10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
7 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
7,888 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems

steering problem

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2018 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #51

Feb 012022

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

There are multiple things but here are a few i thought my wife was crazy until i started to drive it. 1. The steering feels like it gets stuck its not Major but it is a slight tug and it does it at random. 2. The trunk opens own its own (it has done this 2 times while i was driving) my wife says it has happened to her 1 other time as well. 3. The sliding doors will open and close on freely like something is caught in the track however the tracks are clean and it will bounce open close. 4. The Gas pedal sticks not engaged but when you press the gas nothing will happen then all of the sudden the RPMs will skyrocket 5. Cruise control works great if your on a flat road but if you get on a slight hill your either getting all the RPMs or it turns it off 6. The Auto Stop start thing stopped working and the light stays on but that's fine I didn't like the stop start thing anyway. 7. I did change a battery and it helped with the dash lights not looking like a Christmas program 8. the AC went out after the car had one of the RPM fits then the AC stopped. how does that make sense 9. overall i think the car is having some type of electrical issue or it has a mind of its own. Ive gone to mechanics and they all just do the same shoulder shrug. i have a appointment with a dealership but they are so back logged its disappointing.

- Buffalo, TX, USA

problem #50

Aug 052022

Pacifica

  • miles
Steering is sticking. While turning the wheel at speed the steering sticks and does not automatically straighten out requiring the driver to manual straighten out of the turn. Very dangerous.

- Merritt Island, FL, USA

problem #49

Jun 142022

Pacifica

  • miles
On multiple occasions over the last 2 weeks the steering will lock up while driving. This is happening at different speeds and different locations. The steering wheel locks up and takes a few seconds to free up. This vehicle is unsafe for my family, because at any given time the steering could cause us to crash. Their is no warning lights or anything that come on.

- Delbarton , WV, USA

problem #48

Feb 082022

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Vehicle randomly loses all steering power and van completely shuts off while in motion. Has happened twice now without warning. Won't start up til vehicle is in park and has stalled for a minute.. Could be potentially very dangerous on a highway or busy intersection. I have owned this vehicle for less than 1 year. According to consumerreport.org certain pacificas years 2017-2019 had this same issue back in 2019 and approximately 150,000 were recalled at the time. However, currently there is no open recall active. Reference NHTSA campaign number:19V348 Reference FCA recall number:V53

- Brook Park, MN, USA

problem #47

Jan 242022

Pacifica

  • miles
2018 Pacific Vas (limited edition) has 51,000 miles on it. For the past two weeks the van has experienced loss of power steer on multiple occasions and it will last for just a few seconds to a few miles. If I shut the vehicle off and turn it back on that generally solves it. The loss of power steer has happened at an idle to up to 60 plus miles per hour. Online research shows a recall for this specific issue however, when I enter my VIN my van is not affected. I have also had other issues with the van such as third row getting locked up, passenger door not opening, stop/start feature not working, van says "pull over vehicle will stop soon".

- Sparta, WI, USA

problem #46

Nov 272021

Pacifica

  • miles
Minivan has 59,194 miles. While driving home the power steering stopped working. It lasted a a second or two and a message displayed something about power steering unavailable. Then it started working normal, but a few minutes later it happened again - lasting a second or two. The first time was on the highway - second time on secondary roads at 55 MPH. VERY scary. The steering wheel was unresponsive - I wasn't expecting the loss of movement. Didn't dare drive it the next day. Took it to a local mechanic, but they were not able to find anything - stated it matched the description of the recall for steering issues - but my minivan wasn't part of the recall.

- Hudsonville, MI, USA

problem #45

Nov 042021

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I was driving 10 days ago on a 75mph highway and suddenly a red light pops up in the dashboard and the steering wheel got really stiff and I could not move it, only about a 1/2-?? to each side. It lasted around 1 minute but seemed forever as I felt I was in a very dangerous situation since I had trucks behind me and I had to lower my velocity, while shaking and fearing for my life. I never got the opportunity to read exactly what the dashboard said. After that, everything seemed -??well-?? for up to yesterday (one week after first incident). I was driving a 40mph road and it happened again. This time I was able to read the message that said -??power steering unavailable-?? even though it disappeared really fast. This incident only lasted around 30 seconds, but put me in a really dangerous situation once again, because an SUV was about to hit me since I could not turn the curve of the road. I fear for my life and the life of my 3 children if I use my Pacifica again. That same day I called for service at my local Chrysler so that they could help with this very dangerous issue and they did not give me an appointment until 2 weeks from that day. They mentioned they hadn't had a client with this issue before, so I don-??t know what-??s going on but this is a threat to my families safety. Please help!! P.s. I googled this issue and read that there had been issues and had been recalled but I never recieved a recall for my vehicle as I should-??ve. I will add photo of this article.

- Eagle Pass, TX, USA

problem #44

Oct 012021

Pacifica

  • miles
While driving the van suddenly stops and the engine cuts out-this has been accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights going on and off. The steering wheel also locks up when this happens. The van shows that it is still in run mode but will not move until it is turned off completely and then restarted. This has occurred while in traffic driving at normal speeds as well as when turning. In these instances I had my kids in the vehicle with me. Following one incident the vehicle would not restart for about 2-3 minutes. When attempting to start the dashboard lights and interior lights would flash on and off and then stop. I have taken it to an independent repair shop that was unable to correct any issues due to proprietary Chrysler programming. My local Chrysler dealership told me that they could not replicate the issue. I have also had issues with the side and rear power doors opening part way and then closing and vice versa. This incidents have occurred while the vehicle was running but not in motion. The local dealership did diagnose an electrical issues with the rear folding seats that was caused from a programming bug that they indicate was fixed. All of these issues have occurred multiple times and every time I am told that it could not be replicated so there was nothing to be done. Currently the van is not operational as it will not start, when attempting to start ALL the lights (internal and external) flash on and off, the vehicle indicates that it is in run mode but the engine is not on. I did have the battery tested, it-??s fine. Multiple online searches revel that I am not the only consumer with this issue.

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #43

Sep 062021

Pacifica

  • miles
While driving the steering locks up and a message comes on that says power steering unavailable. It does not happen every time but lately it has been more frequent. This prevents me from steering and I have to try to pull off the road to shut the vehicle off and restart it. It is difficult to steer on a curve when your steering is locked up. This has happened at various speeds.

- Middletown, IN, USA

problem #42

Feb 202021

Pacifica

  • 68,000 miles
During long and short drives vehicle randomly locks the power steering. Driver then has to manually maneuver vehicle, which became difficult for driver. Happened multiple times on the interstate, had to pull off and then steering would unlock and power steering would come back. Few miles it would do it again.

- Pantego, NC, USA

problem #41

Nov 212019

Pacifica

  • 20,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The vehicle stalls and has trouble starting at times, the steering pulls and caused 1 accident and almost caused 2 more accidents, sliding door doesn't open with key fob or push button in vehicle at times. Brought to dealer 2 times for issues to date. There R recalls for these issues but not for my specific van. It's affecting more than th one listed for recalls

- Grove City, OH, USA

problem #40

Dec 072020

Pacifica

  • 25,000 miles
While I was driving down the road, with my children in the car, my power steering suddenly went out. It said, "power steering unavailable" on the dashboard. Thank god there was not a car waiting to turn on the road I turned onto because I probably would have crashed into them. It took all my might to turn the car onto the neighborhood street. Also sometimes the sliding doors to the van pick and choose when they want to open.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #39

Nov 232020

Pacifica

  • 96,000 miles
The power steering is going in and out, both with warning light and loss of power steering. This has happened at various speeds and conditions and is very dangerous, not only when steering goes out, but with the suddenness of it coming back on. It can do it several times in just a few minutes of driving and worries me about transporting my children, but this is our only vehicle.

- Gallatin, TN, USA

problem #38

Nov 062020

Pacifica

  • 29,000 miles
My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica continues to stall while the car is in motion on the street. The last two occurrences happened when the car was moving at 25mph or higher with my foot on the gas pedal. This problem occurred prior to the fca V53 recall being issued, and has persisted even after taking the car in to be fixed under the recall. It seems to happen most often in the first 15 minutes of operating the car, and especially if I have gone above 30 miles an hour and then decelerate (like approaching a light). The car will lurch, shut off, all the indicator lights will come on, and then 'start/stop required' will appear on the dashboard. The car always shuts off while in the "drive" position. Sometimes I am able to remedy the stalling quickly, and sometimes it takes more than three tries. One or more functions of the vehicle is always "unavailable" after this occurs. The sudden stopping has always been terrifying and unexpected. On the last two occasions (within a week of one another), I have come very close to being rear-ended with three babies in the back seat of my car. I have tried reaching out to Chrysler customer service to no avail. The reps have stated that I must return the car to the dealership where the V53 recall was performed but that dealership has gone out of business and I am left without a remedy. I am also concerned that Chrysler is well aware of this problem persisting even after the recall and has not remedied the situation. I am terrified that a very bad accident will occur due to this problem that Chrysler continues to ignore.

- Gardena, CA, USA

problem #37

Jan 282020

Pacifica

  • 17,000 miles
Several times, while driving 20-30mph as well as when stopped at a red light or a stop sign, the car has lost power steering (steering wheel locks, brake seems to lock in place), unable to accelerate or decelerate, dashboard flashes some message along the lines of "stop/start required" or "shift to P then desired gear", but even when attempting to shut off the car and restart, sometimes this does not even work. At times it has taken 2-3 minutes to even get the car to shut off completely in order to try to turn it back on (as if the car is completely frozen). This has happened on side streets, as well as at a stop sign and a red light on a busy road, which left me blocking traffic for several minutes, unable to operate my vehicle. This has happened at least 5-6 times in the last year, most recently twice in the last week.

- Teaneck, NJ, USA

problem #36

Dec 082019

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 6,406 miles
26 June 2018, I leased the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the S appearance package VIN: [xxx] from ourisman Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram of alexandria, 5900 richmond hwy, alexandria, va 22303. First complaint: On Thursday, June 28th at 8:51am I reached out to [xxx] explaining to him the console was shorting out and at one point it had completely shut-off.. he instructed me to bring it back in and have it replaced so that Chrysler would have a record of the issue. -- this issue happened within days of purchase. Second complaint: On Monday, Oct 1, 2018 the same 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the S appearance package stalled, then shut off while driving home from real estate class (6 months pregnant). Suddenly for no reason, without warning the vehicle lost all electricity (including power steering, engine, interior and exterior light.) right after flashing the following error: ?service electrical stability control, park brake unavailable, battery light, enter auto theft code, stop safely vehicle will shut off soon and other numerous errors. As the van slowed to a crawl, and passing vehicles drove by nervously trying to avoid hitting me, I edged off into a school parking lot. My vehicle was towed to ourisman Chrysler of bowie md, 2406 crain hwy, bowie md third complaint: On Sunday, Dec 8, 2019 the same 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the S appearance package stalled then shut off on my husband, again, suddenly for no reason, without warning the vehicle lost all electricity (including power steering, engine, interior and exterior light.) right after flashing the following error: ?service electrical stability control, park brake unavailable, battery light, enter auto theft code, stop safely vehicle will shut off soon and other numerous errors. Fortunately, my husband was able to coast it into the garage as it shut off, never to start again. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Bowie, MD, USA

problem #35

Nov 092019

Pacifica

  • 11,127 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 65 mph, the steering seized and the power steering assist warning indicator illuminated. The contact managed to veer into a parking lot. Once the vehicle was turned off and restarted, it resumed normal operation. The following day, the vehicle was towed to arrigo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram sawgrass (5901 madison ave, tamarac, fl 33321, (954) 515-5800) where it was diagnosed that the steering module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the engine stalled and the engine and emergency brake warning indicators illuminated. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 19V348000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 11,127.

- Coral Springs, FL, USA

problem #34

Oct 182019

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 11,000 miles
I was driving in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica on a rural street when it suddenly felt like the front passanger side tire had blown out. The car was difficult to control & and pulled to the right, pushing up against the curb. The car started to smoke and would not turn off. Concerned it was going to go on fire, my daughter & I ran out. When we were out of the car I saw that the front axle connecting the tire had come completely disconnected and dropped to the street while driving. I called 911 for help. The firemen arrived first. The car was still revving & smoking but they were unable to shut it manually so they had to lift the hood & cut the wires. The police arrived & investigated the area. They showed me the gauge mark from where the tire axle dropped in the middle of street which was behind where the car stopped against the curb. There were zero interferences in the area (pothole, debris, signs, railguards etc.). it was a smooth street with a low, gradual curb. The officer told me that it was not my fault & due to a mechanical failure on the car. He wrote that in his report as well as on the notepad paper with his info & phone # to give the the dealership. 2 2018 recalls that may explain the problem, even though my VIN is not affected - which I would like further inspected, so I'm contacting the NHTSA to hopefully expand the recall VIN #S. *2018 Chrysler Pacifica recall, the front-axle half-shafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity joint. If the axle shaft disengages from the cv joint, the minivan will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move. *Chrysler is recalling 47,771 of the 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid minivans because parts that connect key suspension and steering components on the right front wheel may fail, which could lead to a crash.

- Apex, NC, USA

problem #33

Oct 092019

Pacifica

  • 800 miles
While in motion, at low speed around the intersection, the car stalled and lost all power, the brake pedals become harder to push, and the power steering was gone. This happened 5-6 times over the course of 3 miles that we had to travel home.

- Sunnyvale, CA, USA

problem #32

Jun 112019

Pacifica

  • 7,950 miles
Multiple engine stalls when slowing to turn or stop, at least 9 times. The engine dies, you have to come to a complete stop to be able to restart the engine. This has happened while turning, while coming to a stop sign or stop light and just while slowing down. One instance of the brakes and steering locking up as I tried to stop at a red light. I was not able to stop and ran through the red light. I had no steering or brakes. When I did come to a stop, I tried to back up to get out of the middle the road and the gear shift was also locked up. The van has a been in for service 5 times and 49 days so far and currently has been at the dealership service department since June 11. Took van in 6/5/2019 to comply with recall V53 and on 6/11/2019 the engine stalled again. I have documents I wanted to upload but they exceeded the 5mb limit. Also in the "affected parts" section I wanted to select "brakes" in addition to the steering, engine and electrical but I was not able to add another selection.

- Coweta, OK, USA

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