VehicleVerdict

2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission problems

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has 149 transmission complaints filed with NHTSA — 11% of the year's total, and down from the prior model year.

149

Transmission complaints

11%

Share of year

4

Crash-involved

2

Related recalls

Transmission complaints by year

Pacifica transmission complaints by model year463 complaints2004: 102 complaints2005: 132 complaints2006: 111 complaints2007: 90 complaints2008: 14 complaints2016: 1 complaints2017: 463 complaints2018: 149 complaints2019: 67 complaints2020: 38 complaints2021: 117 complaints2022: 66 complaints2023: 35 complaints2024: 8 complaints2025: 2 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Pacifica transmission complaints by model year. Red bars are years to avoid.

Related recalls

18V492000TransmissionJuly 26, 2018 · 5 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.

Consequence

If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.

18V493000TransmissionJuly 26, 2018 · 61 units

Defect

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint.

Consequence

If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.

What owners report

“Vehicle was put into reverse and did not stop, it hit a pole. Then the driver tried to put in drive to get it off of the pole and it accelerated quickly and the driver could not stop the vehicle. There was little time to react as it hit the side of a building and airbags deployed. Driver stated…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · November 12, 2025 · crash

Common questions

How many transmission complaints does the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have?

NHTSA has 149 complaints about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission — 11% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission?

Yes — 2 NHTSA recall campaigns for this model year are tied to the transmission: 18V492000, 18V493000.

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.