NHTSA Complaint #11473775 — 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring Minivan has a steering issue. Within the last month, when driving at a variety of speeds, the steering wheel “sticks” in turns. It has occurred on regular side roads, secondary roads, and on the highway. It generally happens when turning the car slightly. Examples include: (1.) during a slight turn in the road in a yield situation, (2.) during a slight turn when there is a bend in the road, (3.) when making a slight turn while on the on-ramp on the highway, (4.) occasionally when switching lanes on the highway. During these situations, the steering wheel sticks and does not return to center, instead, it has to be forced out of the momentary stuck position causing unnatural/unpredictable realignment of the car (swerve). There are no associated lights or warnings. This problem first lead us to stop driving the car out of fear of getting into an accident (safety for ourselves and others). Then, upon research for similar problems on the internet, we see that there has been a recall for 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacificas for steering issues, but our VIN is not included. Fearing an accident, we brought it to our vehicle repair shop where we were told they believe it is : STEERING ANGLE SENSOR - Remove & Replace - Gas (SCCM) - [Includes: Adjustment.] Starting point for Code C2205-96 Steering angle fault. On the directions of "Report A Safety Problem" of this website, the NHTSA writes, "What is a safety-related defect?.....An example of a safety-related defect is a steering component that breaks, causing a driver to lose control." I would say this falls under that category. Once I pay for my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica to be fixed (an estimate of $755.62 for parts and labor), I will upload a photo of the repair invoice.