2018 Chrysler Pacifica

■ Significantly worse — known issue year
2018 Chrysler Pacifica
BUILT 2026-10-10

This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

Complaints
876
Recalls
12

Campaigns on file for 2018

Investigations
4

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

43% of complaints

Complaints per year

2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 896 complaints 2005: 1,244 complaints 2006: 726 complaints 2006 2007: 326 complaints 2008: 102 complaints 2016: 2 complaints 2017: 1,521 complaints 2018: 876 complaints 2018 876 2019: 313 complaints 2020: 170 complaints 2021: 372 complaints 2022: 212 complaints 2022 2023: 153 complaints 2024: 44 complaints 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints 2027: 1 complaint
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 896 complaints 2005: 1,244 complaints 2005 2006: 726 complaints 2007: 326 complaints 2007 2008: 102 complaints 2016: 2 complaints 2016 2017: 1,521 complaints 2018: 876 complaints 2018 876 2019: 313 complaints 2020: 170 complaints 2020 2021: 372 complaints 2022: 212 complaints 2022 2023: 153 complaints 2024: 44 complaints 2024 2025: 26 complaints 2026: 10 complaints 2026 2027: 1 complaint
2003: 1 complaint 2003 2004: 896 complaints 2004 2005: 1,244 complaints 2005 2006: 726 complaints 2006 2007: 326 complaints 2007 2008: 102 complaints 2008 2016: 2 complaints 2016 2017: 1,521 complaints 2017 2018: 876 complaints 2018 876 2019: 313 complaints 2019 2020: 170 complaints 2020 2021: 372 complaints 2021 2022: 212 complaints 2022 2023: 153 complaints 2023 2024: 44 complaints 2024 2025: 26 complaints 2025 2026: 10 complaints 2026 2027: 1 complaint 2027

2018: 876 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
20031
2004896
20051,244
2006726
2007326
2008102
20162
20171,521
2018876
2019313
2020170
2021372
2022212
2023153
202444
202526
202610
20271

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

43% · 375 reports
CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

6/20 the engine light came on. The dealership claimed that they performed the dtc inspection and a system update (To prevent vehicle from stalling). The vehicle was returned on 6/23 and it broke down on 6/24.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-06-24

Also filed under Electrical system

I bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring van in February 2018 brand new from Burlington Chrysler, Burlington, NJ. In May 2026 the check engine light came on and I brought the van to my mechanic. The code he pulled was for #5 cylinder.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22

Electrical system

33% · 289 reports

Most commonly citing fuses and circuit breakers and starter assembly.

CRASHFIREINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

There was a fire of unknown origin within the van. The fire was self extinguished and contained to the inside of the vehicle. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and it was found about 45 minutes after leaving the vehicle parked.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-11-11

Malfunction of the hands free power sliding door opener caused sufficient heat buildup to ignite an open flame in the plastic cladding material under the body of the car. Vehicle was parked (And had been for several hours prior).

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-27

We purchased this 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid about a year ago from a dealership in Florida, and the vehicle is now located in [XXX].

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-10

Also filed under Steering

Steering

21% · 181 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

Steering capability malfunctions regularly and it is available for inspection upon request. When driving at highway speeds, the steering wheel will "jump" and turn slightly. It will also vibrate when held still while driving.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-27

The steering wheel is physically sticking at the 11:00 and 1:00 positions during gradual turns, requiring extra effort to return to center, very scary with my kids in the car. Please investigate, dealership acting like I’m making things up.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-23

The electric power steering (EPS) is the affected system. While driving around curves in the road, the steering wheel intermittently sticks. This puts the safety of those in the vehicle as well as others on the roadway at risk.

NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-09

Power train

18% · 154 reports

Most commonly citing shift pattern indicator.

CRASHINJURY

Fuel/propulsion system

5% · 47 reports
FIRE

Safety timeline

12 recalls · 4 investigations · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2017-10-26Seat belts17V542000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.

  2. ▮
    2018Complaint volume 876 complaints filed for this model year.
  3. R
    2018-02-14Equipment17V824000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018.

  4. R
    2018-06-04Electrical system, vehicle speed control18V332000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM...

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018.

  5. R
    2018-07-09Electrical system, equipment18V395000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.

  6. R
    2018-08-07Power train18V492000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles.

    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.

  7. R
    2018-09-18Power train18V493000 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.

    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.

  8. R
    2018-10-02Electrical system18V524000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and...

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

  9. R
    2019-04-26Suspension19V143000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary.

  10. R
    2019-05-24Electrical system19V348000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019.

  11. R
    2020-01-09Back over prevention, equipment19V886000 Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with an 8.4 inch radio display, 360 degree surround view camera system, and seat back video screens.

    Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE2.

  12. I
    2022-07-22Preliminary evaluationClosed 2024-03-27 Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power
  13. R
    2023-02-23Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system23V010000 Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.

    Remedy: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge.

  14. I
    2024-01-16Recall queryOpen Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
  15. I
    2024-02-27Recall queryOpen Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
  16. I
    2025-09-05Preliminary evaluationOpen Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
  17. R
    2026-02-05Equipment adaptive/mobility25V876000 Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles...

    Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

Buy-smart checklist

2018 Chrysler Pacifica — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 375 reports on file for this year.
  • Electrical system: 289 reports on file for this year.
  • Steering: 181 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 17V542000 · Seat belts
  • Recall 17V824000 · Equipment
  • Recall 18V332000 · Electrical system, vehicle speed control
  • Recall 18V395000 · Electrical system, equipment
  • Recall 18V492000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V493000 · Power train
  • Recall 18V524000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 19V143000 · Suspension
  • Recall 19V348000 · Electrical system
  • Recall 19V886000 · Back over prevention, equipment
  • Recall 23V010000 · Electrical system, hybrid propulsion system
  • Recall 25V876000 · Equipment adaptive/mobility

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 43% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have?
12 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.