Diagsheet

2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet

Power steering cuts out or goes heavy

  • 69owner reports
  • 16,300median miles
  • 4involved a crash

Newest report Aug 27, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

171 of the 863 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 69 of those describe power steering loss.

Tick what matches of 69 reports

5
44
19
17
51

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (6 reports) and the EPS motor or module (6 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the steering system covers the 2018 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Pacifica

PE25-009opened Sep 5, 2025
Steering · model years 2017 to 2018

Intermittent loss of electric power steering. Open.

NHTSA summary
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of alleged defects related to the electric power steering (EPS) system in model year (MY) 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. ODI has received 94 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting a condition in which the steering system exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position. Complainants allege that during these events, increased steering effort is required to return the wheel to center. In many cases, this is followed by a sudden reactivation of EPS assistance, which may result in an oversteer condition. This behavior could increase the risk of a crash, especially at higher speeds. ODI has identified multiple VOQs describing similar symptoms. This investigation will assess the frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged EPS malfunction. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
PE07-052opened Oct 19, 2007
Steering · model years 2007

Engine compartment fire. Closed feb 21, 2008.

NHTSA summary
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.IN CHRYSLER'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S NOVEMBER 2, 2007 INFORMATION REQUEST, CHRYSLER ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OCCURS ONLY IN THE 4.0L ENGINES AND THE CONSUMER WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID OR A NOISY POWER STEERING PUMP BEFORE SEEING ANY EVIDENCE OF SMOKE OR FIRE.CHRYSLER ALSO STATES THAT A TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CROSS THREADED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AND DID NOT ALLOW PROPER SEALING OF THE O-RING.THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN THE 4.0L ENGINE IS ASSEMBLED AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT.THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE 3.8L ENGINES ARRIVES AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT PRE-ASSEMBLED.CHRYSLER FOUND THAT IN THE 4.0L ENGINE, IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CROSS-THREAD THE TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE DURING ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING GEAR, THUS CREATING AN IMPROPER SEAL.CHRYSLER IMPLEMENTED ASSEMBLY PLANT PROCESS CHANGES TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING, AND APPLIED ADDITIONAL QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES TO DETECT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS.CHRYSLER STATED THAT WARRANTY AND FIELD DATA SUGGESTS THAT THESE PROCESS CHANGES HAVE MINIMIZED THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING.WITH REGARD TO THE VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO THE PRODUCTION CHANGE, A REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT DECLINED IN THE 4.0L POPULATION.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-006, TO FURTHER

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 30,000 miles, from the 34 reports that gave a mileage.

1218
1619
320
421
122
223
524
1325
1326

What owners wrote

“Electronic power steering failure at around 40k miles driven. Was able to replace completely understand warranty.”

Filed Jul 2, 2025 · 40,000 miles

“In the dash bord power steering not aveleble warning also stop start not responding then servic charging....... not safe to drive this car at all. I had to go the dealership more than four times a year recently spending a lots of time and money. Again engen lights come up.”

Filed Dec 29, 2024

“When traveling 65 - 75 mph, steering wheel sticks/gets stuck when making right turn. Steering does not auto-correct itself like it should. After researching issue, it’s related to an issue with the power steering rack and pinion. It needs to be replaced. The part itself is over $2,000.”

Filed Mar 21, 2024

“Driving along and the power steering stops and you can’t turn then it releases and then a little bit later it’ll do it again so the power steering comes back-and-forth but I feel it’s a hazard”

Filed Jan 19, 2024

Should you keep driving it?

This page can't tell you that. 4 of 69 reports involved a crash and 1 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.

File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.

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