What 1,475 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Awd

we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.

NHTSA ODI 11722346

Vehicle lost power, steering, and breaks on the george washington bridge in NYC causing it to roll into the back of another vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11721632

Around October/November 2025, the vehicle began having intermittent steering issues that have progressively worsened. The steering wheel becomes stiff or feels stuck, and at times it jerks on its own before correcting. Other times I must pull harder to get it to respond, causing over‑correction and difficulty maintaining my lane. This has happened at various speeds, including 65–70 mph on the interstate, and I nearly collided with another vehicle due to sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle also has ongoing electrical malfunctions. The center screen glitches, causing the heat/air settings to scroll on their own, the radio to constantly scan, and the touchscreen and knobs to stop responding. The navigation system shows incorrect locations, sometimes placing the vehicle in another state or in the ocean. The system has also made random phone calls on its own and has added a second call during an active call without input. During one incident while turning at an intersection, the vehicle lost power and shut off mid‑turn. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted. At the same time, the screen blacked out and flickered, and the ignition button malfunctioned. No warning lights appeared. The battery has died multiple times and has been replaced several times, and software resets have not resolved the issues. These problems were intermittent at first, making it difficult to take the vehicle to a dealer, but they have recently become more frequent and severe. While researching possible causes, I discovered that NHTSA has an open investigation involving similar steering and electrical failures in this model. The combination of steering malfunction, electrical instability, uncommanded inputs, and an engine shutdown presents a significant safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11720987

Steering wheel is sticking between the 11:00 and 1:00 position starting around 40 MPH.

NHTSA ODI 11716543

Steering wheel sticks when making gradual turns in curves when around the 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions. Living in a state with snow and ice makes driving scary, not knowing if my steering wheel will stick in a curve. Took it to a repair shop, but they said it would need to be looked at by the dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11715156

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking, with a knocking and jerking feeling coming from the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure list in NHTSA Action Number: PE25009 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the NHTSA Action Number. The failure mileage was 120,000.

NHTSA ODI 11714115

Right and left lower control arms are failing. Steering rack replacement is required for repair and imperative for safe vehicle driving. The safety of people in the car is greatly at risk. Since learning about the true problem, the van is parked and we're having to borrow another car for transportation. The issue is that when turning, the steering wheel gets stuck. This seems to occur at 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions during turns. The Chrysler dealer was able to reproduce the issues when taking the car on a test drive. The component has only been inspected by the dealer. This issue first appeared about 6 months prior to it seemed like a fluke at first. The occurred became more consistent and that's when we took it in for surface. We took it into a local auto shop a few times and they were unable to detect the issues. Then we took it into the dealership where they were able to identify the issues. I'm not sure if there were warning lamps prior to failure.

NHTSA ODI 11714246

After purchasing a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica from Massey Cadillac of Orlando, a warning light appeared during the initial drive indicating a malfunction in the Auto Start/Stop system (capital letter “A” inside a circle with an exclamation point). The system was disabled and indicated service was required. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler dealership, which confirmed that the auxiliary ESS (Engine Stop/Start) battery was missing, not failed. Installation of the auxiliary battery and associated mounting hardware was required, indicating the component was not present in the vehicle at the time of inspection. The auxiliary ESS battery is part of a safety-related system. The servicing dealership advised that operating the vehicle without this battery can result in intermittent loss of power steering assist and potential loss of motive power without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The condition was confirmed by an authorized dealer and is available for inspection upon request. The warning indicator appeared immediately upon operation of the vehicle following purchase. No collision occurred, but vehicle occupants, including children, were placed at risk due to the missing safety component.

NHTSA ODI 11713758

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 42,000.

NHTSA ODI 11712477

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 60 MPH, the message “Service Rack and Pinion Gears” was displayed. The contact stated that it was difficult to turn the steering wheel to the left or right. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to an independent mechanic. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle and replaced the rack and pinion gears and the steering module. The vehicle was repaired; however, after the repair to the steering, the contact experienced a failure with the transmission. The contact stated that while stopped at traffic signals, after depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the engine was running but was vibrating roughly, and then the vehicle jolted forward. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent at first but had become a recurring failure. The contact stated that during another failure, while the engine was running, the vehicle failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the transmission control module needed to be reprogrammed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that the shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred, and the contact had the vehicle towed to the same dealer. The dealer had the vehicle for several days and called the contact to pick up the vehicle, and informed the contact that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the vehicle had failed again, and the vehicle was no longer able to start the vehicle. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 184,136.

NHTSA ODI 11709337

The steering on my 2017 Chrysler Pacific sticks at the 11 and 1 position. It causes me to over steer while driving down the road or on the interstate and then it feels like the vehicle is swerving and I have to hold the steering wheel tight. Usually before this the service electronic stability control will come on and lately the service airbag light has been coming on all at the same time. All the notifications will go off when I turn the vehicle off and come on randomly while driving. It is very scary and dangerous causing tense driving on the steering wheel because you never know when it will happen.

NHTSA ODI 11709052

Steering sticking driving approximately 40 mph when on slight turns. Happens frequently and seems very unsafe. No warning, just happens.

NHTSA ODI 11708576

When going around a curve (several times this has happened), the steering wheel feels like it is sticking which causes me to have to jerk it to get it out of that position to keep from wrecking, however this is dangerous and could cause an accident. It happens every time I drive it. No warning lights and no one knows what’s causing it. I have done research and this seems to be an ongoing issue with this specific vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11708158

The power steering went out without warning. Turned the vehicle on after getting gas and the could not turn when pulling out, then the light for the power steering came on. Checked 2 of the power steering fuse and found that one was a little unseated. Pushed that in and eas able to drive home. Tried to drive the vehicle the next day and the power steering went out while driving. Was able to make it home, but with great difficulty parked at an angle. When trying to move the vehicle to a more appropriate spot the steering wheel was wiggling itself. The power steering warning light is on again. A mechanic has not looked at it yet. We can not afford that but need the vehicle fixed, so plan to attempt to resolve the problem ourselves.

NHTSA ODI 11704955

My steering has become sticky. It started slowly but has become very dangerous. I can no longer drive it safely. I have to jiggle the wheel to pull it out of a lock up during long turn in which causes the rear tires to sway. It recently started to do it while even going straight . Took it dealership but they say they can not duplicate the problem. I have talk to other Pacifica owners with the same common problem. They told me to report it. I think the dealership is waiting for me to crash my Pacifica. Thank you.

NHTSA ODI 11702887

About once a week while driving, the steering seems to catch or lock up for a moment. This usually happens when the steering wheel is just slightly off center by 15 or 20 degrees and more often to the left side. You can force to turn through it however it maturely free up and cause you to oversteer and weave on the roadway. It is serious enough that my wife refuses to drive the car. I noticed that there was an alert for steering problems for my type of car but when I entered my VIN number it isn’t included. Why not?? It is exhibiting the exact same symptoms as those that many others have reported. Does there need to be a fatal crash before something done about this critical issue?? VIN # [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11702393

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L has suffered repeated and dangerous electrical failures since purchase. Shortly after buying it from AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Valencia, CA, I had to return it twice for electrical repairs that kept it in service several weeks under warranty. About two years later, while still under extended warranty, the engine underwent a complete rebuild for multiple-cylinder misfire codes that were likely caused by intermittent CAN-bus voltage loss rather than a mechanical defect. Over the past nine months, the vehicle has again developed severe electrical faults while driving: sudden loss of power steering assist, all dashboard lights illuminating, windshield wipers activating spontaneously, and the engine failing to shut off using the Start/Stop button. The vehicle has also stalled without warning while driving in traffic or idling at red lights, restarting only after 5–10 minutes and blocking traffic lanes, placing me and surrounding drivers at significant risk. Two major repairs in the last two weeks failed to resolve the defects: (1) repair of the CAN-bus system after the vehicle would not start and acted erratically while driving, and a week later (2) replacement of the brake-booster vacuum pump, which was shorted internally and caused CAN-bus shutdown, complete steering loss, sudden braking, and no engine power. The vehicle is currently at Dependable Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Canoga Park, CA, awaiting further diagnosis despite repeated repair attempts. These symptoms match Chrysler TSBs 08-007-17 and 08-033-21 concerning Body Control Module water intrusion and communication faults. This ongoing electrical defect has caused steering loss, random stalling, ignition failure, and unpredictable vehicle behavior—issues widely reported by Pacifica owners. It poses a serious safety hazard and warrants immediate investigation and recall.

NHTSA ODI 11702031

Steering sticks occasionally at 1 and 11 position while traveling at highway speed.

NHTSA ODI 11701798

We are experiencing steering wheel locking on right or left gradual turns. The steering wheel locks and it has to be jerked back into a straight position. We've experienced this for over a year now. We understand it may be a chronic problem.

NHTSA ODI 11700356

Steering system can feel "sticky" during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is held in specific positions (around the 11 or 1 o'clock position). This can be followed by a sudden, forceful return of power steering assistance, which could lead to oversteering. This is a reoccurring issue

NHTSA ODI 11699719

Power steering sticks while making gradual turns in either direction. Most commonly noted on highway entrance/exit ramps, but also slight curves in the road. Some force is needed to return the steering wheel to the correct position which has led to over correction. This is a repeated issue, not an isolated incident.

NHTSA ODI 11696126

l submitted a form regarding open investigation NHSTA Action number XXX and included my invoice from the Chrysler dealership, Lake Wales, FL regarding the 2017 Pacifica power steering. As of October 26, 2025 there is nothing showing regarding the open investigation. I also requested an email in return regarding these updates. I have not received any emails in return.

NHTSA ODI 11695630

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds and making gradual right turns, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to center automatically after the turn. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: PE25009 (Steering). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 91,000.

NHTSA ODI 11695088

Have noticed intermittent sticking sensation when driving. No particular direction. Just sometimes happens going around curves. Have to perk steering wheel in opposite direction to free up.

NHTSA ODI 11693671

When making long sweeping turns, like highway off ramps, the steering wheel will stick. The driver has jerk the wheel back towards center to get the wheel to turn again. We have owned the car since new. We have expirenced the problem between 15-20 times. The issue seems to come in waves. We will expirence it a few times in a short time then it wont happen agian for an extended period.

NHTSA ODI 11693676