YearToAvoid

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability

Verdict

Avoid

Complaint Index

100/100

#1 most-complained of 9 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid ranks worst of 9 model years, with a complaint index of 100, 223 complaints, 12 fires, and 6 recalls. NHTSA data point to fuel system and electrical fires as the dominant issue, with a median failure mileage of 6,617 miles.

Complaints
223
Recalls
6
Crashes / fires
3 / 12
Injuries / deaths
4 / 0
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
—

Top 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems

NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Fuel System93 (42%)
  2. Electrical System85 (38%)
  3. Engine70 (31%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain39 (17%)
  5. Other34 (15%)
  6. Brakes12 (5%)
  7. Structure & Body8 (4%)
  8. Collision Avoidance & Cameras7 (3%)
  9. Steering7 (3%)
  10. Suspension, Wheels & Tires6 (3%)

What owners report

  • Owners report the engine catching fire or smoking shortly after startup or while driving, sometimes within a few thousand miles of purchase.
  • Some describe sudden loss of propulsion power on the highway followed by a burning smell and evacuation of the vehicle.
  • Several owners say the vehicle caught fire while parked and charging overnight in a garage or driveway, causing structural damage.
  • A number of complaints describe electrical failures such as stalling, warning lights, and erratic behavior of wipers, lights, and door locks.
  • One owner reported the forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking failed to activate before a rear-end crash at highway speed.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid complaints: complaints filed per quarter402017 Q42019 Q12020 Q12021 Q12022 Q12023 Q12024 Q12025 Q1
364 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q2; peak 2018 Q3 (40).

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid recalls

6 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 24V536000Jul 18, 2024Fuel System15,910 vehiclesPark Outside

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles that received a software update remedy under NHTSA recall number 22V-077. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

    Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 1, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 73B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-077 will need to have the new remedy completed.

  2. NHTSA 22V077000Feb 11, 2022Fuel System16,741 vehiclesPark Outside

    Hybrid propulsion system

    Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). A vehicle fire can occur when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

    Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

    Remedy: Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2022. Final owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z11. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 24V-538.

  3. NHTSA 20V334000Jun 9, 2020Electrical System23,079 vehicles

    Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash

    Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

    Risk: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

    Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

See all 6 recalls for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid →

2018 compared with other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100201720182019202020212022202320242025
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2017Caution63796—
2018Avoid1002236—
2019Good25452—
2020Caution50582—

All Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
Among the 9 model years with data, 2018 ranks worst, with a complaint index of 100 and 223 NHTSA complaints, so it carries an Avoid verdict relative to other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years.
Does the 2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid have fire recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 recalls for 2018, including two fuel system recalls (22V077000 and 24V536000) tied to battery pack fire risk, both advising owners to park outside and avoid charging until repaired.
What is the top problem area for the 2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid?
Fuel System complaints lead with 93 reports, a 42% share of all complaints, and a median failure mileage of 12,715 miles.
How many fires were reported for the 2018 model?
NHTSA complaint data show 12 fires reported for the 2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid, along with 3 crashes and 4 injuries.
How does 2018 compare to other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years?
The 2018 complaint index of 100 is the highest of all years listed; 2021 is lowest at 13 (Best verdict), and 2022 is also flagged Avoid with an index of 88.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.