2018 Chrysler Pacifica Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: October 28, 2026 · Filed: November 1, 2026

While driving, the vehicle experiences a sudden and intermittent "catching" or sticking sensation in the steering wheel. This issue happens exclusively when initiating a slight turn to the left, specifically around the 11 o'clock steering wheel position. There is no noise (no clunking, clicking, or grinding) associated with the failure. When the steering wheel "catches," it requires additional physical force to pull the wheel past the sticking point. Once it breaks free, the electric power steering suddenly engages with a sharp jolt, which causes the vehicle to momentarily jerk or oversteer.

Incident: October 29, 2026 · Filed: October 30, 2026

While driving the vehicle in a gradual turn, steering will stick and not return to center without applying extra force to the steering wheel.

Incident: October 8, 2026 · Filed: October 27, 2026

The engine powertrain system failed, specifically a catastrophic failure of the cylinder head gaskets alongside a stretched engine timing chain. The replaced components were discarded by the repair facility following the completion of the service and are not available for inspection. The failure caused a sudden, severe engine malfunction accompanied by a rough idle and immediate loss of smooth powertrain operation. Sudden engine failures of this nature create a severe hazard when operating on backroads or public highways, as they can cause unexpected stalling, a complete loss of motive power, or sudden deceleration in active traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. The diagnosis of the blown head gasket and stretched timing chain was formally confirmed and documented by an independent service center (Rusty's Auto Service, Repair Order #118288). The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It was inspected and repaired strictly by the independent service center. The vehicle experienced a sudden, momentary rough idle and rapid coolant loss without any prior overheating indications or warning lights. These symptoms appeared immediately prior to bringing the vehicle in for a professional diagnostic inspection.

Incident: January 5, 2024 · Filed: October 27, 2026

Makes a clicking popping noise when turning the wheel. The sound is highly noticeable when stationary or moving very slowly, and occurs specifically when the steering wheel is forced almost all the way to the bump stop either way. Dealership quoted over $4000 for electric rack and pinion. I had just paid $17000 for it without an extended warranty.

Incident: October 9, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

Experiencing steering lockup around the 2 o clock position when cornering to the right. Doesn’t lock up to the left, only to the right.steering will Lock up and won’t release unless a slight tug on the steering wheel. We experience this every time you remotely hold in the 2 o clock position for the slightest bit of time. I have kids in this car and when we’re going 65+ down interstates, this is a serious safety issue and concerns me greatly for the safety of my family. Van only has 95k miles on it. Spent a considerable about of money on this can van and we can’t even drive it and have to pay a shop a few more thousand to fix this. It wouldn’t be a big deal if I was one of a few people but reports say 287k people are experiencing this. Unacceptable.

Incident: October 20, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

Radio screen frozen plus loud sounds from speaker when unlocked

Incident: September 23, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

My van has been reliable for 5 years until recall 73B was performed. Ever since it's install I have had 7 repair attempts and 250+ days out of service. Each repair attempt is preceesed by check engine lights, service hybrid system, check electronic throttle control, red wrench, blind spot temporarily unavailable, (occasionally) service airbag, service shifter, and stability control lights. Chrysler has been unable to fix this issue. They have replaced the abs module, 12v battery, can bus's, wiring, battery coolant heater, eflite motors and reducers, 400v battery, and the under hood wiring harness. Engineering has been involved, star cases opened, and technicians flown in to address these issues. The DTC code scans reveal many communication codes, both active and permanent. The last scan had 23 active codes. No one can tell me if this van is safe to drive, I don't think it is. I have had no drive events, and lost power steering momentarily at highway speeds. The latest incident had the messages start appearing at 45 mph. This can is unfit to be on the road, and stellantis does not seem to be able to fix it

Incident: October 18, 2026 · Filed: October 20, 2026

On the morning of October 18, 2026 my daughter an I were driving home from a trip. 10 minutes after we left a friend's house the hood of the van flew open and smashed the windshield. An "hood open" indicator light never came on. I had no reason to believe the hood was not secure. So the indicator light, primary latch and safty latch all failed. This could have been a lot worse if we were on the highway already. Luckily, we were on a backroad where I had room to regain control of the van and stop with no other cars around. We were able to walk away with minor injuries. I just don't want this to happen to someone else. Someone could get seriously hurt. It was probably one of the scariest things I have had happen in my life.

Incident: October 15, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

Blown Head Gasket. Having the unknown blown head gasket issue may have caused extreme damage to other engine components. Vehicle has less than 145,000 miles.

Incident: August 15, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and steering left or right, the steering wheelbecame difficult to turn. The contact associated the failure with NHTSA Investigation: PE25009 (Steering). The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.