The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, unfortunately, was hit with 10 recalls covering frightening issues involving control arms and power steering assist, as well as annoying bits like the rearview camera failing to turn off. Thankfully, the 2018 model year was the lowest point of the new Pacifica’s problems.
Key Points
- The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica received nearly 400 complaints on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website, with the most common being electrical system flaws.
- The 2018 model year is also the worst year for the Pacifica since its return as a minivan, garnering 10 recall notices from the NHTSA.
- Recalls cover issues such as the loss of power steering assist, failing voltage regulators, and incomplete transmission welds.
- Engine issues also take up a large portion of the complaints, with commonalities including leaking coolant, engine fire, and cruise control failing to turn off.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Recalls Include Faulty Voltage Regulators, Poor Transmission Welds, and Rollaway
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica was hit with 10 recalls from 2017 through 2019. One of the recalls notes an incomplete weld in the transmission could fail, causing the component to cease delivering power to the wheels, “increasing the risk of a crash.” Affected owners received a new transmission free of charge.
Speaking of power delivery, the front axle half-shafts may disengage from the CV joint, allowing the minivan to either move while in park or lose power while on the road. Replacement of the half-shaft was the only fix here.
Another recall focuses upon the PCM’s voltage regulator chip, which is directly linked to the battery of the vehicle. A defect in said chip could cause engine failure, preventing the 2018 Pacifica from either starting or, if on the road already, cause the minivan’s engine to stall.
There’s also a recall for the right front lower control arm separating from the steering knuckle, increasing the likelihood of crashing. One recall was issued for a loose battery ground connection causing the power steering assist to disappear.
One Serious Recall was Issued for the Vehicle Failing to Disengage Cruise Control
A fairly concerning recall has to do with some vehicles failing to disengage cruise control due to a short circuit in the system’s wiring. This could, obviously, increase the likelihood of crashing, even as owners try to engage the brake pedal or manually turn the system off.
In reality, the vehicle could actually maintain, or even increase its speed in this instance.
“It does not explicitly accelerate but it does not brake to maintain cruising speeds on even slightly graded downhill slopes,” notes one owner on Car Problem Zoo. “The longer the slope, the worse the effect.”
Several other owners of, specifically, the 2018 Pacifica report similar issues with the cruise control, especially regarding inclines, declines, and the presence of other vehicles in the immediate vicinity. To resolve the issue, owners affected by the recall can have the related software updated free of charge from a dealership.
NHTSA Was Not the Only Site to Notice How Bad the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Was
Owners of the 2018 Pacifica have reported issues all over the internet, with a wide range of grievances. On Consumer Reports‘ site, several owners complain about suspension problems, with some saying the recall joint pinch bolt is too small, and others noting that it “may or may not be related to some clicking in the steering.”
On Pacifica Forums, one member noted her 2018 Pacifica wouldn’t start due to the ABS and stabilizer systems throwing error codes. Other members suggested doing a jump start to force reboot the minivan, as well as seating the fuses. The final word? Both primary and secondary batteries were dying, both replaced under warranty.
Finally, on Car Complaints, 11 complaints were made about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica’s transmission either slipping, jerking, banging or roughly shifting through the gears.
When Looking for a Family-hauler, the 2018 Pacifica is One to Avoid, if Possible
Today, the Chrysler Pacifica has a relatively clean bill of health, as well as a facelift for the 2021 model year. Yet, it wasn’t that long ago that the minivan was at its lowest point in reliability and quality.
Those in the market for a Pacifica would do well to avoid the 2018 model year, as well as the 2017 model year. Instead, the newest models past 2018 — and especially the 2020 through 2022 models — should be the only Pacifica models up for consideration.
Photos: Stellantis
