2018 Chrysler Pacifica Fuel system Problems

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

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

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

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

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

NHTSA ID

11716894

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

In at least 3 different drivers experienced the engine shutting off while driving at low speeds. It happened either while stopped at the traffic light, or shortly after being stopped at the traffic. The engine stalled and the message on the dash said to stop the vehicle, turn it off, then turn it back on. Fortunately, we were able to coast to a stop and follow the procedures. We replaced the fuel module and fuel pump, which did not help. I did some research last night and found an article from CBS News dated 01/12/2018 for this issue that recalled some of the Pacifica minivans starting with the 2017 model. Our van is a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. I suspect it was built AFTER the recall, but the software was not fixed when built. I want this fixed under the recall umbrella so I don't get charged for something Chrysler already new was a safety problem.

NHTSA ID

11716252

Incident

Jan 29, 2026

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

I was driving and the van suddenly lost all propulsion. Brakes and steering and dash lights functioned, but there was a red turtle icon and error message about a system failure. The accelerator pedal did nothing at all. I was able to coast off the side of the road to a place to pull over, but that could have been a terrible accident if I lost power like that on I-95 or any other major highway. My husband came and we switch cars (kids, car seats, etc) and he was able to get the van to start after half an hour. It had check engine lights on for things, but the dealer said to bring it in because it was drivable again. Despite brining it in as told, with check engine lights on that they saw, they said they could not reproduce it and couldn't find codes for the check engine light (even though I pulled them from my own OBD2 diagnostic plug tool and took photos of the codes) and eventually said I have to take the car back, despite no cause or resolution. These cars have known faulty battery issues and a large number have been replaced already, but Chrysler isn't authorizing dealers to do that unless they can reliably reproduce the failure. Very frustrating to see Chrysler not go the route of other manufacturers who sourced their batteries from the same plant and ended up proactively replacing them for consumers. While Chrysler's many recalls for the hybrid battery system software have probably made it detect faults earlier to try to prevent fires, they are still known to happen, but now in addition to a fire risk, we also have a car that has a much higher chance of just losing power while driving due to over sensitive battery monitoring, or a plain old faulty battery that just isn't faulty 'enough' for Chrysler to authorize a replacement. So frustrating and dangerous.

NHTSA ID

11691774

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

Vehicle lost all internal communications while driving. During this incident propulsion was lost, turn signals, hazards, power brakes, power steering, all electronics except speedometer failed. I was unable to put indicators on during this incident outting others at risk. It appears hazards and turn signals are CAN communication which is absolutely insane and a severe design flaw.

NHTSA ID

11691068

Incident

Sep 22, 2025

After safety recall 73B was performed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid on 08/25/2025, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated on 09/09/2025. I was inundated with multiple failure lights including; check engine, service electronic throttle control, service hybrid electric vehicle system, blind spot alert, and I felt like I lost power steering. I was unsure if the van was safe to drive, but was able to get it to the dealership. They were able to pull multiple codes. Including the one for the check engine light. They decided that the problem was related to the ABS control module. They replaced it and the van has been fine so far. It seems these error codes are widespread after performing recall 73B. Many other customers are complaining of the same thing. I believe these errors are from the testing to the High Voltage battery, and their 'software fix'. It's not safe to lose your power steering while driving. It's not safe to have multiple error codes continuously going off while operating the car. It's not safe to have a family car that we have been told twice to not park in the garage, charge, or park near a structure. This is their second attempt at 73B, and overall the second fire recall. My van and high voltage battery are definitely available for inspection.

NHTSA ID

11689264

Incident

Sep 9, 2025

Soon after having recall 73B completed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug in Hybrid the check engine illuminated with DTC P0BBE. The vehicle no longer accepts a charge through the charge port and is now indicating there is an error with the high voltage battery. This issue has happened within 147 miles of driving. I can no longer use the vehicle as it is now in limp mode.

NHTSA ID

11674791

Incident

May 5, 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.

NHTSA ID

11674416

Incident

Jul 3, 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 by: Renton Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (WA) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11667600

Incident

Mar 20, 2025

User bought 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV in 2019. User had no issues with the vehicle, all recalls completed, until the completion of NHTSA Recall 22V-077 (Chrysler recall 73B). Recall 73B was completed on 13 Feb 2025 with approx. 103,000 miles on the vehicle. The recall included flashing the HV Battery Pack Control Module and a "soak" of the HV Battery to determine battery health; servicing dealer reported recall successful and battery health test found battery health was good. Approximately 1 week following the recall, the check engine light came on and stayed on for a couple of days and "self cleared". Several weeks later, the same sequence of events as above occurred once again. On 9 April, following a full charge overnight, I started the vehicle and the gas motor immediately started, check engine light illuminated, "turtle mode" icon appeared, and I was notified that "Vehicle Speed May Be Limited". After completing the short trip in "limp mode", I restarted the vehicle and only the check engine light was visible, van ran as normal. The following morning, no issues at all. Took the van to be diagnosed and was told an actuator in the dash needed replaced; actuator replaced. Five days later, once again, started the vehicle and the gas motor immediately started, check engine light illuminated, "turtle mode" icon appeared, and I was notified that "Vehicle Speed May Be Limited". Took the van to the dealership, at 106,163 miles, for diagnosis and have been told that the HV Battery is now dead and must be replaced. Dealership quotes $16,000.00 to replace HV battery and Stellantis (Chrysler parent company) would not deal with me as the battery warranty expired at 100,000 miles. Many other complaints like this following the 73B recall reported to NTHSA, this does not seem to be a coincidence. I had ZERO issues with this van until this recall was completed.

NHTSA ID

11656012

Incident

Apr 20, 2025

My transmission went out at 108,000 miles. 6 out of 9 gears went bad. Had it replaced and it went out again 2 weeks later. The transmission dropped while I was driving but luckily I was pulling into a parking spot. Had to have another transmission installed. This scared me because my kid was in the car and was on the expressway a couple of minutes before it dropped. Also, the oil filter housing was cracked and I know this is a common problem because it is made of plastic.

NHTSA ID

11648818

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

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!

NHTSA ID

11636912

Incident

Dec 23, 2024

Had vehicle towed to Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram 11/4/24 due to vehicle being unable to start. Error message in vehicle indicated "Service Hybrid System"" and "Service Charging System" Vehicle was left at dealership pending inspection. 12/5/24 I contacted dealer asking for update and was told Chrysler STAR case was opened for vehicle for hybrid battery. No further information was provided. 1/5/25 I contacted dealer again for update. Was told Chrysler engineer had attempted diagnosis/ repair of vehicle including application of current recall 73B (NHTSA Recall ID 22V-077) but was unsuccessful. Was told another Chrysler engineer must be brought in to assess/ repair vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11635388

Incident

Nov 4, 2024

I bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica limited about two years ago. It’s been the worst decision I’ve ever made. I have just about a 3% rate and with the amount of issues these things have I’m so far upside down it’s not even funny. This car with all of its known issues is depreciating faster than I can pay for it. I currently have about 129,000 miles on it. I couldn’t get rid of this thing if I tried. The Chrysler dealership I service it with said they would give me 4000.00 IF they were willing to buy it back. The engine build company my mechanic uses says they won't even build these engines at all because of how many issues they have. So no option other than to buy the exact same engine is has now through Chrysler and know it will do it again. I’m having stalling/accelerating issues (shop can’t figure it out, kids cry when it stalls in traffic.. I've been in for it about 9 times to two different place) Oil cooler housing unit replaced last year (taken it back in a few times for ongoing leak, now need a head gasket) Head gasket Batteries galore Ongoing start stop issues My AC went out the month I bought it (leak in the lines near the rear) 3000k to fix The shop says it needs lifters, cam shafts and rockers (might as well do the engine if I had the extra money after paying off the rest of the repairs) My heated and cooled seats have stopped working numerous times Dash comes on and off when it wants Back up camera stays on the screen while I drive as much as it doesnt My rear washer fluid sprays INSIDE the car onto my kids Rear power seats stopped working multiple times now Get in to head to work and it just won’t start…. Have to basically play a video game with the controls and key fob to miraculously start it up Starting to rust already We have owned 2 Durango’s, 2 dodge rams, a Chrysler Sebring and now this. Clearly we support Chrysler but after this my husband switched to a ford truck and I will be going back as soon as I can if this isn't resolved.

NHTSA ID

11626797

Incident

Nov 21, 2024

While driving a message came across the dash to "service charging system" and then a second message appeared that said "speeds limited" and the vehicle slowed to 44mph entirely out of my control.

NHTSA ID

11583828

Incident

Apr 16, 2024

Piston Number 3 is misfiring which is the from an error code. Replaced the piston 3 twice and now coolant is leaking into the engine which cause the coolant to leak into the engine. This is a safety risk since the car does not give a warning until there is no more coolant in the car which can cause a fire while driving. The issue was shown twice and confirmed by 2 independent mechanics and the dealership. The vehicle has been inspected and checked out by 2 independent mechanics and the dealership. It first appeared Feb 16 2024 when the check engine light came on and the next Monday the car lost coolant. The car also shook violently when it was started.

NHTSA ID

11582039

Incident

Feb 16, 2024

The #5 cylinder keeps having a misfire sometimes causing failure of the vehicle to get up and move when needed in an emergency Situation this being a family van make even putting children in danger at times. After inspection by myself a Mechanic that even taught College Automotive repair, I have also taught Jet engine repair I find this concerning. Is what is happening is the head gasket is leaking coolant into the #5 Cylinder and we all know water will not admit a spark. Rust can be seen on the Valves and top of Piston cylinder upon inspection. This is a well know issue across the United States and Chrysler Dealers and manufacturers, their mechanics, parts and service departments also know this. This is poor workmanship inferior parts. But the most concerning is not being able to get a response out of the vehicle to get out of the way in an emergency situation and that the owners of Chrysler Corporation do not care. With the cost the consumers paid for these Vehicles it should not have to fall on them due to the inferior parts and workmanship of the manufacturing Company. The Average Consumer cannot afford to fix this issue, and some are still paying for their Pacifica's Immediate action should be taken with this problem as many Babies, Children and adult lives are being put at risk. I would recommend to stop driving these vehicles immediately until the problem is resolved. Accident waiting to happen possibly causing bodily harm.

NHTSA ID

11571237

Incident

Jan 3, 2024

My vehicle lost the ability to accelerate when driving on a busy two-lane street. I was able to coast to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not move forward or backward even though the engine was running. This was the fifth time this condition has occurred, and I had the 03A Loss of Motive Power recall service performed during Summer 2023. The vehicle had to be towed - luckily nobody was directly behind us so an accident did not occur. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership for further repair. The check engine light is illuminated, but no other warning lights are illuminated at this time.

NHTSA ID

11565698

Incident

Dec 30, 2023

We began having major issues with our van in October 2022. There were numerous incidents of loss of power and sudden increase in temperature gage. We kept fluids checked. Kept oil changed on time. We reported this to the dealership multiple times before they agreed to fix under warranty. Even after fixing factory recall (which we were charged for by the dealership) and then replacing batteries, we continued having issues with loss of power and surge in temperature gage. July 8th of 2023 engine light came on and temperature gage shot up, van stalled at the intersection. I had My self and FIVE kids in the car. This was accompanied by a sudden loss of fluids. We had the van taken to another repair shop who then told us the head gasket was blown. This happened just 4 miles after our warranty lapsed. We had to have the entire motor replaced out of pocket. More than $8,000 in repair costs so far and the van I still making noises and not driving correctly.

NHTSA ID

11545508

Incident

Jul 8, 2023

Our engine has stalled while driving the vehicle at least four times since July 1. The engine begins to shudder, and the car will not accelerate, and then the engine completely dies. After it happened today, it was not possible to restart the engine or put it in gear. My and my family's safety was put at risk because the vehicle was inoperable. Three times this happened on major interstates with traffic moving at high speeds. I had to move my children and their car seats into another vehicle while traffic passed. We have had the vehicle in for service at least three times, at least twice at Chrysler dealers. The problem has not been reproduced (yet) but this latest time it completely disabled the vehicle so expect they will see more of the problem now. After the engine cuts out, we get an electrical warning light that flashes briefly, plus a check engine light, and a message that instructs to move the gear shift to P to start the vehicle and another that warns that the Start/Stop system needs service. We have had these all serviced, the fuel pump and battery replaced, and have been told the problem is resolved and yet it keeps happening.

NHTSA ID

11541843

Incident

Aug 31, 2023