2018 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica ranks 2nd-worst of 14 model years, with a complaint index of 92 and 874 complaints tied largely to engine and electrical problems. It carries 12 recalls and is rated Avoid compared to other Pacifica years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 92/100
- #2 of 14 Pacifica years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 874
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 12
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 27
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 14
- Injuries
- 15
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 15 / 0
Top 2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine406 (46%)
- Electrical System287 (33%)
- Steering178 (20%)
- Transmission & Powertrain155 (18%)
- Other118 (14%)
- Brakes65 (7%)
- Fuel System49 (6%)
- Structure & Body32 (4%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires27 (3%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras21 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles have stalled suddenly at highway speed with an audible chime before the driver regained control.
- Some owners reported the engine compartment or dashboard catching fire after a minor collision, with flames spreading quickly through the vehicle.
- Drivers described the brakes failing to stop the vehicle when pulling into a parking space, with the gear also failing to shift into park.
- The hands-free power sliding door opener reportedly overheated and ignited plastic cladding under the body while the vehicle was parked.
- Owners reported a loss of power steering while exiting the highway, in one case leading the vehicle to leave the roadway.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica recalls
12 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 25V876000Dec 17, 2025Other86 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
- NHTSA 23V010000Jan 17, 2023Electrical System67,117 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
Risk: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.
- NHTSA 19V886000Dec 12, 2019Collision Avoidance & Cameras20,441 vehicles
Back over prevention: sensing system: camera
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with an 8.4 inch radio display, 360 degree surround view camera system, and seat back video screens. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed on the radio after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."
Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE2.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2018 compared with other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
- Compared to other Pacifica model years, the 2018 ranks poorly: it has a complaint index of 92, the second-worst of 14 model years, and carries a Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
- NHTSA complaints show Engine issues make up 46% of complaints, followed by Electrical System at 33% and Steering at 20%.
- Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 12 recall campaigns for the 2018 Pacifica, covering electrical, transmission, and suspension components, including a front axle halfshaft assembly issue and a transmission weld defect.
- How does the 2018 Pacifica compare to other years?
- The 2018 model's complaint index of 92 is close to the worst year, 2017, which scored 100. Years like 2007 and 2008, with complaint indexes of 31 and 8, rank as Good by comparison.
- At what mileage do 2018 Pacifica problems typically show up?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 14,000 miles overall, with engine complaints centered around 11,142 miles and electrical complaints around 13,000 miles.