NHTSA opens probe into 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid: Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
On September 5, 2025, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Preliminary Evaluation (PE25009) into 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid, concerning the steering. A Preliminary Evaluation is the first formal stage of an NHTSA defect investigation: ODI gathers information from the manufacturer and from owner reports to decide whether to close the case or take it further. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- PE25009 (Preliminary Evaluation)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Steering: Electric Power Assist System
- Listed
- 3 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Chrysler |
|---|---|
| Models | Pacifica, Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid |
| Model years | 2017–2018 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
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) 2017–2018 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.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for PE25009, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 2,483 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 74 crashes, 29 fires, 56 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 1,526 | 46 | 37 | 0 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 878 | 27 | 15 | 0 |
| 2017 Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid | 79 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Timeline
- ODI opens preliminary evaluation PE25009
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search PE25009 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.