2018 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Transmission jerks, lurches or bangs into gear
- 31owner reports
- 22,300median miles
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Apr 2, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
31 of the 38 reports of transmission shudder on the 2018 Pacifica describe jerking or hard shifts.
Part of Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard (38 reports)
Tick what matches of 31 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the transmission and drivetrain cover the 2018 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
NHTSA investigations into the transmission and drivetrain on the Pacifica
Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power. Closed mar 27, 2024, led to recall 23V-010.
NHTSA summary
When it happens
The middle half of failures fell between 15,000 and 42,000 miles, from the 17 reports that gave a mileage.
What owners wrote
“At low speed 12-18 mph the transmission hard shifts. It slams so hard that you feel like someone rearended you.”
Filed Jul 8, 2024
“The transmission shifts hard when traveling around 14 mph then will jerk (like being rear ended), slows down then accelerates on its own. I'm afraid it will cause an accident. Chrysler said it is supposed to work like that and nothing is wrong with it. I have had 3 diagnostic tests done it and it shows nothing is wrong.”
Filed Jun 6, 2023
“My transmission jerks when shifting to first gear and sometimes when I'm going slow it feels like it is not getting gas and won't go then it will kick in and take off with acceleration that is more then it should be. The garage reset it back to manufacturer settings, but it only lasted a couple of months and it is doing it again. I'm afraid it will cause an accident.”
Filed Jul 28, 2022
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 31 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.
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 221 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 170 reports
- Engine overheats or leaks coolant 157 reports
- Engine failure, knocking or rod bearing 95 reports
- Battery dies or the car will not start 94 reports
- Power steering cuts out or goes heavy 69 reports
- Infotainment, screen or backup camera fails 69 reports
- Steering sticks, feels notchy or jerks 65 reports
- Hybrid or EV system warning, loss of power 39 reports
- Auto start-stop will not restart the engine 39 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