2018 Chrysler Pacifica Engine

2018 Pacifica with 3.6L engine. Blown head gasket at 69k miles with coolant leaking into cylinder 5. The engine is very hesitant upon acceleration and can be dangerous when pulling out into traffic. This is an all too common issue and needs to be addressed by Chrysler. Engines should not be failing this at 69k. I change oil every 4k miles which is way ahead of the recommended schedule by Chrysler. Coolant was done by the dealer after radiator replacement for a radiator leak at 52k miles.

On February 16, 2026, my vehicle was diagnosed by Safford Brown Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram with a failed catalytic converter/manifold. While I am approximately 17 days past the 8-year calendar window for the Federal Emissions Warranty, my vehicle has only 77,337 miles. This is 2,663 miles below the 80,000-mile federal limit. The failed Bank 2 Maniverter assembly has a confirmed crack that allows raw exhaust fumes and carbon monoxide to enter the vehicle cabin via the HVAC system. Warning lamp appeared on 2/13/26.

At 120,000 miles the head gasket has started leaking into the cylinders. We are unsure if it is reparable or if I will require a new engine. This is a know problem with Pacificas and is an issue they should be fixing since the problem is on the engine part they installed.

Head gasket blew due to defective engine block at 69,000 miles, confirmed by mechanic.

Engine head gaskets replacement with less than 70k miles. I noticed than other owners are having the same issue. an expensive repair with a vehicle driven very little .

Original code displayed was for a misfire on cylinder 5. Vehicle wouldn’t start and we had it towed to a Chrysler dealership for a diagnostic. Dealership stated it had a cracked head gasket. Based on research this is a common problem among Chrysler pacificas where it’s specifically happening on cylinder 5. Regular maintenance has been done and prior to the issue it idled roughly. The next morning the vehicle wouldn’t start.

Blown head gasket.

The oil filter housing was poorly designed and leaks on virtually every one of these vehicles.  Thus causing engine failure and breakdown which may lead to potential serious harm to travelers as our family suffered.  After more than a year of research talking to mechanics and Chrysler owners and service personnel, I have come to aa clear understanding:  This Oil Filter housing should have been recalled.  Subsequently,  in later models engineers changed the oil housing manufacturing from a plastic to metal application, to a metal to metal application.  Simply put, the expansion ratios of metal and plastic are measurably different,  thus the OFH leaks with time due to heat and cold temperature  fluctuations. our Breakdown happened on [XXX] and I have been talking to Chrysler and there personnel since that time, with no help. This is a dangerous over sight! There is much more to this story that I will disclose upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding a critical design flaw in my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica that resulted in a severe overheating incident on the highway. I have experienced a sudden and dangerous failure wherein my vehicle’s coolant drained rapidly, causing the engine to overheat within minutes of driving under normal conditions. Below, I address key questions related to the malfunction: Component/System Failure and Inspection Availability: The core issue appears to be a malfunction within the engine cooling system, directly linked to a problematic head gasket design. I have inspected the affected system and component by a qualified independent service center at your request. Safety Risk: Although my vehicle did not exhibit any warning lights or alerts prior to the incident, the rapid onset of overheating posed an immediate danger. This unexpected failure could have resulted in a catastrophic engine failure, thereby placing me, my passengers, and other road users at significant risk. Confirmation of the Issue: Despite strict adherence to routine maintenance, the problem has been confirmed by a independent service center. Their inspections indicate that this is not a result of neglect but likely a consequence of a fundamental design flaw which appears to be a common issue with this van and previous years with remediation. Third-Party Inspections: While the manufacturer has not yet conducted a formal inspection, independent service centers have reproducibly identified the problem. I am open to any further investigations by Mopar. Previous years have same issue with extended warranty and repair being paid for at no cost to the owner, as this is not new it needs fixed Warning Indicators: Prior to the overheating incident, there were no warning lamps, messages, or alerts to indicate any potential issue with the cooling system. The situation escalated unexpectedly from normal operating conditions to a significant problem within a few minutes on the highway.

Head gasket failure number two cylinder created Hydro lock and destroyed motor 105K miles

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant pressure test was needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front and rear head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 3.6L V6, approx. 66,476 miles. The vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leaks. When cold, opening the coolant reservoir cap releases a strong hiss of pressure and coolant flows back into the tank. The check engine light appeared, first showing a cylinder misfire (resolved after spark plug replacement), then later a slow EGR leak code. Over the next several weeks, the coolant level continued dropping and the reservoir remained pressurized even when cold. Vehicle was inspected by Waxahachie Dodge Chrysler Jeep (RO #490099, Sept 2025). Technician performed a combustion gas test and confirmed exhaust gases are present in the coolant system. No external leaks were found. Diagnosis: failed head gasket allowing combustion gases into the cooling system and coolant to burn in cylinders. The technician stated overheating or warpage may have opened a path at the head gasket but found no external signs of overheating. This condition poses a safety risk—coolant loss and trapped pressure can cause sudden overheating, engine stall, or hydrolock while driving, potentially leading to loss of power or a crash hazard. The issue was confirmed by a Chrysler dealer and documented in the repair order. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Prior to failure, symptoms included the check engine light, rough running, and repeated coolant loss. There were no visible leaks or overheating messages. Manufacturer was contacted but declined assistance; dealer verified diagnosis and estimate for repair (~$7,800).

As of late of September 2025, our vehicle had approximately 59,000 on the odometer. Around that time, the check engine light turned on. A few days later, white smoke began emitting from the exhaust. On September 27, 2025, the vehicle failed to start entirely. We had the car towed to Brooklyn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) for inspection and repair. The dealership performed a diagnostic check and provided the report on October 13, 2025, indicating that the issue was due to a failed head gasket. The repair's cost is $8,711.56.

In July of 2021 I bought a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L with about 21k miles on it from a massachusetts Cadillac dealer for ~$27k. in august of 2024 i took it to a massachusetts Chrysler dealer because my mechanic, while troubleshooting battery/start issues, noticed there was no coolant. The dealership told me there's a cylinder 6 misfire and coolant leaked into the engine. And that the car needs a new engine and that'll cost me ~$8k. and that their diagnostic fee was $150. The car has about 63k miles on it. In the two months before this issue, i put ~$1.5k into the car for two new tires, new back brakes, new sway bars and an oil change. in august of 2024 the car was no longer covered by any warranties. After talking to my mechanic and reading through a number of online car forums, it seemed likely that this was more than a chance event. there were known defects with the engine. and a relevant lawsuit: [XXX] [XXX] i reached out to Chrysler cares but they were not responsive. When i got people on the phone, i got the run-around and had my time wasted. i needed Chrysler to replace the engine on their dime in a timely fashion. i needed a working, reliable, safe car back immediately. Not in a couple weeks or if/when they decide to respond and resolve the issue. i needed it when i got the news the engine was toast. i had to spend money on car rentals. i had to pay $8k+ for a new engine. chrysler didn't pay a dime. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Blown head gasket leading to engine failure.

Head gasket failure at a 107,000 miles.

Blown Head Gasket (Cylinder 3 Misfire) After having 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L serviced at Chrysler Dealership, technicians found small leak coming from Oil/Coolant Filter housing unit. Part was replaced and few days later vehicle had a misfire and had flashing Check Engine Light (CEL). Car was towed to dealership, technicians said code seen was P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire). Tech, replaced Ignition coil for cylinder 3 and cleared codes. Two days later on start up, P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire) came back with CEL. Tech cleared codes and could not re-create CEL again. Two days later P0303 came back. Technicians performed more diagnostics and confirmed blown head gasket. This seems to be a very prominent issue with 2017-2018 Pacificas, more notably Cylinders 1, 3, & 5. The catalytic converter sits above the firewall cylinder bank and possibly is causing this possible engine failure due to excessive heat and poor heat dissipation capability over time. If not caught quickly, coolant can leak into cylinder affected and then overheat engine causing irreversible damage. This situation can also create a very hazardous situation if driving into speeding traffic from a turn and engine misfires, my vehicle could be rear ended if acceleration does not happen quickly enough.

The engine failed at 104,000 miles despite proper maintenance. The vehicle is used by my wife and three children, and the engine unexpectedly experienced a head gasket failure while on the highway, with no prior warning except for a known issue acknowledged by Chrysler. I am now faced with the costly repair of replacing the engine. As a family relying on this vehicle for daily needs, including school and work commitments, I am disappointed that such issues persist in this model despite widespread reports of similar problems.

I have written about repeated issues with Auto Start/Stop on this vehicle. Prior dealers have not been able to isolate the problem. Some of the problems seem to mimic a much earlier issue that went to court but did not happen during the timeframe of the class action suit. The prior submission to NHTSA was with this tracking number: 11681967 . I am now submitting repair information that aligns with my complaint of the Auto/Start stop on this vehicle. I am submitting this because it helps to support my earlier submission. Thank you

Our 2018 Pacifica after only 77K rough miles has a blown gasket and a misfire in cylinder 3. The safety concern is that my family bought this van and are the original owner with the safety standards in mind. We have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. we have had this van since our first born was born. a possible blown engine is a safety issue and wouldn't expect this with such low miles. Vehicle was inspected by the dealer and coolant was found in cylinder 3. the only indication that we had got was the check engine light coming on and then after we made sure the gas cap was on, we ran some fuel cleaner to see if it was a fuel injector issue and the light went away. when my wife used the key fab to start the vehicle, it wouldn't start and the engine light appeared. we took it to the dealer at that point once we had autozone scan the codes. we then learned it could be a gasket or needing plugs and wires replaced. Dealer reviewed and used a camera to see that there was coolant leak. this issue continues to impact many of these vehicles and nothing is being done.

Auto start/stop alarm displays in dash. Have taken it to two different dealerships and they say they can find no problem. They car hesitates when stepping on the gas. There have been incidences when the car stalls all together. We have now noticed that the issue is more prominent when the weather temperature is hot like over 90 degrees but especially if the temperature is over 100 degrees. Also just recently within past few weeks the car will stall but keeps going though you cannot accelerate, however, you do not lose steering ability. You have to pull off the road and shut the car down and restart it and then all components work properly. Again this is happening when weather temperatures run high. This has been an issue last year as well. I called Chrysler and got a Star Case # 91330213 but then we stopped having the problem. Most likely because it got cooler but we are having issues again this year now. What is interesting is that the dealerships say they cannot find any code being set off because at times the auto start/stop alarm will reset and then they say they do not see an issue. Yet we know there has been an issue & continues to be an issue.

On our 2018 Pacifica the head gasket is blown. This seems to be a very common issue with the 2018 model that Chrysler won't address. No one was harmed. The problem was confirmed by our independent mechanic. No it has not been inspected by anyone other than the independent mechanic. The check engine light came on after a rough start, coolant level started to go down, and white smoke from the exhaust. There are many complaints and many forums with Pacifica owners needing to foot the bill for these repairs. There is specifically something wrong with this engine from this time frame. Thank you

Coolant leak in cylinder 3 due to faulty head gasket. Based on the blogs, this is an issue with all Pacifica not just 2018. This requires a full engine replacement which most families cannot afford nor afford to replace the vehicle. If we keep driving it with this issue it becomes a safety issue. Quote is an $11,000 repair.

This vehicle experience is intermittent installing or fails to restart after the engine shut down I verified there are currently no open recalls and I believe this may be related to a known PCM or emissions related issue

Brought Pacifica into the dealer because of "check engine" light. Car had some shaking too upon startup. There was also some "ticking" sounds in the dashboard. Dealership told me that the head gasket of the first (and likely third) needed to be replaced. There was an engine 3 misfire per diagnostics. I was quoted at $4,600 for the repair. This appears to be a known issue, as the dealer said "we don't know if this will turn into a recall." There seems to significantly similar issues all over the Pacifica message boards.