NHTSA Complaint #11479603 — 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring Minivan has a steering issue. Within the last several months, 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, jerking the steering wheel, causing panic) . 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. I’ve had mechanics to look at it, one kept it several weeks trying to find the issue, done research online, the only answers are there’s a problem but no one has a solution. All guess work. The Occupant Classification Module also has created problems with transmission failure. To be able to drive the van, you have to disconnect the passenger seat sensor. Driving down the road with the OCM connected it will suddenly lose power, transmission won’t shift, which can cause a wreck not being able to get out of the way or completing a maneuver. Anytime there’s a steering problem, random transmission problem, or loss of power in traffic, there’s a safety problem.