2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical8324.6%
- Other / unspecified7522.3%
- Engine6419.0%
- Powertrain (other)3911.6%
- Driver assistance226.5%
- Fuel system195.6%
- Brakes82.4%
- Steering72.1%
- Suspension61.8%
- Body & structure51.5%
- Exterior lighting41.2%
- Interior & seats30.9%
- Seat belts10.3%
- Visibility10.3%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated when attempting to charge the battery, the charger failed to work as intended . A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and and they sent a request to the manfactuer in regards to replacing another battery. The vehicle was repaired as the battery was replaced three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they could not give her an update and they informed her this is up to the dealer. The approximate mileage was 101,000.
I was traveling at south bound on TOLL 130 going 80MPH (which is the speed limit on that road) when my Pacifica immediately slowed down and my accelerator gave out. In addition to my dash flashing that the cruise control was no longer available, but the van also said "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start", the engine light and batter light both came on. I am sure that I almost died as I was in the middle lane and cars were whipping around me since I had slowed down so much, there was an 18 wheeler behind me and one of my righthand side, which is the shoulder I was trying to get to. I was finally able to coast to the shoulder and came to a stop, put the car in park and turned it off. I immediately started researching what the problem could be and I was alarmed to find out that this is an issue that others have had and that Chrysler has failed to issue a recall...I was able to start the car once more and get on to a little back road, after pushing through a barricade off the toll just for safety's sake, and my van broke down again, this time on a little 2 lane road, which thankfully had a little bit of a gravel shoulder. This time, my van took quite a bit longer to get started, but I was not safe where I was. I started it once more and was able to get to a Wal-Mart parking lot where my brother-in-law picked me up so that I could have a chance of making it to see my grandmother who was on her deathbed, I missed my window of opportunity to make it to see her, she died that afternoon. I had to pay an additional tow fee to get the vehicle moved from the parking lot to a Chrysler dealership since it was so far from where I usually go.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
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.
On [XXX], my vehicle produced a large red wrench and a turtle warning on a busy highway and I was forced to pull to the side with my [XXX] son in the car, as the vehicle lost motive power. It was towed to the dealer and after several days, they told me the issue was due to normal wear and tear in the transmission. I had to escalate to a service manager to even get a diagnosis after 5 days in the shop. I believe my transmission issue is due to a failure of the fix implemented in the 03A/NHTSA 23V-010 recall. It has been documented that the software update did not fix the issue. My vehicle experienced the exact series of failures described in the recall. Chrysler is refusing to fix my vehicle, even though they had extended the warranty on my Pacifica to unlimited miles/unlimited years because of all of the transmission issues the model has experienced. I would appreciate it if someone could look into this and Chrysler's unwillingness to stand behind their products and provide fixes for their recalls that work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
On [XXX], my vehicle produced a large red wrench and a turtle warning on a busy highway and I was forced to pull to the side with my [XXX] son in the car, as the vehicle lost motive power. It was towed to the dealer and after several days, they told me the issue was due to normal wear and tear in the transmission. I had to escalate to a service manager to even get a diagnosis after 5 days in the shop. I believe my transmission issue is due to a failure of the fix implemented in the 03A/NHTSA 23V-010 recall. It has been documented that the software update did not fix the issue. My vehicle experienced the exact series of failures described in the recall. Chrysler is refusing to fix my vehicle, even though they had extended the warranty on my Pacifica to unlimited miles/unlimited years because of all of the transmission issues the model has experienced. I would appreciate it if someone could look into this and Chrysler's unwillingness to stand behind their products and provide fixes for their recalls that work. 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 received a notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer, where unknown repairs were completed at the contact's expense. No further information was provided. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I was traveling at south bound on TOLL 130 going 80MPH (which is the speed limit on that road) when my Pacifica immediately slowed down and my accelerator gave out. In addition to my dash flashing that the cruise control was no longer available, but the van also said "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start", the engine light and batter light both came on. I am sure that I almost died as I was in the middle lane and cars were whipping around me since I had slowed down so much, there was an 18 wheeler behind me and one of my righthand side, which is the shoulder I was trying to get to. I was finally able to coast to the shoulder and came to a stop, put the car in park and turned it off. I immediately started researching what the problem could be and I was alarmed to find out that this is an issue that others have had and that Chrysler has failed to issue a recall...I was able to start the car once more and get on to a little back road, after pushing through a barricade off the toll just for safety's sake, and my van broke down again, this time on a little 2 lane road, which thankfully had a little bit of a gravel shoulder. This time, my van took quite a bit longer to get started, but I was not safe where I was. I started it once more and was able to get to a Wal-Mart parking lot where my brother-in-law picked me up so that I could have a chance of making it to see my grandmother who was on her deathbed, I missed my window of opportunity to make it to see her, she died that afternoon. I had to pay an additional tow fee to get the vehicle moved from the parking lot to a Chrysler dealership since it was so far from where I usually go.
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.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Had check engine code p1c5e and vehicle would not charge. Dealership has confirmed that the lithium battery has failed and needs to be replaced. They communicated with Chrysler, opened a STAR case, and are in process of replacing the battery
While traveling for holidays, the CEL came on. We stopped at an auto shop to confirm the error code, before driving the car back home, to ensure safety. Error code P0E15-00 "Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Heater "A" Control Performance" was the issue. This will be the 3rd-4th time that we have had an issue with the Hybrid system on this vehicle. Thankfully, we purchased an extended warranty. However, we're sure that we are not the only ones experiencing so many problems with this and the Hybrid system should be recognized as being faulty.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Several separate times when I have been braking then let up off the brakes, my car accelerated on its own, without me pushing the accelerator. It’s like the car hops or jumps. Very scary as I’m trying to slow down.
TWO WEEKS AFTER PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE, IT STARTED HAVING NUMEROUS ELECTRICAL ISSUES. FINALLY ON A FRIDAY, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. CALLED TH DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID TO BRING IT IN THE NEXT WEEK. WENT TO WORK. (BATTERY HAS BEEN FULLY CHARGED) CAME OUT OF WORK AND VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. THEN IT STARTED GOING CRAZY. WIPERS GOING. LIGHTS FLASHING. DOES WOULDN'T OPEN. ALL WITHOUT CAR BEING TURNED ON. CALLED THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY GAVE ME A LOANER AND TOWED THE CAR TO THEIR LOT. THE NEXT MORNING I RECEIVED A CALL THAT THE VEHICLE HAD ROLLED INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE OVERNIGHT AND CRASHED. ON ITS OWN. WITH NO KEYS IN IT DEALERAHIP IS LEWIS CHRYSLER IN FAYETTEVILLE AR AND THEY SAID THEY HAVE VIDEO FOOTAGE FROM THEIR SECURITY CAMERAS. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO RETRACT MY CONTRACT FOR PURCHASING THIS VEHICLE AND BUY ANOTHER ONE. AND LUCKILY NO ONE WAS HURT. THESE VEHICLES ARE NOT SAFE AND NEED TO BE INVESTIGATED. A WEEK BEFORE THIS HAPPENED, I WAS DRIVING DOWN A BUSY STREET GOING 45MPH AND THE CAR SHUT OFF. LUCKILY I WAS ABLE TO COAST INTO A PARKING LOT AND RESTART IT BUT IT COULD'VE BEEN MUCH WORSE. IF YOU GO ON PACIFICAFORUMS.COM THERE ARE SO MANY STORIES OF SIMILAR ISSUES. SOME MUCH SCARIER.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
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
I was driving on a local road and car suddenly stopped running; accelarator unresponsive; power steering not working either. I was able to pull to side. Car said shift P to start , gear change didn't do anything and blinking, check engine light came up. And “check charging system” light came on. It was very dangerous. After 3-4 minutes I was able to get my car turn off and on and then it drove normal. So I decided to take it in nearby open parking area. It would restart but not do anything even if switched into drive or reverse. Check charging system light on and no power steering again. I had to get it to get it towed the next day from that lot. First tow truck unable to tow due to steering being locked. 2nd tow truck needed help to move car due to steering. Been at dealer for 30 days. They changed charging port but it didn’t work. Now they are changing battery. I don’t want this car back and don’t want to keep making payments on it either. It’s not a safe car.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while reversing up the driveway he noticed a loud noise. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to be diagnosed and was informed that the lower control arms needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V143000 (Suspension). The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 42,570.
WHILE DRIVING MY CHILDREN HOME FROM AN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITY, A COMBINATION OF LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD AND INADEQUATE JOINT ENGAGEMENT RESULTED IN A SEPARATION OF THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM FROM THE STEERING KNUCKLE OF MY VAN. AS A RESULT THE DRIVER'S SIDE FRONT WHEEL CAME OFF THE CAR AND I LOST FULL CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. FORTUNATELY, I HAD JUST LEFT THE HIGHWAY AND TURNED ONTO A CITY STREET. HAD I BEEN ON THE HIGHWAY WHEN THIS OCCURRED IT WOULD HAVE RESULTED IN THE LOSS OF MY LIFE, THE LIVES OF MY CHILDREN, AND THE LIVES OF MANY OTHER MOTORISTS DRIVING NEAR ME. THERE HAS ALREADY BEEN A RECALL FOR THIS VEHICLE CONCERNING THE PASSENGER'S SIDE FRONT LOWER CONTROL ARM. NOW THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEEMS TO BE AFFECTED.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan has electronic sliding doors. The doors do not always shut when the button is pressed or handle is pulled. Sometimes it takes 4 to 10 tries to get the sliding door to shut and latch. The Chrysler owner's forum says this problem can be fixed by having the dealer reprogram the door software to make the door close with a little more force. This problem started at 36000 miles, I now have 46700 miles on the van. One owner van that I bough brand new in 2018.
THIS MORNING I ENTERED THE CAR WITH A PASSENGER AND NEITHER FRONT DOOR WOULD LATCH SHUT. THE DOOR WOULD REGISTER TO THE CAR AS CLOSED WHEN PULLED SHUT, BUT IT WOULD NOT PHYSICALLY LATCH. THE CAR WAS TURNED ON AND OFF, THE DOORS WERE LOCKED AND UNLOCKED, AND THE DOOR WAS REPEATEDLY OPENED AND SHUT, AND IT STILL WOULDN'T LATCH. AFTER ABOUT 4-5 MINUTES, THE DRIVER DOOR SUCCESSFULLY LATCHED. ANOTHER 5-10 MINUTES WAS REQUIRED ON THE PASSENGER DOOR BEFORE IT SUDDENLY STARTED LATCHING. THERE WAS NO OBVIOUS MANEUVER THAT PROCEEDED THE PROPER FUNCTIONING OF THE LATCH. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE 23F THIS MORNING AND DRY. IT WAS DAMP THE NIGHT BEFORE AND THE TEMPERATURE WAS ABOVE FREEZING, BUT DID NOT RAIN OVERNIGHT. CAR WAS GARAGED INDOORS THE DAY BEFORE BUT LEFT OUTSIDE IN THE DRIVEWAY OVERNIGHT. THERE WAS A SLIGHT SOUND OF FROST GIVING WAY WHEN THE DOOR WAS FIRST OPENED THIS MORNING, BUT NO ICE BUILDUP.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that the Hybrid charging system was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V077000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact stated that shortly after the repair, the battery failed to hold the expected charge. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The contact stated that after the failure reoccurred, the headlamps and the LED lamps malfunctioned. The contact stated that the headlamps and LED lamps needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 20,000.
Many Pacifica vans have issues with the LED running light strips on at least one headlight. Ours acted up under warranty, but the dealer was unable to reproduce it and later quoted us over $600 to replace it. I looked in other Pacifica forums and numerous others are having the same issue, some are being quoted over $1000 for a replacement. This affects the ability to be seen during the daytime, is not covered under extended warranties, and we were not offered other remedies.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the middle passenger’s side captain seat became inoperable. The contact stated the back rest failed to remain locked in place. The contact stated that seat fell forward, raised up and unlocked before sliding forward and collapsing. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed by the dealer that a fix was not available for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened. The approximate failure mileage was 81,000.
The back of the second row bucket bucket will no longer latch in place, and free floats forwards and backwards, the bottom latch of the seat is also not longer catching and holding the seat in one place and moves all the way forwards in backwards. This is the second time this has happen, with a car seat installed. This caused the car seat to be the at the incorrect angle for the age, height and weight of my child. The latch mechanism that holds the seat back in a fixed position, and the seat in a fixed location both failed. In the event of a crash the seat back would swing forward causing the passenger in that seat to be hunched forward, along with the passenger to be pushed into the front passenger seat. The dealership repaired this same issue several years ago and it has since happened again. We took the car to the dealership today but they were not able to take in for a repair. There were no warning for this defect, just looking back and seeing that the car seat was no longer at the correct angle, and when removing my child from the car feeling the seat back, and seat base free moving in my hand.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Seat belts
Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.
From owner reports, verbatim
In the past 6 months, we have noticed 2 seat belts with tears in them. One of the seat belts was not even being used as a car seat using the latch system had been in that seat. The first was noticed August 2023 and we just noticed another tear affecting a different seat belt January 2024. We replaced the first and are scheduling the 2nd for replacement.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
WHEN I SHIFTED INTO REVERSE TO BACK OUT OF A PARKING SPOT WHERE I'D HAD THE CAR TURNED OFF, THE MAIN INFOTAINMENT SCREEN WENT COMPLETELY BLUE AFTER BRIEFLY SHOWING THE USUAL BACKUP CAMERA AND 360 VIEW. IT WAS ABOUT 23 DEGREES OUTSIDE.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .