repaired · 2026 Q3
Latch/anchor:
NewRisk. An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
2018 Chrysler PacificaProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 900 owner complaints about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, most often about the engine. It is covered by 12 safety recalls, and for recall 17V-824 the manufacturer reports only 44% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through November 9, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Kevauto, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has problems
900 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
381Engine9 crash/fire/injury
291Electrical system16 crash/fire/injury
192Steering9 crash/fire/injury
159Power train4 crash/fire/injury
48Fuel/propulsion system
37Electronic stability control (ESC)
35Vehicle speed control
31Service brakes
20Suspension
10417 other systems15 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 381 | 9 |
| Electrical system | 291 | 16 |
| Steering | 192 | 9 |
| Power train | 159 | 4 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 48 | 3 |
| Electronic stability control (ESC) | 37 | 1 |
| Vehicle speed control | 35 | 4 |
| Service brakes | 31 | 7 |
| Suspension | 20 | 1 |
| 17 other systems | 104 | 15 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
12 recalls
2018 Chrysler Pacifica recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2025 Q2
Wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
Risk. An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2021 Q2
Sensing system: camera
Risk. The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q3
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
Risk. A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.
Show 8 more recalls
repaired · 2020 Q3
Control arm: lower arm
Risk. A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2020 Q1
Wiring: front underhood
Risk. A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Axle assembly: axle shaft
Risk. If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position.
repaired · 2018 Q4
Power train: automatic transmission
Risk. If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Anti-theft: control module
Risk. If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q4
Electrical system: software
Risk. If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
repaired · 2019 Q2
Equipment
Risk. If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.
repaired · 2019 Q1
Seat belts: rear/other
Risk. Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Chrysler.
Mileage at failure
When do engine problems start?
11kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 128 engine complaints. 97% were reported before 100,000 miles.
Only 37% of complaints for this model year include a mileage.
96under 30k miles124under 100k miles4100k miles or more
Owner-reported costs
What owners say repairs cost
Dollar amounts owners wrote in their complaints when describing a repair or a quote. These are not price estimates; a system is shown only when at least 8 owners mentioned a cost.
Engine
23 owners mentioned a cost$5,000median
Middle half: $3,443 – $8,000
Electrical system
10 owners mentioned a cost$907median
Middle half: $368 – $1,740
If a problem is covered by a recall, the dealer fixes it for free. Some manufacturers also reimburse owners who paid for a repair before a recall was announced.
Best & worst years
2018 vs. every other Pacifica year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the Pacifica median. How we score
'04'05'06'07'08'16'17'18'19'20'21'22'23'24'25'26'27
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2018 Chrysler Pacifica safety ratings
2018 Chrysler Pacifica VAN FWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side barrier★★★★★
Side pole★★★★★
- Rollover: 4 stars (11.6% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: Optional
- Lane departure warning: Optional
4 investigations
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal investigations that included the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, and the recalls they led to.
- Transmission fault leading to loss of motive powerLed to recall 23V-010
- Intermittent Loss of Electric Power SteeringOpen
- Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)Led to recall 26V-362
- Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.Open
In owners' words
What Pacifica owners report
Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
The check engine light came on, and the codes indicated a cylinder 5 misfire. We replaced the spark plugs and coils. Codes went away for a short time, a couple of days. Then it was noticed that the coolant was leaking somewhere. Nothing on the ground. The mechanic confirmed that coolant is in…
This issues has been ongoing as the vehicle makes a loud clunking noise and the steering wheel shakes and its almost like it jumps while in a slow turn. The vehicle loses power steering while going down the rod and it's like the steering wheel gets stuck at the 11 and 2 position and you have to…
I originally took my car to Reedman toll in 2021 due to frequent issues with the batteries needing to be replaced and the car not starting. At the time I was told it was related to a recall, and they fixed it. However, over the last year I have continued to have various problems with the car. The…
Own a 2018 Pacifica?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.