Check engine light or misfire

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the spark plugs (22 reports), the ignition coils (17 reports), the catalytic converter (5 reports) and the injectors (4 reports).

Recalls and investigations

5 recalls on the engine cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.

All 12 recalls on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with the owner complaints on each recalled system

NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Pacifica

What owners paid

62 of the 172 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $535 to $5,500.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 51,000 and 85,000 miles, from the 78 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“First, I had camshaft related error which turned out to be a bad intake camshaft on bank 1. The Camshaft, all rocker arms, lifters, camshaft adjuster and all VVL actuators have been replaced with genuine mopar parts. 3 weeks latet, the head gasket on bank 2 failed, caused coolant to leak into the cylinder. The van has 89k miles, very clean and always maintained on time.”

Filed Sep 26, 2026 · 89,000 miles

“Currently have 62,254 miles on my car and the head gasket is now faulty requiring a repair that’s almost $4,000. Check engine light came on prompting it to be looked at and head gasket was root cause. Appears to be a very common issue with Pacifica’s but no service bulletins or recalls associated with this issue yet.”

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · 62,254 miles

“Got a check engine light for misfire cylinder 4. Take it to a dealer and told its blown a head gasket at 76k miles. They act like this has never happened. Start reading all the forums and it’s a widely known issue that the manufacturer won’t correct. Could have an accident or catastrophic failure caused by their negligence.”

Filed Jun 27, 2023 · 76,000 miles

“Pacifica with 68000 miles giving a P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. After taking to two separate mechanics, they both confirmed its a blown head gasket leaking antifreeze into cylinder 3. Going to cost $4000 to repair.”

Filed May 7, 2023 · 68,000 miles

Guide Which lights mean pull over now? Warning lights by color and urgency

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 221 reports
• Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 reports
• Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 96 reports
• Battery dies or the car will not start 95 reports
• Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 73 reports
• Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 71 reports
• Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 69 reports
• Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 39 reports
• Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 39 reports
• Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard 38 reports
• Traction control or StabiliTrak light comes on 37 reports
• Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 31 reports
• Multiple warning lights come on at once 30 reports