2008 Chrysler Pacifica problems
Verdict · NHTSA data
A typical year for this model
The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica sits mid-pack among Pacifica years: 155 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 323, with no recalls and no defect investigations.
No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (32), electrical system (29), and body & structure (14), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.
155
NHTSA complaints
0
Recalls
0
Investigations
3
Crash-involved
5
Fires reported
1
Injuries
0
Deaths
—
NCAP overall
How does 2008 compare to other Pacifica years?
What are the most common 2008 Chrysler Pacifica problems?
| Component | Complaints | Share | vs prior year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 32 | 21% | ▼ down |
| Electrical System | 29 | 19% | ▼ down |
| Body & Structure | 14 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Transmission | 14 | 9% | ▼ down |
| Steering | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Fuel System | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Other | 10 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Suspension | 9 | 6% | ▼ down |
| Brakes | 6 | 4% | ▼ down |
| Airbags | 5 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Speed Control | 4 | 3% | ▼ down |
| Visibility & Wipers | 3 | 2% | — flat |
| Seats | 3 | 2% | ▲ up |
| Tires & Wheels | 3 | 2% | ▼ down |
| Child Seat | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Lighting | 1 | 1% | ▼ down |
| Seat Belts | 1 | 1% | — flat |
Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA
Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.
“DRIVING VEHICLE DOWN THE ROAD AND VEHICLE STARTED TO SMOKE UNDER THE HOOD. PULLED CAR OVER AND THE ENTIRE ENGINE AREA UNDER HOOD BECAME ENGULFED IN FLAMES. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME AND EXTINGUISHED FIRE AFTER ABOUT 20 MINUTES. VEHICLE IS A TOTAL LOSS. *TR”
“WHILE DRIVING VEHICLE IN PUBLIC PARK, ENGINE STALLED AND BEGAN TO SMOKE WITH WHITE SMOKE. VEHICLE CUT OFF AND ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS STOPPED. UPON EXAMINATION LOOKS AS IF THE WIRING BUNDLE JUST IN FRONT OF FAN HAD MELTED TOGETHER AND STOPPED BATTERY CHARGING COMPLETELY. VEHICLE WILL NOT HOLD A…”
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACTED STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE FAILURE RECURRED NUMEROUS TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC THREE TIMES WHERE THE MOTOR MOUNT WAS REPLACED ON EACH VISIT BUT TO…”
“ENGINE CRADLE IS EXTREMELY RUSTED FOR THE YEAR AND MILEAGE OF THE CAR. WOULD NOT PASS STATE INSPECTION LAST WEEK. PASSENGER SIDE AND MID SECTION OF ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED ENOUGH THAT YOU COULD PUT YOUR FINGERS THRU IT. READIN ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A MAJOR PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS. THIS APPEARS TO BE…”
“WHILE DRIVING 40MPH THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD, BLOCKED MY VIEW WHILE DRIVING & NEARLY CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED THOUGH THE FIRST TIME, IT STAYED LATCHED JUST ENOUGH THAT THE HOOD JUST VIBRATED & RATTLED GIVING ME ENOUGH TIME TO PULL…”
2008 Chrysler Pacifica — common questions
Is the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
Its record is better than the model's norm: 155 NHTSA complaints, below the typical Pacifica year, with 0 recalls and no open investigations.
What are the most common 2008 Pacifica problems?
According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (32 complaints), electrical system (29 complaints), body & structure (14 complaints).
Does the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?
No. NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica.
Which Chrysler Pacifica years should you avoid?
Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pacifica years to avoid are 2017, 2005, 2004, 2018, 2006, 2021, 2019, 2022, 2020, 2023. The cleanest record among Pacifica years belongs to 2003.
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.