Redefining versatility in its class with its powertrain options, the Chrysler Pacifica ranks highly in the minivan segment. It serves the purpose of both a family hauler and can also be used to transport cargo. While its functionality remains unquestioned, its performance in terms of reliability is shambolic. Even for a vehicle that manages to sell over 100,000 units, the minivan’s 650 complaints do not paint a dependable picture. The 2018 Pacifica recalls list is not constricted and the vehicle has been called back 10 times. While the majority of its problems are electric and mechanical in nature, the vehicle suffers from several other minor niggles. So, even with worrying figures, can the American option compete against the likes of the Kia Sedona, the Honda Odyssey, and the Dodge Grand Caravan.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica User Complaints and Problems
Structural Complaints
- Improper functioning of locking system and latches: Buyers of the 2018 Pacifica have reported the sliding doors opening and closing without any input from the driver. Additionally, the structural complaints are also concerned with the hood and tailgate, which unlatch independently. In both conditions, where the vehicle is in motion or parked, these situations increase the risk of an injury.
- Shattering of sunroof and windows: Without impact or incidence, buyers of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have also reported the shattering of windows and the sunroof.
Mechanical Complaints
- Blown head gasket: Among the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica issues, buyers have reported the engine vibrating excessively, showing warning lights, and stalling in some cases. Where an inspection was conducted, a blown head gasket due to a coolant leak was attributed as the cause of the problem. In one known case, a complainant had to replace their vehicle’s engine because of the damage.
- Vehicle loses power: In the list of Chrysler Pacifica common problems, some buyers have also reported the engine losing its power, inadvertently. As a result, the vehicle fails to accelerate, despite the pedal being pressed. In a few cases, when the minivan loses power, complainants have noted warning messages like “Shift to Park” being displayed on the information screen.
- Issues with the transmission unit: The problem of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica shifting hard is a common recurrence. In several cases, complainants have reported the transmission to roughly shift from one gear to another. This issue was also prevalent in the debut iteration of the current generation.
- Sporadic noise from the suspension unit: Buyers of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have also reported the vehicle to make a loud noise when in motion. In most cases, a damaged front axle and lower control arms were required to be replaced.
- Fire in the engine compartment: In a handful of cases, buyers of the Chrysler Pacifica have reported a fire in the minivan’s engine compartment. While there has been no official confirmation of an injury or fatality, the constant recurrence of such an issue in a high-volume sales product is a cause of concern.
Electric System Complaints
- Malfunctioning Forward-Collision Avoidance System: The Forward-Collision Avoidance System fails to identify a threat and alert the driver of an impending crash. In another case, it has also falsely identified the risk of a crash and activated the emergency braking system.
- Problem with the infotainment system: Users of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan have also reported the infotainment screen functioning erratically. In a couple of instances, buyers have reported the touchscreen unit losing its functionality and the radio system rebooting, when in operation.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Recalls
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. |
12th Dec 2019 |
19V886000 |
Malfunctioning rearview camera |
Due to an error in the software, the image from the rearview camera might continue to be displayed on the radio screen, even after the vehicle is shifted out of reverse. As a result, the vehicle fails to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. |
2. |
9th May 2019 |
18V348000 |
Loss of power steering or stalling of the engine |
Due to a loose battery ground connection, the engine might stall or the power steering might fail. |
Dealers will inspect the ground surface, clean the contact surface, and reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. |
3. |
28th Feb 2019 |
19V143000 |
Detachment of control arm |
The right front control arm may detach from the steering knuckle. |
Upon inspection, dealers will replace the damaged components, free of charge. |
4. |
9th Aug 2018 |
18V524000 |
Possible engine stall |
Due to the failure of the voltage regulator in the circuit board, the vehicle might stall or not start in some cases. |
Dealers will replace the power control module (PCM), free of charge. |
5. |
26th July 2018 |
18V492000 |
Loss of drive from incomplete transmission weld |
Due to the improper welding of a component, the transmission unit might not transfer power to the engine and wheels. |
Dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. |
6. |
26th July 2018 |
18V493000 |
Improper assembly of axle shafts |
Due to the improper assembly of the front axle shafts, which may cause it to lose contact with the CV joint. Consequently, it may cause the vehicle to stall, increasing the risk of a crash. |
Dealers will replace the left and right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. |
7. |
14th June 2018 |
18V395000 |
Unintended vehicle movement |
The Manual Park Release plug may be removed without a tool. As a result, the affected units fail to comply with federal laws. |
Dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. |
8. |
27th May 2018 |
18V332000 |
Cruise control might not disengage |
In numerous vehicles of the Fiat Chrysler Group including the Chrysler Pacifica, the cruise control might not get disengaged, increasing the chances of a crash. |
Dealers will inspect the software and perform a software flash on the engine control module, free of charge. |
9. |
21st Dec 2017 |
17V824000 |
Clogged fire extinguisher |
A clogged fire extinguisher might be inoperable in case of a fire. Additionally, in some cases, the valve might separate from the nozzle. |
Owners can contact Kidde for the replacement of the fire extinguisher. |
10. |
31st Aug 2017 |
17V542000 |
Unlatched second-row left seat belt |
The second-row center seating position seat belt buckle might cause the left seat belt to unlatch, increasing the chance of an injury in a crash. |
Dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. |
Should you buy the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
For us, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is not an enticing option. While it has the guile to compete against revered brands, its reliability disrupts its ascendancy in the segment. The minivan has several complaints to its name and most of its concerns are rather widespread and rampant. Moreover, it has been called back excessively, which results in the vehicle spending more time in a warehouse than on the road. So, if you are in the market to buy a minivan, the 2018 Kia Sedona provides the best bang for the buck.