Owner-reported complaints naming the powertrain system, filed with NHTSA
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Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials. Every record below is an owner-reported complaint about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica submitted to NHTSA — not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. 152 reports on file name it.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
The 25 most recent of 152, in the owner's own words
While driving the vehicle the minivan will lose all acceleration. There is usually a preceding error displayed on the dashboard to pull over immediately. The dealership has thus far been unable to fix it.
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.
I had my cylinder heads, valves and head gasket replaced over a year ago and drove 15k miles and i am having the same issues again. The Dealer is trying there very best not to honor my valid powertrain parts warranty like saying the head gasket is only covered for 12 months and denying my claim but my cylinder heads and top end have a 3 year 100k mile warranty since they were installed not to long ago and they are trying to deny my claim using the head gasket. I have seen and read online that these engines all have similar problems with the head gaskets.
The van fail GA state emissions with code p2797. I have to the end of July to get the tag. I went to the state for a repair waiver control # s1174706. I told them this code is under a tsb it fell on deaf ears. I. Took the van back to the dealership for a third time a different dealership they say they did the procedure for the tsb code p2797 butt didn't fix the code to pass GA emission. Tsb are good for the automotive industry but if the tsb and engineers procedures didn't fix the p2797 code than the tsb need to be moved to a recall program. The dealership was good at explaining that the van needs a new transmission that cost the customer 13,000.00 to replace and 3000 for new struts. The van was bought Sept 2025 and the payoff is 13,000.00. The problem is have is will not pass GA state emissions, a code thats not related with emissions cover under a tsb that should have fix it at the dealership.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.6L V6 engine had a check engine light turn. At same time a vibration started, which was most noticable when the car was in idle. Also, a foggy exhaust started at the same time. No temperature or other warnings were occuring. After driving it to the repair facility the car was not able to be turned on. The findings are that there is a headgasket leak and radiator failure that resulted in coolant entering into the cylinder. That resulted in either hydrolock or engine overheating, causing engine failure. Again no temperature warning or other indication of a major issue was provided. The likely repair is a full engine and radiator replacement. It appears that many other Chrysler Pacifica vehicles have reported similar issues with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. No recall is currently available for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for this issue, however, it looks like the older versions (~2011-2013) have had a recall for similar issues. I have reached out to Chrysler Corporate and requested support on this repair.
This is related to the 23V-010 / XE1 recall and extended warranty for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. The manufacturer is refusing the recall remedy because the catastrophic nature of the failure (transmission rupture) makes it impossible for the dealer to pull diagnostic codes. This creates an impossible standard for the consumer and effectively nullifies a federal safety recall. On XXX, I brought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited to D’Ambrosio Service in Downingtown, PA. I reported that the car was making a sound during acceleration. On April 16, I was advised that the noise was the rubbing of the heat shield which was reportedly adjusted and tested that the noise was gone. On April 19 I sent a message to D’Ambrosio that the noise remained however I never received a response. I believe that the noise was misdiagnosed and was actually warning signs of an imminent transmission failure. On XXX, while driving, my wife and I heard a pop, saw smoke pouring out the back and immediately pulled over to discover a large amount of fluid spilling out of the bottom of the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to D’Ambrosio service in [XXX] where it has remained unaddressed until June 10. On XXX I received a phone call from D’Ambrosio that the vehicle transmission had a hole in it (quote from service advisor "internal failure of the transmission, which has caused components to puncture the casing") and would need to be replaced at my cost. When I inquired about the XE1 warranty extension, I was told that the lack of diagnostic codes didn’t justify the warranty. I then asked that the issue be escalated INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
In reference to recall query RQ24004, the appropriate software was installed under recall O3A for Loss of Motive Power on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. However, on multiple occasions the vehicle has displayed "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". Once on 6Apr2026 and again on 13Mar2026. The first occasion occurred on a winding mountain road enroute to a ski hill. The road was extremely busy at the time and pulling off was difficult and dangerous with only a small snow covered shoulder. The second occasion occurred on I-15 during rush hour. Again pulling across multiple lanes of traffic and stopping along the shoulder was dangerous. The dealer seems reluctant to do anything other than re-flash i.e. update the software again. A brief internet search demonstrates that often the software is insufficient to fix the problem.
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.
The van has just approx 55000 miles. While driving on highway, it suddenly lost power and from 60mph it came down to 20 miles in a matter of few seconds after few violent jerks. I was lucky that no vehicle was behind me. After that I pulled a side and then again started. It kept jerking and loosing power. Very carefully I got it to a mechanic. They are checking but they say looks like transmission issues. Engine light also came on. This happened few months ago however it was not this bad and my mechanic looked and he could not find anything. That problem went away after that incident. Kindly advise what to do in this situation. Chrysler Pacifica 2018 This van has lots of problems in other crucial area also like air fender switch, oil hose and cover that went bad as they are made of plastic. Then the trans mounts broke. It costed me dearly. Please Advice what to do? Best regards [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine experienced premature valvetrain failure (camshaft/lifter issue) at approximately 145,000. Vehicle developed ticking noise, misfire, and loss of power. Diagnosis confirmed camshaft/lifter damage requiring major repair. This appears to be a known issue with the 3.6L Pentastar engine and is documented in Chrysler STAR case S2309000013. Failure creates potential safety concern due to loss of power while driving. Vehicle is out of warranty, and manufacturer has not provided consistent support for repair despite known pattern failures.
Have lost power steering intermittently while driving.
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.
While driving vehicle suddenly, and randomly, has a loss of engine response whole pressing the accelerator. Engine randomly shuts off while parked or at a traffic light, and can be difficult to restart after causing a traffic hazard.
Chrysler Pacifica 2018 about 56000 miles. Transmission seal is leaking that’s manufacturing defect. Chrysler is denying the warranty as this vehicle in not in recall for repair. Please advice Thanks [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving Cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failure consistent with the known 3.6L Pentastar cylinder head/gasket manufacturing defects. The vehicle is now unsafe to operate. This failure occurred well before the expected useful life of the powertrain and appears consistent with the defects alleged in the class action Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC. No warning lights illuminated prior to the immediate failure.
Head Gasket Blew at 102,000 Miles which caused windows to fog up on freeway.
The vehicle stalls while driving without any notice. This van has a start/stop function and it malfunctions. There are two separate batteries that control this function and both of them have been replaced. The entire steering rack and steering column have had to be replaced. The front suspension has also had to be replaced because the tires wear out very quickly. The alternator, radiator, and motor mounts have also had to be replaced. The van is available for inspection. At the moment the vehicle will not start and I have been advised that it needs a new starter. This vehicle is a safety risk and it puts others at risk as well. These problems have been diagnosed and confirmed by at least three different service centers including a Chrysler dealership. I generally do not get any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms when the van stalls.
This letter concerns repeated and life-threatening failures involving the transmission system in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (CA License Plate: 8CEF638, VIN: 2C4RC1N79JR172609), covered under your lifetime transmission warranty for this model. Following two confirmed incidents resulting in unexpected engine shutdowns and critical transmission faults, I am formally demanding a full replacement of the faulty transmission assembly as required under California lemon laws and the issued lifetime warranty extension. Summary of Incidents & Reference to NHTSA Action NHTSA Action Number: RQ24004 pertains specifically to transmission wiring defects, resulting in short circuits and loss of motive power. The recall remedy under Campaign Number 23V-010 has proven inadequate for many 2017–2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles. NHTSA’s current recall query documents continued transmission failures after owner reports and software updates. Case Number: XXX was opened with Chrysler in response to my experiences, and reflects ongoing safety risks with this transmission. Incident 1 Date/Location: Sunday, September 1, 2025, 5:00 PM — Southbound I-5 near Downey, CA. Description: Sudden vehicle shutoff at highway speeds. Immediate hazard required emergency calls and intervention. Exhibit 1: Call log to Chrysler Downey at 5:07 PM included. Incident 2 Date/Location: Wednesday, October 29, 2025, 2:20 PM — Northbound I-5, Via De Lavalle exit off-ramp. Description: Dashboard warning ("Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon") and loss of motive power. Towing, police, and emergency assistance required. Exhibit 2: Image of dashboard warning. Exhibit 3: Phone log of AAA towing, Delmar Police, and Sheriff calls, confirming duration and response. Warranty Information As a California owner of a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, your published material and user communications confirm a lifetime warranty for the transmission on this specific model, following NHSTA RQ24004
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.
Categories with enough reports to have a page of their own
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