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2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems, recalls and owner complaints
What the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has been recalled for and what owners report, from official government data. Updated October 25, 2026.
- 12safety recalls
- 1,112owner complaints
- 31crash reports
- 26fire reports
- 19injuries reported
1,112 complaints, against an average of 325 for the other 10 Chrysler Pacifica model years.
Every Chrysler Pacifica model year with its number of owner complaints. Pick a year to compare.
What goes wrong with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
The components named most often in the 1,112 owner complaints. One complaint can name several, so the shares can add up to more than 100%.
What symptoms do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica owners describe?
Found by reading the text of all 1,112 owner complaints. Tap a symptom for the answer, a real owner quote and any related recall.
- Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica stall, lose power or shut off while driving?225 owners · 20.2% · Recall 23V010000
- Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?139 owners · 12.5%
- Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica idle rough, misfire or hesitate?94 owners · 8.5%
- Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?86 owners · 7.7%
- Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica overheat?62 owners · 5.6%
- Why won't my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica start?49 owners · 4.4%
- Has the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica had engine failures?44 owners · 4%
- Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?37 owners · 3.3% · Recall 19V348000
Has the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica been recalled?
12 U.S. safety recalls. Repairs are free at a franchised dealer; some are done over the air.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility: Wheelchair Restraints/Securement: Latch/Anchor: Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Electrical System: Wiring: Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
Risk: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.
Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with an 8.4 inch radio display, 360 degree surround view camera system, and seat back video screens. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed on the radio after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE2.
Electrical System: 12v/24v/48v Battery Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V53.
Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Arm Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.
Risk: A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.
Electrical System: Wiring: Front Underhood Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Power Train: Automatic Transmission Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
Risk: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.
Power Train: Axle Assembly: Axle Shaft Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint.
Risk: If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.
Electrical System: Ignition: Anti-Theft: Control Module Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.
Electrical System: Wiring Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Equipment Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.
Seat Belts: Rear/Other Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.
Risk: Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica recalled in the UK or Europe?
Recalls issued by the UK's DVSA and through the EU's Safety Gate system that cover this model and build period. European models can differ from U.S. ones, and "years estimated" means the recall gave no build dates, so confirm your own car with your registration or VIN.
EU Safety GateA folded or torn anode tab can lead to the formation of lithium by-products.Combined with a second factor, this can result in an internal short circuit in the high-voltage battery pack, leading the vehicle to catch fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Other; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe high voltage battery can suddenly ignite, creating a risk of fire.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe ball joint of the front right lower control arm may be insufficiently secured.This can lead to loss of steering control, increasing the risk of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
EU Safety GateThe buckle for the seat belt for the rear left seat could open unintentionally.If this happened, the passenger in the seat would not be protected in the event of an accident.
Measures: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer; Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users; Date of entry into force: Unknown
What do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica owners report?
12 of the 1,112 complaints, the most recent for the most-reported components, as the owners wrote them. NHTSA removes names and VINs; long reports are trimmed. CarHooq has not verified individual claims.
My van has been reliable for 5 years until recall 73B was performed. Ever since it's install I have had 7 repair attempts and 250+ days out of service. Each repair attempt is preceesed by check engine lights, service hybrid system, check electronic throttle control, red wrench, blind spot temporarily unavailable, (occasionally) service airbag, service shifter, and stability control lights. Chrysler has been unable to fix this issue. They have replaced the abs module, 12v battery, can bus's, wiring, battery coolant heater, eflite motors and reducers, 400v battery, and the under hood wiring…
Experiencing steering lockup around the 2 o clock position when cornering to the right. Doesn’t lock up to the left, only to the right.steering will Lock up and won’t release unless a slight tug on the steering wheel. We experience this every time you remotely hold in the 2 o clock position for the slightest bit of time. I have kids in this car and when we’re going 65+ down interstates, this is a serious safety issue and concerns me greatly for the safety of my family. Van only has 95k miles on it. Spent a considerable about of money on this can van and we can’t even drive it and have to pay a…
Blown Head Gasket. Having the unknown blown head gasket issue may have caused extreme damage to other engine components. Vehicle has less than 145,000 miles.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheelbecame difficult to turn. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Investigation: PE25009 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 65 MPH, the vehicle experienced a total loss of motive power. The Check Engine warning light illuminated, and a warning message reading "Stop Safely Vehicle will shut off Soon" was displayed. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where diagnosis confirmed a transmission failure requiring replacement. The vehicle was scheduled for repair. The failure mileage was 181,901.
An Electric Power Steering System (EPS) code came up on the dash and then it locked up the steering going down the road with my wife and children in the car on 10-13-2026. Bought the car from a dealer on 10-12-2026. Replaced main and auxiliary batteries on behalf of dealerships expense on 10-14-2026. 10-16-2026 the code came back up and locked the steering up again going down the highway with my wife and children in the car. The dealer is taking action as we speak, we will see what they do.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 30 MPH, the engine seized. The vehicle was able to restart. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under an unknown recall associated with the failure because the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
The transmission shifts harshly, clunks when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and hesitates before suddenly lurching. Engine RPM rises before the transmission engages, and some describe the resulting jolt as feeling like being hit from behind. The steering wheel locks stiffly during gentle turns to the right, then suddenly releases causing a jolt back to the left at times, all other times it requires a hard pull of the wheel manually to get the steering to release, which also causes a hard jerking to the opposite direction. Battery and stop/start system: Repeated Auxiliary battery replacements…
Lots of power going up steep hills. Especially while AC is on. Almost complete loss of power yesterday with vehicle behind me.
Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the technician. When you put the car in reverse, it would start to go in reverse and as soon as you let off the throttle or the gas pedal, it would go forward at 15 to 20 mile an hour as you slammed your other foot on the break that’s without you even touching the gas pedal. I was sitting in a stoplight and all of a sudden the car wanted to go 55 mile an hour. And I had to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting other cars. Right immediately after that when I was trying to find a place to pull off the highway the car by itself decided to slam on the…
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
DRIVING ON MAJOR HIGHWAY AT 70 MPH, CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER WITH NO WARNING OTHER THAN A MESSAGE ON DASH 'PARKING BRAKE MAY TEMPORARILY BE UNAVAILABLE', CAR DID NOT SHUT OFF BUT GAS PEDAL UNRESPONSIVE. PULLED OVER, TURNED OFF CAR, RESTARTED, PUT IN DRIVE, CAR DID NOT MOVE. NEW MESSAGE: SERVICE TRANS, PRESS BRAKE WHEN STOPPED, KEY OFF ENGINE TO ENGAGE PARK. PREVIOUS TWO DAYS, HAD TROUBLE ,TOOK 4 TRY'S TO START CAR FROM KEY FOB. CAR HAS 30391 MILES, I HAVE OWNED IT 2 MONTHS. HAD TO BE TOWED TO DEALERSHIP.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica: questions owners ask
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
NHTSA data alone cannot rate reliability, but it shows what owners reported. Owners filed 1,112 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica; the most common categories were engine (440, 39.6%), electrical system (373, 33.5%), power train (197, 17.7%). There are 12 safety recalls. 31 complaints mention a crash, 26 mention a fire, 19 injuries were reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Across 1,112 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the categories mentioned most often are engine (39.6% of complaints), electrical system (33.5% of complaints), power train (17.7% of complaints), steering (17.3% of complaints), hybrid propulsion system (6.9% of complaints). One complaint can name several components.
Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 12 recalls for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica; the most recent (campaign 25V876000, 2025-12-17) concerns Equipment Adaptive/Mobility: Wheelchair Restraints/Securement: Latch/Anchor: . Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica stall, lose power or shut off while driving?
225 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (20.2%) describe the engine stalling, losing power or shutting off while driving. 3 related recalls exist: campaign 23V010000 (electrical system: wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles). The fix: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Intermittent loss of power steering, giving the sensation of "sticking" when the wheel is turned about 30 degrees clockwise. Generally happens at highway speeds, but can happen at lower speeds too." (NHTSA complaint 11766254, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Why is the check engine light on in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
139 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (12.5%) describe the check engine light coming on. One owner wrote: "Failed head gasket that put vehicle in compromised working condition on the roadway - check engine light flash, poor and inconsistent engine running." (NHTSA complaint 11756708, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica idle rough, misfire or hesitate?
94 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (8.5%) describe rough idling, misfires or hesitation when accelerating. One owner wrote: "The head gasket failed at 89,000 miles. The engine gave P0305 Cylinder 5 misfire codes and would run rough causing difficult to drive in standard traffic flow. There are borescope pictures of coolant in cylinder 5." (NHTSA complaint 11762395, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the auto start-stop system act up on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
86 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (7.7%) describe problems with the automatic start-stop system. One owner wrote: "I was driving to the dealership and stopped at a light and the start stop button turned off completely. Brake locked and wouldn’t start back." (NHTSA complaint 11756111, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica overheat?
62 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (5.6%) describe the engine overheating or coolant loss. One owner wrote: "Head gasket blown! Vehicle is under 100k miles, never overheated, service properly maintained. When researching symptoms, I discovered I am one of hundreds if not thousands of 2017-2018 model Pacifica owners who have suffered this issue." (NHTSA complaint 11766251, September 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why won't my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica start?
49 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (4.4%) describe the car failing to start. One owner wrote: "Engine only stalls out when stopped on roadway while driving. Vehicle also does not start up after it has been driven and is parked. It takes 10 minutes or longer to get the vehicle to start again." (NHTSA complaint 11750765, July 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Has the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica had engine failures?
44 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (4%) describe complete engine failure or a replaced engine. One owner wrote: "Failed head gasket that put vehicle in compromised working condition on the roadway - check engine light flash, poor and inconsistent engine running." (NHTSA complaint 11756708, August 2026). If it happens to your car, check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls and report the problem to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations.
Why does the power steering fail or feel heavy on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
37 of the 1,112 owner complaints NHTSA has on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (3.3%) describe power steering failing, locking up or turning heavy. 2 related recalls exist: campaign 19V348000 (electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery). The fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. One owner wrote: "Intermittent loss of power steering, giving the sensation of "sticking" when the wheel is turned about 30 degrees clockwise. Generally happens at highway speeds, but can happen at lower speeds too." (NHTSA complaint 11766254, September 2026). Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Check your own Pacifica
Counts are a starting point, not a verdict: popular models collect more complaints because more of them are on the road, and NHTSA does not verify individual reports. To see whether a recall is still open on your car, enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls (U.S.) or your registration at check-vehicle-recalls.service.gov.uk (UK). Had a safety problem? Report it to NHTSA; complaints are what trigger investigations and recalls.
Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation recall and complaint databases (public domain), EU Safety Gate alerts (© European Union), retrieved October 25, 2026. Model year 2018 only; combines NHTSA's entries for PACIFICA and PACIFICA PHEV.