2018 Chrysler Pacifica ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
Check engine light came on the day after the automatic start/stop light came on. Engine code read cylinder 4 misfire. We switched all the spark plugs and changed the cylinder 4. A couple days later check engine light came back on brought the vechile into Bergstrum. They put in a name brand cylinder 4 plug and spark plug, 2 weeks later the light came back on, same exact issue. They are now claiming it’s an engine issue potentially. Sounds like this is a BIG problem for 2018 Chrysler pacificas.
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated the Auto STOP/START light and head gasket light remained illuminated. While starting the vehicle, the vehicle was vibrating abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed a leak in the head gasket. While inspecting the vehicle, the dealer became aware of a hole in the engine, and that the engine and head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case number. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.
On 4 separate occasions the vehicle while in motion will flash an alert that states “vehicle shutting down, stop safely” and the van will proceed to completely shut down- all electrical components do not work, including the sliding doors. After 30-45 minutes, the can will start back up without issue. Has been evaluated by a Chrysler dealership mechanic, as well as 2 private mechanics. They have been unable to replicate the issue. The main and auxillary batteries have been replaced twice each. Each incident we were able to pull over safely and there have not been any injuries or crashes, but we are concerned if it happens and we can’t pull over, we could easily crash.
Head gasket is blown with not that many miles, it's blowing fuses on a daily bases, start stop function won't work. Coolant leaks. Coils damaged, and lastly ac unit won't close properly and keeps making noise.
The van auto shutoff during a stop in an intersection. The van did not turn back on when the pressure was released from the pedal. The engine was off and I was in the middle of the intersection. The gear shifter knob was unable to move to a different gear. After multiple attempts to restart the car were unsuccessful, the car finally restarted after cycling through the att, run, start menus without the brake being depressed and then pressing the break and pushing the start button. This vehicle has had the recall work performed related to this issue and the repair is insufficient. The stall is intermittent and difficult to repeat.
Service electronic stability
oticed that the CEL had come on, and after reading the codes, I found out that there was a cylinder 5 misfire. To fix the issue, I decided to replace all the spark plugs and ignition coils, and after putting everything back together, I erased the codes. However, the following day, the same code appeared again, and I realized that the coolant level in the reservoir was low. I performed a pressure test on the system and ran it to temperature, but there were no coolant leaks. While the car was running, I observed bubbles in the reservoir, and these signs pointed towards a blown head gasket. After checking online for Pacifica common issues, I found out that head gasket failure is one of the main complaints. As a mechanic with 13 years of experience, I know that these symptoms indicate a blown head gasket. Unfortunately, due to this issue, I had to leave work twice as my wife and four kids were stranded 30 minutes away from the house. This is not acceptable, and I've never had a vehicle blow a head gasket before.
Van just unexpected shutdown no warming light nothing ! This is a handicap van rear entrance !!! On Tuesday August 8 2023, Daughter and handicapped granddaughter riding in van it just stopped she had to coast in the middle turn lanes until help arrived Did get daughter out in wheelchair push across 3 lanes traffic to safe very hot that day... On the NHTSA says as of January 17,2023 compaints on 2018 Chrysler Pacifica With inspected engine shutdown..
My car won't start it says that the engine or accessory is on when it isn't. I had this same problem last year during covid so I replaced both the batteries last year. Now it's doing it again. This time how ever the light is flickering on the drivers side. The doors when I first got it and sometimes says still that there not enough power to operate sliding doors.
First, it started with the stop/ start not working . We took it to the shop they said we needed a new alternator. Costed us 700$ . Well the problems did not stop . The check engine light did not go off after a few times of driving it (the mechanic (crystler mechanic) said it would after a few times of driving it. Well then it started rumbling when u turned it on . Called and they said bring it back in. Well we planned on doing so but then the van wouldn't start. We had to get it towed . Well they said the fuse had blown . So when they replaced that they noticed white smoke coming out and all the coolant gone . They said it is most likely the cracked engine block which is gonna cost over 12000$ to fix . We already owe money on the car . We cannot afford this! We have 4 kids and this is a safety issue !!! Now we are out of a vehicle and still owe on it !
Months after a start/stop recall software update, my wife and children were entering the intersection to make a left turn and made a complete stop. The vehicle’s engine stopped. The oncoming traffic cleared up. My wife proceeded to make the left turn but the vehicle did not respond. The engine did not restart on its own. The D on the shift gear began to flash. The throttle sensor lightning bolt symbol appeared on the dash and there was nothing that would allow the vehicle to shift or restart. The vehicle needed to to be powered off. The traffic light turned red and the car was blocking the intersection for the other traffic. After restarting the vehicle, the turn was completed and ran normally. This occurred 3 more times at a stop light on different occasions. The dealership found a wiring issue associated with the start/stop and the vehicle hood open sensor.
I took my van in for recall work to replace the hybrid battery. Since then I have had to return 5 times because the coolant keeps getting low, and the "Hybrid electrical system" and "check engine" lights come on after a few days of driving. I have reported smelling fire when this happens. I take it to the dealer. They top off the coolant and reset the lights and send me on my way now. The first 4 times they kept the car for 3 days to do this and drive it about 200 miles after topping it off. I contacted Chrysler directly and they tell me its not their problem. I need to deal with the dealer. The dealer has no idea what they are doing. I am attaching the recall notice. The dealer has all copy's of the receipts where the work was completed.
Car will unexpectedly send a message on the dash that says to "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". This will be followed by a complete shut down of the vehicle with no electric power to accessories, the engine, brakes, lights, etc. This can happen while underway at any speed and it will render the vehicle totally uncontrollable and risk injury to vehicle occupants and other vehicles and pedestrians. This failure has happened approximately 5 times and fortunately, there have been no accidents of injuries. The vehicle has been taken or towed into the Chrysler dealer 3 times. On the first visit, they said it was the battery. Battery was replaced under warranty. Since then, the dealer can not duplicate the problem but problem returns unexpectedly once it has been returned to us. This is very scary and we can not trust this vehicle, particularly because we do use it to transport our 3 grandchildren who are all below the age of 7.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated he was unable to start the vehicle. The contact stated that the check engine, brakes, and steering fault warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 16,342. Consumer stated VIN number is not included in the recall V53.
MY VAN COMPLETELY SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING WITH MY 2 KIDS IN THE CAR AND WOULD NOT START BACK UP. IT WAS NOT FROM THE AUTO START/STOP FEATURE. THE RADIO INTERIOR LIGHTS EVERYTHING SHUT OFF. IT WOULD NOT EVEN ALLOW ME TO GET IT IN N TO PUSH IT. IT WAS VERY SCARY BECAUSE I WAS IN THE MIDDLE OF A HIGHWAY WITH MY CHILDREN. IT IS NOT MY BATTERY, ALTERNATOR, OR STARTER BECAUSE I'VE HAD THEM TESTED. AFTER SPEAKING TO MULTIPLE PEOPLE AND READING ON THE CHRYSLER FORUMS THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON ISSUE. IF THIS ISSUE PERSISTS I WILL BE TRADING IT IN FOR A DIFFERENT MAKE AND MODEL. BUMMED BECAUSE I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS VAN.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica stalled while making a turn in an intersection. Dash message said something like put in park and hit stop/start and the D on the shifter was flashing
I WAS STOPPED AT LIGHT GOING STRAIGHT AND WHEN THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I PRESSED ON THE GAS PEDAL BUT THE VAN WOULDN'T MOVE AS IT HAD STALLED OUT. THE SHIFT KNOB WAS STUCK ON DRIVE WHICH STARTED BLINKING AND THE START/STOP WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT IT STILL FAILED TO MOVE. I TRIED TO RESTART IT A SECOND TIME AND THIS TIME IT DID START TO MOVE. EXTREMELY INCONVENIENT AND UNSAFE WHEN STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF AN INTERSECTION. ALSO HAVE HAD ISSUES WITH THE LEFT PASSENGER REAR DOOR CONTINOUSLY OPENING BACK UP AFTER TRYING TO CLOSE IT. NOTHING IS IN THE WAY OF THE DOOR WHICH I HAD CONFIRMED MULTIPLE TIMES SO I'M NOT SURE IF SOMETHING IS WRONG WITH THE SENSOR OR IF IT'S PART OF THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM FAILING.
I was driving down the road and on a 8 lane road I came to a stop light. At the stop light my Van shut down and would not restart or turn back on. I was dead in the road with kids in the car almost getting hit from behind. I have video of the incident.
MULTIPLE TIMES WHILE STATIONARY WHEN STARTING THE CAR, THE PUSH BUTTON STARTER WILL FAIL TO START THE ENGINE. UPON SECOND ATTEMPT TO START THE CAR THE STARTER HAS A PROLONGED SERIES OF CRANKS AND FINALLY STARTS. THE CONCERN IS THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES AFTER JUST PURCHASING THE CAR. THIS COULD BE A SAFETY ISSUE IF IT HAPPENS WHILE DRIVING, AND ENGINE SHUTS OFF, OR COULD STRAND US WITHOUT THE THE ABILITY TO START THE CAR.
START/STOP INDICATOR COMES ON AND VAN WILL SOME TIMES JUST SHUT OFF WHILE DRIVING OR WHILE STATIONARY. DEALERSHIPS HAVE REPLACED THE BATTERIES MAIN AND ESS BATTERY 4 TIMES IN 3 YEARS AND PROBLEM CONTINUES TO PERSIST. DATES OF OCCURRENCE, (STATIONARY) MARCH 9, 2018 (CAME OFF THE LOT WITH TWO DEAD BATTERIES), (STATIONARY) ANOTHER TIME DATE UNKNOWN, (MOVING CITY STREETS & STATIONARY) DECEMBER 5-12, 2019, AND (BOTH MOVING HIGHWAY & CITY STREET & STATIONARY) SEPTEMBER 7-15, 2020. (INCIDENT INFORMATION BELOW IS OF ONE OF THE MANY INCIDENTS. NO CRASHES EVERY, THE TIMES IT STOPPED WHILE DRIVING ON CITY STREETS, I WAS ABLE TO MOVE OVER OR GET IT STARTED AGAIN BEFORE AN INCIDENT OCCURRED. ALL EVENT WHERE UNDER 50 MPH, AND BETWEEN 0 MILES AND 36550 MILES ON THE VEHICLE.
FIRST, THANKS FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY TO BRING UP MY CONCERNS REGARDING MY VEHICLE: I HAD THE FOLLOWING ISSUES WITH MY 2018 VEHICLE: 1. ON 20 FEB 20, VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION WHEN THE CHARGING SYSTEM LIGHT CAME UP REGARDING AN ISSUE WITH THE ELECTRICAL CHARGING SYSTEM. THE VEHICLE ALMOST TURNED OFF IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET. NOW THE OFF/ ON START IS NOT WORKING. 2. 9 MAY 19; VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY; ANOTHER RECALL REGARDING THE BATTERY GROUND THAT HAVE BEEN BUILT WITH A SEALER THAT IS USED DURING THE WIRE HARNESS MANUFACTURING PROCESS MAY ACCUMULATE ON THE WIRE HARNESS TAB WHICH MAY CAUSE A LOSS OF CLAMP LOAD IN THE BATTERY GROUND JOINT OVER TIME. 3. 23 MAY 18; FEW DAYS AFTER PURCHASED, THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY, THE RECALL WAS ABOUT FAULT HANDLING STRATEGY OF THE ENGINE CONTROL MODULE OR PCM SOFTWARE IN THE VEHICLE. I AM REALLY CONCERN BECAUSE THIS IS A NEW VEHICLE FROM 2018 AND IS THE VEHICLE UTILIZED FOR MY FAMILY ON A DAILY BASIS AND IN LESS THAN 2 YEARS AND IT HAS 2 RECALLS AND ONE MALFUNCTION. I AM REALLY WORRY ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE OF MY CHRYSLER PACIFICA, AND I AM REALLY CONCERN THAT ONE OF THIS DAYS THE VEHICLE LEFT MY FAMILY ON THE ROAD.
VEHICLE WAS AT RED LIGHT WHEN STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING THEN SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AND VENTS INSIDE THE VAN. THEN WHEN THE HOOD IS POPPED TITHE FLAMES GOT WORSE. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT AROUND THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR.
THE VEHICLE HAS 9700 MILES ON THE OD. AS IT WAS SLOWING FOR A STOP AS IT WAS STILL IN MOTION THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON AND THE ENGINE SHUT OFF FORCING THE VEHICLE TO ABRUPTLY STOP. THE VEHICLE HAD TO BE PLACED INTO PARK AND TURNED BACK ON TO CONTINUE.
ON 05-11-2019 MY 2018 (PURCHASED NOV. 2018) CHRYSLER PACIFICA TOURING L PLUS VAN WAS STATIONARY IN MY DRIVEWAY (7,000 MILES). VEHICLE WOULD NOT START. VEHICLE BEGAN GIVING ERRATIC DASH DISPLAYS, FOR EXAMPLE IT ADVISED THAT THE CAR WAS NOT IN PARK. IT ADVISED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT NEED SERVICE. DESPITE NOT EVER TURNING ON, THE VEHICLE AS CLEARLY HAVING A COMPLETE ELECTRICAL MELTDOWN. THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS ENGAGED. THEN NONE OF THE BUTTONS ON THE FOB, NOR IN THE CAR WERE RESPONDING. WITHIN A FEW MINUTES THE ENTIRE CAR DIED. NO ELECTRICAL RESPONSE. HAD IT TOWED TO DEALERSHIP TODAY. WAITING TO HEAR ON DIAGNOSIS.
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 44 ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE complaints on file. 1 crashes have been reported. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.