2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks
- 71owner reports
- 114,000median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
179 of the 876 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 71 of those describe sticky steering.
Tick what matches of 71 reports
Sticky steering 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
Sticky steering is a wheel that catches or hangs for a moment before it turns, then moves in a small jerk. It's different from a wheel that's simply heavy: owners here describe a notch, and many say it's worst when making small corrections at highway speed.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (14 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 72,000 and 121,000 miles, from the 14 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“When taking turns the steering "sticks" amd it takes extra physical force to "unstick" the car. While unsticking by turning the steering wheel harder than normal, it either crosses into uncoming traffic or runs off the shoulder. It unsticks but with the extra physical force, it generally causes you to over correct and/or swerve/veer all over the roadway. 2018 with 72k miles”
Filed Oct 20, 2025 · 72,000 miles
“Report is related to the probe into a sticking sensation on gradual turns. Particularly when at the 1 and 11 o clock position.”
Filed Sep 9, 2025
“Blown head gasket. Had to get it repaired. Steering is catching as well. Probably need a new steering box. Itâs been one expensive repair after another.”
Filed Nov 23, 2024
“Steering system becomes stuck. You have to give a hard jerk to the steering wheel to free the steering. Happen on an irregular basis but does occur. This can cause an over steering issue. Vehicle is currently at a dealership to be inspected for possible cause. There were no warning lights or messages”
Filed Aug 7, 2024
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 71 reports involved a crash. 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
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 73 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