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2018 Chrysler Pacifica problems: engine and transmission complaints and recalls
55% of relevant owner complaints filed with NHTSA on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica are about the engine, transmission or fuel system. That is a model-level pattern, not bad luck.
Worse than 74% of the 1,790 model years we track (2010–2023).
Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 480 of 875 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (55%), and the largest group is filed under engine (374). For comparison, the 2017 scores 59% and the 2019 scores 44%. On a test drive, check for stalling, loss of power, rough idle, oil consumption or a check-engine light. This describes the model year, not any one car: a well-maintained or already-repaired example can be fine, and a clean model year can still have a bad car in it.
Complaints by component
The years either side
Manufacturers fix things mid-generation. A bad year next to a clean one is common; the fix usually arrived in between.
How the 2018 compares with other Chrysler Pacifica years
Of the 7 Chrysler Pacifica years with enough complaints to score, the 2018 is the 3rd-best on engine and transmission share (55%). The worst is the 2021 (63%), the best the 2019 (44%). By volume, the 2018 drew 875 complaints (480 drivetrain), against 1,524 for the 2017 and 357 for the 2019.
Chrysler Pacifica years to avoid and best years →
2017 Pacifica problems · 2018 · 2019 Pacifica problems · 2020 Pacifica problems · 2021 Pacifica problems · 2022 Pacifica problems · 2023 Pacifica problems
The rest of the picture on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
- The mileage where it happens. When owners of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica said the problem showed up, and the range most of them fell in.
- What the repair costs. Typical engine repair ranges, to price into your offer.
- Cleaner alternatives. Similar cars and nearby years with a better record.
- Up to 15 owner reports, with the ones about your car's own engine first.
- What to ask the seller and what to check on the test drive, for this car.
- Two cars side by side, if you are deciding between them.
What one owner reported
One of 480 drivetrain complaints. The full report shows up to 15, with quotes about the engine in the car you are looking at first.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission recalls
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 12 in total. A recall is the manufacturer admitting a defect and paying to fix it; whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN, which the full report checks. The owner complaints above are a separate record and often point at problems that never became a recall.
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.
Fix: 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…
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.
Fix: 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.…
10 other recalls on this model year (airbags, lighting, brakes and the rest)
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns filed against this year, make and model. Checked October 3, 2026.
Checking one particular 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? This page is about the model year. Accidents, title brands and odometer records belong to the individual car, and that is what a vehicle history report covers.
Get a history report from EpicVIN Before you pay: EpicVIN’s $1 offer is a 3-day trial (up to 5 reports) that renews at $49.99 a month unless you cancel. Other plans are listed under “View all our packages” at checkout. We may earn a commission if you buy through this link. It does not change what this page reports.Questions people ask about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have engine problems?
Owner complaints say yes, as a model-year pattern. 480 of 875 relevant complaints filed with NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica concern the engine, transmission or fuel system (55%). Before buying one, have an independent mechanic check the engine and ask the seller whether it has been repaired or replaced.
What is the most common problem with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Going by NHTSA owner complaints, the most common problem filed against the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is engine: 374 of 875 complaints (43%) name it, followed by electrical system (287) and steering (179). A complaint can name more than one component, so these overlap.
Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
On the engine and transmission, owner complaints point to a weak spot: 55% of relevant complaints filed with NHTSA concern the drivetrain (high signal). That is worse than 74% of the 1,790 model years we track. Among the 7 Chrysler Pacifica years we score, it ranks 3rd-best. Complaint data describes the model year, not one car, and it says nothing about trim, paint or electronics outside the drivetrain; an independent inspection still decides it.
Are there engine or transmission recalls on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
Yes. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica involving the engine, transmission or fuel system, out of 12 in total: 18V492000 (power train: automatic transmission), 18V493000 (power train: axle assembly: axle shaft). Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.
Which Chrysler Pacifica years are better?
Among the Chrysler Pacifica years we track, the 2019 (44%) and the 2020 (49%) have a lower engine and transmission complaint share than the 2018 (55%). Manufacturers fix things mid-generation, so the year before or after can be a different car. Every year side by side: https://thelanecheck.com/cars/chrysler-pacifica
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Check a VINExperimental model-level information. This is not a vehicle inspection, vehicle-history report, financial advice or purchase recommendation. It describes patterns across a model year, not the condition of any individual vehicle.