Owners describe a cluster of front-end problems starting in the first year of ownership. The most consistent complaint is creaking or squeaking from the front suspension, especially when backing up with the steering wheel fully locked or during turns. Multiple owners reference a prior recall (V15) for lower control arm ball joints on earlier Pacifica model years and say their 2018s exhibit identical symptoms but were excluded from that recall. One owner was told by a mechanic that failure could mean loss of steering control.
CV joint and axle issues show up as loud clicking or clinking during braking, acceleration, and turns. One owner says an open recall exists for this part but only covers 60 vehicles.
Tie rod failure appears once at 9,605 miles, causing the front wheel to lock in extreme position with loss of steering response. Another owner reports the vehicle wouldn't move from a stop on a hill despite being shifted to drive, suggesting possible steering or transmission signal loss.
Upper control arm bushing replacement provided only temporary relief—the issue recurred within two weeks in one case.
A vehicle stall with an electronic suspension warning occurred at low speed in one report. Overall, dealers have struggled to diagnose and repair these noises, with some replacing multiple parts without resolving the issue. Warranty coverage has been denied in at least one case.
Failure modes owners describe
Tie rod failure with loss of steering control
Tie rod failure causing the wheel to lock in extreme position and loss of steering response. One owner reported the front driver's side wheel turned completely to the left at 25 mph with a loud abnormal noise; the vehicle was unable to respond to steering input. Another owner reported the vehicle wouldn't move in drive on a steep hill despite being shifted to drive gear, suggesting loss of steering or transmission signal.
When: 9,605 miles; also reported after roughly 9 months of ownership (July 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: Front wheel locked or turned completely to left; Loud abnormal noise at moderate speed; Vehicle would not accelerate from stop on hill despite being in drive; Loss of steering control sensation
Repairs/costs cited: Tie rod and axles replaced; one owner mentioned unknown recall was applied
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified in case #2; one case had tie rod replaced under recall; owner in case #1 noted dealership changed multiple parts without fixing the issue
Lower control arm ball joint creaking and squeaking
Multiple owners report creaking, squeaking, or popping noises from the front suspension, particularly from lower control arm ball joints. Symptoms are especially pronounced when backing up with the steering wheel fully locked, or when turning. Several owners reference a prior V15 recall for similar symptoms in earlier model years but state their vehicle was not included despite having the same symptoms. One owner was told by mechanic that failure could result in loss of steering control.
When: Various; some occurred during normal operation; at least one owner noted issue worsened over time after initial repair attempt
Symptoms owners cite: Loud creaking or squeaking from front suspension; Popping sound when turning; Sound replicates consistently when backing up with steering wheel locked; Vibration in steering wheel; Sound worse during acceleration from a stop
Repairs/costs cited: Upper control arm bushings replaced in one case; issue recurred within 2 weeks. One owner stated mechanic recommended replacement to avoid failure risk.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: V15 recall for lower control arm ball joints on prior model years; multiple 2018 owners report they were excluded from recall despite identical symptoms. Dealer refused warranty coverage in at least one case.
CV joint or axle clicking and clunking
Owners report loud clicking, clinking, or grinding noises from the CV joint or axle assembly. Noise occurs during braking, acceleration from stop, turning, and when backing up. One owner noted an open recall exists for this part but states only 60 vehicles are acknowledged as affected.
When: Not specified; one owner mentioned open recall on same part
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clicking when braking; Loud clicking during acceleration from stop; Loud clicking when turning; Grinding sound when turning on driver side tire; Clunking noise
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic confirmed problem is in axle/CV joint; parts not specified in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Open recall acknowledged for CV joint/axle defect, though manufacturer only recognizes 60 affected vehicles according to owner complaint
Vehicle creeping or rolling in park
One owner reported the vehicle rolls when in park, and violently surges on right-hand turns. This suggests transmission or transmission mount concerns, though described alongside suspension issues.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls when in park; Violent surge on right-hand turns
Suspension electronic control malfunction
One owner reported a 'Service Electronic Suspension' warning message while the vehicle stalled at low speed. The vehicle required being placed in park to restart.
When: During stop at less than 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalled at low speed; Service electronic suspension warning displayed; Vehicle required manual restart
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle did restart immediately after being placed in park
Alignment issue persisting after service
One owner reported vehicle pulling to the side that persisted after wheel alignment service. Owner suspects lower control arm, transmission axle assembly, or axle shaft as the cause.
When: Not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle pulling to one side; Pulling persists after wheel alignment
Repairs/costs cited: Wheel alignment performed but did not resolve issue
Synthesized from 12 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer
allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.