VehicleVerdict

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 375 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 4.5× the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.). It is one of the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

Fuel System leads the complaint categories with 94 reports (25% of the total).

375

NHTSA complaints

6

Recalls

4

Investigations · 2 open

7

Crash-involved

19

Fires reported

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2018 compare to other Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years?

Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted375 complaints2017: 127 complaints2018: 375 complaints2019: 83 complaints2020: 107 complaints2021: 40 complaints2022: 219 complaints2023: 77 complaints2024: 48 complaints2025: 0 complaints
Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2018 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Fuel System9425%
Electrical System8723%
Engine6417%
Transmission3910%
Other349%
Speed Control133%
Driver Assistance92%
Brakes82%
Steering72%
Suspension62%
Body & Structure51%
Lighting41%
Seats31%
Visibility & Wipers10%
Seat Belts10%

Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

6 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

24V536000Fuel SystemJuly 18, 2024 · 15,910 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles that received a software update remedy under NHTSA recall number 22V-077. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Consequence

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 1, 2024. Owner notification letters were mailed December 12, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 73B. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-077 will need to have the new remedy completed.

22V077000Fuel SystemFebruary 11, 2022 · 16,741 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). A vehicle fire can occur when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Consequence

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to recharge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim letters, informing owners of the safety risk were mailed on February 25, 2022. Final owner notification letters were mailed October 6, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z11. This recall is superseded by NHTSA recall 24V-538.

20V334000Electrical SystemJune 9, 2020 · 23,079 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

Consequence

A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

Remedy

FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

19V143000SuspensionFebruary 28, 2019 · 47,771 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.

Consequence

A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.

18V740000Fuel SystemOctober 19, 2018 · 10,260 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEV). After the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas-fueled engine may not restart properly resulting in unburned fuel entering the exhaust catalyst.

Consequence

The improperly started engine could result in a loss of motive power increasing the risk of a crash or the unburned fuel in the catalyst may ignite increasing the risk of a fire.

Remedy

FCA will notify owners, and dealers will update the powertrain controller module software, and inspect and replace the catalytic converter as necessary, free of charge. The recall began November 15, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U94.

18V524000Electrical SystemAugust 9, 2018 · 12,779 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence

A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

Open NHTSA investigations

RQ24004

Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).  On January 17, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-010) involving 2017-2023 Model Years (MY) Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016, through January 9, 2023. The recall states that the loss of motive power condition in these vehicles is caused by an internal transmission wiring connector that may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.  An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.  In discussions with FCA on Recall 23V-010, ODI confirmed the recall was related to investigation PE22-008.  The remedy for 23V-010 is to update the Power Inverter module (PIM) and/or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software to provide drivers a message stating “Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” followed by a chime and MIL, PRNDL blinking (on cluster and shifter knob), low SOC (State of Charge) warning and reduced power mode.  The recall remedy does not replace the defective hardware that was described in Recall 23V-010, and the wiring connector short still exists on these vehicles. To date, ODI has received 132 reports for the population of vehicles subject to recall 23V-010.  These reports allege a loss of motive power condition that reduces the vehicles speed, followed by dashboard warning lamps displaying messages associated with recall 23V-010.  The presence of these warning lamps and messages indicates the vehicle likely had the recall remedy applied. Follow up discussions with FCA confirm their remedy does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down.  When this occurs, FCA relies on the owner to transport the vehicle to a dealership after they experience a loss of motive power condition, at which time the defective hardware is replaced.  Furthermore, the dashboard messages introduced in the recall remedy may cause the driver to pull over in an unsafe location. Pulling over in an unsafe location may expose the occupants to undue harm. The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy, frequency, and safety consequence of the remedy for recall 23V-010.  To review the ODI reports cited in the opening resume ODI report identification number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

RQ24001

Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)

On February 11, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-077) on all 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016 through August 7, 2018. The recall addresses ignition “OFF’ fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. At the time of the recall filing the root cause of the vehicle fires was unknown and under investigation by FCA and suppliers. A software remedy designed to improve thermal event detectability by monitoring battery diagnostics is currently being installed on subject vehicles as an interim remedy. As of November 23, 2023, the root cause of the battery failure is unknown. From December 2022 through December 2023, NHTSA has received four consumer complaints (VOQs) alleging vehicle thermal events involving recalled 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Additional information collected from complainants confirmed a thermal event originating near or at the HV battery pack after the Recall 22V077 remedy had been applied to the vehicle. Follow up meetings with FCA and suppliers in November and December 2023 to discuss the ongoing root cause investigation and post-recall remedy incidents indicated a recent increase in HV battery thermal events. Furthermore, a review of NHTSA complaint data indicated the post-recall HV battery thermal event complaint rate now exceeds pre-recall levels. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, understand the root cause of the battery fires, investigate additional reports of Pacifica PHEV HV battery fires, and to increase monitoring of the manufacturer root cause investigation. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“CAR STALLED AND BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. CAR WAS REPAIRED AS PER RECALL (WHICH WAS KNOWN ABOUT AT THE TIME BUT WE WERE TOLD IT SHOULD NOT HAVE AFFECTED OUR CAR). CAR CONTINUED TO SMELL OF SMOKE AFTER TRANSITION FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · December 8, 2018 · fire

“CAR STALLED AND BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. CAR WAS REPAIRED AS PER RECALL (WHICH WAS KNOWN ABOUT AT THE TIME BUT WE WERE TOLD IT SHOULD NOT HAVE AFFECTED OUR CAR). CAR CONTINUED TO SMELL OF SMOKE AFTER TRANSITION FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 8, 2018 · fire

“TWO WEEKS INTO OWNERSHIP AND WITH ONLY 750 MILES DRIVEN, THE ENGINE STARTED SMOKING AND CAUGHT FIRE WHILE I WAS DRIVING MY FAMILY TO LUNCH. I WAS HEADING EASTBOUND ON HIGHWAY 18 IN WASHINGTON STATE, TOWARD I-90. *BF *BF *DSY UPDATED 10/31/18*JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · August 11, 2018 · fire

“I was driving on the highway when the check engine light came on and it started running rough. I pulled off the highway and into a parking lot. When I slowed down, I heard a clanging that sounded like metal on metal. After parking, smoke started pouring out from under the hood and it erupted in…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 16, 2022 · fire

“CAR STALLED AND BEGAN SMOKING PROFUSELY WHEN ATTEMPTING TO ACCELERATE AFTER BEING STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT. CAR WAS REPAIRED AS PER RECALL (WHICH WAS KNOWN ABOUT AT THE TIME BUT WE WERE TOLD IT SHOULD NOT HAVE AFFECTED OUR CAR). CAR CONTINUED TO SMELL OF SMOKE AFTER TRANSITION FROM ELECTRIC TO GAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · December 8, 2018 · fire

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 375 complaints put the 2018 model at #1 of 9 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are fuel system (94 complaints), electrical system (87 complaints), engine (64 complaints).

Does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns affecting the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — 2 investigations remain open (Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years to avoid are 2018, 2022, 2017, 2020, 2019, 2023, 2021. The cleanest record among Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid years belongs to 2025.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.