2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems

Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, including engine, power steering, lights, and accessory systems. Typically accompanied by multiple warning messages (Service Electrical Stability Control, Park Brake Unavailable, Battery Light, Enter Auto Theft Code, Service Electronic Throttle Control, ABS off, collision warning off).

When: Multiple reports: within 6 months of purchase, at 6-month intervals, occurring intermittently. One instance at 10,000 miles. Mileage varies from new purchase to 121,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and shuts off while driving; Loss of power steering during power loss; Loss of engine power; Interior and exterior lights extinguish; Dashboard flashes multiple warning lights simultaneously; Vehicle becomes uncontrollable, driver must coast to safe location; Engine will not restart immediately (up to 20+ minutes reported); Interior lights and exterior lights flash on and off when attempting restart

Codes mentioned: Service Electrical Stability Control, Park Brake Unavailable, Battery Light, Auto Theft Code entry prompt, Service Electronic Throttle Control, ABS off warning, Collision warning off, Electronic Stability Control off warning, U113E (lost communication with EPS), C2217 (SAS not calibrated), C2210 (EPS internal fault), P058C (low voltage), P1009 (hybrid module MIL request)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports dealership replaced main charging unit under recall work; battery replacement mentioned in some cases (two batteries failed at 10,000 miles per one report). Multiple repair attempts across dealerships have not resolved recurring issues.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V53 (NHTSA 19V-348) issued for loose battery ground connection on 2017–2019 models with start/stop systems; however, many owners report symptoms persist after recall repair. Some VINs reportedly already addressed under recall in 2020 but issues recur. Chrysler Star Team involvement noted in at least one case. Chrysler has been contacted by owners; responses indicate inability to find root cause or replicate issues in some cases.

Power steering assist ceases unexpectedly during driving, leaving steering wheel extremely heavy and difficult to turn. Occurs during low-speed maneuvers, highway speeds, or while stationary. May be accompanied by 'Power Steering Unavailable' or 'Service Power Steering' warning message. Steering assist may return after vehicle restart or after several minutes.

When: Reports spanning from 2018 purchase through present. At various mileages: 1,800 miles, 11,127 miles, 19,000 miles, 40,000–75,000+ miles, 114,000 miles. Frequency ranges from isolated incidents to multiple occurrences per week.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes very stiff and difficult to turn; Requires significant force with both hands to maneuver vehicle; Loss of power steering assist without warning; Steering wheel locks or freezes momentarily; Vehicle becomes difficult to control, especially during turns or lane changes; Power steering assist returns after vehicle restart or after few minutes; No warning lights present in many cases; intermittent 'Power Steering Unavailable' or 'Service Power Steering' message in other cases

Codes mentioned: Power Steering Unavailable message, Service Power Steering message, Electronic Steering Component Failure message, U113E (lost communication with EPS), C2217 (SAS not calibrated), C2210 (EPS internal fault), P058C (low voltage)

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs performed include: steering rack replacement (quoted at $5,500 in one case), EPS (Electric Power Steering) module replacement, EPS wiring harness replacement, steering gear rack and EPS module changes. Multiple owners report repairs did not permanently resolve issue (problem returned within days to weeks of repair). One owner reports steering module needed replacement. Front-end suspension issues and loose front-end components reported in association with steering problems.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V15 mentioned for one case involving lower right control arm knuckle pinch bolt failure (addressed in May 2018 but reoccurred). Multiple owners reference NHTSA Action Number PE25009 (Steering) relating to steering sticking/stiffness. Dealerships consistently report inability to replicate issues during diagnostic visits despite owners experiencing problems repeatedly. Chrysler corporate involvement noted; one dealer confirmed EPS fault but offered no alternative to expensive rack replacement.

Steering wheel becomes stuck or extremely stiff when attempting to return to center position after making a turn, particularly during gradual curves or specific steering wheel angles (approximately 10 o'clock, 11 o'clock, 1 o'clock, or 2 o'clock positions). Requires forcible action to unstick steering wheel, which can lead to over-correction. Condition may include no warning lights.

When: Reported since purchase (February 2018 for one owner, ongoing through 2025). Occurs at various speeds: 15 mph (low-speed turns), 30+ mph, 35–75 mph (highway speeds). One owner reports issue ongoing for 6–7 months; another reports persistent issue since original purchase in 2018.

Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel sticks when in turning position (10 o'clock, 11 o'clock, 1 o'clock, 2 o'clock); Steering wheel requires forcible effort to return to center; Over-steering risk if driver overcorrects; Vehicle veers wider than intended during turns and lane changes; Steering feels loose and unresponsive on gravel roads; Steering may shake or shimmy when reversing and turning simultaneously; No warning lights or messages in most cases; one instance of brief 'Service Power Steering' message

Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message (intermittent), Steering wheel and exclamation point warning light (one case), No diagnostic codes accessible by owner in most cases

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs identified include: power steering gear assembly replacement, steering rack replacement, electronic steering system replacement. One independent service center replicated the issue. Many owners report dealerships unable or unwilling to replicate issue. One owner reports steering sensor reset (turning wheel fully in each direction multiple times) appeared to resolve issue temporarily.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler NHTSA Action Number PE25009 (Steering) referenced by multiple owners as describing their exact symptoms (sticking at 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock positions at speeds over 60 mph). Dealerships routinely report inability to replicate problem during service visits despite owners experiencing it repeatedly. One owner notes dealership claimed no prior reports of this issue despite multiple online reports.

Engine stalls unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion, particularly during deceleration, approach to traffic lights, or turns. Vehicle becomes unresponsive and requires manual restart. Typically accompanied by multiple warning lights and loss of power steering and brake booster function during stall.

When: Incidents reported across multiple years of ownership (2018–2025). At various speeds: 20–30 mph, 25 mph, 30 mph, 45 mph, 50 mph, 65 mph, 75 mph. Frequency ranges from isolated incidents to 1–3 times per week. Some incidents during first 15 minutes of operation after cold start.

Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls suddenly while driving; Vehicle lurches and comes to complete stop; Loss of power steering and brake booster during stall; Multiple dashboard warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Dashboard displays 'START/STOP REQUIRED' or similar message; Steering wheel and brakes lock up; Vehicle stuck in drive position; cannot shift to neutral or park in some cases; Vehicle refuses to enter gear after stall (requires toggling through gears slowly); Engine restart may require multiple attempts or up to 2–3 minutes; Some functions remain unavailable after restart (shifting, steering response)

Codes mentioned: Service Electrical Stability Control, ABS off warning, Stability Control warnings, Electronic Stability Control off, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Park Brake Unavailable, Battery Light, Check Engine Light, START/STOP REQUIRED message, Shift Module service required message, Vehicle not in park message (when attempting to turn off), Service Stabilitrac, Collision warning off

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs documented include: shift module replacement, battery ground repairs (Recall V53), starter replacement recommended, multiple electrical system component replacements, engine control module ('computer') replacement reported. One owner reports vehicle has been in service 49+ days across 5+ service visits without resolution. Multiple owners report repairs do not prevent recurrence.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall V53 (NHTSA Campaign 19V-348) addresses loose battery ground connection on 2017–2019 models with start/stop systems. Many owners report symptoms persist after V53 recall repair or that their VIN was excluded from recall despite experiencing identical symptoms. Dealership unable to replicate issues in most cases. Chrysler customer service reportedly directs owners back to original dealership for remedy, which in some cases has closed.

Vehicle unable to shift out of park or into desired gear. Shift is delayed, stuck, or unresponsive. In some cases, vehicle becomes stuck between gears or refuses to engage any gear. Typically occurs in conjunction with electrical or power loss events.

When: Reported at various mileages and timeframes. One case at 8,000 miles. Incidents occur during power loss events or electrical shutdowns, as well as during normal driving in some cases.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stuck in park; cannot shift to drive or reverse; Shift requires toggling slowly through gears to eventually engage; Transmission unresponsive to shift commands; Vehicle stuck between gears; Gear shift locks up; Shift module error messages displayed

Codes mentioned: Shifter module required service message, Vehicle not in park message, Shift Module error codes, START/STOP REQUIRED message

Repairs/costs cited: Shift module replacement performed in at least one documented case. Multiple repairs to shift mechanism have not resolved recurrence in some vehicles.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships have diagnosed shift module failures. One owner notes dealership indicated Recall V53 had been performed in 2020 but issue recurred. Chrysler corporate contacted in at least one case but no resolution offered.

Structural failure of front-end suspension and steering components, including complete separation of front axle half-shaft from CV joint, lower control arm separation from steering knuckle, and looseness or failure of fasteners connecting suspension to steering components.

When: Reported at various mileages. One case noted VIN not initially included in recall but owner suspected related to recalled issues. Another case involved recurrence despite prior Recall V15 repair in May 2018.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulls sharply to one side (toward curb); Front end feels loose, especially over bumps; Vehicle becomes difficult to control; Vehicle smokes from underhood; Engine revs uncontrollably; Visible axle or component hanging from vehicle; Loud creaking, popping, squeaking from front suspension when turning, backing up, or going over bumps; Loss of drive or inability to move vehicle

Codes mentioned: Service Brakes warning message (may appear secondary to suspension failure), Electronic Steering Component Failure message (in one case of control arm failure)

Repairs/costs cited: Complete front axle replacement required in case of CV joint disconnection. Entire lower control arm assembly may need replacement. One owner required professional fire department intervention to disconnect battery when engine would not shut off.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall mentioned for front axle half-shaft improper assembly (Recall number related to CV joint disengagement). Recall V15 addressed front suspension and steering component failure (lower right control arm knuckle pinch bolt) but issue reoccurred in at least one case. Owner contacted NHTSA requesting expansion of recall VIN ranges.

Widespread electrical and software malfunctions affecting multiple vehicle systems (dashboard, infotainment, climate control, power windows, power doors, automatic stop-start system, battery management). Systems reset, reboot, freeze, or respond erratically. Issues often clear after vehicle restart but recur.

When: Reported from purchase through 2025. Some issues present at or within days of purchase (March 2018 and June 2018 examples). Others develop after several months of ownership. Recurring across years of vehicle operation.

Symptoms owners cite: Dashboard and infotainment screen reboot, reset, freeze, or go blank repeatedly; Radio and screen go blank intermittently; Uconnect infotainment system unresponsive (camera buttons, USB connections, theater mode not responding); Power windows roll down on their own; Power doors open and close on their own or get stuck; Trunk opens on its own while driving; Sliding doors open and close freely without input; Climate control changes temperature or air flow on its own; Steering wheel and seat heating cannot be turned off or adjusted; Auto stop-start system malfunctions or disables; Multiple dashboard lights flash on and off like 'Christmas program'; Cruise control turns off on hills or fails to maintain speed; Gas pedal sticks (not engaged but unresponsive, then suddenly engine revs); AC stops working after electrical event; Battery drain (even after battery replacement)

Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (persistent or intermittent), Service Electronic Throttle Control, ABS off, Electronic Stability Control off, Collision warning off, Multiple simultaneous dashboard warnings, P0E15 code (mentioned in one case with steering sticking and check engine light), Various electrical and software error codes that do not persist after restart

Repairs/costs cited: Repairs documented include: engine control module ('computer') replacement (quoted at $5,000+ for part and install in one case), electrical module replacement, secondary battery replacement (stop-start system), wiring repairs, software updates. One owner reports dealership performed 5–6 service visits with no resolution. Multiple owners report independent repair shops unable to diagnose due to proprietary Chrysler programming.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships and independent shops report codes are 'electronic/software related' and cannot be replicated during diagnostic visits. One dealership indicated codes did not save after incidents. Many owners report dealerships claim they 'cannot replicate the issue' despite symptoms being consistent. Recall work performed (Recall V53, battery ground recall) has not resolved recurring electrical issues for many owners. Chrysler corporate contacted by owners; responses variable but in several cases, no remedy offered.