2018 Chrysler Pacifica Problems, Complaints & Recalls

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 13, 2026 · 881 owner complaints analyzed

Compared with other Pacifica years
Far more complaints than other years 4th of 18 for complaints
NHTSA crash rating
5 out of 5 stars

Owners have filed 881 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. That ranks 4th out of 18 Pacifica model years for complaints. The most reported problem area is engine (377 complaints, 43%), typically at around 11,135 miles. Complaints mention 27 crashes, 14 fires, 15 injuries. There are 12 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.

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Most common 2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems

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

Engine377 · ~11,135 mi
Electrical System288 · ~13,000 mi
Steering182 · ~13,650 mi
Power Train156 · ~15,000 mi
Unknown or Other112 · ~18,250 mi
Fuel/propulsion System47 · ~4,850 mi
Electronic Stability Control (esc)37 · ~11,621 mi
Vehicle Speed Control35 · ~17,951 mi
Service Brakes31 · ~6,000 mi
Suspension20 · ~9,078 mi
Problem areaComplaintsShareMedian milesOwners mention mostTypical repair cost
Engine problems37743%11,135“head gasket” (30%)$5,150
Electrical System problems28833%13,000“start stop” (16%)—
Steering problems18221%13,650“turn steering” (7%)—
Power Train problems15618%15,000“start stop” (12%)—
Unknown or Other11213%18,250——
Fuel/propulsion System475%4,850——
Electronic Stability Control (esc)374%11,621——
Vehicle Speed Control354%17,951——
Service Brakes314%6,000——
Suspension202%9,078——
Structure192%15,390——
Forward Collision Avoidance152%1,200——
Seats101%20,000——
Air Bags91%44,000——
Lane Departure81%———
Wheels81%3,559——
Back Over Prevention61%88,000——
Equipment51%47,000——
Latches/locks/linkages40%47,000——
Visibility/wiper40%15,680——
Engine and Engine Cooling30%51,000——
Seat Belts30%3,500——
Hybrid Propulsion System20%50,000——
Tires20%15,400——
Visibility20%134,350——
Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness10%———
Exterior Lighting10%———

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

Complaints by year received

Peak: 2026, with 142 complaints
2017: 4201742018: 772018772019: 13820191382020: 542020542021: 552021552022: 692022692023: 942023942024: 11220241122025: 13620251362026: 1422026142

n = 881 complaints · Source: NHTSA

2018 Chrysler Pacifica recalls (12)

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

Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:Dec 17, 2025 · NHTSA campaign 25V876000 · 86 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Hybrid propulsion system: inverter; electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptaclesJan 17, 2023 · NHTSA campaign 23V010000 · 67,117 vehicles

Problem: 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; equipment:electrical:radio/tape deck/cd etc.Dec 12, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V886000 · 20,441 vehicles

Problem: 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 batteryMay 9, 2019 · NHTSA campaign 19V348000 · 198,731 vehicles

Problem: 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 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.

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.

Power train:automatic transmissionJul 26, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V492000 · 5 vehicles

Problem: 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 shaftJul 26, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V493000 · 61 vehicles

Problem: 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.

Equipment:electrical:anti-theft devices; electrical system:ignition:anti-theft:control moduleJun 14, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V395000 · 240,242 vehicles

Problem: 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:software; vehicle speed control:cruise control; electrical system:wiringMay 17, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 4,815,661 vehicles

Problem: 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.

EquipmentDec 21, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 61,791 vehicles

Problem: 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/otherAug 31, 2017 · NHTSA campaign 17V542000 · 47,927 vehicles

Problem: 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.

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

  • Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering (PE25009) — opened Sep 5, 2025, still open.
  • 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.
  • 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 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…

Engine · received Oct 13, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770924

Head gasket issue. Known issue with this model. Costly repair "The primary reason is inadequate construction techniques, design, and materials. There isn't a preventive solution for this issue. If it occurs, it will be dealt with at that time." [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] Cell INFORMATION REDACTED…

Engine · received Oct 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770413

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking while attempting to return the steering wheel to center. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The cause of the failure was not…

Steering · received Oct 9, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11770045

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…

Electrical System · received Oct 7, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769510

Over the past year or two, especially as the temperatures begin to get cooler outside, I've noticed a sensation when doing a gradual turn anywhere between 20-60 MPH, and the steering wheel is at the 11 or 1 o clock position, the vehicle "sticks". I then have to put force on the steering wheel to…

Steering · received Oct 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11769439

Other Chrysler Pacifica years

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See all Chrysler Pacifica 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?

Owners most often report engine, electrical system, steering problems. The top one, engine, accounts for 377 complaints.

Was there a recall on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Yes, 12 safety recalls. Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check whether the repairs were done on your car.

Was the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica a good year?

Complaint data can't fully answer that, because counts aren't adjusted for sales. Compared with other Pacifica model years, the 2018 has far more complaints than most years, and NHTSA rates it 5 out of 5 stars overall in crash tests. Always get a pre-purchase inspection and check the VIN for open recalls.