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2018 Chrysler Pacifica: problems, recalls and fuel economy
The 2018 Pacifica has 1,113 owner complaints on file with NHTSA[1] and a long recall list, including fire-risk recalls for the plug-in hybrid[2][3]. Stalling and power loss while driving are themes in the complaints we read, so check recall status on any van you are considering[4][5].
Most reported problems
NHTSA lists 1,113 owner complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 31 mention a crash, 26 a fire and 19 injuries[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.
The largest component groups are:
| Component group | Complaints | Median mileage at failure |
|---|---|---|
| Engine[4] | 445 | 10,100 |
| Electrical system[5] | 373 | 12,485 |
| Power train[9] | 197 | 12,700 |
| Steering[10] | 192 | 11,127 |
The engine group also includes 13 fires[4], and the electrical group includes 12 crashes and 12 fires[5]. Steering complaints include 8 crashes[10].
In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe the engine cutting out or the van stalling while driving or stopped. Some say the dashboard then asked them to put the vehicle in park and restart it[4]. Some also describe losing power steering when it happened[4][10]. Electrical complaints in the sample describe sudden power loss, warning lights and an infotainment screen that froze or restarted[5]. Power train complaints describe hesitation, lurching and a shifter that would not leave park[9].
Three smaller groups are worth knowing about. The hybrid propulsion system has 77 complaints, with a median mileage at failure of 45,577[11]. The fuel and propulsion group has 67 complaints, including 6 fires, with a median mileage of 3,600[12]. Speed control has 48 complaints[13].
Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many vans were sold.
Recalls
NHTSA shows 16 recalls for the 2018 Pacifica[6]. Some cover only plug-in hybrid versions, and a few cover many other models too. Newest first:
- Wheelchair restraints (25V876). A wheelchair restraint maker is recalling certain vehicles equipped with its restraints, and Pacifica is among the models named. The recall notice does not say which model years, so check the maker's recall report. The retractors may not lock, so a wheelchair could move in transit. The fix is inspection and replacement as needed, free of charge[14].
- Hybrid battery fire, second recall (24V536). Covers 2017-2018 plug-in hybrids that already had the earlier software fix. The battery pack may cause a fire when parked, even with the ignition off. Owners are told to stop charging and to keep the van outdoors, clear of buildings, until the repair is done. Dealers update the battery control software and replace the pack if needed, free of charge. Vans repaired under 22V077 need the new fix[2].
- Transmission wiring connector (23V010). On plug-in hybrids, a connector inside the transmission may short and shut the engine off. That can cause a loss of drive power. Dealers update software, free of charge[15].
- Hybrid battery fire (22V077). The same fire risk when parked. Owners are told to stop recharging and to keep the van outdoors. Dealers update software and inspect or replace the pack, free of charge. NHTSA notes this recall is superseded by a later one, 24V-538[3].
- 12 volt isolator post (20V334). On plug-in hybrids, a post behind the driver's seat can develop high resistance and overheat, raising fire risk[16]. The final repair was described as under development, with an interim inspection offered and a loaner vehicle if the joint is compromised[16]. Until the final repair, owners are told to keep these vans out of buildings and away from other vehicles[16].
- Rearview camera display (19V886). A software error can leave the camera image on the radio after leaving reverse, which can distract the driver. Dealers update the radio software, free of charge[17].
- Battery ground (19V348). On vans with engine stop/start, a loose ground may cause intermittent loss of power steering assist or a stall. Dealers inspect and clean or reassemble the connection, free of charge. It covers 198,731 vehicles[18].
- Front control arm (19V143). The lower control arm on the front right side may come loose from the steering knuckle. Dealers inspect, replace parts as needed and fit a larger bolt, free of charge[19].
- Hybrid engine restart (18V740). After running in plug-in hybrid mode, the engine may not restart properly. That can mean lost power or unburned fuel igniting in the catalytic converter. Dealers update software and replace the converter if needed, free of charge[20].
- Powertrain control module (18V524). A voltage regulator chip may fail and cause a stall or no start. Dealers replace the module, free of charge[21].
- Transmission weld (18V492). Applies to non-hybrid 2018 Pacifica vans and certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles, 5 vehicles in total[22]. A poor weld could stop the van from moving. Dealers replace the transmission, free of charge[22].
- Front axle shaft (18V493). Covers 61 vehicles[23]. A halfshaft may not be secured to its joint, risking loss of drive or movement while in Park. Dealers replace the halfshaft, free of charge[23].
- Manual park release (18V395). The release plug could be pulled out without a tool, so the van could roll away. It covers 240,242 vehicles[24]. Dealers replace the plug, free of charge[24].
- Cruise control (18V332). After a wiring short, cruise control might not switch off. Dealers flash software, free of charge. The notice tells owners to avoid cruise control until the software flash is done[25].
- Fire extinguisher (17V824). Certain extinguishers may clog or not discharge. Owners contact the maker for a replacement, free of charge[26].
- Rear seat belt buckle (17V542). On 8-passenger vans, the second-row center buckle could unlatch the left outer belt[27]. Dealers fit a shorter buckle, free of charge[27].
A recall check by VIN is the best way to see which of these still apply to a specific van.
Fuel economy
EPA lists two gas versions at 22 combined MPG[7][28]. One is rated 19 city and 28 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050[7]. The other is rated 18 city and 28 highway, also at $3,050[28]. The annual cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not prices from when the van was new.
The Pacifica Hybrid is rated 32 MPGe combined, with 570 miles of range[29].
Safety ratings
NHTSA gives the front-wheel-drive van 5 stars overall[8], 5 for frontal crash[8] and 5 for side crash[8]. Rollover is 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.6%[8].
Engine and size
The EPA test list shows a 3.6L 6-cylinder rated at 287 hp[30]. Dimensions below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans[31][32].
| Gas | Hybrid | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 204 in | 204 in |
| Width | 80 in | 80 in |
| Height | 70 in | 70 in |
| Wheelbase | 122 in | 122 in |
| Curb weight | 4,330 lb | 4,943 lb |
How 2018 compares with other years
Show the numbers
| Model year | Complaints | Recalls |
|---|---|---|
| 2004 | 896 | 2 |
| 2005 | 1,244 | 2 |
| 2006 | 726 | 1 |
| 2007 | 380 | 0 |
| 2008 | 102 | 0 |
| 2017 | 1,616 | 17 |
| 2018 | 1,113 | 16 |
| 2019 | 361 | 9 |
| 2020 | 229 | 7 |
| 2021 | 401 | 8 |
| 2022 | 333 | 10 |
| 2023 | 195 | 14 |
| 2024 | 73 | 11 |
| 2025 | 31 | 10 |
| 2026 | 11 | 5 |
| 2027 | 1 | 1 |
Among the Pacifica model years in NHTSA's data, 2018 has 1,113 complaints and 16 recalls[6]. The 2017 year has more of both, with 1,616 complaints and 17 recalls[6]. The 2005 year also has more complaints, at 1,244[6]. After 2017 and 2018, the next highest recall count is 2023 with 14[6].
Later years show fewer complaints. For example, 2019 has 361 complaints and 9 recalls, and 2020 has 229 complaints and 7 recalls[6]. Counts are not adjusted for sales, so read them as a rough guide.
Should you buy a used 2018 Pacifica?
The 2018 Pacifica has a large complaint record and many recalls, and stalling and power loss are themes in the complaints we read[1][6][4]. Its NHTSA rating is 5 stars overall and the gas versions are rated 22 combined MPG[8][7]. Run the VIN through NHTSA before buying, and confirm each recall was completed. For a plug-in hybrid, ask about the battery fire recalls, since the advice there is to stop charging until repaired[2][3]. Also ask about 20V334, whose final repair was described as under development[16].
Frequently asked questions
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
- Engine (445) and electrical system (373) are the largest complaint groups on file with NHTSA[4][5]. In the sample of complaints we read, owners describe stalling or power loss while driving[4].
- Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?
- Yes. NHTSA shows 16 recalls for this model year[6]. They include fire-risk recalls for the plug-in hybrid[2][3].
- What gas mileage does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica get?
- EPA rates the gas versions at 22 combined MPG[7][28]. The Pacifica Hybrid is rated 32 MPGe combined[29].
- Is the 2018 Pacifica the worst year for complaints?
- No. 2017 has 1,616 complaints and 2005 has 1,244, against 1,113 for 2018[6].
Facts and sources
- NHTSA has 1,113 owner complaints on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (31 mention a crash, 26 a fire, 19 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 24V536, filed July 18, 2024: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 22V077, filed February 11, 2022: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
- 445 complaints name the engine component group (5 crashes, 13 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 10,100). NHTSA vehicle records
- 373 complaints name the electrical system component group (12 crashes, 12 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,485). NHTSA vehicle records
- Owner complaints and recalls for every Chrysler Pacifica model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Pacifica, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
- 197 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 12,700). NHTSA vehicle records
- 192 complaints name the steering component group (8 crashes, 0 fires, 2 injuries, median mileage at failure 11,127). NHTSA vehicle records
- 77 complaints name the hybrid propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 45,577). NHTSA vehicle records
- 67 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 6 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,600). NHTSA vehicle records
- 48 complaints name the speed control component group (4 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 7,000). NHTSA vehicle records
- Recall 25V876, filed December 17, 2025: Equipment Adaptive / Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints / Securement › Latch / Anchor › . NHTSA recall database
- Recall 23V010, filed January 17, 2023: Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors / Plugs / Receptacles. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 20V334, filed June 9, 2020: Electrical System › Wiring › Interior / Under Dash. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V886, filed December 12, 2019: Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V348, filed May 9, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 19V143, filed February 28, 2019: Suspension › Front › Control Arm › Lower Arm. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V740, filed October 19, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V524, filed August 9, 2018: Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V492, filed July 26, 2018: Power Train › Automatic Transmission. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V493, filed July 26, 2018: Power Train › Axle Assembly › Axle Shaft. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V395, filed June 14, 2018: Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V824, filed December 21, 2017: Equipment. NHTSA recall database
- Recall 17V542, filed August 31, 2017: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
- EPA rating for Pacifica, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA rating for Pacifica Hybrid, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 32 MPGe combined, 570 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
- EPA Test Car List, 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 287 hp. www.epa.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PACIFICA 4DR MINIVAN: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 4,330 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
- Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PACIFICA HYBRID 4DR MINIVAN: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 4,943 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov