CarModelProblems.com

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/12/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.5× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
821Complaints
12Recalls
27Crashes
14Fires
15Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (43.8% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 3.5× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

An open NHTSA investigation (PE25009, opened Sep 2025) covers Steering, but no recall has been issued for it yet.

3 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 3 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine360 · 43.8%No official action
Electrical System272 · 33.1%RecalledRecall 18V395000 · Recall 18V332000 · Recall 19V348000 · Recall 18V524000 · Recall 23V010000
Power Train149 · 18.1%RecalledRecall 18V492000 · Recall 18V493000
Steering148 · 18%Under investigationPE25009
Fuel/propulsion System46 · 5.6%No official action
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)37 · 4.5%No official action

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE360 · 43.8%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM272 · 33.1%
POWER TRAIN149 · 18.1%
STEERING148 · 18%
Unspecified / other110 · 13.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM46 · 5.6%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)37 · 4.5%
SERVICE BRAKES31 · 3.8%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL30 · 3.7%
SUSPENSION19 · 2.3%

Percentages are the share of the 821 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 12 campaigns

Electrical System:ignition:anti-theft:control Module

NHTSA campaign 18V395000 · 2018 · reported 06/14/2018

If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:automatic Transmission

NHTSA campaign 18V492000 · 2018 · reported 07/26/2018

If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

NHTSA campaign 18V493000 · 2018 · reported 07/26/2018

If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · 2018 · reported 05/17/2018

If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

NHTSA campaign 19V143000 · 2019 · reported 02/28/2019

A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:12v/24v/48v Battery

NHTSA campaign 19V348000 · 2019 · reported 05/09/2019

A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · 2018 · reported 08/09/2018

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · 2017 · reported 12/21/2017

If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Seat Belts:rear/other

NHTSA campaign 17V542000 · 2017 · reported 08/31/2017

Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

NHTSA campaign 19V886000 · 2019 · reported 12/12/2019

The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

NHTSA campaign 23V010000 · 2023 · reported 01/17/2023

An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment Adaptive/mobility:wheelchair Restraints/securement:latch/anchor:

NHTSA campaign 25V876000 · 2025 · reported 12/17/2025

An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“THE ENGINE AUTOMATICALLY STOPS WHEN GOING 10 MPH OR BELOW. A MESSAGE COMES UP TO STOP/START RESTART REQUIRED. THIS HAPPENS WHEN I AM IN TRAFFIC…”NHTSA complaint 11171315 — filed 01/22/2019 · ENGINE
“WHILE STOPPED AT A STOP SIGN THE VEHICLE'S AUTO STOP/START FUNCTION DISABLED THE ENGINE AS NORMAL. WHEN I LIFTED MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO…”NHTSA complaint 11171223 — filed 01/21/2019 · ENGINE
“ENGINE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING, MESSAGE DISPLAYED TO TURN OFF CAR AND TURN ON AGAIN BECAUSE OF ELECTRICAL FAILURE. BRAKES LOCK AND CAR STALLS UNTIL…”NHTSA complaint 11171166 — filed 01/21/2019 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

7201712620182382019952020102202111420221382023172202419920251202026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 360 of 821 NHTSA complaints (43.8%), followed by electrical system (272), power train (149), steering (148). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have?

821 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/12/2026. Of those, 27 involved a crash, 14 involved a fire, and 15 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?

Yes — 12 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 18V395000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica's reported problems?

3 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page are backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. NHTSA has an open investigation (PE25009) into steering that has not led to a recall. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/12/2026.