What 816 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

I purchased a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.6L V6 F DOHC 24V engine in October 2025. The van had 97,000 miles. Shortly after I purchased it I noticed the engine had a rough idled. It now has 107,000 miles and the rough engine has continued to get worse. What I noticed is when I first started it the engine was rough and vibrated. Once I started driving it was not as noticeable. I decided to take it to a mechanic to see what the issue was. I thought it could be electrical. Before I could get it to the mechanic it would not start. I had it towed to the dealership I bought it from and the y confirmed that it is the head gasket. They told me they would approach Chrysler to see if they would help with the repairs, they said NO. The dealer did offer to bear part of the cost of the $4,000+ cost for the repairs. I do not understand how reputable company can manufacture a product that obviously has a flaw and deny support. I understand that their warranty is limited by time and distance. But from what I have read from the MANY complaints on the particular engine from 2018 it appears the issue arrises at 90,000 to 110,000 miles.

NHTSA ODI 11748563

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. At approximately 81,600 miles, the vehicle developed a check engine light and a Cylinder 5 misfire (P0305). The vehicle began exhibiting hard starts, rough engine operation during cold starts, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant loss with no obvious external leak. An independent repair facility initially diagnosed the vehicle and found evidence suggesting coolant intrusion into Cylinder 5. The vehicle was then inspected by a Chrysler dealership. The dealership confirmed that coolant was present inside Cylinder 5 using a borescope inspection. The dealership recommended replacement of the cylinder head gasket. The safety concern is that the failure developed with little warning other than a check engine light and intermittent rough operation. The engine misfires on startup and can run rough, which could result in reduced power, hesitation, stalling, or loss of acceleration while operating the vehicle. The vehicle also consumes coolant internally, which may lead to engine overheating or further engine damage if not detected quickly. During my research, I found numerous reports from other owners describing similar coolant intrusion, head gasket failures, and Cylinder 5 misfires in Chrysler vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. Despite the apparent frequency of these complaints, I am not aware of any recall addressing this issue. In my case, the repair estimate is approximately $5,000 for head gasket replacement. I am submitting this report because coolant intrusion into a combustion cylinder can create a significant safety concern due to engine misfires, loss of performance, and the potential for engine failure while driving. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether a defect exists affecting other vehicles with this engine.

NHTSA ODI 11747754

STICKING STREERING WHEEL AT ABOUT 11:00AND 1:00 OCLOCK ON HIWAY

NHTSA ODI 11747079

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with approximately 79,000 miles. The check engine light illuminated, so I had the vehicle scanned at an auto parts store. The diagnostic code indicated a cylinder 3 misfire. After leaving the store, the vehicle quickly began displaying overheating warnings. The overheating occurred suddenly, and the vehicle had been driven very little after the check engine light first came on. Because of the overheating, I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The shop initially repaired the vehicle and tested for misfires but reported that they found no remaining issues. However, immediately after leaving the shop, the check engine light returned with the same cylinder 3 misfire code. The vehicle was returned to the repair shop for further diagnosis. After additional inspection, the shop determined that the engine had a blown head gasket. This resulted in major engine damage and the possibility of a complete engine replacement despite the vehicle having only 79,000 miles. I am submitting this complaint because the engine failure occurred unexpectedly and without warning other than the check engine light. The rapid progression from a misfire to severe overheating created a potential safety hazard due to the risk of sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. I believe this premature engine failure may indicate a defect affecting other 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11746871

Our 2018 Pacifica has had problems similar to what many others have described in the ongoing NHTSA Investigation (PE25009), but recently while driving highway speeds around a curve the steering failed to respond briefly which caused us to drift towards the oncoming lane before the steering started to respond. We stopped at a Pep Boys repair shop and had them to inspect the steering components but they were uncertain of the cause. I was a certified mechanic many years ago as a young man, and this is the most serious safety problem I've ever experienced. Even when this steering problem is brief it can be enough to cause a driver to oversteer and lose control as the steering delay catches up to a driver's input. The possibility of crossing into oncoming traffic is frightening to say the least, so YES it put my family and others safety at risk! There haven't been any warning lights. I suspect it is the rack & pinion system since it has an electric motor rather than a power steering pump. If it's due to the electric motor there should be a warning lamp that lets the driver know if it's failing.

NHTSA ODI 11746931

BLOWN HEAD GASKET

NHTSA ODI 11746750

Vibration at low speed when turning. hangs in position during turning creating safety issue because the steering wheel needs to be yanked in the opposite direction. steering wheel locks in position at speed unable to turn at all. entire front end has been preplaced except for rack and pinion / electronic steering box happens every time the vehicle is driven

NHTSA ODI 11745930

The steering sticks when making gradual turns on the highway almost like it gets stuck

NHTSA ODI 11745671

2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3.6L V6 engine had a check engine light turn. At same time a vibration started, which was most noticable when the car was in idle. Also, a foggy exhaust started at the same time. No temperature or other warnings were occuring. After driving it to the repair facility the car was not able to be turned on. The findings are that there is a headgasket leak and radiator failure that resulted in coolant entering into the cylinder. That resulted in either hydrolock or engine overheating, causing engine failure. Again no temperature warning or other indication of a major issue was provided. The likely repair is a full engine and radiator replacement. It appears that many other Chrysler Pacifica vehicles have reported similar issues with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. No recall is currently available for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for this issue, however, it looks like the older versions (~2011-2013) have had a recall for similar issues. I have reached out to Chrysler Corporate and requested support on this repair.

NHTSA ODI 11745408

My Pacifica has a "sticking" or "catching" sensation, especially during gradual highway turns. I feel this is very dangerous and risks my safety and the safety of others on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11745412

6/11/2026 merged onto busy highway vehicle was going approximately 45 mph sudden red warning light popped up to pull the car over safely. Vehicle will shut off. There was nowhere for me to pull over and the vehicle immediately shut off attempted to restart several times over the next 15 minutes, unable to restart nothing no power whatsoever called for a tow truck 40 minutes later due to the children in the car tow truck was not able to tow asked me to try and start again which I did and it started right up. He followed me to the Chrysler service department where my vehicle has remained since they tell me they can’t duplicate it nor can they find a code that I will have to wait for it to happen again and hopefully a code will pop up that they can fix. Spoke to Chrysler corporatio customer service and then called the dealership. They told her the same thing they couldn’t duplicate nothing they can do. She had no options for me other than to ask them to keep having them drive it until they come up with something , customer service did look it up and states that there is a probable transmission electrical wire issue that caused that to happen. I have requested a full transmission scan as recommended bycomputer forum , but so far no response. I have 2 twelve month old babies and a disabled son that are with me in the vehicle. I cant be caught in that kind of a traffic incident that puts their life as well as other vehicles in danger from collision 06/17/2026

NHTSA ODI 11744820

My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica suddenly had the AC unit blowing hot air at ~82k miles and 8-years of life. The unit died and as a family vehicle at the start of summer, I'm unable to carry my young children in it in the heat safely as it blows hot air regardless of the specified temp. Took it in for analysis and they found the AC Compressor was the culprit and apparently this is a known issue at Chrysler. I phoned to ask for a good will repair and was told that they can only offer technical assistance to a dealership on such issues. I ultimately decided to file my complaint here.

NHTSA ODI 11744874

This is related to the 23V-010 / XE1 recall and extended warranty for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. The manufacturer is refusing the recall remedy because the catastrophic nature of the failure (transmission rupture) makes it impossible for the dealer to pull diagnostic codes. This creates an impossible standard for the consumer and effectively nullifies a federal safety recall. On XXX, I brought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited to D’Ambrosio Service in Downingtown, PA.  I reported that the car was making a sound during acceleration. On April 16, I was advised that the noise was the rubbing of the heat shield which was reportedly adjusted and tested that the noise was gone.  On April 19 I sent a message to D’Ambrosio that the noise remained however I never received a response.  I believe that the noise was misdiagnosed and was actually warning signs of an imminent transmission failure.   On XXX, while driving, my wife and I heard a pop, saw smoke pouring out the back and immediately pulled over to discover a large amount of fluid spilling out of the bottom of the vehicle.  The vehicle was towed to D’Ambrosio service in [XXX] where it has remained unaddressed until June 10. On XXX I received a phone call from D’Ambrosio that the vehicle transmission had a hole in it (quote from service advisor "internal failure of the transmission, which has caused components to puncture the casing") and would need to be replaced at my cost.   When I inquired about the XE1 warranty extension, I was told that the lack of diagnostic codes didn’t justify the warranty.  I then asked that the issue be escalated INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11744207

Car has 110k on it with regular documented maintenance. The head gasket is blown and requires new engine.

NHTSA ODI 11744235

The engine head gasket prematurely failed at 90,000 miles with excellent service / maintenance history.

NHTSA ODI 11742274

The steering wheel gets stuck when doing gentle turns at moderate speeds (30-50mph). This is a safety issue because you have to fight hard to return the steering to neutral, leading to the possible to overcorrect. The problem seems to get worse when the vehicle is hotter, or after driving for several minutes. The problem has happened for several years and is getting worse and more frequent. Changing brakes and tires has not fixed it. The dealer has been unable to diagnose and fix it and I have paid for several diagnoses out of pocket now.

NHTSA ODI 11741429

When we are driving around small curves as well as straight, the steering locks up. I am reporting as I was told to because this happens in all of these vehicles. If I move the wheel a little bit it comes out of it. This is our main vehicle and it just did it on the interstate going 80. It is a complete safety concern and extremely dangerous to be dealing with it especially when you have your children with you. It has been doing it since I had gotten the car back in March and it is making me nervous

NHTSA ODI 11741144

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at an undisclosed speed on the highway, the vehicle suddenly veered to the left on its own. The contact continued driving for a short distance before the vehicle pulled hard to the left a second time. The contact pulled over safely and contacted law enforcement, and the vehicle was subsequently escorted off the highway. The contact then observed multiple warning indicators illuminated on the instrument cluster panel, including the power steering warning light, but could not recall the remaining indicators. The contact referenced NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V348000 (Electrical System) to be the cause of the incident however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was towed to a independent where it was diagnosed to have a loss of communication Mod A. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,303.

NHTSA ODI 11740677

Odometer 66466. Hybrid battery charge level 100%. When starting the vehicle the issue started with the transmission shifter knob stuck in gear Park. After turning off and on a few times, the transmission shifter knob would shift into Reverse. I then drove it to a dealer service for repair. During the drive several dash warning messages appeared. Also, the blind spot warning system did not function and the backup camera did not function. Dash warning messages while driving to dealer service: Parking Brake, TPS, Service Electronic Stability Control, engine, Red wrench, amber throttle, Brake, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. stability control, Blind Spot Alert, Arrived at dealer, kept engine on, brought service tech rep to vehicle and demonstrated the issue while in service bay. Mileage 66474. Last message I saw, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. Friday, April 10 2026. The vehicle was in the shop for Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System just 750 miles previous to this system failure. Dealer is unable to fix problem. Hybrid System still under warranty. Hybrid battery replaced last year, 12 volt battery replaced twice after. Vehicle is beyond unreliable, there is significant risk of failure at any time.

NHTSA ODI 11740295

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The alternator snap off while driving on the highway. The snap was clean all bolts are still in the engine block. While driving all kinds of dashboard lights and overheating indicators turned on. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This happens with warning or actions prior to the alternator falling out of the while driving. This put me at-risk of crash and endangering anyone on board, leaving me and family stranded on yhe highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Similar post online with same issues found. Dealer want 80% of the car value to repair and wont help. They recommend changing a cylinder head. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Chryslerbdealer ship inspected. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No signs or symptoms. After the alternator drop off, many issues arise. None prior.

NHTSA ODI 11740431

2018 Chrysler Pacifica exhibits severe 'sticky' and binding steering at highway speeds (70+ mph). When maintaining a straight line or slight left curve, the steering wheel notches and resists physical effort when trying to turn back to the right. Correcting the vehicle requires sudden, excessive force to break the electronic resistance, causing a jerky movement that risks overcorrection and loss of vehicle control. This is a severe, intermittent tracking and safety hazard under the ongoing NHTSA EPS gear investigation.

NHTSA ODI 11740453

Sticking steering during gradual turning from 30-70mph.

NHTSA ODI 11739710

Positions during small steering corrections, especially at highway speeds and during straight-line driving. Condition feels like temporary increased steering effort or intermittent reduction of electric power steering assist. Additional force is required to move the steering wheel past the sticking point 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock. Once resistance releases, steering may suddenly move farther than intended, causing brief overcorrection or oversteer. Issue occurs repeatedly during lane correction maneuvers and creates a safety concern because steering input is not smooth, consistent, or predictable. Problem appears to be worsening over time. No warning lights were present when symptom occurred. Vehicle mileage at onset: 80,000. Current mileage: 82,500. This complaint appears related to NHTSA investigation PE25009 involving sticky steering and increased steering effort in 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

NHTSA ODI 11739480

The manufacturer's mandatory 73B Safety Recall update (Vehicle Fires) creates a critical software-induced communication failure on the central vehicle network. Following the 73B flash, the vehicle developed an Active SGW U0001-00 CAN C Bus network fault, which permanently blocks data transmission and triggers an HCP U0412 hybrid battery fault. This network crash disables the hybrid propulsion systems, creating an unpredictable and hazardous driving condition. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and its authorized dealer (Seattle Jeep) are refusing to remedy this safety recall side effect under the vehicle's Hybrid Powertrain Warranty, instead forcing consumers to pay out-of-pocket diagnostic fees ($284.67) and multi-module software update fees ($812.50) to correct a defect injected by the recall software itself. This directly compromises vehicle safety and violates federal recall remedy mandates.

NHTSA ODI 11739052

The A! Sign comes on to immediately stop because the van will shut off.

NHTSA ODI 11739132