MODULE - STEERING CONTROL & COLUMN
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 30 NHTSA complaints about the steering at roughly $700 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See steering across all vehicles →
Complaints
30
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$700
| Model year | steering complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 252 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 149 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 40 |
| 2020 Pacifica (this page) | 30 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 14 |
| 2022 Pacifica | 9 |
| 2023 Pacifica | 10 |
1crash
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 30 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.
Steering accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering steering on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
UAV and UCV Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance. ? Mobile Station Integrated Services Digital Network (MSISDN) missing from radio, no connected services working.** ? Lost radio presets. ? SXM favorite song not displaying/playing. ? Incorrect navigation address/location/directions. ? Lost navigation settings. ? SXM icon inoperative (D-Truck). ? Radio display screen is black when the ignition is on (Rear View Camera (RVC) not affected (D-Truck)). ? Radio freeze intermittent (RVC not affected (D-Truck)). ? Wireless connectivi
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Steering System Inspection After a Collision This bulletin documents the FCA US LLC position regarding conditions under which replacement or repair of steering system components are required.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Volume Uncontrollable Or Stuck On High
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Hands On Steering Wheel Message In EVIC
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2020 Chrysler Pacificas describe intermittent and complete power steering loss, often preceded by a "Service Power Steering" dashboard warning. The symptom pattern shows the steering either becomes unresponsive (no assist, requiring extreme force to turn), momentarily locks up during turns, or seizes while returning to center. Several owners report the system fails for a few miles then spontaneously restores. At highway speeds (40–70 mph), this failure creates immediate danger; at low speeds, steering becomes hard but sometimes manageable with effort.
A subset of complaints links power steering failure to the auto stop-start system and its auxiliary battery: one owner's auxiliary battery was replaced by the dealer, and another found the hood-switch sensor fault triggering both stop-start issues and brake/steering lockup. One owner discovered unthreaded bolts on the transmission bell housing after a transmission recall service, which a dealer suspected had pinched a wire controlling power steering.
Other steering complaints include seizure or sticking while turning right or making sharp turns (especially on winding roads), requiring jerking force to release the wheel; shuddering during slow-speed turns; and wheel alignment issues. One complaint mentions ice buildup affecting steering in winter. Owners report that dealers either cannot replicate the issues or deny warranty coverage, with quoted repair costs ranging from $540 (sensor) to $4,500 (entire power steering mechanism replacement).
Several owners note the 2020 model is not included in existing power steering recalls that cover 2017–2019 Pacificas, despite exhibiting identical symptoms.
Same Chrysler Pacifica steering reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Power Steering Complete Loss or Intermittent Assist Dropout
Electric power steering assist fails completely or drops in and out unpredictably. When assist is lost, the steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and difficult to turn, requiring excessive force. Assistance may spontaneously restore after a few minutes or miles of driving. The failure often correlates with a 'Service Power Steering' warning light on the dashboard.
When: Failures occur unpredictably while driving, at speeds ranging from 35 mph to 70 mph. Some owners report the issue starting around 40,000–50,000 miles and becoming worse over time; others encounter it after 60,000–90,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel becomes extremely stiff and requires excessive force to turn; Power steering assist cuts in and out intermittently; Service Power Steering warning light appears on dashboard; Steering unresponsive during turns, especially at highway speeds; Assist loss occurs with or without warning; Vehicle becomes difficult or unsafe to maneuver
Codes mentioned: Service Power Steering message on dash, Power steering malfunction message
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers quote $4,500 for power steering mechanism replacement. Parts reported on backorder. One owner had auxiliary battery replaced; another owner's transmission was serviced under recall, and unthreaded bolts on the bell housing were suspected of pinching the power steering wire.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: A recall exists for 2017–2019 Pacificas with the same issue, but owners report the 2020 model year is excluded despite exhibiting identical symptoms. No TSBs or warranty extensions mentioned by complainants.
Steering Wheel Seizing or Sticking During Turns
Steering wheel seizes or locks in position while turning, or sticks when trying to return to center after a turn. Owners must apply jerking force to break the wheel free. This occurs predominantly during sharp or gradual turns at low to moderate speeds, particularly on curved or winding roads.
When: Owners report this issue commonly appearing between 40,000 and 90,000 miles. Some failures occur early, around 30,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Steering wheel locks or seizes while turning right or left; Extreme force required to move steering wheel out of stuck position; Steering sticks when trying to return to center after a turn; Shuddering sensation in steering during sharp left turns at low speed; Steering feels like it loses predictable control
Codes mentioned: No warning light typically illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers suggest replacing the rack and pinion system. One owner was told the steering box and stabilizer bars are worn out and quoted $4,100 for repair. One mechanic was unable to replicate the failure despite owner's detailed descriptions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers informed one owner there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. Warranty was denied in at least one case where the issue began under 30,000 miles because dealers could not reproduce the problem.
Auto Stop-Start Sensor and Battery Issues Affecting Power Steering
The auto stop-start system fails or the auxiliary battery depletes, triggering a stop-start warning light. In at least one case, a faulty hood-switch sensor caused the vehicle to believe the hood was open, which triggered emergency braking and a loss of steering and brake pedal functionality in the middle of an intersection. Owners report the auxiliary battery required replacement, yet the stop-start failures and associated warnings recurred.
When: Failures documented at 23,000 miles (early after purchase), 2.5 years of ownership, and 62,000 miles. One owner reports the issue started a year before reporting.
Symptoms owners cite: Auto stop-start light comes on repeatedly; Vehicle stops unexpectedly at intersections or while driving; Loss of power steering when auto stop-start fails; Loss of brake functionality and inability to shift gears; Steering lock-up during stop-start events; Warning light recurs after battery replacement
Codes mentioned: Auto stop-start warning light, Service warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Auxiliary battery was replaced by dealer ($0 under warranty mentioned in one case). One owner was quoted $540 for hood-switch sensor replacement. Parts sourcing and diagnostics delayed; dealer diagnostics can be expensive and may not identify root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls or warranty extensions specifically mentioned. One dealer could not guarantee a suggested repair list would fix the power steering issue.
Vehicle Shutdown with Complete Loss of Steering and Brakes
Vehicle loses all electrical power while driving, causing engine shutdown, steering lock, and brake failure. The ignition locks and the vehicle cannot be restarted immediately. Windows fail to operate and hazard lights become inoperable. This represents a critical safety hazard.
When: Documented at 23,000 miles during routine neighborhood driving and at 55–70 mph on highways.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off while driving; Complete loss of steering control; Brake pedal locks and will not release; Transmission cannot shift to neutral; Vehicle cannot be restarted; Hazard lights and window controls become inoperable; Entire vehicle becomes non-operational
Codes mentioned: No specific codes mentioned; possibly related to stop-start or electrical system
Repairs/costs cited: One vehicle was towed and AAA battery service diagnosed a dead battery requiring replacement. No repair completed yet; vehicle remains at dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner has approximately 3 months remaining on original warranty at time of incident. No recall or TSB mentioned.
Steering Alignment and Suspension Damage from Improper Towing
A hybrid Pacifica was towed with wheels locked and dragged rather than transported on a flatbed, causing damage to tires, steering alignment, suspension, and underbody shielding. The vehicle subsequently developed grinding noises, unstable steering, and loss of predictable control. Multiple systems compromised after the tow.
When: Damage occurred during towing within the first month of ownership.
Symptoms owners cite: All four tires develop visible bulges from being dragged; Grinding noises from steering and suspension; Loss of predictable steering control; Steering and alignment become unstable; Hybrid underbody shielding damaged
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Repair facility confirmed vehicle is not safe for long-distance or highway travel. Damage persists despite repeated notice to seller and service administrator.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response mentioned. Seller responsibility disputed.
Transmission Failure Following Transmission Recall Service
Vehicle undergoes transmission recall service for loose transmission wiring that could cause loss of control. Shortly after the recall repair, the transmission completely fails and requires replacement. One case explicitly documents unthreaded bolts on the transmission bell housing left by the service facility, which may have pinched power steering wires.
When: Transmission recall service completed at end of January; power steering failure occurred within 2 months. Another case: failure at 32,000 miles after transmission recall.
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission stops responding after recall service; Dashboard warning appears requesting service; Vehicle slows dramatically on highway for no obvious reason; Complete transmission shutdown requiring replacement; Unthreaded bolts visible on bell housing (indicating incomplete service work)
Codes mentioned: Service warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Entire transmission replacement required, quoted as $4,500+ in one case. Service facility (Ferrario Chrysler) did not complete work correctly; unthreaded bolts found by a second dealer (Maguire Chrysler), who refused to proceed without knowing what the first facility did.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSB or warranty extension mentioned. Recall was intended to fix wiring but appears not to have resolved underlying transmission reliability issues.
Steering Rack Failure
Steering rack wears out prematurely or fails, causing loss of steering assist and requiring complete replacement. One owner reports the part is on backorder due to high demand, suggesting a pattern of widespread failure.
When: Failure documented at 5 years old; one case at approximately 65,000 miles on a vehicle purchased used.
Symptoms owners cite: Power steering assist loss requiring rack replacement; Vehicle stranded due to failed rack
Codes mentioned: No specific codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Power steering rack replacement quoted at $4,500 or higher. Dealers report parts on backorder with unknown delivery dates, suggesting high failure rate across the fleet.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension mentioned.
Steering Box and Stabilizer Bar Wear
Steering box and stabilizer bars wear out prematurely on a low-mileage vehicle, producing popping noises during steering input. Repair cost is significant for a vehicle with relatively few miles.
When: Documented at 65,000 miles on a used vehicle (year not specified, but appears to be 2020 based on context).
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise when turning steering wheel
Codes mentioned: No diagnostic codes mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Steering box and stabilizer bar replacement quoted at $4,100.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or warranty extension mentioned.
Synthesized from 30 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
The vehicle is unsafe to operate and presents an immediate highway safety risk. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures. Headlights were inoperable from the time of delivery, requiring use of high beams at night to see the roadway. This created visibility and traffic safety issues from day one. Within the first month of ownership, the vehicle required…
Our car was fixed for a recall 5 months ago for engine failure on the highway because of an electrical issue. On Saturday morning driving on the highway, the car's dashboard gave a warning when we driving on the highway, 70 mph, and then immediately started breaking. This caused us to be slowing in the middle lane to 45 mph and cars swerving around us. We were very lucky to be able to maneuver…
At low speeds while turning the wheel there is a severe shudder originating from the steering system resulting in a feeling of loss of control. Possible it’s happening at higher speeds and not as easily detectable. Countless users in online forums report the same exact problem with the solution from the dealer being that the rack and pinion system must be replaced. The volume of complaints seems…
Had steering trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a meaningful issue. 30 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $700.
At what mileage does the steering typically fail?
Based on the 30 complaints filed, steering issues most often appear around 52,138 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/2020/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.