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

The steering sticks when at highway speeds on curves. It can be made available for inspection upon request. Our safety is at risk when it sticks because over correction can make us flip the vehicle or collide with other drivers. This is a know issue with this car but I must empathize that it needs to a recall that would allow us to have this fixed for the safety of not only the drivers but for other people on the roads. The vehicle has been expected recently but the details of what they found wrong can not be located at this moment. You can contact the Crown Chrysler in Chattanooga for more details. It’s been an issue since we bought the vehicle used in 2023.

NHTSA ODI 11749343

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the steering wheel would stick when turned approximately to the one o'clock position, requiring to be jerked to operate as intended. The contact stated that when the failure occurred, the auto start-stop warning light illuminated, and the check engine warning light would intermittently flash on and off. The dealer and the manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. No further information was available. The failure mileage was approximately 123,630.

NHTSA ODI 11749011

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced power and hard shifting. Additionally, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ODI 11748500

The steering "sticks" and it is hesitant to pull back to center. It feels like the power steering just stops working for a couple seconds. This problem happens frequently...to the point that I am hesitant to drive the van. I get alerts for the electronic stabilization service, but when they pull the codes there are no issues to fix. I have had the vacuum pump and battery replaced (which I was told might correct the problem) but neither fixed the issue. After an internet search, I have found that this seems to be a problem with many 2017 and 2018 Pacifica models. There was one complaint that said to include NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009 in any complaints made to the NHTSA.

NHTSA ODI 11747560

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving and turning the steering wheel to the right, the steering wheel locked up and failed to return to center. The contact grabbed the steering wheel aggressively and turned it to return to center. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic; however, the failure was not duplicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 24,000.

NHTSA ODI 11747354

Electric power steering sticking while navigating an curve or turn in the road. Whether at slow speeds or fast speeds seems like my steering sticks everytime now. I've had my front end replaced previously for maintenance at 100000 when this originally started. And it seemed to help some but the batteries seem to fail atleast twice a year the aux battery and the main battery and then the steering goes off and over corrects "kicks back on" when you have to pry it out of getting "stuck"

NHTSA ODI 11745897

The vehicle randomly but regularly experiences a grabbing in the steering when turning and requires a pulling on the steering wheel that then seems to overcorrect momentarily. This vehicle could be available for inspection upon request. I've taken it to my regular mechanic and he reproduced the problem and believes it is due to the steering rack or the electronic controls therein. No warning lamps or messages have ever displayed. I'm afraid that the overcorrection and/or lack of steering control could put the driver of our van and/or others nearby at risk.

NHTSA ODI 11745824

Steering felt slightly stiff/stuck while driving on wide turns and straight on interstate. Going slower and making more frequent turns in town, steering felt normal but going fast there was a power steering concern. Not enough to make me jerk but I am worried that it will decline and force a hard jerk and possible swerving while going higher speeds. This is under investigation currently NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009. PLEASE PLEASE RECALL!! This was terrifying I have young children

NHTSA ODI 11745405

When making steering corrections while driving over 55 miles an hour, the steering sticks and suddenly over corrects. This is especially troublesome when driving on winding two lane country roads. It feels like the vehicle might go into the oncoming traffic or off into the ditch.

NHTSA ODI 11745211

Vehicle: 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited Gas (VIN: [XXX]) Component: Steering / Electrical Power Steering (EPS) Gear Rack Incident Description: I am filing this report in relation to active NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE25009 regarding the intermittent loss of electric power steering assist. While driving on curved roads, the steering system exhibits a distinct "sticky" or binding sensation during gradual, sustained turns. This mechanical resistance is highly localized and most noticeable when holding the steering wheel slightly off-center, specifically near the 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions. When attempting to exit a curve, the steering wheel fails to smoothly return to center on its own. It requires a deliberate, manual "nudge" or extra physical driver effort to break past the sticky threshold. Once this resistance is overcome, the Electric Power Steering (EPS) assist suddenly reactivates, creating a brief oversteer condition that requires immediate correction to keep the vehicle tracking safely in its lane. The behavior feels heavily tied to an internal electronic fault within the steering gear module rather than standard lane-keep assistance intervention, as the binding sensation persists even with safety features deactivated. This creates an unpredictable driving dynamic, particularly at highway speeds where subtle, precise inputs are required. Additionally, this vehicle has an extensive history of rapid battery failure, requiring multiple complete replacements of both the main and auxiliary batteries within consecutive 12-month periods. I suspect a systemic voltage drop or a compromised electrical ground circuit (potentially related to Chrysler Recall V53 / NHTSA 19V-348) may be concurrently affecting or accelerating the failure of the highly voltage-sensitive EPS rack assembly. The temporary binding of the steering infrastructure represents a clear, progressive safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11744912

Since 2019 there has been an intermittent issue with the steering. No warning or safety lights are on that would signify an issue. The steering wheel sticks when going through gentle curves on the road. Specifically when the steering wheel is in the 11:00 or 1:00 position. You can feel the steering stick and pull the vehicle slightly. By swiftly jerking the steering wheel in the opposite direction it seems to fix the issue. This happens at low and high speeds (back roads or highways). It is quite alarming and scary. We've taken it to multiple mechanics but they have been unsuccessful in figuring out the issue. They have been able to reproduce the issue but are unclear of what causes it.

NHTSA ODI 11744201

Steering wheel sticks at lower speeds between 11-1 o’clock position (approximately) and requires extra force to turn the wheel. I came across number PE25009 which seems to clearly line up with what I am experiencing, so decided to report.

NHTSA ODI 11744029

I have a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan and I am experiencing intermittent steering wheel sticking issue. While driving at highway speeds, the electric power steering exhibits a distinct 'sticking' or 'catching' sensation when trying to make minor lane corrections. Extra physical effort is required to 'break' the wheel free from the center position, which causes the vehicle to over-correct and jerk into the lane. This creates an immediate risk of losing control or drifting out of the lane. The steering wheel catches and requires excessive manual force to unstick, leading to unsafe over-correction and lane drifting. This is a severe, recurring safety hazard.

NHTSA ODI 11743811

The steering wheel in my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is sticking or catching, especially during turns or when trying to return the steering wheel back to the centered position. Unknown cause. The steering system nearly consistently exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position, and very noticeably at highway/freeway speeds. A very dangerous situation. During these events, there is increased steering effort required to return the steering wheel back to center. After or during the correction of the steering wheel back to the center position after these events, there seems to be some type of a sudden reactivation of the power steering assistance. It feels extremely dangerous to continue to operate this vehicle with this current condition.

NHTSA ODI 11742055

While driving my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, the vehicle experienced a sudden, severe malfunction of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) system. The dashboard illuminated a "Service Power Steering" warning light, which was accompanied by an immediate, complete loss of power steering assist. The steering wheel became extremely stiff and heavy. It required immense physical force to steer. This failure occurred suddenly without warning, creating an immediate and severe crash hazard by making the vehicle uncontrollable. The vehicle also suddenly restored power assist while I was using the extra force which made driving very dangerous. I use my minivan to drive my kids to school every day and this hazard could have resulted in tragic loss of life especially with an infant and three toddlers in my car. I just noticed that the safety probe PE25009 has been opened last year with no recalls yet. Please help us resolve this ASAP as this is a critical, life-threatening, safety issue.

NHTSA ODI 11741820

The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and CAN C bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield wipers activated unexpectedly, headlights turned off, turn signals would not work, and steering locked or became difficult to control. The vehicle then completely shut off while still moving. After shutdown, the hazard lights would not work. One documented incident occurred on the interstate at about 70 mph. This puts occupants and others at risk because the vehicle can suddenly lose motive power and critical electrical/control functions at the same time, including lighting, signals, hazards, instrument display, and steering/control assistance. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a Chrysler dealership. Dealer records documented multiple modules losing communication on the CAN C bus. The dealer replaced the shifter module as a possible contributor, but the problem continued. The dealer later corrected loose pin tension at a communication/star connector, but the vehicle continued to shut down and later scan reports still showed widespread active/stored CAN and lost-communication faults across powertrain, hybrid control, body control, braking/ABS, steering, and shifter-related systems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by dealer scan reports and repair records, but the root cause remains unresolved. The manufacturer has been contacted through customer care and repair/scan documentation was submitted. The exact root cause is UNKNOWN, but dealer findings indicate an unresolved major electrical/CAN communication problem possibly involving the harness, connector network, or communication system.

NHTSA ODI 11741658

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica steering wheel started locking in place at approximately 10 a 2 o'clock the other day as we were on a couple hundred-mile trip over the Memorial Day weekend. We looked up the symptoms, it said there was a recall for the Power Steering Assist v53/NHTSA 19V-348. I drove the car slowly the entire way home and set up an appointment at CDJR of Morgantown for the next day May25th at 8am. After arriving at the dealership, I was informed that this particular recall was closed, although its description fit exactly what my car had been doing the previous day. I informed them that my main battery IBS had been broken for nearly a year and wondered if that could have been the problem also. They took the car at 8am and at 9 am the man at the desk that had been helping me came to the waiting room and informed me that URSE dodge (where I bought the vehicle in 2017) showed record of performing the recall check " That's a lie" I replied! None the less, at 10 am they reported to me that the auxiliary battery had 0 CCA and needed replaced and that the IBS would also need replaced, all of which would run me nearly 1000 dollars. I asked when they could get the IBS and the parts department said 5 days, I asked the gentleman that had originally been helping me if they checked the ground wire from the original recall and he said yes, and it was fine. I changed the auxiliary battery and the IBS myself at Advance Auto yesterday and after I had the main battery hot lead off it also cleared all the codes that the dealership said was on the vehicle (electrical codes). I drove the vehicle yesterday and I can't say for sure that it did it, although I believe it stuck lightly a couple of times. The IBS and the auxiliary battery are my fault, I should have addressed them sooner. The bigger issue here is that URSE dodge in Fairmont never called me, I never received a recall notice.

NHTSA ODI 11740302

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with no warning. warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated failure, and during the inspection, the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a failed rack and pinion steering assembly that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11738099

While driving at highway speeds, steering wheel sticks at 11 and 1 o'clock position requiring extra input from the driver to return to zero or 12 o'clock position. This causes a jerky motion when the wheel finally unsticks or an oversteer condition which is unsafe when driving in busy windy roads with opposing traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11736962

Steering wheel binds up wile making right truns around the 1 o'clock position.

NHTSA ODI 11736851

The steering system is malfunctioning and doesn't return to center naturally while driving at certain speeds and degrees of turns. It can be available for inspection if someone wants to look at it. When operating the vehicle on average between 30-50 miles per hour and making a slight left or slight right turn, the steering wheel gets locked into the turn position and doesn't return to center. Force has to be applied in order to return the vehicle's steering wheel to center and continue driving. No accidents have happened, but I it puts our safety at risk in turning and overcorrecting into another vehicle. No steering components appeared to be damaged when inspected by Firestone and PepBoys. Tires were showing normal wear and within alignment that didn't indicate another issue ongoing. There are no warning lights, symptoms and shown problems indicating something electrical. This does happen often and it's one incident

NHTSA ODI 11734881

The power steering will intermittently go out when traveling down the roadway and when making right and left hand turns. Once the power steering goes out there is an alert triggered and the alerts the driver the power steering assist is malfunctioning and the steering wheel is very difficult to control or turn and jerks the steering wheel. Also, the power steering will re-engage and return to normal function without warning and then go back out again.

NHTSA ODI 11732928

The steering wheel sticks in a slight right and left turns (from about the 11:00 or 1:00 position) when I straighten out the wheel. It does it on highway on and exit ramps, during passing maneuvers and any slight right or left bends in the road. There are no unusual noises associated with this. During these gradual curves the wheel will not self-center to return to straight ahead. Extra force is required to force the steering to respond resulting in the car jerking right or left. This is unexpected and very scary when it first happens because I feel I've temporarily lost control of the steering. My passengers are alarmed as the car is jerked to the side at highway speeds wondering why I'm jerking the car so violently while performing a gradual turn or passing another vehicle. It seems to happen more on long drives (2 to 3 hours) and not so much on short drives. It almost feels temperature related as I don't notice this behavior on short drives around town but mostly at higher speeds on expressways. This has been occurring over the last several years but only noticeable on long road trips.

NHTSA ODI 11728746

Intermittent power steering issues with steering wheel becoming “stuck” in one position. Also steering wheel gives resistance while turning at slow speeds, becoming jerky at times.

NHTSA ODI 11727410

The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections, creating a significant safety hazard for both the driver and surrounding traffic. These symptoms were first reported on February 4, 2026. Shortly afterward the vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealership, which documented a brake vacuum leak in the braking system. Despite that inspection and documentation, the braking condition has continued to worsen and the vehicle no longer feels safe to operate. The braking performance is inconsistent and stopping distance appears to be increasing. In addition to the braking failure, the vehicle experiences powertrain issues including transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, and loss of power during acceleration and when driving uphill. The vehicle also has severe vibration and instability originating from the front driver-side wheel or steering area while driving, which affects vehicle stability and control. These combined mechanical failures involving braking, drivetrain operation, and steering/wheel stability create a serious safety risk during normal operation, particularly while braking in traffic or attempting to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently feels unsafe to operate due to these worsening conditions and unresolved mechanical defects.

NHTSA ODI 11723172