2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet

Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks

65owner reports
114,000median miles
1involved a crash

Newest report Sep 6, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026

171 of the 863 complaints on this car are about the steering system. 65 of those describe sticky steering.

Tick what matches of 65 reports

sticks or catches when I steer

feels notchy or jerky

worse at highway speed

pulls or veers on its own

locks up or is hard to turn

no warning light came on

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the steering rack (13 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) 2017â2018 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 72,000 and 121,000 miles, from the 12 reports that gave a mileage.

222

223

524

2325

3326

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 65 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.