2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

• Recall 18V492000Jul 26, 20185 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.

  Risk: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.

• Recall 18V493000Jul 26, 201861 vehicles
  POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT

  Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint.

  Risk: 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.

  Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 2026FLElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission shifts harshly, clunks when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and hesitates before suddenly lurching. Engine RPM rises before the transmission engages, and some describe the resulting jolt as feeling like being hit from behind. The steering wheel locks stiffly during gentle turns to the right, then suddenly releases causing a jolt back to the left at times, all other times it requires a hard pull of the wheel manually to get the steering to release, which also…

   NHTSA complaint #11769510 · source
2. Filed Sep 14, 202682,000 miCATowedTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the shifter module warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. While the contact's son was driving at…

   NHTSA complaint #11764165 · source
3. Filed Aug 19, 2026120,000 miVTTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Power Train" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer…

   NHTSA complaint #11758035 · source
4. Filed Aug 4, 2026CATransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving the vehicle the minivan will lose all acceleration. There is usually a preceding error displayed on the dashboard to pull over immediately. The dealership has thus far been unable to fix it.

   NHTSA complaint #11754802 · source
5. 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
6. Filed Jul 15, 2026HIEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   I had my cylinder heads, valves and head gasket replaced over a year ago and drove 15k miles and i am having the same issues again. The Dealer is trying there very best not to honor my valid powertrain parts warranty like saying the head gasket is only covered for 12 months and denying my claim but my cylinder heads and top end have a 3 year 100k mile warranty since they were installed not to long ago and they are trying to deny my claim using the head gasket. I have seen…

   NHTSA complaint #11750601 · source
7. Filed Jul 12, 2026GATransmission & Drivetrain

   The van fail GA state emissions with code p2797. I have to the end of July to get the tag. I went to the state for a repair waiver control # s1174706. I told them this code is under a tsb it fell on deaf ears. I. Took the van back to the dealership for a third time a different dealership they say they did the procedure for the tsb code p2797 butt didn't fix the code to pass GA emission. Tsb are good for the automotive industry but if the tsb and engineers procedures didn't…

   NHTSA complaint #11749873 · source
8. Filed Jun 20, 2026OREngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.6L V6 engine had a check engine light turn. At same time a vibration started, which was most noticable when the car was in idle. Also, a foggy exhaust started at the same time. No temperature or other warnings were occuring. After driving it to the repair facility the car was not able to be turned on. The findings are that there is a headgasket leak and radiator failure that resulted in coolant entering into the cylinder. That resulted in…

   NHTSA complaint #11745408 · source
9. Filed Jun 15, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   This is related to the 23V-010 / XE1 recall and extended warranty for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. The manufacturer is refusing the recall remedy because the catastrophic nature of the failure (transmission rupture) makes it impossible for the dealer to pull diagnostic codes. This creates an impossible standard for the consumer and effectively nullifies a federal safety recall. On XXX, I brought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited to D’Ambrosio Service in…

   NHTSA complaint #11744207 · source
10. Filed May 27, 2026OKDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

    Odometer 66466. Hybrid battery charge level 100%. When starting the vehicle the issue started with the transmission shifter knob stuck in gear Park. After turning off and on a few times, the transmission shifter knob would shift into Reverse. I then drove it to a dealer service for repair. During the drive several dash warning messages appeared. Also, the blind spot warning system did not function and the backup camera did not function. Dash warning messages while driving to…

    NHTSA complaint #11740295 · source
11. Filed May 20, 2026WAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionTransmission & Drivetrain

    The manufacturer's mandatory 73B Safety Recall update (Vehicle Fires) creates a critical software-induced communication failure on the central vehicle network. Following the 73B flash, the vehicle developed an Active SGW U0001-00 CAN C Bus network fault, which permanently blocks data transmission and triggers an HCP U0412 hybrid battery fault. This network crash disables the hybrid propulsion systems, creating an unpredictable and hazardous driving condition. The…

    NHTSA complaint #11739052 · source
12. Filed May 14, 2026UTTransmission & Drivetrain

    In reference to recall query RQ24004, the appropriate software was installed under recall O3A for Loss of Motive Power on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. However, on multiple occasions the vehicle has displayed "Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". Once on 6Apr2026 and again on 13Mar2026. The first occasion occurred on a winding mountain road enroute to a ski hill. The road was extremely busy at the time and pulling off was difficult and dangerous with only a small…

    NHTSA complaint #11737924 · 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