general problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica - part 2

308 problems related to engine and engine cooling have been reported for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica based on all problems reported for the 2018 Pacifica.

36 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/30/2025

Auto start/stop alarm displays in dash. Have taken it to two different dealerships and they say they can find no problem. They car hesitates when stepping on the gas. There have been incidences when the car stalls all together. We have now noticed that the issue is more prominent when the weather temperature is hot like over 90 degrees but especially if the temperature is over 100 degrees. Also just recently within past few weeks the car will stall but keeps going though you cannot accelerate, however, you do not lose steering ability. You have to pull off the road and shut the car down and restart it and then all components work properly. Again this is happening when weather temperatures run high. This has been an issue last year as well. I called Chrysler and got a star case # 91330213 but then we stopped having the problem. Most likely because it got cooler but we are having issues again this year now. What is interesting is that the dealerships say they cannot find any code being set off because at times the auto start/stop alarm will reset and then they say they do not see an issue. Yet we know there has been an issue & continues to be an issue.

37 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/21/2025

Head gasket failure at a 107,000 miles.

38 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/13/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant pressure test was needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front and rear head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

39 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/03/2025

On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “your car is on fire!” so we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going west also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.

40 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 07/01/2025

The transmission kicks into 2nd gear at times and it feels like I've been rear ended. Also sometimes when that happens the car will accelerate on it's own, I am surprised that I haven't hit anything or anybody when that happens. And other times it will cut out altogether and loses power. This is definitely a safety issue. I can't understand why Chrysler will not do anything about this issue. It can be very dangerous. This has been going on for the 4 years that I have had the van.

41 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2025

Coolant leak in cylinder 3 due to faulty head gasket. Based on the blogs, this is an issue with all Pacifica not just 2018. This requires a full engine replacement which most families cannot afford nor afford to replace the vehicle. If we keep driving it with this issue it becomes a safety issue. Quote is an $11,000 repair.

42 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/19/2025

Vehicle engine shuts off while driving down the road. Will start up after a few minutes. Traction control light and auto start stop light will come on. Random right wheel noise will come and go. Have had multiple mechanic shops check vehicle with no findings. Vehicle loses all power when shuts down.

43 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/16/2025

Recurrent intermittent power steering failure and intermittent engine stall. Steering wheel gets stuck when turning right while driving at speed on highway. Steering wheel gets very heavy and requires some force to get it back to center. If I let go of the steering wheel, it would stay in the same position until I move it back. When driving at slower speeds, usually when navigating around turns or roundabouts, the engine will stall and then drastically jolt into gear. Two different mechanics have not been able to identify the root cause. They have checked alignment, electrical codes, and other potential issues without any answers. After research, I believe I am experiencing similar issues as detailed in the safety recall v53 / NHTSA 19v-348 power steering assist. My VIN was not included in the recall , but I believe my car is showing similar concerns. I have requested a local Chrysler dealer look into this issue specifically and I have an upcoming appointment.

44 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/10/2025

Check engine light and auto start/stop function stopped while vehicle began to run rough and slow approximately one week ago on my way home from work. Barely accelerated to 25 on my way home. Nearly got hit as it did happen in traffic. Took it to auto outlet service yard for diagnostic purposes. Mechanic stated blown head gasket and needs new motor estimate 4500 dollars only had vehicle 6 months get oil change regularly, drive to and from work and school only.

45 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/05/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 75 mph, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that there was a misfire in cylinder #3. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 105,769.

46 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2025

The oil filter housing was poorly designed and leaks on virtually every one of these vehicles.   thus causing engine failure and breakdown which may lead to potential serious harm to travelers as our family suffered.   after more than a year of research talking to mechanics and Chrysler owners and service personnel, I have come to aa clear understanding:  this oil filter housing should have been recalled.   subsequently,  in later models engineers changed the oil housing manufacturing from a plastic to metal application, to a metal to metal application.   simply put, the expansion ratios of metal and plastic are measurably different,  thus the ofh leaks with time due to heat and cold temperature  fluctuations. Our breakdown happened on [xxx] and I have been talking to Chrysler and there personnel since that time, with no help. This is a dangerous over sight! there is much more to this story that I will disclose upon request. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

47 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/29/2025

Head gasket needing replacement due to cylinder 5 misfire at 7 years/55,000 miles. This appears to be a defect in the engine for this year and 2019 year. I am willing to be a named defendant if there is an opportunity to go after Chrysler for this as they are offering no assistance for this known defective engine.

48 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/20/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled, with a misfire coming from the engine. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the cam shaft had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 143,000.

49 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/16/2025

The oil filter housing adapter is made of plastic. They frequently break and mix the coolant and oil, leak oil out of the system and into the heads. This is a known problem and engineering solution of an aluminum housing has been made. They should recall this part and replace or reimburse for people who have had to do this already.

50 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/02/2025

Major engine damage at 83,000 miles (blown head gasket). Vehicle was well maintained. It seems that this is common issues with the Chrysler Pacificas.

51 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 05/01/2025

Brought Pacifica into the dealer because of "check engine" light. Car had some shaking too upon startup. There was also some "ticking" sounds in the dashboard. Dealership told me that the head gasket of the first (and likely third) needed to be replaced. There was an engine 3 misfire per diagnostics. I was quoted at $4,600 for the repair. This appears to be a known issue, as the dealer said "we don't know if this will turn into a recall. " there seems to significantly similar issues all over the Pacifica message boards.

52 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/23/2025

Vehicle starting having some issues on startup. Check engine light came on and immediately took it in to the local shop to have it inspected. The head gasket had gone bad--while not fully blown it was leaking coolant into the cylinder and would have left us stranded on the side of the road with our three little kids if it completely failed when we were out and about.

53 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/14/2025

Engine has 85000 miles on it and has never missed an oil change or service. Car has never overheated, but a check engine light has come on for a misfire in cylinder 6. Dealership indicates there is a blown head gasket and pitting on the engine. This car is too new to have such significant engine problems and it looks like it is a very common occurrence.

54 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2025

Leading up to the failure the smell of coolant was noticeable after driving the van. Coolant reservoir never showed a drastic decrease in coolant but I would top minimally every 6-8 months. I took the van to 3 different shops stating that I smelled coolant with zero evidence of a leak. System was tested and found not be leaking coolant at each shop and recommend continue to drive the vehicle. At 61,000 miles cel came on with code p0305. Code was for a misfire in cylinder 5. Cel ended up going away only to come back a few days later. Engine never displayed any signs of overheating and consistently runs at a normal operating temp according to the onboard display. Inspection showed coolant pooling in cylinder 5 and wear on the camshaft. Oil changes completed every 3k miles and the recommendation from shop was to put in a new engine in a car 1k beyond the warranty. Reading numerous posts suggests that this is a continued issue that Chrysler doesn't want to take ownership for on their products.

55 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/21/2025

While driving the engine light came on. I have had the van 5 months at this time. I took it to the dealership where they diagnosed it with a crack in the block. I have extended warranty, but the service advisor told them that this is a common issue with these vehicles and they see it all the time. Now, my warranty denied the claim to do "manufacturer defect". Of course they back peddled and told warranty that it was due to a piston or detonation, too late, warranty will not cover it. Chrysler sent out an engineer who stated it was not a manufacture defect and that my warranty should cover it. Which they won't because all they heard was "manufacture defect". My van has less than 100,00 miles on it and now I have no van. I can't afford the 12k for the motor and the 21k I still owe one it. Come on Chrysler do better for us!.

56 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/20/2025

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has confirmed internal engine damage—scoring in the cylinder wall—diagnosed by an authorized Chrysler dealer. This occurred with no abuse or neglect, and the failure is consistent with many documented reports involving the 3. 6l pentastar engine. Chrysler is aware of premature failures in this engine across various models, but has denied goodwill assistance in my case despite providing it in others. I have involved the washington state attorney general’s office (file #[xxx]), and I believe this should be part of a broader investigation into systemic engine defects that pose safety and financial risks to consumers. Mileage at failure: 77,000 diagnosed renton Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (wa) information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

57 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 03/03/2025

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a critical design flaw in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica that resulted in a severe overheating incident on the highway. I have experienced a sudden and dangerous failure wherein my vehicle’s coolant drained rapidly, causing the engine to overheat within minutes of driving under normal conditions. Below, I address key questions related to the malfunction: component/system failure and inspection availability: the core issue appears to be a malfunction within the engine cooling system, directly linked to a problematic head gasket design. I have inspected the affected system and component by a qualified independent service center at your request. Safety risk: although my vehicle did not exhibit any warning lights or alerts prior to the incident, the rapid onset of overheating posed an immediate danger. This unexpected failure could have resulted in a catastrophic engine failure, thereby placing me, my passengers, and other road users at significant risk. Confirmation of the issue: despite strict adherence to routine maintenance, the problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. Their inspections indicate that this is not a result of neglect but likely a consequence of a fundamental design flaw which appears to be a common issue with this van and previous years with remediation. Third-party inspections: while the manufacturer has not yet conducted a formal inspection, independent service centers have reproducibly identified the problem. I am open to any further investigations by mopar. Previous years have same issue with extended warranty and repair being paid for at no cost to the owner, as this is not new it needs fixed warning indicators: prior to the overheating incident, there were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts to indicate any potential issue with the cooling system. The situation escalated unexpectedly from normal operating conditions to a significant problem within a few minutes on the highway.

58 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 02/18/2025

I had my chrsyler Pacifica since Nov 2018 . Recently I heard a noise and dealer suggested change in transmission . Ever since I have problem with car stopping im middle of road , towed 5 times to dealer and dealer says he fixed it but still same problem with vehicle stalling happen. Yesterday (05/20), delaer informed that vehicle stalled in road while they did test drive after they fixed the problem. I am scared to drive this car anymore. Dealser did not want to loan their car as well anymore , I am without car for more than 30 days during this all 5 incidents .

59 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/26/2025

Vehicle states "stop safely vehicle will shut off soon" with a red turtle logo. I have restarted the vehicle, and the warning persists. I am bringing in the car to the dealer next.

60 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/04/2025

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 25 mph, several unknown warning lights illuminated. The message to “pull over and turn off vehicle” was displayed on the instrument panel. The contact pulled over to the right side of the road and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several minutes; however, the message remained displayed while driving to the residence. The dealer was contacted; however, the dealer informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall. The contact stated the failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 89,000.

61 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/02/2025

Cylinder 3 keeps failing and head gasket keeps failing. Have had to replace the head gasket 3 times now over the last 6 months. This last time it lasted 6 weeks. Code was p105d.

62 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2025

Our 2018 Pacifica after only 77k rough miles has a blown gasket and a misfire in cylinder 3. The safety concern is that my family bought this van and are the original owner with the safety standards in mind. We have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. We have had this van since our first born was born. A possible blown engine is a safety issue and wouldn't expect this with such low miles. Vehicle was inspected by the dealer and coolant was found in cylinder 3. The only indication that we had got was the check engine light coming on and then after we made sure the gas cap was on, we ran some fuel cleaner to see if it was a fuel injector issue and the light went away. When my wife used the key fab to start the vehicle, it wouldn't start and the engine light appeared. We took it to the dealer at that point once we had autozone scan the codes. We then learned it could be a gasket or needing plugs and wires replaced. Dealer reviewed and used a camera to see that there was coolant leak. This issue continues to impact many of these vehicles and nothing is being done.

63 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/27/2024

While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.

64 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2024

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 30-35 mph, the vehicle made an abnormal beeping sound. The message "stop safely - vehicle will shut off soon" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact's husband was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart after an extended period. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as a low voltage failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA action number: pe22008 (power train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,692.

65 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/24/2024

At startup there has been a noticeable misfire, and a rough start condition. Check engine light came on shortly after buying it (used) with a p0305 code and low coolant was observed - cylinder 5 misfire. Sparks plugs were replaced and coil was swapped and there was an immediate difference in it running better and less of a noticeable misfire. Few weeks later check engine light comes back on and noticed there was a drop again in coolant levels. Topped off coolant and re-checked everything and p0305 code returned. Code has been intermittent but just got it into a shop for further investigation and found a new head was needed where this is a common problem in shops and Chrysler is now recommending to have the head replaced as part of this fix due to problems on their end. Shop it's at won't take the risk of a head replacement, and we'll likely have to go through the dealer. There was previously a class action lawsuit that closed in 2022 to cover this issue. This needs to be a recall or further action needs to be taken before this leaves someone stranded in a dangerous situation - likely when the auto start stop can't restart a vehicle at an intersection due to rough start.

66 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/23/2024

Our vehicle is always kept in a garage and rarely parked outside for extended periods of time (not a vehicle used for transportation to and from work on a daily basis). We had our check engine light come on. This resulted in us using our second vehicle for several days before determining days later that the check engine light was still on. We took it in and they said the stored code was for a small evap leak and said it was likely due to cold temperatures and ice build up around the edge of the vent that blocked the flap from opening. As mentioned, this vehicle was in a garage for several days leading up to the check engine light appearing and for several days after the initial appearance. When I asked the dealership doing the repair what we could do to prevent this from happening again they suggested we avoid having the vehicle parked outside in the cold. This seems to be an issue that should be handled by Chrysler as opposed to me as the consumer and causing me to pay $217. 31!.

67 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/20/2024

Blown head gasket and leaking coolant at 65,000 miles with regular maintenance. $6000 repair quotes.

68 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2024

The head gasket appears to be leaky. Misfire in cylinder 3. Routine fluid maintenance and never over heated. Appears to be a common issue with this engine.

69 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/15/2024

Head gasket failure. . Engine replaced with factory long block by independent garage at owner expense.

70 Engine And Engine Cooling problem

Failure Date: 12/04/2024

Vehicle engine is stalling, smells like burnt makes a lot of knocking sound and has a lot of white smoke coming out the muffler. My safety of my family and me is put at risk because this is a safety hazard that can cause an accident or a fire.



Pacifica Service Bulletins
Pacifica Safety Recalls
Pacifica Defect Investigations