Well, it didn’t work we are taking a long trip and within the first 45 minutes the steering wheel has already stuck one time.
2017 Steering Problems
Hi, all. First time poster here. We have a 2017 Pacifica Touring L Plus that we bought used in March 2020. Over the summer we noticed the steering frequently sticking when driving around curves, and long story short the problem happens at various speeds 30-80mph. Ay first it seemed to only stick slightly off center, but on a longer road trip it stuck even closer to center repeatedly. When the weather got colder here in Iowa it seems to have be happening as frequently...
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
41 - 60 of 75 Posts
Biga117, do you have an update after getting this service bulletin applied?I thought the start/stopwatch standard in all Pacifica’s? Well, I’m still hoping this fixes the problem.
It didn’t work. We took a 5 hour trip and the steering wheel stuck about 6 times.Biga117, do you have an update after getting this service bulletin applied?
Sorry to hear it...It didn’t work. We took a 5 hour trip and the steering wheel stuck about 6 times.
I think we're going to take the plunge and pay to completely replace the steering drive shaft assembly at a local shop. I'm going to speak to the shop owner early this next week. I'll keep updating you all here.
Well, I had a conversation with the shop after they looked everything over. They said based on their research a likely cause would require either replacing the steering column (the part inside the vehicle) or the whole rack & pinion assembly. The cost to do everything is quite high due to the expensive parts, integrated electronic power steering, etc. We're talking over $4,500.Sorry to hear it...
I think we're going to take the plunge and pay to completely replace the steering drive shaft assembly at a local shop. I'm going to speak to the shop owner early this next week. I'll keep updating you all here.
If I was 100% certain this would resolve the issue I would consider going for it, but paying several thousand dollars on it as an experiment, with no guarantee of it being the solution, wouldn't be the wisest choice. I'm not sure what we're going to do next.
Our Steering is sticking just as describe by OP. Just started yesterday. That lead me here to see what I could find on this. We have a 2017 Limited w/start stop.
Hi SteveHi, all. First time poster here. We have a 2017 Pacifica Touring L Plus that we bought used in March 2020. Over the summer we noticed the steering frequently sticking when driving around curves, and long story short the problem happens at various speeds 30-80mph. Ay first it seemed to only stick slightly off center, but on a longer road trip it stuck even closer to center repeatedly. When the weather got colder here in Iowa it seems to have be happening as frequently...
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
Hi Steve,Hi, all. First time poster here. We have a 2017 Pacifica Touring L Plus that we bought used in March 2020. Over the summer we noticed the steering frequently sticking when driving around curves, and long story short the problem happens at various speeds 30-80mph. Ay first it seemed to only stick slightly off center, but on a longer road trip it stuck even closer to center repeatedly. When the weather got colder here in Iowa it seems to have be happening as frequently...
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
I have the same exact problem with my 2018 pacifica I just bought.I made an accident with it when the steering wheel stuck.Very slight accident but I am afraid worse might happen.i was showing it to my friend today how it was getting stuck.I took it to dealer 2 times they said they can't confirm it.They charged me 600 dollar diagnostic fees.they charged me 4000 warranty without showing us.long story.i promised no more chrysler but now I am stuck with these issue.
Steve and others with this issue, just wanted to add that I am experiencing the same problem with our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The model pre-dates the start/stop mentioned above.
The problem began w/ chugging between changing gears around 20k miles back in 2017. We went to the dealership several times, and they diagnosed it as an electronic error. It never was fixed. Around 80,000 miles, it has progressed to a sticking of the steering wheel, primarily around 40mph. At this point, it's only sticking at approximately 2-3 o'clock and 9-11 o'clock. It has happened several times in a couple hundred miles of driving.
Will keep you posted as we figure out what to do as well.
The problem began w/ chugging between changing gears around 20k miles back in 2017. We went to the dealership several times, and they diagnosed it as an electronic error. It never was fixed. Around 80,000 miles, it has progressed to a sticking of the steering wheel, primarily around 40mph. At this point, it's only sticking at approximately 2-3 o'clock and 9-11 o'clock. It has happened several times in a couple hundred miles of driving.
Will keep you posted as we figure out what to do as well.
Same issue as described… early ‘17 Touring L, original owner, just started happening recently but frequency getting higher. NJ with 90k miles… and our local dealer has an absolutely HORRIBlE service department so I’m afraid to bring it to them without knowing more.
following
following
Hi ,Thanks, I got the same tires that I put on two prior vehicles. They work great in Iowa winters (General Altimax RT43). I over-researched for sure.
A 4-wheel alignment was perfomed about 9 months ago, but I do plan on having that and my suspension checked when I'm in for my next service.
I am facing the same issue as you mentioned.Were you able to find a solution to the sticky steering wheel problem?
Make sure you are reporting these issues on the NHTSA website. Vehicle loss of control problems are a big issue NHTSA will want to look in to.
Same issue here with the steering wheel sticking on 2017 Pacifica. First time owner. Reporting to NHTSA at this time. Hoping we can find the root cause.
2017 Pacifica here and having the same issues. It would be great if Chrysler would address this before someone gets hurt or worse.
Finally! I’ve found a place that has people literally describing the very issue I’ve been battling for 2 years!
History: Bought our Pacifica in 2017 with 23k miles on it (dealer vehicle). I left the dealer and while driving I noticed the steering wheel had a slight **** to it. Like the alignment was bad. Took it back to them a week later and they aligned the van. It was great for about a year. Alignment went out again (chocked it up to the crappy Houston roads). Wheel was nice and true, then I started noticing a knocking noise on the drivers side. Reminded me of a bad control arm or strut. Took it to The dealer they replaced the top strut assemblies under warranty. No more knocking but we started feeling a slight vibration when making hard turns going up an incline. We left it…1 I was sick of the dealer (van sat for weeks for the strut part) 2 it wasn’t concerning enough to me since it only happened with that scenario. Clunking came back wheel felt like total garbage, especially breaking at high speeds. I’m thinking wheel bearing, bad tie rods. Back to the dealer. They said none of those things were an issue. I left the van there for a month while they diagnosed the issue. They finally came back and said the steering rack was go bad….like some here I wasn’t trying to drop $4k on a “fix”. They could not guarantee that was the issue and it would fix it.
Fast forward to 2021, we moved to Florida. We drive a windy backroad a lot and I started noticing the wheel sticking between 2-3 o clock (only turning right). Took it to the local dealer because they sticking was very very concerning. I have to physically pull the wheel to “free” it. Guy at the dealer was like “I know you made an appointment but we can’t diagnose this today. We are so behind and what you are telling me sounds like it’s going to take a while to diagnose”. I told him what the other dealer told me…he said yeah could be the rack. There is a gear in there since it’s electric and it could stick if it’s failing….he told me to buy a Mopar rack (cheaper online) and they would install it …still looking at $2500.
We now have 68k miles and about $6k to pay it off. I’m going to get the rack replaced at a local shop. I will report back….
History: Bought our Pacifica in 2017 with 23k miles on it (dealer vehicle). I left the dealer and while driving I noticed the steering wheel had a slight **** to it. Like the alignment was bad. Took it back to them a week later and they aligned the van. It was great for about a year. Alignment went out again (chocked it up to the crappy Houston roads). Wheel was nice and true, then I started noticing a knocking noise on the drivers side. Reminded me of a bad control arm or strut. Took it to The dealer they replaced the top strut assemblies under warranty. No more knocking but we started feeling a slight vibration when making hard turns going up an incline. We left it…1 I was sick of the dealer (van sat for weeks for the strut part) 2 it wasn’t concerning enough to me since it only happened with that scenario. Clunking came back wheel felt like total garbage, especially breaking at high speeds. I’m thinking wheel bearing, bad tie rods. Back to the dealer. They said none of those things were an issue. I left the van there for a month while they diagnosed the issue. They finally came back and said the steering rack was go bad….like some here I wasn’t trying to drop $4k on a “fix”. They could not guarantee that was the issue and it would fix it.
Fast forward to 2021, we moved to Florida. We drive a windy backroad a lot and I started noticing the wheel sticking between 2-3 o clock (only turning right). Took it to the local dealer because they sticking was very very concerning. I have to physically pull the wheel to “free” it. Guy at the dealer was like “I know you made an appointment but we can’t diagnose this today. We are so behind and what you are telling me sounds like it’s going to take a while to diagnose”. I told him what the other dealer told me…he said yeah could be the rack. There is a gear in there since it’s electric and it could stick if it’s failing….he told me to buy a Mopar rack (cheaper online) and they would install it …still looking at $2500.
We now have 68k miles and about $6k to pay it off. I’m going to get the rack replaced at a local shop. I will report back….
Same issue here..occurring for some time. I purchase a new 2017 in 2016. A Limited edition without stop/start. It's not your tires. I have 107k and I'm on my 3rd set of tires using sumitomo, and nankang. I keep meticulous balance and alignment. I reported this to the nhsta quite some time ago. For mine it started occurung in waves. It was intermittent and occurs more frequently in time. I even performed the procedure for the grounding contacts on the start/stop version recall. The sticking/intermittent loss of power steering still occurs at the same wheel positions cited here typically around 45mph. It's a big mystery. No doubt endangering and unfortunately we are now just used to it but be because nobody really knows, they are not saying, if they do or do not have thousands for a new rack or etc to try it being in doubt. It seems most prevalent between 40-50 mph in long sweeping road bends when the wheel is near 10 & 2. You will have to jerk it to release the sticking/loss/locking feeling. Never in abrupt manuvering. Rare occurrence s at higher speeds. This issue has crept in since around 70k miles for me. It is sad we have to be discussing this. I just knew taking it anywhere would be frustrating and tossing money at trying things. Why don't we get rid of it? The many circumstances most are facing through the past 2 years and I just put in another transmission
at 101k. That's another topic.
at 101k. That's another topic.
Hi TRILCIFICA,Same issue here..occurring for some time. I purchase a new 2017 in 2016. A Limited edition without stop/start. It's not your tires. I have 107k and I'm on my 3rd set of tires using sumitomo, and nankang. I keep meticulous balance and alignment. I reported this to the nhsta quite some time ago. For mine it started occurring in waves. It was intermittent and occurs more frequently in time. I even performed the procedure for the grounding contacts on the start/stop version recall. The sticking/intermittent loss of power steering still occurs at the same wheel positions cited here typically around 45mph. It's a big mystery. No doubt endangering and unfortunately we are now just used to it but be because nobody really knows, they are not saying, if they do or do not have thousands for a new rack or etc to try it being in doubt. It seems most prevalent between 40-50 mph in long sweeping road bends when the wheel is near 10 & 2. You will have to jerk it to release the sticking/loss/locking feeling. Never in abrupt manuvering. Rare occurrence s at higher speeds. This issue has crept in since around 70k miles for me. It is sad we have to be discussing this. I just knew taking it anywhere would be frustrating and tossing money at trying things. Why don't we get rid of it? The many circumstances most are facing through the past 2 years and I just put in another transmission
at 101k. That's another topic.
We're sorry to hear about this and understand how frustrating this must be. If you'd like to send us a DM, we'd be happy to discuss further to determine how we may best assist.
Sarah
Chrysler Cares
Took ours (2017) into the dealership last week for this same issue, mainly when we were turning right at speeds over 30mph, and they are saying that the electronic rack is binding internally. Saying 6 hours of labor and a $2200 part coming out to 3800. Can't say I am happy to pay that much but it is not a good market to be looking for a new car sooooo...Hi, all. First time poster here. We have a 2017 Pacifica Touring L Plus that we bought used in March 2020. Over the summer we noticed the steering frequently sticking when driving around curves, and long story short the problem happens at various speeds 30-80mph. Ay first it seemed to only stick slightly off center, but on a longer road trip it stuck even closer to center repeatedly. When the weather got colder here in Iowa it seems to have be happening as frequently...
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
Steve, I have the EXACT same issues with a 2017 Limited Pacifica. It’s not tire related as I have recently purchased new and the problem still exists.Hi, all. First time poster here. We have a 2017 Pacifica Touring L Plus that we bought used in March 2020. Over the summer we noticed the steering frequently sticking when driving around curves, and long story short the problem happens at various speeds 30-80mph. Ay first it seemed to only stick slightly off center, but on a longer road trip it stuck even closer to center repeatedly. When the weather got colder here in Iowa it seems to have be happening as frequently...
And now, we started getting a stuttering on the steering when making tighter turns at low parking lot speeds.
This van has been inspected at a local independent shop and two different Chrysler dealership service shops this year! All three places say they cannot find anything wrong with the vehicle. One replaced the passenger side CV joint and axle after finding the CV boot was leaking, but that did not fix the steering problem.
We're very frustrated with this and at a loss of what to do. A web search shows that many people have experienced both of these issues, but there is no recall issued for vans without the electonic start/stop feature. Any advice?
Thanks!!
-Steve
Did you ever get the the bottom of the issue?
Mike
2018 touring and I’m having the same problem with the wheel sticking at 10 and 2 going between 40-50 and the rumbling sound when turning in parking lots at slower speeds. I’m taking mine in tomorrow for a repair to the ESS system and will mention all of this to the service department and see what they say…
2017 Touring L. Curious to see what they said. I am having the same issue where the steering “sticks” at 10 and 2 between 30-70 mph. It seems to go away for a some time when I stop and turn the wheel all the way to the left and all the way to the right.2018 touring and I’m having the same problem with the wheel sticking at 10 and 2 going between 40-50 and the rumbling sound when turning in parking lots at slower speeds. I’m taking mine in tomorrow for a repair to the ESS system and will mention all of this to the service department and see what they say…
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