2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails
- 69owner reports
- 20,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Aug 31, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
363 of the 876 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 69 of those describe infotainment.
Tick what matches of 69 reports
Infotainment 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: 2020, 2022, 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
Screen complaints read like a list of small betrayals. The display goes black or freezes, the backup camera shows nothing when you shift into reverse, CarPlay or Android Auto keeps dropping, or the radio changes volume on its own. Many owners had a software update that didn't fix it. A narrower sheet covers backup camera failures on their own, and another covers screens that freeze.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the head unit or screen (37 reports), the camera (22 reports), the software (12 reports) and the module (4 reports).
Recalls and investigations
6 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed on the radio after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse.
A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.
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.
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."
These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging.
All 12 recalls on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Pacifica
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.. Open.
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (remedy effectiveness of recall 22v-077). Open, led to recall 26V-362.
Fleet vehicle recall completion audit. Closed dec 28, 2015.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 15, 2009.
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 6,000 and 52,000 miles, from the 39 reports that gave a mileage.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 31 service bulletins or notices for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica that deal with this problem. 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.
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.
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)
27 more on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica page.
What owners wrote
“Electrical glitches, where speedometer screen will go out of focus, glitch. Also transmission is going. Loud hum, catching as it changes gears and hesitates when trying to accelerated into the highway.”
Filed Aug 3, 2026
“Battery drains between starts and has to be jumped in order to start. Takes several attempts before vehicle will start when jumping after battery dies. Often have to reset dash display or media hub as screens go blank after jumping. Has fairly new batteries. Certified mechanics confirmed parasitic drain. Possbly connected to media hub system.”
Filed Mar 31, 2026
“Power steering impaired while going about 35-40 mph around gentle curves. Carplay will no longer work with the USB port wired to phone.”
Filed Oct 22, 2025
“Hello: My 2018 Pacifica hybrid was just recalled, and serviced, yet the hybrid battery only last a few miles before needing to be recharged. Also, when in reverse the back up camera doesnât always come on and doesnât beep when approaching an obstacle. It will also stay on while driving forward.”
Filed May 6, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 69 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 Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
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
- 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
- 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