Total Complaints
1215 filings
CHRYSLER PACIFICA · model year
1215 NHTSA complaints, 50 crash reports, and 12 active recalls for this specific cohort.
NHTSA overall rating
5 / 5 ★
New Car Assessment Program
The 2018CHRYSLERPACIFICA carries 1215 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 50 crashes, 23 fires, 19 injuries, and 0 fatalities. For crash performance, NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gave this cohort an overall 5/5 rating, with 5/5 front crash, 5/5 side crash, and 4/5 rollover scores derived from standardized barrier and dynamic tests.
Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2018 PACIFICA is engine with 339 filings, followed by electrical system (258) and power train (135). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 12 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.
NHTSA currently has 88 investigation files overlapping the 2018 PACIFICA, and 7 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.
Total Complaints
1215 filings
Crashes Reported
50 reports
Source
NHTSA ODI
Federal complaints database
Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| ENGINE | 339 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 258 |
| POWER TRAIN | 135 |
| STEERING | 121 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 105 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 42 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 37 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 31 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 29 |
| SUSPENSION | 18 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 13 |
| SEATS | 8 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL | 7 |
| WHEELS | 6 |
| AIR BAGS | 6 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 ma
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 restraint
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
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.
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."
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 shift
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 J
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.
The mid-row driver's side seat release cable suddenly permenantly lost all tension, preventing the seat from latching into place both during operation and while stationary, leading to it sliding forwards/backwards with the vehicle in motion. The seat that experienced the failure is at present still avaliable for inspection - and the issue occurs frequently enough that a DIY fix can be found online. However, given that the faliure occured without any human interaction with the failed component, it seems prudent to report it here. No warning lights or prior symptoms appeared prior to the issue surfacing. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing into a parking spot, it was difficult to accelerate over a patch of ice. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into a brick building and stopped. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the U-Connect phone feature disconnected independently. The failure had never occurred before. The contact stated that the U-Connect failure might have been linked to the unintended acceleration failure. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The fence and a side of the brick building were damaged during the crash. The vehicle was initially towed to the residence before being towed to a Collision Center, where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of
Mileage: 159,000
The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing into a parking spot, it was difficult to accelerate over a patch of ice. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into a brick building and stopped. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the U-Connect phone feature disconnected independently. The failure had never occurred before. The contact stated that the U-Connect failure might have been linked to the unintended acceleration failure. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The fence and a side of the brick building were damaged during the crash. The vehicle was initially towed to the residence before being towed to a Collision Center, where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of
Mileage: 159,000
At 120,000 miles the head gasket has started leaking into the cylinders. We are unsure if it is reparable or if I will require a new engine. This is a know problem with Pacificas and is an issue they should be fixing since the problem is on the engine part they installed.
I am experiencing a serious brake safety issue involving the brake booster on my Chrysler Pacifica. When braking, the pedal becomes extremely hard, pushes back against my foot, and requires excessive force to stop the vehicle. In some instances, when I am at a complete stop, the brake pedal pushes upward and the vehicle begins to move forward on its own. This issue causes a loss of braking assist and significantly increases stopping distance, creating an unsafe driving condition and risk of collision. The problem occurs intermittently but has worsened over time. Chrysler/Stellantis has acknowledged this brake booster defect by issuing a warranty extension; however, they have not issued a safety recall. I was denied repair coverage solely because my vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the fact that the defect is known and directly affects braking performance and vehicle control. This is not normal wear and tear. It is a failure of the brake assist system that
As I was leaving the gas station the Check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the Fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke Vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - Sudden loss of propulsion - Fire risk / fuel involvement - Hybrid system interaction - Manufacturer declined to document incident
As I was leaving the gas station the Check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the Fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke Vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - Sudden loss of propulsion - Fire risk / fuel involvement - Hybrid system interaction - Manufacturer declined to document incident
As I was leaving the gas station the Check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the Fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke Vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - Sudden loss of propulsion - Fire risk / fuel involvement - Hybrid system interaction - Manufacturer declined to document incident
The steering has been sticking causing oversteering at different speeds. This has been getting progressively worse as time has gone on. This is a serious issue as the oversteering to get the car back in a lane is going to cause a serious accident especially at higher rates of speed on the interstates.
In at least 3 different drivers experienced the engine shutting off while driving at low speeds. It happened either while stopped at the traffic light, or shortly after being stopped at the traffic. The engine stalled and the message on the dash said to stop the vehicle, turn it off, then turn it back on. Fortunately, we were able to coast to a stop and follow the procedures. We replaced the fuel module and fuel pump, which did not help. I did some research last night and found an article from CBS News dated 01/12/2018 for this issue that recalled some of the Pacifica minivans starting with the 2017 model. Our van is a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. I suspect it was built AFTER the recall, but the software was not fixed when built. I want this fixed under the recall umbrella so I don't get charged for something Chrysler already new was a safety problem.
My vehicle went in for recall 73B at the end of August 2025. Every since the recall it has been back to the dealer for multiple check engine lights, service hybrid system, abs system, battery heater fail, blind spot warning temporary unavailable, service shifter(would not go into gear), parking brake, stability control light, partial loss of power steering while driving, service electronic throttle control, and service airbag messages. The van has been to the dealership 4 times for these messages. They have replaced components, tried to find loose wires and connectors, replaced the 12V battery, and other fixes. The van will drive normally for a few weeks, and then they come back. On the latest visit (4th since 73B recall) it's been at the dealership for 31 days and counting. The dealership is waiting on Chrysler to figure out a fix for the van. The vehicle has over 50 stored messages. This recall was supposed to monitor the hybrid battery for early indications for a fire, but accordin
My vehicle went in for recall 73B at the end of August 2025. Every since the recall it has been back to the dealer for multiple check engine lights, service hybrid system, abs system, battery heater fail, blind spot warning temporary unavailable, service shifter(would not go into gear), parking brake, stability control light, partial loss of power steering while driving, service electronic throttle control, and service airbag messages. The van has been to the dealership 4 times for these messages. They have replaced components, tried to find loose wires and connectors, replaced the 12V battery, and other fixes. The van will drive normally for a few weeks, and then they come back. On the latest visit (4th since 73B recall) it's been at the dealership for 31 days and counting. The dealership is waiting on Chrysler to figure out a fix for the van. The vehicle has over 50 stored messages. This recall was supposed to monitor the hybrid battery for early indications for a fire, but accordin
My vehicle went in for recall 73B at the end of August 2025. Every since the recall it has been back to the dealer for multiple check engine lights, service hybrid system, abs system, battery heater fail, blind spot warning temporary unavailable, service shifter(would not go into gear), parking brake, stability control light, partial loss of power steering while driving, service electronic throttle control, and service airbag messages. The van has been to the dealership 4 times for these messages. They have replaced components, tried to find loose wires and connectors, replaced the 12V battery, and other fixes. The van will drive normally for a few weeks, and then they come back. On the latest visit (4th since 73B recall) it's been at the dealership for 31 days and counting. The dealership is waiting on Chrysler to figure out a fix for the van. The vehicle has over 50 stored messages. This recall was supposed to monitor the hybrid battery for early indications for a fire, but accordin
Engine head gaskets replacement with less than 70k miles. I noticed than other owners are having the same issue. an expensive repair with a vehicle driven very little .
Head gasket blew due to defective engine block at 69,000 miles, confirmed by mechanic.
Intermittent sticking sensation at 11 and 1 oâclock
On October 31, 2020 (before our purchase of the van) the previous owner had to take the van to Chrysler for hesitation in the transmission shifting. On June 14, 2021 (only two weeks after purchase), we had to drop it off for intermittent shifting issues with what seemed like skipped gears. No engine light came on, and the van was returned stating an inability to reproduce the issue. On February 7, 2022 we brought the van to Chrysler after taking it in a few times to Carmax to resolve the the disabled "Start/ Stop" System. The light would intermittently come on indicating the system was unavailable, and shifting would be erratic. An inspection and recall work for the PCM was performed. In June of 2023, the UConnect System stopped working intermittently. The gears were still shifting roughly with the shift knob becoming increasingly more difficult to turn. An independent shop found no solution with an unknown timeframe on the delivery of a new transmission. In June of 2023 whil
On October 31, 2020 (before our purchase of the van) the previous owner had to take the van to Chrysler for hesitation in the transmission shifting. On June 14, 2021 (only two weeks after purchase), we had to drop it off for intermittent shifting issues with what seemed like skipped gears. No engine light came on, and the van was returned stating an inability to reproduce the issue. On February 7, 2022 we brought the van to Chrysler after taking it in a few times to Carmax to resolve the the disabled "Start/ Stop" System. The light would intermittently come on indicating the system was unavailable, and shifting would be erratic. An inspection and recall work for the PCM was performed. In June of 2023, the UConnect System stopped working intermittently. The gears were still shifting roughly with the shift knob becoming increasingly more difficult to turn. An independent shop found no solution with an unknown timeframe on the delivery of a new transmission. In June of 2023 whil
On October 31, 2020 (before our purchase of the van) the previous owner had to take the van to Chrysler for hesitation in the transmission shifting. On June 14, 2021 (only two weeks after purchase), we had to drop it off for intermittent shifting issues with what seemed like skipped gears. No engine light came on, and the van was returned stating an inability to reproduce the issue. On February 7, 2022 we brought the van to Chrysler after taking it in a few times to Carmax to resolve the the disabled "Start/ Stop" System. The light would intermittently come on indicating the system was unavailable, and shifting would be erratic. An inspection and recall work for the PCM was performed. In June of 2023, the UConnect System stopped working intermittently. The gears were still shifting roughly with the shift knob becoming increasingly more difficult to turn. An independent shop found no solution with an unknown timeframe on the delivery of a new transmission. In June of 2023 whil
At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving Cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failure consistent with the known 3.6L Pentastar cylinder head/gasket manufacturing defects. The vehicle is now unsafe to operate. This failure occurred well before the expected useful life of the powertrain and appears consistent with the defects alleged in the class action Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC. No warning lights illuminated prior to the immediate failure.
Recall 23V-413 Post Remedy Failures
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
Recall 19V-293 Post Remedy Failures
Engine Stall With Intermittent Restart
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.
Read our methodology — how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.