2018 Chrysler Pacifica

Showing the 2018 Pacifica Touring L Plus. NHTSA's VIN data shows it with a 3.6 L engine, but that may not be every version of it, so the numbers below cover every version of this model year. Every version

Owner complaints, recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings from public NHTSA and EPA data, updated Oct 17, 2026.

About every 2018 Pacifica

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica runs on gasoline and plug-in hybrid fuel. Owner complaints most cite the engine, with 440 of 1,104 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. It gets 22 to 32 mpg combined on gasoline and a 5-year fuel cost of $14,760 at U.S. average prices. NHTSA gives it 5 overall stars. There are 16 recall campaigns that may apply, covering accessories, hybrid system, electrical system, and others.

Written by AI from public EPA and NHTSA data. Not a review.

Fuel economy
22–32 mpgcombined; city 19–32, highway 28–33; every version of this model year; plug-in hybrid versions on gasoline, 84 MPGe on electricity
Five years of fuel
$14,760U.S. average; Ohio $13,190 at local prices; every version of this model year; fuel only, not other costs of owning it; 15,000 miles a year, at EIA fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026. Plug-in hybrid versions: $10,500, EPA's own estimate for plug-in hybrids: its national gasoline and electricity prices and the share of miles it expects on electricity; not priced for any state
NHTSA overall safety rating
5 starslowest across the versions NHTSA tested
Recall campaigns
16over its history; check a VIN for open ones
Owner complaints
1,104filed with NHTSA; not adjusted for sales

Trims

NHTSA's VIN data lists these trims for the 2018 Pacifica. A trim's engine and numbers are shown as its own only where EPA names versions after the trim and no other version could be it; "seen with" means a source shows that engine on the trim, not that it was the only one. Recalls and complaints cover the whole model year: whether a recall applies to a car depends on its VIN, on NHTSA's recall lookup.

Problems owners report

Owners have filed 1,104 complaints with NHTSA about the 2018 Pacifica. These are unverified owner reports, counted by the part of the car they name; one complaint can name several parts. Counts aren't adjusted for how many were sold, so they don't show how reliable a car is.

Complaints by part of the car
PartComplaintsCrashesFiresInjuries
Engine4405132
Electrical system37112127
Power train195511
Steering189802
Unknown or other146361
Hybrid propulsion system77000
Fuel/propulsion system66060
Vehicle speed control48401
Electronic stability control (ESC)41200
Service brakes38711
Suspension26100
Structure24213
16 more parts
Forward collision avoidance21201
Seats13000
Air bags9615
Lane departure9110
Back over prevention8000
Wheels8100
Equipment5000
Exterior lighting5100
Visibility/wiper5000
Engine and engine cooling4000
Latches/locks/linkages4000
Seat belts4001
Tires2000
Visibility2000
Chest clip, buckle, harness1000
Parking brake1000

Complaints by model year

Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, and counts aren't adjusted for sales, so a shorter bar doesn't mean a more reliable year.

  1. 2006726
  2. 2007380
  3. 2008102
  4. 20171,611
  5. 20181,104
  6. 2019360
  7. 2020229
  8. 2021401
  9. 2022332
  10. 2023195
  11. 202472
  12. 202530
  13. 202611

Every Pacifica year side by side

Recalls

NHTSA lists 16 recall campaigns for the 2018 Pacifica over its history. Campaigns are matched by model and year, so each one may apply to a given car, and its repair may already be done: check a VIN on NHTSA's recall lookup for the open recalls on that exact car.

Equipment adaptive/mobility: wheelchair restraints/securement

NHTSA campaign 25V876000 · reported Dec 17, 2025 · 86 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 24V536000 · reported Jul 18, 2024 · 15,910 vehicles potentially affected

Park outside

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: wiring; Hybrid propulsion system: inverter

NHTSA campaign 23V010000 · reported Jan 17, 2023 · 67,117 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 22V077000 · reported Feb 11, 2022 · 16,741 vehicles potentially affected

Park outside

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery; Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 20V334000 · reported Jun 9, 2020 · 23,079 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Back over prevention: sensing system; Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 19V886000 · reported Dec 12, 2019 · 20,441 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery

NHTSA campaign 19V348000 · reported May 9, 2019 · 198,731 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.

Risk: A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V53.

NHTSA's record and documents

Suspension: front

NHTSA campaign 19V143000 · reported Feb 28, 2019 · 47,771 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.

Risk: A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.

NHTSA's record and documents

Engine and engine cooling: exhaust system; Hybrid propulsion system

NHTSA campaign 18V740000 · reported Oct 19, 2018 · 10,260 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). After the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas-fueled engine may not restart properly resulting in unburned fuel entering the exhaust catalyst.

Risk: The improperly started engine could result in a loss of motive power increasing the risk of a crash or the unburned fuel in the catalyst may ignite increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy: FCA will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain controller module software, and inspect and replace the catalytic converter as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U94.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: wiring

NHTSA campaign 18V524000 · reported Aug 9, 2018 · 12,779 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Risk: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

NHTSA's record and documents

Power train: automatic transmission

NHTSA campaign 18V492000 · reported Jul 26, 2018 · 5 vehicles potentially affected

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's record and documents

Power train: axle assembly

NHTSA campaign 18V493000 · reported Jul 26, 2018 · 61 vehicles potentially affected

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.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: ignition; Equipment: electrical

NHTSA campaign 18V395000 · reported Jun 14, 2018 · 240,242 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Risk: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.

NHTSA's record and documents

Electrical system: software; Electrical system: wiring; Vehicle speed control: cruise control

NHTSA campaign 18V332000 · reported May 17, 2018 · 4,815,661 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

NHTSA's record and documents

Equipment

NHTSA campaign 17V824000 · reported Dec 21, 2017 · 61,791 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Risk: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

NHTSA's record and documents

Seat belts: rear/other

NHTSA campaign 17V542000 · reported Aug 31, 2017 · 47,927 vehicles potentially affected

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.

Risk: Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.

NHTSA's record and documents

Service bulletins and investigations

Carmakers sent NHTSA 491 service bulletins and notices that cover the 2018 Pacifica, the latest on Sep 8, 2026. They tell dealers how to fix known issues.

The parts they mention most: electrical system (173), equipment (130), structure (80), power train (56), engine and engine cooling (37).

NHTSA defect investigations

Opening an investigation isn't a finding of a defect. Outcomes are as NHTSA's summary states them. A recall is shown as an investigation's outcome only where NHTSA's summary names it; other recalls NHTSA's file lists with it are marked as listed, not caused.

InvestigationPartOpenedStatus
Preliminary evaluation PE25009
Intermittent Loss of Electric Power Steering
SteeringSep 5, 2025Open
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE24028
Electrical arcing and thermal events, potentially leading to fires, while utilizing Enel X Way USA, LLC's JuiceBox residential charger. · covers 5 makes
EquipmentOct 3, 2024Closed Jun 5, 2025
NHTSA's record and documents
Recall query RQ24004
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
Electrical systemFeb 27, 2024Open
NHTSA's summary names recall 23V010000
NHTSA's record and documents
Recall query RQ24001
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
Electrical systemJan 16, 2024Open
NHTSA's summary names recall 22V077000
NHTSA's record and documents
Defect petition DP22005
Pedestrian alert sounds · covers 43 makes
Electrical systemJan 27, 2023Closed Aug 7, 2023
Petition withdrawn
NHTSA's record and documents
Preliminary evaluation PE22008
Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power
Power trainJul 22, 2022Closed Mar 27, 2024
NHTSA's summary names recall 23V010000
NHTSA's record and documents

Maintenance

Oil

The owner's manual gives the oil and how often to change it. We show oil facts only once we've checked them against the manual, and we haven't yet for the 2018 Pacifica.

Oil change near you: Jiffy Lube · Take 5

Used ones for sale

See used 2018 Chrysler Pacificas for sale on: Autotrader · CarMax

These are searches on those sites; we don't copy or check their listings. Your ZIP is used for these links and never kept.

Specs

EPA class: minivan. EPA greenhouse gas score: 4–10 out of 10. Each version EPA tested:

VersionEngineTransmissionFuelCity / hwy / comb
Pacifica
Front-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cylAutomatic 9-spdRegular Gasoline19 / 28 / 22
Pacifica Hybrid
Front-Wheel Drive
3.6 L, 6 cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Regular Gasoline or Electricity
33 miles on electricity, 570 miles in all
32 / 33 / 32 on gasoline
84 MPGe on electricity

Sources and dates

Fuel cost: EPA mpg with fuel prices for the week of Oct 12, 2026 and electricity prices for Jul 2026. Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration (Oct 2026). Complaints are unverified reports owners filed with NHTSA. About the data