general problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica - part 2

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has ongoing electrical problems that match the same symptoms described in existing recalls, but my VIN is not included in those campaigns. The issues began around 08/30/22. The vehicle has experienced stalling, electrical shutdown, dashboard warning lights, loss of power steering issues, failure of the start-stop system, dead batteries, loud creaking, popping, squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning, backing up, steering lock, or going over bumps. These events began in 2021 and continue despite numerous repairs at mechanics and dealerships. Despite repairs and inspections, the problems continue. I have reviewed NHTSA recalls and found recall numbers 18v524000, 20v334000, 19v143000 as well as battery ground recall for 2017–2019 models, and my vehicle’s problems are identical to those safety issues. The dealer confirmed that my VIN is not covered, so I have been responsible for repair costs. These defects create a serious safety hazard, especially when the vehicle stalls or loses power while driving. It places my family and other drivers at risk of a crash. We have been stranded on highways and in the center of busy intersections due to loss of power. I strongly request that NHTSA investigate whether the existing recalls should be expanded to include additional VIN ranges, since many 2018 Pacifica owners (myself included) are experiencing the same electrical failures. I have had the vehicle inspected/repaired 4/15/21, 9/15/22, 10/2/23, 11/22/23, 8/10/24, 7/21/25, 8/7/25, 9/23/25 for battery ground, electrical module replacement, wiring repair, and strut repairs. The issues persist despite these attempts.

While driving on a 4-lane highway, I received a message on the dashboard "vehicle will shut off soon". I had just a few seconds before power to the vehicle was limited. The engine stopped working and another message was displayed: "battery conditioning leave ignition in run. " after that the car would no longer move and I was in the middle of the right lane. Luckily I could get my children out safely. The vehicle was towed to the local Chrysler dealership where it is waiting for repair.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving approximately 70 mph, the message that the "vehicle will shut down" was displayed and the vehicle stalled. The contact was able to call for help and had the vehicle jumpstarted. The contact stated that the vehicle failure was intermittent but became a recurring failure. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 118,000.

I keep getting a check engine light with my Pacifica hybrid. The scanner says p1b11, soft code is p0506, hybrid battery or wiring harness. The codes erase after driving for a long while, however, I notice that I’m not able to maintain a full hybrid battery charge for longer than a few miles. After about 5 miles of driving, I’m a 80% of battery life left. Mpg averages about 30+/- something’s not right. It’s happened twice now, both times with excessive outside temperatures. 1st time while idling, 2nd time while stopped for fueling.

Purchased vehicle used and have put on miles. But since day 1 issues have been arising. First the auto stop/start function stopped, 2 years later still unable to find the fix. More recent the gear shift just doesn’t work/turn on randomly or turns off while driving which is a safety concern. Now for the past 2 months the gear shift will not work or while driving the vehicle just loses acceleration and braking and slows to a stall and I can’t do anything until the gear shift turns back. I had 3 children on [xxx] when this started putting all our lives in danger. We were stuck for 2 hours the vehicle ran but was not drivable. Every mechanic says something different and it is a luck of the draw if the vehicle will work when you try it. Batteries all tested good. No obvious other issues other than loss of power steering for a short time. All warning lights flashing on and off randomly but it coincides with the loss of driving capabilities. I just want to be done with this vehicle it’s dangerous and now I’m stuck with it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated the auto stop/start light and head gasket light remained illuminated. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed a leak in the head gasket. While inspecting the vehicle, the dealer became aware of a hole in the engine, and that the engine and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

I was driving with my family on the interstate and was exiting when the car shuddered and I lost propulsion. Interior electrical power was still functional. This occurred as the car was switching to gas mode as I had been been driving about 30-35 miles on electric at that point. The gas motor never came on. I was able to roll into a gas station since we were on a bit of a downhill. Shut off car and waited a beat then started car again, battery showed 1% and was able to pull 2 more feet into gas station and off to side before it completely died again (battery at 0%). I feel extremely fortunate that this didn't happen a moment earlier when I was on the expressway and that were able to get off of a busy road. I had the vehicle towed to nearest Chrysler dealer and had a friend drive me and my family to a nearby car rental place. After two weeks at the dealer, we were informed that the issue was likely the power inverter module. We are still without car and waiting for updates from service department.

In March of this year (2024), while driving down the road at 45 mph, my Pacifica's dashboard suddenly lit up and flashed all kinds of warnings including abs off, the check engine light, the parking brake, the service electronic throttle control, electronic stability control off, collision off, warning parking brake, and other lights that I'm not sure what they mean. It seemed like every warning light in the panel lit up. The van slowed down and wouldn't let me accelerate and it felt like the power steering wasn't active. I pulled into a parking lot and shut the engine off. After restarting, the check engine light was lit, but the van let me proceed. I took it to my auto shop that said the codes were all electronic/ software related and I had to take it to a dealership. The dealership said they couldn't find anything wrong and that the codes didn't save. On June 9, the lights started flashing again while I was parked in a parking lot while I was on a road trip. I was able to capture the end of it on my camera. I again turned the engine off and on again, and the van "reset" with only the check engine light on. I was able to proceed through the rest of the weekend and the check engine light actually turned off after a day. Then on June 22, the warning lights started flashing again. My son was driving this time (along with my husband and 2 other sons). He pulled into a parking lot to return the van home, but it wouldn't go into a gear. Slowly, they toggled through the gears until it would allow them to drive the van home. He also said that it felt like he lost power steering. Losing steering, the ability to accelerate, the ability to put the vehicle in gear while driving, and losing the abs system and the electronic stability system definitely puts my family and others at risk of an accident. I am prepared to take it to my dealer if asked. It has not been inspected by anyone else accept a local car shop and the dealership.

Head gasket is blown with not that many miles, it's blowing fuses on a daily bases, start stop function won't work. Coolant leaks. Coils damaged, and lastly ac unit won't close properly and keeps making noise.

Vehicle just dies when you brake. This has now happened twice. Once in may 2024 and now oct 2024. You have no steering and cannot be put into neutral or park. Must pull neutral cord to get pushed out of road. No codes pull up other than the neutral cord used. In may 2024 towed to dealer and they replaced starter but could not find anything else. In oct 2024, took it to an independent car place and he could not find anything wrong, just re-boot computer. This is very dangerous; this is a handicap van modified for a wheelchair person to be put in through the back of the van. If I get hit in the back, I can't get my son out of the van. Extremely unsafe! I know the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica's were recalled for this and I believe the powertrain control module software was updated or the chip was replaced. This needs to be recalled for the 2018's also.

While driving a message came across the dash to "service charging system" and then a second message appeared that said "speeds limited" and the vehicle slowed to 44mph entirely out of my control.

There is a loud clicking and popping noise from the front drivers side suspension when turning or going over bumpy ground. The car also pulls to one side unexpectedly when going around corners sometimes while driving the car will shut down and restart as if rebooting a computer.

Frequently replacing axillary battery due to a power draw from the sliding drivers side passenger door. The door has a short in the wiring that has killed the battery and drained the main battery no less than 6 times since owning this since brand new in 2018. Vehicle had been stranded on roadways twice, gas station line once, and parking lots three times due to this short in the passenger door. Since removing the fuse for this door we have had no issues, except the sliding power door is now a manual door.

My vehicle suddenly stops while the car is in motion, it shuts completely off. I had an instance where my car shut off coming off the freeway off-ramp. This has happened on numerous occasions and we have been trying to call the dealership to see if there is any recall. We are never given a straight answer and we feel unsafe to drive our vehicle.

The van auto shutoff during a stop in an intersection. The van did not turn back on when the pressure was released from the pedal. The engine was off and I was in the middle of the intersection. The gear shifter knob was unable to move to a different gear. After multiple attempts to restart the car were unsuccessful, the car finally restarted after cycling through the att, run, start menus without the brake being depressed and then pressing the break and pushing the start button. This vehicle has had the recall work performed related to this issue and the repair is insufficient. The stall is intermittent and difficult to repeat.

The vehicle display reads "service charging system" and switches into limp mode where the vehicle is prevented from driving faster than 15 mph. After leaving the van sit for a time, it drives ok. I took the van to a Chrysler dealership twice after this happened, and the dealership could not resolve the issue. After the second time this happened, the dealership contacted an engineer at Chrysler to try and resolve the problem, but they could not. Chrysler says the problem stems from the charger that is being used, but the error/limp mode occurs not after using a charger. I am concerned that the vehicle will switch over to limp mode at any time presenting a safety risk.

Tried to start car. When start button was pressed the dash lit up like a christmas tree. Multiple error messages. Fcw unavailable, power steering unavailable, fuel door open, park brake unavailable, park sense unavailable, service hybrid electric system, power steering unavailable. The gear indication, both on dash and by shifter was flashing. The car would not turn off. I had to open hood and disconnect 12v battery for the car to power off. Waited 10 seconds and connected 12v and it power on, but the check engine light is still active.

The check engine light came on and the vehicle experienced a slight loss of power. Later the start/stop indicator light cam on with a message saying it has malfunctioned. Upon driving the van continues to have issues going up hills and accelerating from a stopped position. The check engine light remains steady without blinking.

I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved electrical issues with my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. Despite replacing both the main and auxiliary batteries, several components continue to fail, including: •the third-row power seats, which do not function at all or operate intermittently, rendering them impossible to stow or adjust. There is no manual override, which is a serious design flaw for families. •the rear liftgate, which starts to open and then immediately closes without completing its cycle. •the passenger-side rear entertainment screen, which is completely non-functional while the driver’s side screen works normally. These issues have severely impacted the usability and reliability of the vehicle. The third-row seat and tailgate problems, in particular, compromise safety and convenience—especially for families with children. The third-row power seat design lacks a manual fallback, which could leave passengers stuck in emergency situations. The liftgate’s failure to open fully and the battery system’s unreliability and constant need for replacement (around every 1. 5/2 years) has left my stranded countless times. These electrical issues need recalls and solutions.

Back in January while driving and stopping at a red light the warning light appeared that the stop/start function was unavailable. The warning "electronic service" appeared and went away. While stopped at a red light the vehicle turned off with no other warning. This put me at serious risk with my children in the car for an accident. After a minute I was able to turn my car back on get hhome. I had my vehicle serviced and had a new main battery put in. Now in June the same warning came on again. I have to pay hundreds of dollars just to get a diagnostic report. This is the second time in less than 6 months. This is putting my safety and the safety of my family at risk.

The #5 cylinder keeps having a misfire sometimes causing failure of the vehicle to get up and move when needed in an emergency situation this being a family van make even putting children in danger at times. After inspection by myself a mechanic that even taught college automotive repair, I have also taught jet engine repair I find this concerning. Is what is happening is the head gasket is leaking coolant into the #5 cylinder and we all know water will not admit a spark. Rust can be seen on the valves and top of piston cylinder upon inspection. This is a well know issue across the united states and Chrysler dealers and manufacturers, their mechanics, parts and service departments also know this. This is poor workmanship inferior parts. But the most concerning is not being able to get a response out of the vehicle to get out of the way in an emergency situation and that the owners of Chrysler corporation do not care. With the cost the consumers paid for these vehicles it should not have to fall on them due to the inferior parts and workmanship of the manufacturing company. The average consumer cannot afford to fix this issue, and some are still paying for their Pacifica's immediate action should be taken with this problem as many babies, children and adult lives are being put at risk. I would recommend to stop driving these vehicles immediately until the problem is resolved. Accident waiting to happen possibly causing bodily harm.

On 4 separate occasions the vehicle while in motion will flash an alert that states “vehicle shutting down, stop safely” and the van will proceed to completely shut down- all electrical components do not work, including the sliding doors. After 30-45 minutes, the can will start back up without issue. Has been evaluated by a Chrysler dealership mechanic, as well as 2 private mechanics. They have been unable to replicate the issue. The main and auxillary batteries have been replaced twice each. Each incident we were able to pull over safely and there have not been any injuries or crashes, but we are concerned if it happens and we can’t pull over, we could easily crash.

Initial symptoms: auto-start/stop failed/tripped, plus excessive white exhaust smoke continuously exits (will not stop). Stopped driving vehicle ~26nov2023. Problem 1: p0303 solution 1: ignition coil and spark plug replacements @ $905. 17 (15dec2023) not fixed: error code is gone but white smoke persists. Problem 2: Chrysler tech found low coolant, traced to egr cooler. Solution 2: replaced egr cooler @ $1,319. 00 (05jan2024) not fixed: excessive white smoke still exits tailpipe and does not stop. Neither solution fixed the root cause. There is also an engine smoke smell in the cabin (we don't smoke). Potential root cause: failed head gasket forcing coolant into the engine then burning out as white exhaust.

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid caught fire in our garage. Please refer to the attached pdf which details the incident. I have pictures and videos of the incident as well as a report from the fire department is being prepared. We have placed home and auto claims with our insurance provider, and we are also working with a disaster recovery company who is compiling a report on the damages and losses. - what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? my educated guess from what I witnessed and discussions with the firefighters is it was the car’s electric battery. - how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? refer to pdf; further would this have happened at night and as discussed with the fire department, the toxic smoke, heat, and fire/explosion would very likely have caused the situation to have a much more catastrophic outcome. - has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? I do not know specifically; however, please note pdf related to NHTSA recall # 20v-334 we had completed in September 2023. - has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? refer to pdf; after the fire was extinguished and at the directive of the fire department, the car was taken to a local salvage yard for safety/risk of reigniting. - were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? refer to pdf; no, there were no warning signs other than the smell that morning and the service charging system notification after I unplugged the vehicle. We had driven the van the previous day with no issues, and when my wife left the house around 930 that morning through the garage, she did not notice a smell or anything unusual.

Oticed that the cel had come on, and after reading the codes, I found out that there was a cylinder 5 misfire. To fix the issue, I decided to replace all the spark plugs and ignition coils, and after putting everything back together, I erased the codes. However, the following day, the same code appeared again, and I realized that the coolant level in the reservoir was low. I performed a pressure test on the system and ran it to temperature, but there were no coolant leaks. While the car was running, I observed bubbles in the reservoir, and these signs pointed towards a blown head gasket. After checking online for Pacifica common issues, I found out that head gasket failure is one of the main complaints. As a mechanic with 13 years of experience, I know that these symptoms indicate a blown head gasket. Unfortunately, due to this issue, I had to leave work twice as my wife and four kids were stranded 30 minutes away from the house. This is not acceptable, and I've never had a vehicle blow a head gasket before.

After radiator was replaced by the dealership, our car has been experiencing coolant leaks that we have “repaired” twice, however the issue keeps coming back within the week. We are also experiencing stalled engine will driving, where the car just slows down instantly or stops.

Suddenly our Pacifica would not start and started cycling through over a dozen error messages. We were finally able to get the vehicle to start and took it to the dealership. They confirmed that the star connector needs to be replaced. After looking at many forums, this appears to be a fairly common issue among the early hybrid Pacificas, to the point that I felt I should report here, especially given the recalls that have already happened due to the electrical system in the car. We just got the last recall done in August and already we now have a ~$1000 bill to repair the electrical system again. Please have someone look into how many of the Pacificas need this particular connector replaced given the prevelance of people with the same issue online.

Pull into garage with <1% hybrid battery. Pressed the power button and the Pacifica threw an error about servicing the transmission and it would not disconnect the power to shut off the vehicle. Opened the hood and disconnected the 12v battery to complete remove electric from the system. The van completed a shutdown. Reconnected the 12v battery and closed the hood. Car returned to working conditions.

My vehicle was performing great - no issues what so ever until fca performed recall 03a. After I had fca us llc recall 03a for loss of motive power installed; my vehicle had several issues the same day I picked it up from the dealer. They stated it was ready for pickup even with all my issues and they new I had ½ of them and still turned it over to me. . 50 % of the issues are still waiting to be repaired. The major issue remaining is the high voltage battery. After 1 year of them trying to get the vehicle back to the condition I turned it in before for the recall - Chrysler refuses to replace the hv battery under the 10 year 100,000 mile warranty. They will not let anyone order the part even the dealer can not. To order the bad part Chrysler star (fcas part replacement approval authority) has to approve it. They say they won't replace it due to normal degradation. I was getting 30 miles per full charge and after the recall I was only getting18-20 miles per full charge. That is not normal degradation. Now I only get 17-18 miles per charge. They degraded my battery with their recall. The battery degraded by 33% in 2 weeks – that is not normal their recall caused it. I feel someone needs to enforce them to put my vehicle back the the same as I turned it over to them September 26, 2023 at their expense no matter what it takes. The following is the list of issues in the past year because of recall 03a. Basically my vehicle was in the shop for repairs almost the entire year! 1. Engine lite is on all the time since recall. 2. Charging system errors. 3. Gear selector does not work intermittently making undrivable. 4. Side doors and lift gate do not open or close automatically. 5. Radio display keeps flashing intermittently 6. Back up camera flash on and off. 7. Every lite on the dash lights up - giving my vehicle multiple canbus errors shorting out every computer system in the vehicle 20+ computers.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the sliding doors failed to close as intended and unintendedly open after being closed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a related software update available to correct the failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.

Driving through a parking lot when the van said shift to park and completely shut off while moving. Lost power steering and acceleration. Car then would not restart. Husband came and we hooked to his battery and somehow it cranked and we got it home.

Our engine has stalled while driving the vehicle at least four times since July 1. The engine begins to shudder, and the car will not accelerate, and then the engine completely dies. After it happened today, it was not possible to restart the engine or put it in gear. My and my family's safety was put at risk because the vehicle was inoperable. Three times this happened on major interstates with traffic moving at high speeds. I had to move my children and their car seats into another vehicle while traffic passed. We have had the vehicle in for service at least three times, at least twice at Chrysler dealers. The problem has not been reproduced (yet) but this latest time it completely disabled the vehicle so expect they will see more of the problem now. After the engine cuts out, we get an electrical warning light that flashes briefly, plus a check engine light, and a message that instructs to move the gear shift to p to start the vehicle and another that warns that the start/stop system needs service. We have had these all serviced, the fuel pump and battery replaced, and have been told the problem is resolved and yet it keeps happening.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while her daughter was driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated there were no warning lights illuminated. The contact related to the failure NHTSA campaign number: 23v010000 (electrical system, hybrid propulsion system) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Van just unexpected shutdown no warming light nothing ! this is a handicap van rear entrance !!! on Tuesday August 8 2023, daughter and handicapped granddaughter riding in van it just stopped she had to coast in the middle turn lanes until help arrived did get daughter out in wheelchair push across 3 lanes traffic to safe very hot that day. . . On the NHTSA says as of January 17,2023 compaints on 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with inspected engine shutdown. .

The service electronic stability control warning is populated after the vehicle stalled while driving on the freeway. The vehicle often jerks and stalls when taking off or driving at slow speeds but this is the first time at freeway speeds. This early caused an accident for me and my family.