2018 Chrysler Pacifica: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 980 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the electrical, engine, and transmission. The 11 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2018- Owner complaints
- 980
- Recalls
- 16
- 2 urgent
- Crashes reported
- 28
- 17 injuries
Two recalls on this model year told owners to park outside until the repair was done.
Do not buy until you have dealer paperwork or a recall lookup showing they were completed for this VIN.
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/11 checked
2018 Chrysler Pacifica: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/5
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/1
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/3
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Pacifica is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | FWD | 22 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylPlug-in hybrid | FWD | 570 mi range |
- The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Pacifica that averages well under the EPA 22 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Intermittent power steering loss
51,000–59,194 miles
Head gasket or cylinder head failure
55,000–120,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Electrical2465 crashes
Fire is the most serious pattern. Reports describe vans burning in garages and driveways, sometimes while a plug-in hybrid charges overnight, plus engine-bay fires that begin with a burning smell and smoke from the hood or vents. Other complaints describe sudden stalls while driving, vans that will not restart, repeated start/stop warnings, and erratic behavior such as wipers and lights running on their own. Of 246 complaints, 12 involve fire and 5 involve crashes, often after a stall. Dealers often cannot find a cause.
Engine184No crashes
Head gasket and cylinder head failures on the 3.6L V6 are the main problem. Symptoms include coolant loss with no visible leak, a pressurized reservoir on a cold engine, misfires, a ticking noise, and sudden power loss on the highway. Failures cluster from about 55,000 to 74,121 miles, with more from 104,000 to 120,000. Fixes range from a new head to a full engine. Catalytic converters overheating or cracking is a second pattern, with burning smells and power loss. Six complaints involve fire.
Transmission1675 crashes
Unintended movement during shifts is the main crash risk. Reports describe vans surging hard when put into reverse or drive, or rolling the wrong way, and hitting poles, fences, or buildings. Of 167 complaints, 5 involve crashes. Other filings describe hard shifts, transmission seal leaks, limp mode, and transmissions that fail again soon after replacement. Several head gasket and warped cylinder head failures are also filed here, with misfires, coolant loss, and sudden power loss from 48,445 miles to past 102,000 miles.
Steering1308 crashes
Power steering cuts out without warning, often with a "power steering unavailable" message, at speeds from idle to highway pace. Assist sometimes returns after seconds or after a restart. Other complaints describe steering that sticks or stiffens on gentle curves at 45 to 65 mph, usually after long drives. Loss-of-steering reports cluster from about 51,000 to 59,194 miles. Of 130 complaints, 8 involve crashes, including vans leaving the road and park assist backing into parked cars too fast. Mechanics often cannot reproduce the fault.
Fuel system57No crashes
Almost none of these reports describe a failure on the road. Nearly all concern recall repairs on the plug-in hybrid that could not be done because parts were unavailable, with owners saying the wait had stretched for months and was unreasonable. Dealers and the manufacturer often confirmed the parts shortage. One owner describes the van failing to accelerate while waiting for the repair. None of the 57 complaints involve a crash or fire.
Brakes172 crashes
The brake pedal goes hard, pushes back against the driver's foot, and the van creeps forward at a stop, often with a hissing sound. Other reports describe the van surging or the engine revving while braking, the pedal sinking to the floor without stopping the van, and a sudden parking brake engagement after shifting to drive. Hybrid owners describe a surge as regenerative braking hands off. Of 17 complaints, 2 involve crashes and 1 involves a wiring fire at the brake booster.
Acceleration and cruise control161 crash
Hybrid vans lose drive power at speed. Warnings such as "Service Hybrid System" and "Shift Vehicle to Park" appear, the accelerator stops responding, and the driver has to coast to the shoulder. Some owners report repeat episodes. Other complaints describe cruise control letting the van run 10 mph or more over the set speed on downhill grades, unreliable adaptive cruise, limp mode, and sudden power loss on expressways. One complaint describes a crash with injury after the van would not stop or shift into park.
Body and structure15No crashes
Power sliding doors cause most of these reports. Doors close on hands, arms, and chests without reversing, reopen right after closing, or need many tries to latch. All 3 injuries involve doors closing on someone. Other complaints describe water collecting under the third-row seat with a moldy smell, front doors and the hood failing to latch, a hot third-row cupholder area, and a sliding door window shattering on the freeway.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Pacifica owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Car engine has stalled a dozen times or so. On one occasion it stalled and would not restart, had to tow to a dealer to repair it and it ended up costing $2700. And when it doesn’t stall on the road the engine constantly has weird acceleration dips where it almost stalls. This has been a constant problem for me and I purchased the vehicle used with 39000 miles on it. Which is not much mileage so I was not expecting this many problems.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2022
This happened the Day after we purchased the 2018 hybrid Pacifica limited.While Driving the van started to stall out (wouldn’t go when pushing gas) and said shift to P(park) to start. Pulled over turned off the van and restarted it, that didn’t fix the problem. Restarted again and it went back to normal but the check engine light is on. Also the battery is dying extremely fast. Within 5 miles it’ll go from 40% to 0%.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2021
I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with just 53k miles. Recently, after starting the vehicle, the dash board displayed a check engine light. When I took it to the dealership, they informed me the code was a P0305, which indicated a misfire in cylinder 5, caused by a blown head gasket and a coolant leak into the cylinder. AT 53,000 MILES! Their quote to repair the engine (which just sets the ticking time-bomb back to zero) is $5,000.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2024
A blown head gasket (and possibly warped head) were causing a cylinder 3 misfire. The vehicle has only 70,000 miles and has had regular maintenance performed. It appears the motor design is faulty, likely causing a build up of heat in the engine compartment or internal to the motor resulting in blown head gaskets. This is apparently a common problem and Chrysler should develop a solution to handle the issue.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2023
Head gasket is leaking coolant into cylinder #5. According to the Chrysler forums, this seems to be a common problem. We are seeking to share this information so that the appropriate steps may be taken to commence a recall in order to service these vehicles. The safety of all drivers/passengers should be the pinnacle of this concern. We have 105, 000 miles on this vehicle and have experienced no other mechanical issues to this point.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2024
Bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica used on December 8, 2022, with 70,649 miles on it. I have had issues with a hard shift in my power train. It doesn't do it when transmission is cold and it doesn't do it all the time. My engine light comes on, but it doesn't show any codes for the hard knock. It has been to 2 different dealers including Chrysler on several occasions without the issue being resolved.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2024
When taking turns the steering "sticks" amd it takes extra physical force to "unstick" the car. While unsticking by turning the steering wheel harder than normal, it either crosses into uncoming traffic or runs off the shoulder. It unsticks but with the extra physical force, it generally causes you to over correct and/or swerve/veer all over the roadway. 2018 with 72k miles
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
How the 2018 compares with other Pacifica years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2018 has the most owner complaints of the 9 Pacifica years we cover, about 5.6 times the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Electrical24640
- Engine18416
- Transmission16751
- Steering13011
- Fuel system572
- Brakes178
Recalls to confirm (16)
Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V536000Fuel systemPark outsideJul 2024
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.
22V077000Fuel systemPark outsideFeb 2022
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.
25V876000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityDec 2025
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.
23V010000ElectricalJan 2023
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.
20V334000ElectricalJun 2020
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.
19V886000Backup cameraDec 2019
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.
19V348000ElectricalMay 2019
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.
19V143000SuspensionFeb 2019
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.
18V740000Fuel systemOct 2018
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.
18V524000ElectricalAug 2018
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.
18V492000TransmissionJul 2018
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.
18V493000TransmissionJul 2018
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.
18V395000ElectricalJun 2018
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.
18V332000ElectricalMay 2018
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.
17V824000EquipmentDec 2017
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.
17V542000Seat beltsAug 2017
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.
Also looking at these instead of a Pacifica?
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2018 owner complaints, side by side
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