2018 Chrysler Pacifica Complaints

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/21/2026

I was in a motor vehicle accident when my passenger side vehicle got t-boned on 3/22/26. My 2018 chrysler pacifica limited airbags failed to deploy and the driver and passenger sustained whiplash injuries.

AIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 05/01/2026

The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while attempting to park the vehicle in a parking lot, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the accelerator was inadvertently depressed, causing the vehicle to unintendedly accelerate. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle accelerated and crashed into the wall. After the vehicle crashed into the wall, there was an abnormal sound of air coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the sound was not coming from the radiator. Additionally, none of the air bags inside the vehicle had deployed during the crash. The contact and a passenger inside the vehicle sustained bruises in the crash from the seat belts. Medical attention was sought following the crash. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed from the scene and deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 54,000.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 02/06/2026

The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R) and reversing into a parking spot, it was difficult to accelerate over a patch of ice. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into a brick building and stopped. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the U-Connect phone feature disconnected independently. The failure had never occurred before. The contact stated that the U-Connect failure might have been linked to the unintended acceleration failure. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was not filed. The fence and a side of the brick building were damaged during the crash. The vehicle was initially towed to the residence before being towed to a Collision Center, where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the Insurance Provider. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 11/12/2025

Vehicle was put into reverse and did not stop, it hit a pole. Then the driver tried to put in drive to get it off of the pole and it accelerated quickly and the driver could not stop the vehicle. There was little time to react as it hit the side of a building and airbags deployed. Driver stated that the car accelerated on it's own once it was put into gear.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/03/2025

On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “Your car is on fire!” So we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going West also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 11/01/2024

The hybrid battery coolant heater (part 68443445AC) was confirmed a problem, however the dealership wont review ANY recalls on my vehicle until I pay $1700 to replace that part. However, there are MULTIPLE incidents online showing this is a problem with this vehicle and should be a recall as this is obviously defective within the first 150000 miles. My car has roughly 124K miles, making it just outside the warranty coverage. Shortly before this lamp warning (check engine) came on my steering wheel started "sticking" making it hard to steer in a curve, causing me to veer off the road. Within 7 days of this happening, is when my check engine light appeared, throwing code POE15. The heat now also takes much longer to warm up- like 30 minutes longer. The dealership said none of the issues are connected, however after online research I have determined that is not true.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 11/07/2024

There was a fire of unknown origin within the van. The fire was self extinguished and contained to the inside of the vehicle. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and it was found about 45 minutes after leaving the vehicle parked.

AIR BAGS — Filed 11/24/2023

We were traveling at approximately 45 miles per hour, slowed down around a bend in the road and hit an ice patch. The vehicle spun towards a truck stopped at a stop sign. We hit the driver's side of the truck with the driver's side of my vehicle. We continued to spin and hit the truck again with a side impact. and spun again after the second impact. The front airbags deployed but the over head side impact airbags did NOT deploy. My wife was driving and hit her head on the drivers side window resulting in a large contusion on her forehead. The only safety notice or recall information we had for this vehicle was concerning the electric start and ignition components with the batteries that left our vehicle stranded at one point, until we had that repaired. We never had any notice or alerts of any air bag deficiencies in the vehicle. The driver's side and driver's passenger side airbags should have deployed upon the impact. We had our two little girls 2yr and 9mo old, 12 yr old, myself, my wife and grandma in the vehicle. No one else was injured in the vehicle except my wife the driver, hitting her head on the side window.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 11/20/2023

Wiring for Air-Pump/Power Brake Booster caught fire, see attached image

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/11/2023

sliding door closed on my daughters hand even though the dealership claims the sensors work fine.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 03/27/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while parking, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond. The vehicle lunged forward and struck an unoccupied Honda Pilot. The vehicle lost power but restarted after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, police report or fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 67,084.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/02/2023

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while she was driving at approximately 35 MPH, she was involved in an accident after another vehicle t-boned her vehicle. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that she did not require medical attention; however, she sustained a mild concussion, a knee injury, and neck pain. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard by her insurance company. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 63,500.

STRUCTURE — Filed 10/19/2022

When I pushed the button on the handle to close the back sliding door, my 2 year old suddenly stuck his hand in front of where the door was shutting and the door did not stop. Thankfully I was able to push the button back open almost immediately but his hand bruised immediately. We applied ice and the swelling went down but it could have been much worse hadn't I opened the door back up right away. There should be a sensor that stops the door if something is in its way.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 10/08/2022

Power Steering is unavailable Stop/start is unavailable Wasn’t able to avoid an accident this morning from deer. Steering went out.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 10/03/2022

We were involved in a small fender bender accident, and the car caught on fire. It started with the dashboard, and it spread to the rest of the vehicle. The car ended up burnt to a crisp. Nothing salvageable.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE — Filed 04/09/2022

Minor Front end collision resulted in the vehicle bursting into flames. Completely engulfed and a total loss. The other vehicle drove away after the accident.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 12/14/2021

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? -- The car charging port caught fire AFTER the recall notice and after they stated the repairs had been made. The charging port and car charger fused together after the fire and both are not working now. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? -- The fire could have caused major damage, but it was parked outside so nobody was hurt. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? -- No. The dealer is trying to avoid responsibility and claims the problem was with my home charger instead of their vehicle, but the home charger I use has been used in multiple other vehicles without issue. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? -- Yes. I took it in to Chrysler - they did not look at my charger and are claiming its not their problem. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? -- Yes. Ever since the first recall notice for the charging port, after i took the car in, the "check Engine" light has been lit and won't turn off.

ENGINE — Filed 02/05/2022

2018 Pacifica Touring L Plus. Approximately 33,750 miles. Engine compartment fire. Cause UNKNOWN. Vehicle was parked with engine / ignition off and directly after a brief warm-up and approximate 5 mile drive. Returned to vehicle after approximately 10 minutes in store. Noticed odd, but faint smell and assumed was from adjacent, running vehicle. Started engine and reversed from parking spot. While proceeding to parking lot exit, smell became more pronounced and seemed electrical in nature. Quickly parked again at outer perimeter of adjacent store lot and away from other parked vehicles. Released hood latch, and exited vehicle. Lifted hood to find grey smoke throughout engine compartment and flames in lower LH (my right) engine compartment. Closed hood and removed my dog from vehicle while calling 911. Police and fire arrived in under 5 minutes. Fire department cut hood and grill to bypass latch and extinguished the fire. No injuries to report. The outcome could have easily been different, including loss of life, if the fire intensified while I was still in store. Loss of life, serious injury, and / or significant property damage if parked in garage, structure, or still surrounded by other vehicles. Fire contained within engine compartment. No functioning electrical. Windshield cracked & various front-end damage. Smoke in vehicle interior, ducting, and personal contents. Water damage from extinguishing. Insurance company deemed total loss and has possession of vehicle as of this report date. No previous indication, mechanical or electrical, prior to this incident. Purchased used with 28,398 miles on 6/30/2021 from a CDJR Dealership in Southeast Michigan. Police, fire, and insurance reports available.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 01/13/2022

Spontaneous fire originating under hood - unknown cause - possibly related to electrical or starting system as vehicle had difficulty starting a few minutes prior to the fire. Smoke began coming out from under hood while at stop light with engine running. Service auto stop start light was on, so was not active. Smoke then began coming into the cabin through air vents as vehicle left intersection, then flames started coming out from hood as vehicle pulled over. Driver egressed as flames spread. Fire department extinguished fire after it had damaged much of the vehicle and completely consumed the front end.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 09/18/2021

Vehicle caught on fire under the engine on the passenger side. It was contained within the engine compartment. I smelled smoke and thought it was from outside. Not seeing any haze outside I check my vehicle indications and all were normal. When I stopped to wait to make a left turn that’s when I saw the smoke and pulled over. Police and fire put out the flames. The car is currently in the shop being repaired and nobody can tell me why it happened but they are repairing it. I’m concerned for the safety of my family.

STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 11/21/2019

THE VEHICLE STALLS AND HAS TROUBLE STARTING AT TIMES, THE STEERING PULLS AND CAUSED 1 ACCIDENT AND ALMOST CAUSED 2 MORE ACCIDENTS, SLIDING DOOR DOESN'T OPEN WITH KEY FOB OR PUSH BUTTON IN VEHICLE AT TIMES. BROUGHT TO DEALER 2 TIMES FOR ISSUES TO DATE. THERE R RECALLS FOR THESE ISSUES BUT NOT FOR MY SPECIFIC VAN. IT'S AFFECTING MORE THAN TH ONE LISTED FOR RECALLS

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/04/2020

FUEL PRESSURE SENSOR BAD, FUEL LEAKING, FIRES

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/08/2020

PURCHASED VEHICLE NEW APRIL 2019. THE START/STOP SYSTEM HAS GIVEN A DASH MESSAGE 4 TIMES. THE DEALER HAS REPLACED BATTERIES AND THE ENTIRE DRIVERS DOOR MECHANISM TRYING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A BRAUNABILTY HANDICAPPED CONVERSION AND IT IS IMPERATIVE THAT THE VEHICLE STOP AND START AS NEEDED. IT CANNOT STOP AND NOT START IN TRAFFIC SITUATIONS. IT ALSO HAS A SLIDING DOOR PROBLEM THAT HAS FAILED AND STRANDED THE HANDICAPPED PERSON. THIRD SITUATION IS THE BRAKES, THE BRAKES FAILED, HOWEVER THE COMPUTER ON THE VEHICLE INDICATED NO PROBLEM. THE QUESTION BELOW ASKS FOR A DATE IT HAPPENED THIS IS ONGOING SO I AM USING TODAY'S DATE. *TR

POWER TRAIN — Filed 01/18/2020

VEHICLE WAS IN REVERSE (R), CHANGED TO DRIVE (D) IN "PRNDL" SELECTOR AND VEHICLE MOVED BACKWARDS INSTEAD OF FORWARD WHEN ACCELERATING CAUSING A COLLISION. POLICE INCIDENT REPORT WAS FILLED, AND CHRYSLER CORPORATION CONTACTED. VEHICLE IS AT CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR TRANSMISSION MALFUNCTION INVESTIGATION.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 12/31/2019

VEHICLE WAS AT RED LIGHT WHEN STARTED TO SMELL SOMETHING BURNING THEN SMOKE FROM THE HOOD AND VENTS INSIDE THE VAN. THEN WHEN THE HOOD IS POPPED TITHE FLAMES GOT WORSE. THE FIRE STARTED ON THE RIGHT REAR SIDE OF ENGINE COMPARTMENT AROUND THE RADIATOR RESERVOIR.