10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
5 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
2 / 0
Average Mileage:
8,307 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

engine problem

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2018 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 5 of 16)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #230

Sep 202023

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

At 34k miles I-??m being told the head gasket needs to be replaced and the car is out of warranty. This is unacceptable and refuse to pay the amount to fix for a vehicle that has that low of mileage. Coolant leaking with no visible leakage. Engine overheated on freeway with no explanation.

- Macomb , MI, USA

problem #229

Nov 302023

Pacifica

  • miles
In Oct 2023 we purchased this van from a used dealership. Well now it sits at a Dodge dealership torn apart waiting on a new engine. It all started when my wife and kids were driving down the road in the middle of winter with no heat (safety issue especially in Wisconsin this time of year) so I took a look at coolant and noticed the coolant reservoir was empty. (Usually a leak somewhere obviously) nothing was on the ground, so time to assume internal leak. Well same day I get a cylinder 5 miss fire code. So I take vehicle into Dodge and they originally diagnosed as head gasket but when they took it apart they found the crack in the block. Now the vehicle had never overheated while we owned it we made sure of it. The story gets deep at this point there is evidence that someone before Dodge had this engine apart as they used RTV and reused the old gaskets ( probably cause they found the crack in the block) but now my wife and I sit with out the vehicle we bought 3 months earlier for 20k being told it's going to cost us 12k to replace engine. Now my complaint is why did this engine fail at 100,000? This is ridiculous. This is supposably a family vehicle and you are putting my family in danger. Dodge should let ok at this complaint seriously as I was reading hundreds of similar statements from other customers with 2018 Chrysler Pacifica 3.6L engine. There are most likely thousands of vehicles with this same issue as I'm on a waiting list to get an engine. So not only do I have to pay thousands to get my 3 month of ownership van back running but now I have to wait possibly months for a new engine.

- Montello, WI, USA

problem #228

Jan 112024

Pacifica

  • miles
Misfire on engine that was cause stall and later on could caused over heating. This is a known issue for this manufacture and needs be resolved before someone is hurt or killed Code was p303 and now I need 1000's in repairs out of my pocket Right now believe to be head gasket but damage could be worse. Yall need to google this issue for yourselves and help protect lives

- Utica, KY, USA

problem #227

Dec 302023

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

My vehicle lost the ability to accelerate when driving on a busy two-lane street. I was able to coast to the side of the road, but the vehicle would not move forward or backward even though the engine was running. This was the fifth time this condition has occurred, and I had the 03A Loss of Motive Power recall service performed during Summer 2023. The vehicle had to be towed - luckily nobody was directly behind us so an accident did not occur. The vehicle is currently being evaluated by the dealership for further repair. The check engine light is illuminated, but no other warning lights are illuminated at this time.

- Lakewood, OH, USA

problem #226

Dec 092022

Pacifica

  • miles
Last year, a head gasket failed causing coolant to leak into the cylinder head that resulted in misfires and overheating. This resulted in engine block failure and a required a total engine replacement.

- Hoover, AL, USA

problem #225

Nov 132023

Pacifica

  • miles
Blown head casket at only 64000 miles. Engine light on and antifreeze I-??m told is leaking now. No warranty or recall with the 2018 Pacifica but there is for the same issue with the 2017.

- Hampstead, NH, USA

problem #224

Nov 012023

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

oticed that the CEL had come on, and after reading the codes, I found out that there was a cylinder 5 misfire. To fix the issue, I decided to replace all the spark plugs and ignition coils, and after putting everything back together, I erased the codes. However, the following day, the same code appeared again, and I realized that the coolant level in the reservoir was low. I performed a pressure test on the system and ran it to temperature, but there were no coolant leaks. While the car was running, I observed bubbles in the reservoir, and these signs pointed towards a blown head gasket. After checking online for Pacifica common issues, I found out that head gasket failure is one of the main complaints. As a mechanic with 13 years of experience, I know that these symptoms indicate a blown head gasket. Unfortunately, due to this issue, I had to leave work twice as my wife and four kids were stranded 30 minutes away from the house. This is not acceptable, and I've never had a vehicle blow a head gasket before.

- Rialto, CA, USA

problem #223

Oct 232023

Pacifica

  • miles
After radiator was replaced by the dealership, our car has been experiencing coolant leaks that we have -??repaired-?? twice, however the issue keeps coming back within the week. We are also experiencing stalled engine will driving, where the car just slows down instantly or stops.

- Columbia, SC, USA

problem #222

Sep 152023

Pacifica

  • 83,538 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine temperature gauge displayed that the engine was overheating. The contact drove the vehicle to a safe location and waited for the engine to cool down. The contact was able to drive the vehicle to the residence. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The contact was informed that the head gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was currently being repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and agreed to supply the parts needed for the repair. The failure mileage was approximately 83,538.

- North Highland, CA, USA

problem #221

Nov 182019

Pacifica

  • 46,000 miles
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the main battery and the auxiliary battery had been replaced on multiple occasions. The dealer had not yet determined the cause of the failure. The contact stated that the frequent battery failures caused the vehicle to stall while driving at various speeds with the battery and check engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle was diagnosed with a cylinder #3 misfire. Also, the contact mentioned that the vehicle would jerk forward upon depression of the accelerator pedal without warning. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a diagnostic test; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 46,000.

- De Berry, TX, USA

problem #220

Oct 042023

Pacifica

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Failed cylinder head (misfire p0304). Need to have engine rebuilt or replaced. Also had oil cooler failure, losing coolant and oil. 71k miles, just over the 60k power train warranty. Need dealer to help fix but they are booked for next 3 months. Car initially cut out on the road in traffic after auto start stop, was scary and safety risk with family including kids onboard. Confirmed with independent mechanic, but also going to dealer as it is specialty work for that engine.

- Whitehouse Ststion, NJ, USA

problem #219

May 222023

Pacifica

  • miles
Coolant leaking into cylinder 4 causing a misfire and engine overheating resulting in blown head gasket. Vehicle had only 50K miles at the time; however problem was not diagnosed until just after 5 year mark (powertrain warranty expiration).

- Edmond, OK, USA

problem #218

Aug 292023

Pacifica

  • miles
At around 84000 miles the engine light came on and the van started spattering and when you start it. The first place I took it to said it was cylinder 6 was misfiring and they replaced the coil and spark plug. The van check engine light came back on and it started to overheat so we took it back in and the coolant was empty. They refilled it and I got it into the dealership and they found that it was the head gasket so they placed it. Upon picking it up the check engine light came back on and they replaced a cam shaft sensor.

- Mechanicsburg, PA, USA

problem #217

Sep 152023

Pacifica

  • miles
We could not locate an active coolant leak for almost two months (brought to several mechanics.) Added dye to the coolant and it showed in the oil. Waited over a month for an appointment with the dealership and was finally told that it was a bad Head/Head Gasket, Oil pump and would also need a new catalytic converter etc.... It is apparent from the chrysler forums that this is a VERY common problem. #5 cylinder, bad coolant channel design leading to engine failure. Even the mechanic at the dealership said (ON VIDEO) that this was a common issue. Chrysler is WELL aware of the issue but refuses to redesign or assist customers when the failure occurs. This is CLEARLY a safety issue that begs for a recall.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #216

Aug 242023

Pacifica

  • miles
Engine sputtering, engine light came on P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. Light would come on and off every couple of days. Diagnosed with a blown head gasket at ~51,000 miles.

- Snohomish, WA, USA

problem #215

Aug 112023

Pacifica

  • miles
My van experienced sudden misfiring when I tried to start it. To address the issue, I took the van to the Chrysler dealership in Buford, GA. After their assessment, they informed me that cylinder 3 had a crack, and it necessitated the replacement of the entire engine. They provided a quote for this repair, which amounted to $13,000. I've been diligent in maintaining my van, regularly checking the oil levels, and there were no warning signs or indicator lights until the check engine light came on when the misfiring issue began. It's worth noting that my van only has 81,000 miles on it. While researching this problem, I came across a forum where numerous individuals shared similar experiences, indicating that this kind of catastrophic engine failure shouldn't be so common. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Flowery Branch, GA, USA

problem #214

Jul 082023

Pacifica

  • miles
We began having major issues with our van in October 2022. There were numerous incidents of loss of power and sudden increase in temperature gage. We kept fluids checked. Kept oil changed on time. We reported this to the dealership multiple times before they agreed to fix under warranty. Even after fixing factory recall (which we were charged for by the dealership) and then replacing batteries, we continued having issues with loss of power and surge in temperature gage. July 8th of 2023 engine light came on and temperature gage shot up, van stalled at the intersection. I had My self and FIVE kids in the car. This was accompanied by a sudden loss of fluids. We had the van taken to another repair shop who then told us the head gasket was blown. This happened just 4 miles after our warranty lapsed. We had to have the entire motor replaced out of pocket. More than $8,000 in repair costs so far and the van I still making noises and not driving correctly.

- Cedartown , GA, USA

problem #213

Aug 282023

Pacifica

  • miles
62000 miles on the vehicle. Bought used from Chrysler dealership with 55K miles. Check engine light came on after starting in morning, rough idling. Brought it to dealership and was diagnosed as cylinder-4 misfire. Dealership replaced spark plug and coil, switched fuel injectors. Drove away from dealership, week later engine light came on again. Went to the dealership, they performed a block test, confirmed 4th cylinder head needed to be replaced. This is an extremely common problem in 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacificas. This is a travesty and needs to be rectified.

- D'iberville, MS, USA

problem #212

Sep 052023

Pacifica

  • miles
Driving through a parking lot when the van said shift to park and completely shut off while moving. Lost power steering and acceleration. Car then would not restart. Husband came and we hooked to his battery and somehow it cranked and we got it home.

- Winnabow, NC, USA

problem #211

Aug 312023

Pacifica

  • miles
Our engine has stalled while driving the vehicle at least four times since July 1. The engine begins to shudder, and the car will not accelerate, and then the engine completely dies. After it happened today, it was not possible to restart the engine or put it in gear. My and my family's safety was put at risk because the vehicle was inoperable. Three times this happened on major interstates with traffic moving at high speeds. I had to move my children and their car seats into another vehicle while traffic passed. We have had the vehicle in for service at least three times, at least twice at Chrysler dealers. The problem has not been reproduced (yet) but this latest time it completely disabled the vehicle so expect they will see more of the problem now. After the engine cuts out, we get an electrical warning light that flashes briefly, plus a check engine light, and a message that instructs to move the gear shift to P to start the vehicle and another that warns that the Start/Stop system needs service. We have had these all serviced, the fuel pump and battery replaced, and have been told the problem is resolved and yet it keeps happening.

- Cleveland, OH, USA

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