general problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

6/11/2026 merged onto busy highway vehicle was going approximately 45 mph sudden red warning light popped up to pull the car over safely. Vehicle will shut off. There was nowhere for me to pull over and the vehicle immediately shut off attempted to restart several times over the next 15 minutes, unable to restart nothing no power whatsoever called for a tow truck 40 minutes later due to the children in the car tow truck was not able to tow asked me to try and start again which I did and it started right up. He followed me to the Chrysler service department where my vehicle has remained since they tell me they can’t duplicate it nor can they find a code that I will have to wait for it to happen again and hopefully a code will pop up that they can fix. Spoke to Chrysler corporatio customer service and then called the dealership. They told her the same thing they couldn’t duplicate nothing they can do. She had no options for me other than to ask them to keep having them drive it until they come up with something , customer service did look it up and states that there is a probable transmission electrical wire issue that caused that to happen. I have requested a full transmission scan as recommended bycomputer forum , but so far no response. I have 2 twelve month old babies and a disabled son that are with me in the vehicle. I cant be caught in that kind of a traffic incident that puts their life as well as other vehicles in danger from collision 06/17/2026.

Car has 110k on it with regular documented maintenance. The head gasket is blown and requires new engine.

The engine head gasket prematurely failed at 90,000 miles with excellent service / maintenance history.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the alternator snap off while driving on the highway. The snap was clean all bolts are still in the engine block. While driving all kinds of dashboard lights and overheating indicators turned on. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? this happens with warning or actions prior to the alternator falling out of the while driving. This put me at-risk of crash and endangering anyone on board, leaving me and family stranded on yhe highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? similar post online with same issues found. Dealer want 80% of the car value to repair and wont help. They recommend changing a cylinder head. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Chryslerbdealer ship inspected. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no signs or symptoms. After the alternator drop off, many issues arise. None prior.

I purchased my vehicle through carvana. My engine light is on. I received a notification that there’s a manufacturer recall on my vehicle which is code cdjr xd1 crankshaft position sensor - however it’s not listed on your website.

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,.

Our 2018 Pacifica (3. 6l pentastar) has a blown head gasket at 160k miles. I didn’t realize this was a common problem until I researched youtube and Chrysler forums and found 100’ of conplaints and examples. I can’t believe how widespread the issue is and stellantis has done nothing to assist out of warranty customers with recalls or fixes.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica phev subject to safety recall 73b (NHTSA 24v-536) for hv battery fire risk. Following the recall repair at fremont cdjr (newark, CA) in January-February 2025, this vehicle has experienced systematic cascading hybrid drivetrain failures across 5 repair visits totaling 57 days out of service: (1) can bus star connector failure — 10 modules with fault codes u0103/u0001; (2) hybrid control processor failure — required 14 flash attempts to program; (3) $1,786. 67 repair failed within 23 miles — cel and brake warning light appeared simultaneously; (4) complete transmission removal required to replace auxiliary transmission fluid pump (dtc p2797-00); (5) power inverter module replacement still pending. Vehicle also disabled itself completely while driving prior to March 2026, requiring 30 minutes rest before it could be driven. All failed components are part of the integrated hybrid drivetrain disturbed during the recall repair. Request investigation into whether recall 73b repairs are being performed correctly at authorized fca dealers and whether other owners are experiencing similar post-recall failures.

Head gasket and engine failure at 61,000 miles.

While I was driving the car started beeping and all dashboard lights started flickering. Transmission started stuttering and engine rpm fluctuating wildly. Fortunately I was in my neighborhood and was only going about 15 mph and was able to pull to a stop. The issue is with a faulty star bus connection near the glove box. After watching a you tube on the same issue, I learned to hit the area near the glove box to reset the star bus connection. This has happened before but usually on startup. Dealer not able to repair after $1600 charge. This is the first time it happened while in motion. Again. Seems to be a common enough issue that there are several you tube videos with thousands of views.

While driving vehicle suddenly, and randomly, has a loss of engine response whole pressing the accelerator. Engine randomly shuts off while parked or at a traffic light, and can be difficult to restart after causing a traffic hazard.

As I was entering [xxx] between [xxx] and [xxx] the check engine light came on and a warning about finding a service charging station. The accelerator then stopped working, the car stalled out and I was unable to drive the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the car to the breakdown lane as it decelerated. I then had to get a tow to the dealership. The engine light came on several times over the last few months prior to this incident but the dealership at shoreline Chrysler Jeep Dodge were not able to fit in the car to diagnose the issue. Their negligence led to this dangerous situation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2018 Pacifica with 3. 6l engine. Blown head gasket at 69k miles with coolant leaking into cylinder 5. The engine is very hesitant upon acceleration and can be dangerous when pulling out into traffic. This is an all too common issue and needs to be addressed by Chrysler. Engines should not be failing this at 69k. I change oil every 4k miles which is way ahead of the recommended schedule by Chrysler. Coolant was done by the dealer after radiator replacement for a radiator leak at 52k miles.

On February 16, 2026, my vehicle was diagnosed by safford brown Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram with a failed catalytic converter/manifold. While I am approximately 17 days past the 8-year calendar window for the federal emissions warranty, my vehicle has only 77,337 miles. This is 2,663 miles below the 80,000-mile federal limit. The failed bank 2 maniverter assembly has a confirmed crack that allows raw exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle cabin via the hvac system. Warning lamp appeared on 2/13/26.

As I was leaving the gas station the check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - sudden loss of propulsion - fire risk / fuel involvement - hybrid system interaction - manufacturer declined to document incident.

At 120,000 miles the head gasket has started leaking into the cylinders. We are unsure if it is reparable or if I will require a new engine. This is a know problem with Pacificas and is an issue they should be fixing since the problem is on the engine part they installed.

At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failure consistent with the known 3. 6l pentastar cylinder head/gasket manufacturing defects. The vehicle is now unsafe to operate. This failure occurred well before the expected useful life of the powertrain and appears consistent with the defects alleged in the class action maugain et al. V. Fca us llc. No warning lights illuminated prior to the immediate failure.

On October 31, 2020 (before our purchase of the van) the previous owner had to take the van to Chrysler for hesitation in the transmission shifting. On June 14, 2021 (only two weeks after purchase), we had to drop it off for intermittent shifting issues with what seemed like skipped gears. No engine light came on, and the van was returned stating an inability to reproduce the issue. On February 7, 2022 we brought the van to Chrysler after taking it in a few times to carmax to resolve the the disabled "start/ stop" system. The light would intermittently come on indicating the system was unavailable, and shifting would be erratic. An inspection and recall work for the pcm was performed. In June of 2023, the uconnect system stopped working intermittently. The gears were still shifting roughly with the shift knob becoming increasingly more difficult to turn. An independent shop found no solution with an unknown timeframe on the delivery of a new transmission. In June of 2023 while driving, the van shut off completely while in motion. After a few minutes, it started up again and drove as if nothing was wrong. June 24, 2023, we took the van to Chrysler with the same issues. At the time there was still a back order of transmissions for the van. Upon contacting Chrysler, we found out that there was a recall effective on the new transmission and the company rush ordered the part to the shop. As well, the uconnect system was also addressed. The issue was fixed. After a few years of reliable service, the van functioned normally with rough shifting and start/stop system failures still an issue. In January of 2024, the van would not start at first try. Often my wife was able to get it started after sitting for awhile. In other cases, changing the key fob helped. Changing the aux battery repaired the issue temporarily. Now it won't start at all. The starter was misdiagnosed by an independent shop with Chrysler finding a failed transmission once again.

Engine head gaskets replacement with less than 70k miles. I noticed than other owners are having the same issue. An expensive repair with a vehicle driven very little .

Blown head gasket.

Head gasket failure number two cylinder created hydro lock and destroyed motor 105k miles.

Well driving down the interstate my van slammed on brakes stated safety mode engine will. Shut off soon. Now it will not start. It could have caused us to get in a serious wreck.

Head gasket blew due to defective engine block at 69,000 miles, confirmed by mechanic.

Original code displayed was for a misfire on cylinder 5. Vehicle wouldn’t start and we had it towed to a Chrysler dealership for a diagnostic. Dealership stated it had a cracked head gasket. Based on research this is a common problem among Chrysler Pacificas where it’s specifically happening on cylinder 5. Regular maintenance has been done and prior to the issue it idled roughly. The next morning the vehicle wouldn’t start.

On our 2018 Pacifica the head gasket is blown. This seems to be a very common issue with the 2018 model that Chrysler won't address. No one was harmed. The problem was confirmed by our independent mechanic. No it has not been inspected by anyone other than the independent mechanic. The check engine light came on after a rough start, coolant level started to go down, and white smoke from the exhaust. There are many complaints and many forums with Pacifica owners needing to foot the bill for these repairs. There is specifically something wrong with this engine from this time frame. Thank you.

The vehicle stalls while driving without any notice. This van has a start/stop function and it malfunctions. There are two separate batteries that control this function and both of them have been replaced. The entire steering rack and steering column have had to be replaced. The front suspension has also had to be replaced because the tires wear out very quickly. The alternator, radiator, and motor mounts have also had to be replaced. The van is available for inspection. At the moment the vehicle will not start and I have been advised that it needs a new starter. This vehicle is a safety risk and it puts others at risk as well. These problems have been diagnosed and confirmed by at least three different service centers including a Chrysler dealership. I generally do not get any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms when the van stalls.

While driving, the Pacifica lost all engine power in the middle of an intersection while traveling at 34 mph. All the dash lights blinked and sounded alerts. The car then showed u1267 and u0416 diagnostic codes.

Absolutely, jenna — here’s a more natural, human-sounding version of your NHTSA report draft: --- vehicle issue report: Chrysler Pacifica I’m reporting ongoing issues with my Chrysler Pacifica that I believe could be safety-related: clunking sound: the vehicle makes a clunking noise when shifting gears. Steering stickiness: the steering doesn’t always respond smoothly — it occasionally sticks when turning. This makes the car go wider than intended during turns and lane changes, which feels unsafe. I’m concerned they may point to a larger mechanical issue and could affect driver control. I’d appreciate it if NHTSA could look into whether this is part of a known defect or something that needs further investigation.

As of late of September 2025, our vehicle had approximately 59,000 on the odometer. Around that time, the check engine light turned on. A few days later, white smoke began emitting from the exhaust. On September 27, 2025, the vehicle failed to start entirely. We had the car towed to brooklyn Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (cdjr) for inspection and repair. The dealership performed a diagnostic check and provided the report on October 13, 2025, indicating that the issue was due to a failed head gasket. The repair's cost is $8,711. 56.

The engine failed at 104,000 miles despite proper maintenance. The vehicle is used by my wife and three children, and the engine unexpectedly experienced a head gasket failure while on the highway, with no prior warning except for a known issue acknowledged by Chrysler. I am now faced with the costly repair of replacing the engine. As a family relying on this vehicle for daily needs, including school and work commitments, I am disappointed that such issues persist in this model despite widespread reports of similar problems.

I have written about repeated issues with auto start/stop on this vehicle. Prior dealers have not been able to isolate the problem. Some of the problems seem to mimic a much earlier issue that went to court but did not happen during the timeframe of the class action suit. The prior submission to NHTSA was with this tracking number: 11681967 . I am now submitting repair information that aligns with my complaint of the auto/start stop on this vehicle. I am submitting this because it helps to support my earlier submission. Thank you.

Blown head gasket (cylinder 3 misfire) after having 2018 Chrysler Pacifica touring l serviced at Chrysler dealership, technicians found small leak coming from oil/coolant filter housing unit. Part was replaced and few days later vehicle had a misfire and had flashing check engine light (cel). Car was towed to dealership, technicians said code seen was p0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). Tech, replaced ignition coil for cylinder 3 and cleared codes. Two days later on start up, p0303 (cylinder 3 misfire) came back with cel. Tech cleared codes and could not re-create cel again. Two days later p0303 came back. Technicians performed more diagnostics and confirmed blown head gasket. This seems to be a very prominent issue with 2017-2018 Pacificas, more notably cylinders 1, 3, & 5. The catalytic converter sits above the firewall cylinder bank and possibly is causing this possible engine failure due to excessive heat and poor heat dissipation capability over time. If not caught quickly, coolant can leak into cylinder affected and then overheat engine causing irreversible damage. This situation can also create a very hazardous situation if driving into speeding traffic from a turn and engine misfires, my vehicle could be rear ended if acceleration does not happen quickly enough.

While slowing to a stop at a traffic light, the engine stalled unexpectedly. The start/stop system did not restart the engine when I released the brake pedal. Accessories (radio, lights, etc. ) remained powered, but I could not shift the vehicle into neutral. After approximately 20 minutes, I was able to restart the engine; however, the transmission remained unresponsive and the engine could not be shut off using the ignition button. I was unable to shift to neutral or turn the steering wheel. Message on dash indicated shifter module required service, and indicated that the vehicle was not in park when attempting to turn off vehicle. The vehicle was only turned off by disconnecting the 12-volt battery. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership and diagnostics completed, showing error codes with the shift module. They were unable to recreate the problem and advised replacing the shift module. When inquiring about recall v53, the dealership service department indicated that this recall had been repaired on the vehicle in 2020. These symptoms match those described in Chrysler recall v53 (NHTSA campaign 19v-348) for 2017–2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with start/stop systems, which involves a loose battery ground connection. My VIN is not currently listed in the recall as it was reportedly corrected in 2020, but the issue created a hazardous situation by stalling in traffic, disabling shifting, and preventing engine shutdown. This could have resulted in a crash if traffic conditions were different. Please investigate whether additional 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles not currently included in recall v53 should be covered or if this is a recurring safety issue with the engine start-stop (ess) on 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

Check engine light came on the day after the automatic start/stop light came on. Engine code read cylinder 4 misfire. We switched all the spark plugs and changed the cylinder 4. A couple days later check engine light came back on brought the vechile into bergstrum. They put in a name brand cylinder 4 plug and spark plug, 2 weeks later the light came back on, same exact issue. They are now claiming it’s an engine issue potentially. Sounds like this is a big problem for 2018 Chrysler Pacificas.

This vehicle experience is intermittent installing or fails to restart after the engine shut down I verified there are currently no open recalls and I believe this may be related to a known pcm or emissions related issue.