2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Head gasket fails or coolant leaks into the engine
- 125owner reports
- 76,000median miles
- $4,600median quote
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 26, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
125 of the 160 reports of overheating on the 2018 Pacifica describe head gasket failure.
Part of Engine overheats or leaks coolant (160 reports)
Tick what matches of 125 reports
Head gasket 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
This is the narrower sheet inside overheating and coolant leaks for reports that name the head gasket. The difference from the wider sheet is where the coolant goes: instead of dripping onto the driveway, it disappears inside the engine, into the cylinders or the oil.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head gasket (122 reports), the engine (7 reports) and the radiator (3 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
35 of the 125 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $3,500 to $7,800.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 61,000 and 90,000 miles, from the 73 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“2018 Pacifia developed a leak in the left bank head gasket. The vehicle only has 53,000 miles. From the forms it sounds like this maybe a common issue. So I am reporting the issue to hopefully help push the company to cover build or design issues. The gasket shouldn't break down a little past 53,000 miles. Thanks,”
Filed May 12, 2026 · 53,000 miles
“Our 2018 Pacifica (3.6L Pentastar) has a blown head gasket at 160K miles. I didnât realize this was a common problem until I researched youtube and Chrysler forums and found 100â of conplaints and examples. I canât believe how widespread the issue is and Stellantis has done nothing to assist out of warranty customers with recalls or fixes.”
Filed Apr 23, 2026 · 160,000 miles
“Vehicle is 5 years old and at 90,000 miles. Head gasket blew causing several thousand dollars in damage. This seemed very early to have to do this to the engine. I wanted to report in case this is a persistent issue with this particular model of car. If it is a consistent issue I would like to see. A recall issued.”
Filed Aug 29, 2023 · 90,000 miles
“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 Aug 9, 2023 · 70,000 miles
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 125 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 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