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#BS-2018-CHRPAC-11382018 Chrysler PacificaProblems, Recalls & Reliability
Based on reports from 1,407 owners and 12 recalls for this exact model.
Data updated ·NHTSA complaints through October 28, 2026
Preliminary Verdict
Red Flag
Based on 1,407 complaints, 54 crashes, 23 fires, and 12 recalls. Complaint rate is 2.3x the class average. This is the worst model year for this vehicle.
Top reported problems
transmission slips and jerks
17 complaints • Severity 8.2/10
engine shut down while driving
5 complaints • Severity 9.2/10
blown head gasket
4 complaints • Severity 10/10
stop start and engine light on
3 complaints • Severity 8/10
head cylinder blew
3 complaints • Severity 8.7/10
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Mechanic Inspection Checklist
381 owners reported engine issues — failures commonly reported around 13K miles.
Failure Timeline by Mileage
Peak failure range: 0–30K miles (407 reports) • Median: 13K miles
30,000-Mile Cost Projection
Best Case
Most Likely
Worst Case
Top cost driver: Engine (381 reports).
Also in your report
Owner Intelligence
AI-synthesized themes from real complaints
Buyer Lot Checklist
Questions, test drive checks, walk-away triggers
Negotiation Talking Points
Data-backed dollar deductions
Buy / Skip Verdict
Final recommendation with conditions
Where the complaints fall
2018 Chrysler Pacifica: Known Issues & Problem Areas
Engine Issues
Engine complaints account for 27% of all reports filed for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with 381 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. The median mileage at time of complaint is 12,872 miles, suggesting issues tend to surface around the 13K-mile mark.
Electrical Issues
Electrical complaints account for 20% of all reports filed for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with 286 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to electrical-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Steering Issues
Steering complaints account for 13% of all reports filed for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with 186 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to steering-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Drivetrain Issues
Drivetrain complaints account for 11% of all reports filed for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, with 157 owners filing complaints with NHTSA. Owners should pay attention to drivetrain-related symptoms during test drives and pre-purchase inspections.
Data sourced from NHTSA owner complaints and community reports. The full report analyzes severity, repair costs, and failure patterns for each category.
Complaint trend by year
Complaints filed with NHTSA by year for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. Recent trend: stable.
Don't negotiate blind — know what this car costs to own
Repair costs • Negotiation scripts • Mechanic checklist • Buy/skip verdict
Recall History (12 recalls)
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.
EQUIPMENT
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
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.
+ 7 more recalls in the full report
Recall severity analysis & seller scripts
The full report rates each recall's severity and gives you scripts for asking the seller about recall completion.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica NHTSA Safety Ratings
Overall
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Frontal crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Side crash
★★★★★5 of 5 stars
Rollover
★★★★★4 of 5 stars
From NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings). Where NHTSA tested more than one version of this vehicle, the lowest rating is shown.
NHTSA Defect Investigations (4)
3 investigations still open: NHTSA is examining whether a defect warrants a recall.
Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power
POWER TRAIN
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING
This is the worst model year for the Chrysler Pacifica according to owner complaint data. The biggest problem area is body / paint.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica vs. Class Average (Minivan - 2WD)
This vehicle
1,407
Class avg
613
2.3x the class average — significantly more complaints than typical minivan - 2wd vehicles.
Complaint counts correlate with sales volume — popular vehicles naturally generate more reports. The full report normalizes for this.
About this data
NHTSA Complaints
Federal database of owner-filed safety complaints. 1,407 records for this vehicle.
NHTSA Recalls
Manufacturer-issued safety recalls. 12 recalls found for this vehicle.
Repair Cost Data
Real-world repair costs from owner reports and independent databases.
Last updated . NHTSA complaints received through October 28, 2026; safety ratings from NHTSA's 5-Star program.
Other Chrysler Pacifica Model Years
View all Chrysler Pacifica years →2018 Chrysler Pacifica: Frequently Asked Questions
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Get the Full 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Report
10 sections of AI analysis based on 1,407 owner reports. Know before you buy.