2018 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 26, 2026MIEngine

   First, I had camshaft related error which turned out to be a bad intake camshaft on bank 1. The Camshaft, all rocker arms, lifters, camshaft adjuster and all VVL actuators have been replaced with genuine mopar parts. 3 weeks latet, the head gasket on bank 2 failed, caused coolant to leak into the cylinder. The van has 89k miles, very clean and always maintained on time.

   NHTSA complaint #11767092 · source
2. Filed Sep 22, 2026ILEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11766251 · source
3. Filed Sep 11, 2026GAEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11763638 · source
4. Filed Sep 5, 2026PAEngine

   The head gasket failed at 89,000 miles. The engine gave P0305 Cylinder 5 misfire codes and would run rough causing difficult to drive in standard traffic flow. There are borescope pictures of coolant in cylinder 5. We stopped using the vehicle until the repair can be completed. This appear to be a WIDESPREAD problem for 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica which are numerous on the road and could be hazardous if these vehicles failed on regular roads and highways. See [XXX]…

   NHTSA complaint #11762395 · source
5. Filed Aug 23, 2026NCEngine

   This report is for a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with 90,100 miles. The check engine light came on in July 2026. It was a cylinder 5 misfire. The spark plugs and ignition coil were replaced. The check engine light came on again about 2 weeks later (cylinder 5 misfire again), was dismissed and reset by the shop, and came on again about 2 weeks later. This time, the shop diagnosed cylinder 5 misfire due to "cylinder 5 is leaking coolant into the cylinders." They quoted $12,000 for…

   NHTSA complaint #11758848 · source
6. Filed Aug 13, 2026MNEngine

   Failed head gasket that put vehicle in compromised working condition on the roadway - check engine light flash, poor and inconsistent engine running. First indications were 5-10 seconds of rough idle after startup when sitting overnight, then p0303 check engine code for cylinder three misfire as well as loss of coolant. Independent shop confirmed issue and replaced head gasket. Problem appears to have re-occurred after 2 years and 20000 miles with similar indications. Same…

   NHTSA complaint #11756708 · source
7. Filed Aug 11, 2026130,000 miCAEngine

   The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that…

   NHTSA complaint #11756330 · source
8. Filed Aug 11, 2026NYAirbagsElectrical SystemEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11756111 · source
9. Filed Aug 7, 2026SCEngineSteering

   Engine fail with less than106000 miles. Replace brand new engine November 2025. Steering rack has intermittent power issues. It started having steering issue around July 2026. It makes the steering hard to turn during highway speeds.

   NHTSA complaint #11755581 · source
10. Filed Aug 4, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngineAcceleration & Cruise Control

    Lots of power going up steep hills. Especially while AC is on. Almost complete loss of power yesterday with vehicle behind me.

    NHTSA complaint #11754761 · source
11. Filed Aug 3, 2026AZElectrical SystemEngine

    Electrical glitches, where speedometer screen will go out of focus, glitch. Also transmission is going. Loud hum, catching as it changes gears and hesitates when trying to accelerated into the highway.

    NHTSA complaint #11754346 · source
12. Filed Jul 29, 2026FLElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same symptoms.

    NHTSA complaint #11753607 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology