2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing
- 96owner reports
- 72,000median miles
- $6,200median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 22, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
378 of the 876 complaints on this car are about the engine. 96 of those describe engine failure.
Tick what matches of 96 reports
Engine failure on other Pacifica years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These are the reports nobody wants to file. The engine started knocking or ticking, the oil light came on, and then it seized or had to be replaced. Some owners had the replacement covered under warranty or an extension, and plenty were told they'd pay. Several narrower sheets split this group into knocking, seized engines and rod bearing failure.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the engine (80 reports).
Recalls and investigations
No recall on the engine covers the 2018 model year as of Oct 2, 2026.
NHTSA investigations into the engine on the Pacifica
Stall/loss of motive power. Closed mar 1, 2018, led to recall 18V-049.
Engine stalling. Closed nov 29, 2006, led to recall 06V-432.
Engine stalling. Closed jun 22, 2006.
None of these investigations covers the 2018 model year.
What owners paid
21 of the 96 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $5,000 to $11,000.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 61,000 and 90,100 miles, from the 55 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“Engine fail with less than106000 miles. Replace brand new engine November 2025. Steering rack has intermittent power issues. It started having steering issue around July 2026. It makes the steering hard to turn during highway speeds.”
Filed Aug 7, 2026 · 106,000 miles
“Head gasket blew due to defective engine block at 69,000 miles, confirmed by mechanic.”
Filed Jan 15, 2026 · 69,000 miles
“Coolant leak in cylinder 3 due to faulty head gasket. Based on the blogs, this is an issue with all Pacifica not just 2018. This requires a full engine replacement which most families cannot afford nor afford to replace the vehicle. If we keep driving it with this issue it becomes a safety issue. Quote is an $11,000 repair.”
Filed Jul 24, 2025
“Engine sputtering, engine light came on P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. Light would come on and off every couple of days. Diagnosed with a blown head gasket at ~51,000 miles.”
Filed Sep 28, 2023 · 51,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 96 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Taking it to a shop? How to describe this problem so it gets found
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 221 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 172 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 160 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