2018 Chrysler Pacifica Problems

Head gasket blown! Vehicle is under 100k miles, never overheated, service properly maintained. When researching symptoms, I discovered I am one of hundreds if not thousands of 2017-2018 model Pacifica owners who have suffered this issue. Heads are known to be faulty and Chrysler will not address the root of it. It's very possible this could lead to a locked engine while driving and cause harm to driver or others.

We had to replace both head gaskets last July with only 70,000 miles on the vehicle. The repair cost was $4,600.00. This August, we started experiencing coolant leaks again. We discovered the cylinder heads are warped now. This was checked last year and it was not the main issue then. It is extremly disappointing that now at 80,000 miles we are looking at another $5000.00+ repair. There needs to be a recall on the engine cylinders and head gasket.

The steering wheel of my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica sticks when I turn to the left (around 10-11 o'clock) and to the right (around 1-2 o'clock). Going about 40 miles per hour I can take my hands off the wheel and the steering will continue to stay locked in that position until I push it out of that locked position. I still own this vehicle as it is our family vehicle. If you are a driver that allows the steering wheel to turn itself back straight and not realize that it sticks, this could cause an accident. Even forcefully turning back causes an over correction and it is getting worse. Have not gotten it inspected yet. This issue just started within the last 2 weeks, August/September 2026. There are no warning lights. Main battery has no corrosion. Vehicle has 96,966 miles on it. Seems related to -- NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009

While driving my vehicle at approximately 75 MPH on the interstate the steering wheel froze/stuck while executing a long sweeping curve. The steering wheel would not turn and my wife whom was drivng was applying excessive pressure to the steering wheel to keep the vehile from running off the shoulder of the road almost lost control of the van when the steeringwheel broke loose and over corrected and the van made a sudden, sharp turn. This occured during an essentual 2 hor drive to a medical appointment. This vehicle matches the exact failure criteria currenly under active investigation by the NHTSA under PE25009 for steering binding. The manufacturer (Chrysler) refuses to honor or repair this known defect under warranty creating a sever and immediate hazaard for families operating these vans at highway speeds.

I am writing to offer corroborating evidence for NHTSA PE25009. The electric power steering system malfunctioned, and on this vehicle, that is a single unit with the rack and pinion, electric assist motor, and controller. At any point in time, the driver can turn the steering wheel and the vehicle will fight them. If attempting to turn left, it’ll maybe get as far as 11:00 and refuse to turn more. For a right turn, it’s the same but 1:00. This could easily cause a crash. The issue has been confirmed by Parkway Chrysler in Pampa, TX. As far as I know, no representative of the manufacturer has inspected the component other than the dealer service center. All warning messages (Service Power Steering in the gauge cluster) are concurrent with the temporary failure described above; no prior warning is offered.

Intermittent loss of power steering, giving the sensation of "sticking" when the wheel is turned about 30 degrees clockwise. Generally happens at highway speeds, but can happen at lower speeds too. Steering feels locked me momentarily, needing extra force to either continue the turn past 30 degrees or to bring it back to center.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the shifter module warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle was started; however, the gear shifter failed to shift as needed. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the battery was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the failure was possibly caused by the wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Power Train" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Steering wheel gets stuck on curbes at higher speeds (1 o clock angle). Needs to be pulled back into place to avoid accident. This problem began at around 80k miles on the car. Also gets stuck at 11 o clock as well. My family does not feel safe driving this vehicle because of this issue.

• 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.

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!

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.

I am experiencing a serious brake safety issue involving the brake booster on my Chrysler Pacifica. When braking, the pedal becomes extremely hard, pushes back against my foot, and requires excessive force to stop the vehicle. In some instances, when I am at a complete stop, the brake pedal pushes upward and the vehicle begins to move forward on its own. This issue causes a loss of braking assist and significantly increases stopping distance, creating an unsafe driving condition and risk of collision. The problem occurs intermittently but has worsened over time. Chrysler/Stellantis has acknowledged this brake booster defect by issuing a warranty extension; however, they have not issued a safety recall. I was denied repair coverage solely because my vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the fact that the defect is known and directly affects braking performance and vehicle control. This is not normal wear and tear. It is a failure of the brake assist system that compromises safe operation of the vehicle, whether driving at speed or stopped in traffic. The condition presents a clear safety risk to occupants and others on the road. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this defect warrants a formal safety recall.

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.

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has developed a progressively worsening creaking noise from the front left suspension. It began two years ago occurring only occasionally when accelerating from a full stop or exiting a driveway, and has since become constant under most normal driving conditions including acceleration, deceleration, and slow turns in either direction. The vehicle has approximately 35,000 miles and has been driven exclusively on regular paved roads with no off-road or unusual use. The pattern of gradual degradation on a low mileage vehicle suggests a corroding or deteriorating structural component rather than impact damage. An authorized Chrysler dealership recommended replacing both lower control arms at approximately $3,300, framing this as necessary to continue diagnostics rather than a confirmed repair. No specific component was isolated as the cause. This is directly relevant to Recall V15 (NHTSA 19V143000), issued for right front lower control arm ball joint separation on 2018 Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles, which could cause loss of directional control without prior warning. My vehicle was excluded from that recall despite exhibiting similar symptoms on the left side. Two documented owner reports establish safety relevance. A mechanic warned an owner that their left ball joint should be replaced or risk failure while driving, leaving them unable to steer ([XXX]). Separately, an owner reported control arm bolts falling out causing the vehicle to steer itself in random directions ([XXX]). I request NHTSA investigate whether Recall V15 should be expanded to include the left front lower control arm. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact had to press the PUSH-to-Start button several times for the vehicle to restart. The contact stated that the lights were out on the gear shifter. The driver was able to shift to park and then continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded wire in the active grill shutter system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer and also the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while utilizing the cargo area, he noticed water inside the vehicle behind the third-row seats. There was an abnormal moldy odor inside the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and inspected. The mechanic located water in the bottom of the seam under the third-row seat. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was provided a case number. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000.

During the turns the steering wheel in 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid locks-in. It requires extra force to unlock the steering wheel. This usually happens when the wheel is at 11 or 1 o'clock (30 degrees either direction). This is more noticeable at slow turns like on exit ramps.

My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.

I am a disabled Army veteran reporting a severe safety defect and dangerous commercial configuration of adaptive mobility equipment installed by Mobility Works ([XXX]). The business sold me a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair van with a heated transfer seat sight-unseen. The dealership delivered a completely non-conforming transfer seat that did not match the photo I bought it from and listed on the window sticker or marketing materials. The installed seat was missing critical structural spacer component, causing the driver's seat to wobble and was especially bad while turning. Furthermore, the vehicle frame creaks loudly under the weight of a VA-issued 400lb power wheelchair, indicating underlying structural collapse from a hidden September 8, 2018, insurance total-loss salvage event. On XXX, the non-conforming transfer seat failed completely. It jammed and refused to rotate, trapping me inside the vehicle. Because of my physical disability, I was entirely helpless and stranded, requiring an emergency response from 911 personnel to extract me from the vehicle. The dealer's regional service manager has inspected the vehicle and admitted that a spacer was missing that cause the seat to wobble and drivers needing 3" cushion to sit on to see over the dash. The vehicle represents a severe, active life-safety hazard to disabled consumers. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The back seat stow and go on passenger side closes randomly on while child is sitting in the seat. We are using a booster seat, so when it hits the booster seat it can't close any farther on the child. I had it looked at by a mechanic which said it would cost $1500 to repair. We have had to pull over and luckily have been able to get it to reverse. The seat also will try to stow when I open the side door on the passenger side. This is a huge safety concern to me as death can and has occurred in the past months.

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.

I was in a motor vehicle accident when my passenger side vehicle got t-boned on 3/22/26. My 2018 chrysler pacifica limited airbags failed to deploy and the driver and passenger sustained whiplash injuries.

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica suddenly had the AC unit blowing hot air at ~82k miles and 8-years of life. The unit died and as a family vehicle at the start of summer, I'm unable to carry my young children in it in the heat safely as it blows hot air regardless of the specified temp. Took it in for analysis and they found the AC Compressor was the culprit and apparently this is a known issue at Chrysler. I phoned to ask for a good will repair and was told that they can only offer technical assistance to a dealership on such issues. I ultimately decided to file my complaint here.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving the vehicle at and undisclosed speed his heater is would not work, until the vehicle is fully moving and running. The contact stated he could hear a clicking Nosie coming from the engine bay and as well a decompression noise coming from inside the cabin. The contact stated that there was a check engine light illuminated. The vehicle taken to a dealer were it was diagnosed to need a new electric heater. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 134,350.

The middle row passenger seat belt will no longer latch. There were no warnings. The seatbelt became unlatched on it's own while I was driving my children to school on 3/15/2024. I had to immediately pull over and call for help. None of my children are old enough to ride in the front seat, so this was quite scary. The seat belt has not been able to latch since.

The seatbelt looks as though it has been cut partially through by the fixed seatbelt guide on the middle row of seats. Those seatbelts hold in place two car seats for a young child and an infant. The seatbelts rarely get moved because we keep the car seats secured to the two middle row seats. The seat belts were briefly inspected by a service advisor at the Chrysler dealership, Taris, who stated that it looks like it could have been done by the seatbelt guide. The first time I noticed it was just on the driver side back in 2022. When I noticed an identical cut on the passenger side about a week to two weeks ago, I knew that there was a problem, and I also noticed that there is a secondary cut starting on driver's side because in March we had another baby and placed a new car seat base on the driver side seat. The driver side seat belt is now locked into place and cannot be viewed unless the side interior panel is removed. That has not been done at this time.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that six months after purchasing the vehicle, the vehicle experienced a tire blowout and upon looking for the spare tire kit, he became aware that there was no spare tire kit inside the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a nearby gas station where the tire was replaced. The contact contacted an unknown dealer and inquired about the spare tire kit. The dealer attempted to order the part unsuccessfully and later informed the contact that the part had been discontinued. The contact stated that he had contacted several other dealers in the USA and Canada and was informed that the part was no longer available. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they could not assist and that the NHTSA could require them to install the spare tire kit inside the vehicle. The failure mileage was approximately 800.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica equipped with Kumho Solus Tire Size: 235/65R17, DOT Number: 275AYAY1. On three separate occasions while driving at various speeds, the contact's steering wheel would shake without warning as one of his tires would become defective. The contact had initially taken the vehicle to a dealer where they replaced the rear passenger side tire due to an internal band failure. The second time, the same failure occurred with the rear driver side tire as an independent mechanic replaced that tire. Soon after the second replacement, the front passenger side tire also experienced that same failure. The contact then decided to replace all four tires. The manufacturer had yet to be notified of the failure. All tires were replaced. Each tire that failed were original tires.The tire and vehicle failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while parking the vehicle in her garage, the gear shifter indicator light was not illuminated while shifting from the drive (D) to park (P) and the vehicle was not able to turn off after pushing the START/STOP button. Additionally, the rear liftgate door was not able to open as needed. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact's neighbor disconnected the fuel lines and was able to turn off the vehicle; however, the instrument panel light and headlights were not able to be turned off. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 47,000.

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.