First generation
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
The most reported problem on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is stalling, with 221 complaints, usually around 14,000 miles.
- 876owner complaints
- 12recalls
- 27involved a crash
- 27,200median miles at failure
Newest report Sep 28, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
What is your Pacifica doing?
Each one opens a sheet built from the owner reports of that problem on the 2018 model year.
- Stalling221 reports
- Misfire172 reports
- Overheating160 reports
- Engine failure96 reports
- Dead battery95 reports
- Power steering loss73 reports
- Sticky steering71 reports
- Infotainment69 reports
- Hybrid system39 reports
- Auto start-stop failure39 reports
- Transmission shudder38 reports
- Traction control light37 reports
- Brake wear31 reports
- Warning lights30 reports
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 876 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, 1.5 times the median of 573 for 2018 minivans on this site. Of the 10 Pacifica model years since 2017, it has the 2nd most complaints. Complaint counts rise with sales as well as faults, so read what owners report below before deciding.
At a glance
- Next to the 2017 and 2019
- Complaints ease off across these three model years. Counted per year on the road, the 2017 draws 152, the 2018 97 and the 2019 39.
- Top problem
- Stalling leads with 221 of the 876 complaints (25%), ahead of misfire at 172. Stalling tends to show up early. Of the 131 owners who gave a mileage for it, half were under about 14,000 miles and a quarter under about 6,000.
- Crash, fire and injury reports
- 44 of the 876 complaints (5%) report a crash, a fire or an injury, about the 6% typical of vehicles on this site. Counted separately (one report can carry more than one), 27 reports mention a crash, 14 mention a fire and 15 people were hurt.
- Recalls behind the top problems
- No recall on file is on the same system as stalling, misfire and overheating. For those, the complaints are all there is.
- When owners filed
- Filings peaked in 2019 at 138 (full calendar years only). In 2025 there were 136. So far in 2026, 137 more have come in.
When each problem shows up
Each bar covers the middle half of the mileages owners reported for that problem. A quarter saw it earlier, a quarter later. The tick is the median. Most reported: engine stalls or loses power while driving, 221 complaints.
middle half of reports, median tick. The heavier grey bars have 75 or more reports.
Behind you
Around your mileage
Ahead of you
How this compares
876 complaints is 3.2 times the median 2018 model on this site and 1.5 times the median 2018 minivan. Among the 8 Pacifica model years here it ranks 2nd for complaints. Counts follow sales volume as much as reliability, so a truck that sells 700,000 a year draws more reports than a sedan that sells 200,000.
Service bulletins for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Chrysler filed 470 bulletins and other notices with NHTSA that list the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. 58 of them deal with a problem owners have reported on this car. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Check engine light or misfire 8 bulletins · 172 complaints
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air ...
Customer complaint may include a Mil On/Check Engine Lamp On and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) Lamp On. There may also be associated driveability issues. Upon further investigation, the following fault codes may be found in the PCM:
6 more on this problem
Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XN1 This bulletin involves replacing the transmission. *Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following ...
Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XN1 Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
wiTECH Small Leak Verification Test (SLVT) - P0456-EVAP SYSTEM SMALL LEAK
Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XE1 Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Check Engine Light Illuminated, Stop Start Function Inoperative
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace Or Flash Update Performed, DTC P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance
Engine overheats or leaks coolant 6 bulletins · 160 complaints
Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
Suspected Engine Coolant Leak
4 more on this problem
PUMP WATER For 2016-2024MY 3.6L Pentastar Upgrade with suspected coolant leak. PRIOR TO PERFORMING ANY WATER PUMP REPLACEMENT, PROCEED WITH INSPECTION INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE LATEST VERSION OF STAR ONLINE PUBLICATION S2307000002.
Water Quality When Mixed With Engine Coolant
Customer complaint may include a coolant leak, or, a coolant leak is detected during a routine oil change inspection.
Issue involves overheating, running hot, coolant leaks and related symptoms after a Mopar replacement engine has been installed in the vehicle.
Battery dies or the car will not start 5 bulletins · 95 complaints
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Radio Remained On After Ignition Is Switched Off, Dead Battery From Excessive Radio Current Draw
3 more on this problem
Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination Or Extended Operation After Key Off
Flash: Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) Diagnostic and System Updates This bulletin involves updating the BPCM with the latest available software. Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Battery Drain Concern, Dual USB Port Normal Operational Draw, Extended Illumination After Key Off
Engine misfire 7 bulletins · 84 complaints
Misfire Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● P0301 - Cylinder 1 ...
3.6L PSU Long Block Misfire DTC codes and/or rough idle and/or valvetrain noise. Refer to SOL # S2509000004. It is also important to confirm that the vehicle being repaired has the latest calibration/software update for oil pump operation mode (high pressure ...
5 more on this problem
Misfire DTCs, Rough Idle, Valvetrain Noise
3.6L PSU Long Block Misfire DTC codes and/or rough idle and/or valvetrain noise. These conditions may be related to worn intake camshaft high lift lobe(s), and intake rocker arm(s) high lift slider. High mileage failure (10,000-60,000 miles). 1.
MIL lamp-on. Engine noise, rattle. Misfire or rough running.
PSU right intake camshaft Case 1) If you are to flash the PSU (Pentastar Upgrade Engine) PCM due to P0300 code presence, only AB or previous LEVEL PSU right intake camshaft PN 05047913AA or AB (old version) should be replaced.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination.
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 26 bulletins · 69 complaints
Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed. Rev A
Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed.
24 more on this problem
Radio Message "Power Surge On USB Detected" Customers may comment on the following: ● The radio displays the message: “Power surge on USB hub detected” Fig. 1. NOTE: After the message appears, no USB devices function in the hub (no charging, no data).
Active Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1A10-00, B1A11-00, B1A12- 00, B1A13-00-, B1A14-00, B1A15-00, B1A16-00, and B1A17-00 in The Radio Frequency Hub (RFH)
AM Radio Static, With No Active or Stored Radio Antenna Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC).
Reverse View Camera Inoperative After Recent Repair
SOS and Assistance Call Not Working After Radio Exchange Unit Installed
Apple CarPlay Does Not Work Or Not Connecting
UGV UJV UKV and UCV Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: Arabic language missing (UJV only). Russian language missing (UGV only).
UAR and UCR Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response.
UAV and UCV Radio Enhancements Customers may experience one or more of the following: ? **Wi-Fi hotspot connection failure. ? Speaker popping, crackle noise during Voice Recognition (VR) response and navigation guidance.
Connected Services Will Not Work After Radio Replacement
Plus 14 older ones not listed here.
Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 3 bulletins · 39 complaints
High Voltage Battery Installed, New Power Pack Unit/BPCM, No High Voltage Output From Hybrid Battery, No DTC?s
Flash: Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processor (AHCP) Updates This bulletin involves reprogramming the HCP and AHCP or also known as Power Inverter Module (PIM) with the latest available software.
1 more on this problem
Flash: Hybrid Control Processor (HCP) and Auxiliary Hybrid Control Processer (AHCP) Diagnostic and System Updates This bulletin involves updating the HCP and the AHCP with the latest available software.
Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 1 bulletin · 38 complaints
Gear Ratio DTC?s, Transmission Shift Concerns, Does Not Shift At Times, Shudders
Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 2 bulletins · 31 complaints
CEL (Check Engine Lamp) Illuminates, Recent PCM Replace or Flash Update Performed, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P057B Brake Pedal Position Sensor Circuit Performance, P1572 Brake Pedal Stuck, C0042-54 Brake Pedal Missing Calibration
A/C Pressure Transducer A/C inoperative and diagnosis leads to pressure transducer. Call Steve Rice at cell (248) 867-0061 before replacing the pressure transducer. If no response in 15 minutes, please proceed with repair.
Complaints filed by year
138 complaints came in 2019. Owners file in waves when a problem gets press or an investigation, so a spike measures attention as much as failures.
NHTSA investigations
Intermittent loss of electric power steering. Open.
NHTSA summary
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.. Open.
NHTSA summary
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (remedy effectiveness of recall 22v-077). Open, led to recall 26V-362.
NHTSA summary
Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power. Closed mar 27, 2024, led to recall 23V-010.
NHTSA summary
Recalls that include the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Whether your car is included depends on its VIN. Check yours at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
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 and remedy
Remedy: 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.
All 12 recalls on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
Guide NHTSA has an open investigation on this car. What the investigation stages mean
Questions
What is the most common problem on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Stalling, with 221 of the 876 complaints. Owners who gave a mileage for it put the median at about 14,000 miles.
At what mileage do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems start?
Of the 423 complaints that give a mileage, a quarter came by about 9,000 miles and half by about 27,000.
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica better or worse than the 2017 and 2019?
Counted per year on the road, the 2018 has fewer complaints than the 2017 and more complaints than the 2019: 97 a year against 152 and 39.
How many 2018 Chrysler Pacifica complaints involve a crash, fire or injury?
44 of them (5%). The typical vehicle on this site is at 6%.
Is there a recall for stalling on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
No recall on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is on the same system as stalling. Another recall may still cover your car, so check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.