Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has a considerable number of complaints and recalls, particularly regarding engine, electrical, and steering systems. Key issues involve potential engine stalls and electrical faults. While safety recalls address significant defects, potential buyers should be thorough due to limited reliability confidence based on complaints data.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns and 892 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, for the 1 NHTSA-tested trim.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #25V876000 Wheelchair Restraint Retractor May Not Lock NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V010000 Unexpected Engine Shutdown from Electrical Short NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V886000 Rearview Image Can Remain on Radio Display NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V348000 Engine Stall or Loss of Power Steering Assist NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #19V143000 Control Arm May Separate From Steering Knuckle NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V524000 Voltage Regulator may Fail and Cause Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V492000 Loss of Drive from Incomplete Transmission Weld NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V493000 Axle Shaft May Disengage Causing Loss of Drive NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V395000 Unintentional Vehicle Movement/FMVSS 114 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #18V332000 Cruise Control cannot be Cancelled NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V824000 Fire Extinguisher May Be Clogged or Inoperable NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #17V542000 Second Row Left Seat Belt may be Unlatched NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Engine 377 complaints
- Electrical System 290 complaints
- Steering 188 complaints
- Power Train 158 complaints
- Unknown or Other 113 complaints
- Fuel/Propulsion System 48 complaints
Of the 892 complaints on file, 28 report a crash and 14 a fire; across all 892 complaints, owners report 15 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Unexpected engine shutdown
How to check: Verify with seller if recall repairs were completed.
Loose battery ground connection
How to check: Check for any intermittent electrical issues or stalls.
Loss of power steering assist
How to check: Inspect for smooth and consistent power steering.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine noises or startup hesitation.
Red flag: Persistent knocking sounds
- 02
Initial acceleration
What to check: Check for smooth acceleration without engine stalls.
Red flag: Engine stalling or hesitation
- 03
City driving
What to check: Monitor for irregular electrical system behavior.
Red flag: Flickering lights or unresponsive controls
- 04
Steering maneuvers
What to check: Ensure the steering feels consistent and fluid.
Red flag: Noticeable resistance or noise
- 05
Highway cruising
What to check: Observe for any dashboard warning lights.
Red flag: Illuminated warning lights
- 06
Braking
What to check: Feel for smooth braking without shuddering.
Red flag: Brake pedal pulsating
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Have all recall repairs been performed?
- Any history of engine issues or stalling?
- Problems with the electrical system lately?
- Steering repairs or replacements done?
- How often have you serviced the vehicle?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Maintenance records
- Recall completion documents
- Accident history report
- Title and registration
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2018 Chrysler Pacifica? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.