2023 Chrysler Pacifica Steering Problems

While driving the car an alert pops up with a red steering wheel and an exclamation point. The console states "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required". I brought the vehicle to a dealer and they stated they thought it was from low voltage due to a bad battery. They returned the car and the issue happened again. Oddly the you get the symptom first. Then you see an alert saying "LaneSense Off" then a ding where the console says "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required". So for a few seconds you might think lane sense off is the problem even though the reality is you have no more power steering. My family's life was at risk. Without power steering the vehicle was incredibly hard to control. It is very heavy and I had to use my full force to turn it, if it was my wife or someone less muscular they would have crashed. It has been inspected by the dealer and they returned it after replacing the battery and the issue re-occurred. I noticed this was an issue on a previous year model but it occuring on ours as well.

While driving at approximately 65 mph on I-35 in moderate traffic, the vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. I was positioned in the far-right lane at the time of the incident. A notification message appeared on the dashboard screen (likely the "Stop Safely" or "Service Hybrid System" warning); however, there was no accompanying audible warning tone to alert me to the severity of the issue before power was lost. The failure rendered the vehicle unable to accelerate, creating a severe safety hazard. I was forced to navigate to the shoulder and stop for the vehicle to reset and allow me to reach the exit while the vehicle was effectively crippled, moving at speeds under 10 mph amidst highway-speed traffic. I was eventually able to exit the freeway at this reduced speed. This was the third and fourth time issue had occurred. This happened IMMEDIATELY after leaving the dealership to resolve this exact issue and was told that the vehicle was safe to drive again.

The front driver's side tire on my 2023 Chrysler Pacifica (77600 miles as of 12/1/25) has started making a loud rumbling sound regardless of my speed. This is happening when I turn the wheel from left to right and occurring every time I am driving. There are no warning lights on the dashboard. I had a mechanic evaluate the tire while on racks in the air and was shown the tire visibly rapidly bouncing and vibrating as the wheel was turned left to right. I am terrified to drive my van alone or with my family as the rumbling sound is heard loudly and consistently inside the van. This is my only mode of transportation and I am gravely concerned the wheel may indeed fly off the car and as a precaution I am driving slower than the speed limit on roads causing other drivers to become frustrated and close to hitting the back of my van. I need this issue addressed immediately to ensure the safety of everyone.

We have a continuing issue with the Pacifica of showing a dashboard warning of "STOP SAFELY VEHICLE WILL SHUT OFF SOON''. The power becomes diminished and with a few minutes, all power is lost, including lights, engine, all dash warnings are gone. After sitting on the side of the road for a few minutes, the vehicle will restart like nothing happened. Occurrences shown in order by date, location and mileage. [XXX] in Gatlinburg, TN with approx 1800 miles. Dealer found error codes relating to hybrid system but could not repair for at least 4 weeks. Advised to continue trip and make an appointment when we return to Georgia. [XXX] on [XXX] enroute to Myrtle Beach the issue reoccurred [XXX] in for repairs at Chrysler 3206 miles. April 18, back to dealer same issue at 14,145 miles. Extensive repairs performed on hybrid system. April 24 with 14,303, same issue. Received vehicle back on June 20, 2025. [XXX], another occurrence with 15,645. This time the vehicle would not shut down by the FOB but would not function at all, though the dash stated put vehicle in park, but it was in park.. Ackerman Towing of Macon, GA attempted to tow vehicle, but the parking brake would not release nor would the transmission shift into neutral. After 3 hours, vehicle finally shut down and restarted. Back to Chrysler. Received vehicle back Aug 13. They could not find a problem. [XXX] enroute to VA Beach. Same issue at 17,750 miles on [XXX] outside of Lumberton, NC. Restarted after a few minutes. Continued trip. I feel this problem of shutting down is a death trap. Losing all power including outside lights could easily become catastrophic, especially if it happened after dark. Chrysler is aware and seems to be unable to find a remedy. I have more info, but out of characters to relay more. Info below relates to last occurrence INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

See attached document for complaint. I am writing to you with deep concern to report a serious matter regarding the safety of a vehicle I recently purchased and to respectfully request your intervention in a case that endangers not only my safety as a consumer but also that of the passengers transported in this automobile. On XXXX X, XXXX, I purchased a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Wagon 40 Touring L 3.GL VG, VIN number [XXX] , through Napleton Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, located at 1460 E Osceola Pkwy, Kissimmee, FL 34744. The vehicle was financed by XXXXXXXX XXXXXXX LLC under loan number XXXXXXX-XXXXXXX. Prior to the purchase, the sales representative informed me that the vehicle had a recall. However, I was assured that it was a minor issue of no real consequence and that I could take it to any Chrysler dealership the following day for immediate resolution. Unfortunately, this statement turned out to be entirely false. To my shock, when I went to the dealership to address the recall, I was informed that the issue was related to the rear seat airbags and that no solution is currently available from the manufacturer. Since then, I have visited several Chrysler dealerships seeking assistance, and in every case, I was told that nothing could be done until Chrysler provides an official remedy. As a provisional measure, I requested a replacement or loaner vehicle to ensure the safety of the occupants-particularly those seated in the rear seats-but I was instructed to contact Chrysler's customer service directly. On August 25, 2025, I contacted Chrysler's customer service and spoke with a representative named XXXXX, who documented my case in detail. During that call, I also reported that the vehicle is experiencing additional operational issues, specifically with the engine and steering. On several occasions, the steering has locked up, preventing the wheel from turning and creating an even greater risk of an accident. I firmly believe that this vehicle should never have been sold or delivered in such condition, as it poses serious and unacceptable risks to occupant safety. The absence of functional rear-seat airbags represents a direct and potentially life-threatening hazard in the event of a collision. In my view, this constitutes a violation of the minimum safety standards that any new vehicle sold in the United States must meet. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the NHTSA intervene to investigate this case and assist me in obtaining a clear resolution from either the dealership or the manufacturer. At present, I find myself in a situation of insecurity, frustration, and financial detriment, compounded by the mechanical failures described and the lack of adequate support. I sincerely thank you in advance for your time and attention. I remain available to provide any documentation or additional information you may require to proceed with this formal complaint. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I want to say my first issue started in December 2024 the vehicle began to slow down lights started flashing in the vehicle the steering became difficult to turn I pulled over waited in the vehicle for over an hour with my [xxx] son and grandchildren in the car then the vehicle started I thought it was fine so I'm thinking this car is really smart it fixed it self then January it happened again I called the dealership south Chicago dodge spoke with larry they said bring it in but they were backed up I was like omg I'm not going to have a way to get around so the next problems I had called hawk jeep chrysler because they'll put me in a loaner or a rental I've done business with them in the past spoke with Ann Marie she said bring it in honey on my way to the dealership the car went crazy on the expressway and stopped on the expressway the state tow truck said you can't stay here it's unsafe mind you my [xxx] son is in the vehicle and it was freezing he towed us off the way I contacted Ann Marie I had the vehicle towed from there to the dealership long story short the vehicle has been in the shop 4 times for the same problem the vehicle has stopped on my with my family in the car numerous times in unsafe places I purchased the vehicle because it met my family needs in an a [xxx] I need a safe reliable running vehicle which has not been the case I've been paying my car note my insurance and this is the 3rd month I haven't had my vehicle mind you each time I've picked the vehicle up I had to bring it back for the same problem I was told they vehicle was ready went to get it Jim the manager at hawk came back said the vehicle was dead they don't know what's wrong with it at that point I had my vehicle towed back to south Chicago dodge where I purchased the vehicle from now I'm upset I'm in an unsafe vehicle that stops on the expressway in the middle of the road I need a reliable safe vehicle I transport my grandbabies and [XXX] son with his wheelchair INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving with my young family my vehicles engine shut off and all steering was lost going appx. 50mph. As the the vehicle shut off, a warning popped up and said “stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon.” This was very dangerous and could have caused a life treating injury.

The contact owns a 2023 BraunAbility Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and using the power chair with hand controls, the drivability was terrible. While driving at various speeds, it was difficult to stay in the intended lane. The Lane Sensing feature was loose and failed to the vehicle failed to steer correctly. While driving at various speeds, the steering wheel was stiff. While making turns, the vehicle rocked. The driver turned the feature off. The contact stated that there was a 3- or 4-inch clearance between the underbody that was lowered once the driver and power chair occupied the vehicle, which continuously scraped the roadway. There was an abnormal rumbling noise detected from the vehicle. The ramp failed to unfold flat when exiting the vehicle. While using the ramp to enter the vehicle, the ramp was difficult to unfold. The vehicle continued to shake due to the exhaust system. Additionally, while utilizing the rear cargo area, the vehicle drove roughly. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 2,500.