could not fix. Engine rebuild performed in one case for misfire codes; problem may recur. Multiple visits to dealership with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Multiple safety recalls mentioned (V53, 18V-049, 19V348000) but owners report recalls not completed or no fix available. Chrysler escalation department offered buyback (50% upfront, 50% on resale) in at least one case.
Missing or failed accessory/auxiliary battery (ESS battery)
Engine Start/Stop (ESS) auxiliary battery either missing entirely at purchase or has failed. Missing battery can cause intermittent loss of power steering and engine power. Warning light indicates Auto Start/Stop malfunction.
When: Discovered during initial drive or shortly after purchase. One case noted missing battery at time of used vehicle purchase.
Symptoms owners cite: Auto Start/Stop warning light illuminates (A in circle with exclamation); System disabled; service required message; Auxiliary battery missing from vehicle; Intermittent loss of power steering (if missing); Intermittent loss of motive power (if missing)
Codes mentioned: Auto Start/Stop system malfunction
Repairs/costs cited: Installation of auxiliary ESS battery and mounting hardware required. Service dealer advised that operating without this battery risks intermittent power steering loss and loss of motive power.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None mentioned. Dealer note stated missing battery is a safety risk.
Synthesized from 235 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The steering wheel sticks when you’re straightening back out from going around a curve. It doesn’t happen all the time but when it does it will continue for several days or weeks and then stop. It has been a continuous thing for months.
Vehicle shuts off while driving and cannot be restarted until it comes to a complete stop. Vehicle has stopped running while slowing down for a light, it has stopped after getting off expressway and while driving through a parking lot. In the last two months it has stalled at least 10 times.
Had steering trouble with your 2017 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 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 235 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $700 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Across the 84 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most steering failures cluster between 13,654 and 69,000 miles, with the median around 42,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,654; a quarter make it past 69,000. 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/2017/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.