2018 Chrysler Pacifica Electrical Problems

I was driving to the dealership and stopped at a light and the start stop button turned off completely. Brake locked and wouldn’t start back.

NHTSA ID

11756111

Incident

Aug 9, 2026

• July 19 (PM): While driving, the vehicle displayed: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light • July 20 (AM): All warning lights had cleared. • July 20 (PM): While driving, the following warnings appeared simultaneously: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ LaneSense Unavailable – Service Required I needed to find an alternate parking spot since the parking brake was not working. • July 21: All warnings cleared except the Check Engine Light, which has remained illuminated continuously since then. • July 25: Upon starting the vehicle, the following warnings returned: ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Service Shifter ◦ Check Engine Light Again needed to find an alternate parking spot with parking brake not working. Once again, these warnings disappeared after the next restart, with only the Check Engine Light remaining. Took car to dealership for service. Expected issues had to do with recall work that was completed earlier in the month. They said it was not and that the it was due to loss of can c bus communcation because the star connector failed.

NHTSA ID

11755706

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

Lots of power going up steep hills. Especially while AC is on. Almost complete loss of power yesterday with vehicle behind me.

NHTSA ID

11754761

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Electrical glitches, where speedometer screen will go out of focus, glitch. Also transmission is going. Loud hum, catching as it changes gears and hesitates when trying to accelerated into the highway.

NHTSA ID

11754346

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the technician. When you put the car in reverse, it would start to go in reverse and as soon as you let off the throttle or the gas pedal, it would go forward at 15 to 20 mile an hour as you slammed your other foot on the break that’s without you even touching the gas pedal. I was sitting in a stoplight and all of a sudden the car wanted to go 55 mile an hour. And I had to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting other cars. Right immediately after that when I was trying to find a place to pull off the highway the car by itself decided to slam on the brakes or at least that’s the feeling that it gave because while I was trying to go to the car come to an abrupt stop right in the middle of the highway. Through all these different scenarios the thing that happened happened while I was not touching the gas pedal. This is why I feel like it’s a major safety concern not only for me and my family but other families that are out there driving also for everyone else that has bought this car and has the potential for the same thing to happen to them and they may or may not know what to do in that situation . We had the vehicle towed to Shottenkirk Chrysler dealership, where between Chrysler and the dealership we have not been able to come to a resolution on this vehicle!

NHTSA ID

11754197

Incident

May 9, 2026

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same symptoms.

NHTSA ID

11753607

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

We purchased this 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid about a year ago from a dealership in Florida, and the vehicle is now located in [XXX]. The issues involve a malfunctioning high‑voltage hybrid charging system/battery and a possible steering or suspension component failure. For now, the vehicle has been under dealer inspection since XXX. Our family’s safety is at risk due to a charging failure in which the vehicle consistently stops charging after reaching 2–3 bars when plugged. I must unplug and reconnect the charger multiple times to resume charging, and this behavior occurs every time the vehicle is charged now. Last week, when the vehicle was fully or nearly fully charged, a “rotten egg” odor entered the cabin, especially in the middle and rear seat area. The smell consistently appeared only after charging and was concentrated near the area where the high‑voltage battery is located. Prior to these failures, the only warning was an intermittent Check Engine Light. Another issue, we also experience a metallic spring‑like noise during hard turns in both forward while parking. As of the dealer’s initial observation on XXX, their notes state: “Electrical System – replace battery. Repair – Found battery is the incorrect one installed in the vehicle for an EV system. On the van not charging fully. Chrysler corporation is aware of the issue and is working on a technical service bulletin/possible recall by the end of the year. That needs to be complete first before tech would advise that the customer’s charging cable is not working properly.” As i understand, we need to change other small battery with right specifications. Although there are currently no open recalls on our specific vehicle, the electrical burning odor has left us extremely concerned for our safety. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749554

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11744820

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle suddenly veered to the left on its own. The contact continued driving for a short distance before the vehicle pulled hard to the left a second time. The contact pulled over safely and contacted law enforcement, and the vehicle was subsequently escorted off the highway. The contact then observed multiple warning indicators illuminated on the instrument cluster panel, including the power steering warning light, but could not recall the remaining indicators. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V348000 (Electrical System) to be the cause of the incident however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a independent where it was diagnosed to have a loss of communication Mod A. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,303.

NHTSA ID

11740677

Incident

May 23, 2026

Mileage

166,303 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11740431

Incident

May 23, 2026

Odometer 66466. Hybrid battery charge level 100%. When starting the vehicle the issue started with the transmission shifter knob stuck in gear Park. After turning off and on a few times, the transmission shifter knob would shift into Reverse. I then drove it to a dealer service for repair. During the drive several dash warning messages appeared. Also, the blind spot warning system did not function and the backup camera did not function. Dash warning messages while driving to dealer service: Parking Brake, TPS, Service Electronic Stability Control, engine, Red wrench, amber throttle, Brake, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. stability control, Blind Spot Alert, Arrived at dealer, kept engine on, brought service tech rep to vehicle and demonstrated the issue while in service bay. Mileage 66474. Last message I saw, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. Friday, April 10 2026. The vehicle was in the shop for Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System just 750 miles previous to this system failure. Dealer is unable to fix problem. Hybrid System still under warranty. Hybrid battery replaced last year, 12 volt battery replaced twice after. Vehicle is beyond unreliable, there is significant risk of failure at any time.

NHTSA ID

11740295

Incident

Apr 10, 2026

The manufacturer's mandatory 73B Safety Recall update (Vehicle Fires) creates a critical software-induced communication failure on the central vehicle network. Following the 73B flash, the vehicle developed an Active SGW U0001-00 CAN C Bus network fault, which permanently blocks data transmission and triggers an HCP U0412 hybrid battery fault. This network crash disables the hybrid propulsion systems, creating an unpredictable and hazardous driving condition. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and its authorized dealer (Seattle Jeep) are refusing to remedy this safety recall side effect under the vehicle's Hybrid Powertrain Warranty, instead forcing consumers to pay out-of-pocket diagnostic fees ($284.67) and multi-module software update fees ($812.50) to correct a defect injected by the recall software itself. This directly compromises vehicle safety and violates federal recall remedy mandates.

NHTSA ID

11739052

Incident

May 13, 2026

Chrysler performed the 73B recall and n my van in August of 2025. Ever since performing this recall the van has a continuous stream of check engine lights and error codes. The van has been at the dealership at least 6 times for well over 100 days. The check engine lights and error codes always return. The hybrid battery recently had a failure code, and was replaced. I didn't even make it home before I got a check engine light and error codes. The dealership cleared the check engine light and sent me on my way. The codes returned and the van is back at the dealership. The codes I have been getting are : Service Hybrid System, Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Shifter( I was not able to drive as it wouldn't go into gear), Service Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Alert, and Service Airbag System. On the longest service visit (over 80 days), Chrysler ended up just telling the dealership to erase the stored codes and return the van to me. They test drive it 50 miles. The error codes returned. They currently have the van again for the same reason.

NHTSA ID

11736983

Incident

May 5, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11733578

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

While traveling 350 miles from my home with my family of five, the vehicle experienced a sudden 'Loss of Motive Power' event. The dashboard displayed the message: 'Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon.' I lost the ability to accelerate and had to navigate to the shoulder in high-speed traffic. The vehicle is currently inoperable and the 12V battery has since died because the Power Inverter Module (PIM) has stopped maintaining system voltage. This vehicle had Recall 03A (NHTSA 23V-010) performed on July 7, 2023, and the more recent Recall Y40 update performed on March 11, 2026. Despite having the 'latest software remedy' installed less than 30 days ago, the vehicle suffered the exact safety failure the recalls were meant to address. This proves that the software-only remedy is insufficient to prevent the hardware failure (internal transmission wiring short). A formal Vehicle Scan Report performed at Lake Norman Chrysler (Dealer 60945) on 3/30/26 explicitly shows 'Distance Travelled with Light ON: 146 miles' (Page 14), documenting a sustained failure of the motive power system. Furthermore, the dealer’s own certified technician (J. Olmstead) provided a written Action Plan (Page 9) recommending a full Transmission and Power Inverter Module (PIM) replacement. Despite the documented 146-mile failure history and the technician's recommendation for hardware replacement under the XE1 Warranty Extension, the dealership service management is refusing to perform the repair, claiming they cannot 'replicate' the code as an active fault. I am currently stranded out-of-state with an unsafe vehicle that Chrysler is refusing to repair under the established safety warranty.

NHTSA ID

11729053

Incident

Mar 30, 2026

Battery drains between starts and has to be jumped in order to start. Takes several attempts before vehicle will start when jumping after battery dies. Often have to reset dash display or media hub as screens go blank after jumping. Has fairly new batteries. Certified mechanics confirmed parasitic drain. Possbly connected to media hub system.

NHTSA ID

11728412

Incident

Jan 25, 2026

Have lost power steering intermittently while driving.

NHTSA ID

11725074

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11724766

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

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)

NHTSA ID

11723720

Incident

Mar 9, 2026

Vehicle went into limp mode Twice. 1st time on 10/28/24, Technician found fault for Hybrid Battery pack, Chrysler technical service bulletin said to clear fault then drive, if fault did not come back release the vehicle Work order stated, Bring vehicle back if it happens again and replace hybrid battery. 2nd time, 2/06/2026 vehicle went into limp mode again while driving. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk as I was driving on a highway at 65 MPH and suddenly without warning and no braking involved went down to 20 MPH. A very unsafe maneuver as the following vehicles had no indication I was braking or Slowing down. The dealer has confirmed the limp mode incident but so far has been unable reproduce it. The vehicle and components have only been inspected by the dealer. The warning lamps and messages only came on as the event unfolded. A sudden and uncontrollable loss of power. The dealer states that they believe the hybrid battery pack is failing, but Chrysler, Stellantis will not replace the hybrid battery pack unless the dealer can reproduce the incident. Extremely dangerous thing to try and recreate.

NHTSA ID

11720218

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing into a parking spot, it was difficult to accelerate over a patch of ice. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into a brick building and stopped. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the U-Connect phone feature disconnected independently. The failure had never occurred before. The contact stated that the U-Connect failure might have been linked to the unintended acceleration failure. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The fence and a side of the brick building were damaged during the crash. The vehicle was initially towed to the residence before being towed to a Collision Center, where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

NHTSA ID

11718786

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

Mileage

159,000 mi

My vehicle went in for recall 73B at the end of August 2025. Every since the recall it has been back to the dealer for multiple check engine lights, service hybrid system, abs system, battery heater fail, blind spot warning temporary unavailable, service shifter(would not go into gear), parking brake, stability control light, partial loss of power steering while driving, service electronic throttle control, and service airbag messages. The van has been to the dealership 4 times for these messages. They have replaced components, tried to find loose wires and connectors, replaced the 12V battery, and other fixes. The van will drive normally for a few weeks, and then they come back. On the latest visit (4th since 73B recall) it's been at the dealership for 31 days and counting. The dealership is waiting on Chrysler to figure out a fix for the van. The vehicle has over 50 stored messages. This recall was supposed to monitor the hybrid battery for early indications for a fire, but according to the original recall all batteries are assumed to have the manufacturing defect that leads to spontaneous fires. This van is unsafe, and we never know when it will work correctly. The van operated normally before the recall software was installed.

NHTSA ID

11714048

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11710733

Incident

Jan 2, 2026

Car will not start with push button and/or key fob push. Problem started 10 months ago with dead stop/start battery. Both batteries were replaced and then two months later stop/start system failed at stop lights. Car would stall once break was released to go. Had car serviced, starter replaced. Next day, car stalled and would not restart in parking lot, service department could not find any problems and no error lights found so the solution was to turn stop/start system off. A few months later car would not start on first try, took several pushes and sometimes a keyfob push. Sometimes "no key fob detection" light. Car was sent to service center again and they could not find any problems. At this time car only starts on 2nd push. Problem has worsened over the last 5 months, car takes at least 5 tries to start or doesn't start at all. Additional observations: brake gets very tight and pressurized after the first attempted start, steering wheel is locked.

NHTSA ID

11708188

Incident

Feb 3, 2025

After safety recall 73B was performed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid on 11/24/25, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated. Code U0412 is identified as a 'stored' code upon pulling OBD information. This is described as "Invalid Data Received From Battery Energy Control Module 'A'" indicating failure of the high voltage battery pack and its control system. The HV battery is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the recall was issued to prevent a battery fire. The symptoms my vehicle is exhibiting are precisely the kinds of faults the recall's software update is supposed to detect. The check engine light, appeared within days of the recall service. This strongly indicates the recall procedure, specifically the mandatory battery integrity test, was not completed correctly, and/or that there is a failure in the underlying recall procedure itself. This is a widespread issue, with numerous owners reporting the same post-recall failures to their dealership, online, and to Chrysler Cares customer service without satisfactory resolution.

NHTSA ID

11701965

Incident

Nov 24, 2025