2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated May 22, 2026 · 223 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid years
Far more complaints than other years 1st of 10 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
Not rated

Owners have filed 223 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid. That is the most of any Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid model year in the database (10 years). The most reported problem area is electrical system (83 complaints, 37%), typically at around 6,617 miles. Complaints mention 3 crashes, 12 fires, 4 injuries. There are 6 safety recalls covering this model year. NHTSA has opened 4 defect investigations involving it.

Complaints are unverified owner reports and are not adjusted for sales volume.

Compare with another car

Most common 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid problems

Complaints grouped by the part of the car owners reported, with the median mileage when the problem happened.

Electrical System83 · ~6,617 mi
Hybrid Propulsion System75 · ~42,389 mi
Engine63 · ~5,261 mi
Power Train39 · ~5,029 mi
Unknown or Other34 · ~4,500 mi
Fuel/propulsion System19 · ~2,000 mi
Vehicle Speed Control13 · ~3,700 mi
Service Brakes7 · ~815 mi
Steering7 · ~1,900 mi
Forward Collision Avoidance6 · ~3,142 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Electrical System problems8337%6,617“electrical propulsion” (13%)—
Hybrid Propulsion System problems7534%42,389“propulsion contacted” (43%)—
Engine problems6328%5,261“software update” (10%)—
Power Train3917%5,029——
Unknown or Other3415%4,500——
Fuel/propulsion System199%2,000——
Vehicle Speed Control136%3,700——
Service Brakes73%815——
Steering73%1,900——
Forward Collision Avoidance63%3,142——
Suspension63%33,648——
Structure52%11,515——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)42%3,062——
Exterior Lighting42%3,300——
Seats31%81,000——
Back Over Prevention21%———
Engine and Engine Cooling10%———
Lane Departure10%———
Parking Brake10%12,350——
Seat Belts10%———
Visibility/wiper10%15,000——

One complaint can list several problem areas, so shares can add up to more than 100%.

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2022, with 62 complaints
2017: 1201712018: 412018412019: 312019312020: 102020102021: 132021132022: 622022622023: 312023312024: 292024292025: 4202542026: 120261

n = 223 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid recalls (6)

Tap a recall to see the problem, the risk and the fix.

Hybrid propulsion systemPark outsideJul 18, 2024 · NHTSA campaign 24V536000 · 15,910 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles that received a software update remedy under NHTSA recall number 22V-077. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 1, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 73B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-077 will need to have the new remedy completed.

Hybrid propulsion systemPark outsideFeb 11, 2022 · NHTSA campaign 22V077000 · 16,741 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). A vehicle fire can occur when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2022. Final owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z11. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 24V-538.

Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash; electrical system:12v/24v/48v battery:cablesJun 9, 2020 · NHTSA campaign 20V334000 · 23,079 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

Risk: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

Fix: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

Suspension:front:control arm:lower armFeb 28, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V143000 · 47,771 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Hybrid propulsion system; engine and engine cooling:exhaust system:emission control:catalytic convertorOct 19, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V740000 · 10,260 vehicles

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). After the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas-fueled engine may not restart properly resulting in unburned fuel entering the exhaust catalyst.

Risk: The improperly started engine could result in a loss of motive power increasing the risk of a crash or the unburned fuel in the catalyst may ignite increasing the risk of a fire.

Fix: FCA will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain controller module software, and inspect and replace the catalytic converter as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U94.

Electrical system:wiring:front underhoodAug 9, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 12,779 vehicles

Problem: 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.

To see whether a specific car still has an open recall, enter its VIN on NHTSA's official recall lookup. You can also decode a VIN here.

NHTSA defect investigations

  • Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short. (RQ24004) — opened Feb 27, 2024, still open.
  • Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077) (RQ24001) — opened Jan 16, 2024, still open, led to recall 26V362.
  • Electrical arcing and thermal events, potentially leading to fires, while utilizing Enel X Way USA, LLC's JuiceBox residential charger. (PE24028) — opened Oct 3, 2024, closed Jun 5, 2025.
  • Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power (PE22008) — opened Jul 22, 2022, closed Mar 27, 2024, led to recall 23V010.

Recent owner reports

Short excerpts of the latest complaints filed with NHTSA, with personal details removed. Full reports can be searched on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated when attempting to charge the battery, the charger failed to work as intended . A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and and they sent a request to the…

Electrical System · received May 22, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11739486

I was traveling at south bound on TOLL 130 going 80MPH (which is the speed limit on that road) when my Pacifica immediately slowed down and my accelerator gave out. In addition to my dash flashing that the cruise control was no longer available, but the van also said "Service Charging System" and…

Vehicle Speed Control · received Mar 17, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11648682

I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Â I purchased it brand new in 2018. Â This van has had sooo many problems, it has been in and out of the shop, countless recalls. Â Last year it was in the shop for almost the entire year, I think I had possession of the van for less than 3 months of the…

Electrical System · received Feb 13, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11642444

Vehicle states "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" with a red turtle logo. I have restarted the vehicle, and the warning persists. I am bringing in the car to the dealer next.

Electrical System · received Jan 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11639047

Had check engine code p1c5e and vehicle would not charge. Dealership has confirmed that the lithium battery has failed and needs to be replaced. They communicated with Chrysler, opened a STAR case, and are in process of replacing the battery

Fuel/propulsion System · received Jan 28, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11639192

Other Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid years

← 2017 Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid · 2019 Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid →

See all Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid problems by year, every Chrysler model, or the Chrysler VIN decoder.

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Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid?

Owners most often report electrical system, hybrid propulsion system, engine problems. The top one, electrical system, accounts for 83 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid?

Yes, 6 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid model years, the 2018 has far more complaints than most years. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.