2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Power steering cuts out or goes heavy
- 73owner reports
- 16,300median miles
- 4involved a crash
Newest report Sep 24, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
179 of the 876 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 73 of those describe power steering loss.
Tick what matches of 73 reports
Power steering loss on other Pacifica years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Power steering loss is the steering wheel suddenly going heavy, usually with a warning on the dash. Nearly six in ten complaints in this group mention a warning light or message, and almost two thirds mention driving or highway speed rather than parking.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (8 reports) and the EPS motor or module (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the steering system covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the steering system on the Pacifica
Intermittent loss of electric power steering. Open.
Engine compartment fire. Closed feb 21, 2008.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 5,000 and 40,000 miles, from the 35 reports that gave a mileage.
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, itâs 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 canât turn then it releases and then a little bit later itâll do it again so the power steering comes back-and-forth but I feel itâs a hazard”
Filed Jan 19, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 4 of 73 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. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 221 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 172 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 96 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 95 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 71 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 69 reports
- Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 39 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 39 reports
- Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 38 reports
- Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 37 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 31 reports
- Multiple warning lights come on at once 30 reports