How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

NHTSA lists 155 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Pacifica, which is 18% of the 874 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?

Yes. Recall 18V492000 covers a transmission component that may not have been properly welded, and recall 18V493000 covers front axle halfshafts that may have been incorrectly assembled. Both were reported on 2018-07-26 and neither carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.

At what mileage do transmission problems typically appear on the 2018 Pacifica?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 15,000 miles.

Have transmission complaints led to crashes on the 2018 Pacifica?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2018 Pacifica includes 4 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.

Does the transmission recall fix require replacement?

Under recall 18V492000, dealers replace the transmission free of charge. Under 18V493000, dealers replace the affected left or right halfshaft assembly free of charge.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 155 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 18% of all 874 complaints that year. Median mileage at failure was 15,000 miles, and Chrysler issued two related recalls covering a transmission weld defect and incorrectly assembled front axle halfshafts.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 155; 18% of 874
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 1
Median mileage: 15,000 mi
Related recalls: 2

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Vehicle unexpectedly shifts into what feels like neutral at low speed, with RPMs spiking before the transmission suddenly re-engages and jerks the car forward.
Some drivers report the gear selector will not move out of park, paired with an illuminated engine warning light.
Owners describe hesitation or lag between pressing the accelerator and the transmission responding, especially on hills or highways, sometimes with the cruise control surging on its own.
Several complaints describe the vehicle moving in the opposite direction of the selected gear, including moving backward after shifting from reverse to drive, in some cases leading to a crash.
One owner reported a loss of electrical power that caused the transmission, power steering, and ABS to fail before the vehicle shut off.
A stop/start system reportedly failed to automatically restart the engine at a stop, requiring the driver to shift back to park and restart manually.

When 2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 30, 2017, latest Sep 14, 2026.

155 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2017 Q4 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q1 (11).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

NHTSA 18V492000Jul 26, 2018Transmission & Powertrain5 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.
NHTSA 18V493000Jul 26, 2018Transmission & Powertrain61 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.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Pacifica model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20161 (50%)
2017468 (31%)
2018155 (18%)
201973 (23%)
202038 (22%)
2021119 (32%)
202272 (34%)
202341 (27%)
202411 (26%)
20253 (11%)

Frequently asked questions

How many transmission complaints does NHTSA have for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?: NHTSA lists 155 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2018 Pacifica, which is 18% of the 874 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a transmission recall for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?: Yes. Recall 18V492000 covers a transmission component that may not have been properly welded, and recall 18V493000 covers front axle halfshafts that may have been incorrectly assembled. Both were reported on 2018-07-26 and neither carries a do-not-drive or park-outside warning.
At what mileage do transmission problems typically appear on the 2018 Pacifica?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 15,000 miles.
Have transmission complaints led to crashes on the 2018 Pacifica?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2018 Pacifica includes 4 crashes and 1 injury, with no fires reported.
Does the transmission recall fix require replacement?: Under recall 18V492000, dealers replace the transmission free of charge. Under 18V493000, dealers replace the affected left or right halfshaft assembly free of charge.