Head gasket failure number two cylinder created Hydro lock and destroyed motor 105K miles

- Leominster, MA, USA

Well driving down the interstate my van slammed on brakes stated safety mode engine will.shut off soon. Now it will not start. It could have caused us to get in a serious wreck.

- Tuckerman, AR, USA

This van is a 2018 modified with a handicap accessible rear ramp. We purchased this van in 2021 and since it has spent 6 months the first time at the shop then it was at our facility totally not running for another 6 months we paid 400 dollars to tow it to a dealership they replaced the transmission it ran for 2 months and now doesn-??t start it-??s in limp mode and when it does start and run when your driving it loses all power suddenly. We have only put 3800 miles on this van in the time we-??ve had it and we owe over 25,000 still on it. Nobody can figure out what-??s wrong with it but we are very small residential care facility and we are unable to transport residents because we have a broken van that we still pay for do we can-??t purchase another one.

- Westfield , ME, USA

On our 2018 Pacifica the head gasket is blown. This seems to be a very common issue with the 2018 model that Chrysler won't address. No one was harmed. The problem was confirmed by our independent mechanic. No it has not been inspected by anyone other than the independent mechanic. The check engine light came on after a rough start, coolant level started to go down, and white smoke from the exhaust. There are many complaints and many forums with Pacifica owners needing to foot the bill for these repairs. There is specifically something wrong with this engine from this time frame. Thank you

- Huntington, IN, USA

2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 3.6L V6, approx. 66,476 miles. The vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leaks. When cold, opening the coolant reservoir cap releases a strong hiss of pressure and coolant flows back into the tank. The check engine light appeared, first showing a cylinder misfire (resolved after spark plug replacement), then later a slow EGR leak code. Over the next several weeks, the coolant level continued dropping and the reservoir remained pressurized even when cold. Vehicle was inspected by Waxahachie Dodge Chrysler Jeep (RO #490099, Sept 2025). Technician performed a combustion gas test and confirmed exhaust gases are present in the coolant system. No external leaks were found. Diagnosis: failed head gasket allowing combustion gases into the cooling system and coolant to burn in cylinders. The technician stated overheating or warpage may have opened a path at the head gasket but found no external signs of overheating. This condition poses a safety risk-?"coolant loss and trapped pressure can cause sudden overheating, engine stall, or hydrolock while driving, potentially leading to loss of power or a crash hazard. The issue was confirmed by a Chrysler dealer and documented in the repair order. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Prior to failure, symptoms included the check engine light, rough running, and repeated coolant loss. There were no visible leaks or overheating messages. Manufacturer was contacted but declined assistance; dealer verified diagnosis and estimate for repair (~$7,800).

- Waxahachie, TX, USA

As of late of September 2025, our vehicle had approximately 59,000 on the odometer. Around that time, the check engine light turned on. A few days later, white smoke began emitting from the exhaust. On September 27, 2025, the vehicle failed to start entirely. We had the car towed to Brooklyn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) for inspection and repair. The dealership performed a diagnostic check and provided the report on October 13, 2025, indicating that the issue was due to a failed head gasket. The repair's cost is $8,711.56.

- Woodhaven, NY, USA

In July of 2021 I bought a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L with about 21k miles on it from a massachusetts Cadillac dealer for ~$27k. in august of 2024 i took it to a massachusetts Chrysler dealer because my mechanic, while troubleshooting battery/start issues, noticed there was no coolant. The dealership told me there's a cylinder 6 misfire and coolant leaked into the engine. And that the car needs a new engine and that'll cost me ~$8k. and that their diagnostic fee was $150. The car has about 63k miles on it. In the two months before this issue, i put ~$1.5k into the car for two new tires, new back brakes, new sway bars and an oil change. in august of 2024 the car was no longer covered by any warranties. After talking to my mechanic and reading through a number of online car forums, it seemed likely that this was more than a chance event. there were known defects with the engine. and a relevant lawsuit: [XXX] [XXX] i reached out to Chrysler cares but they were not responsive. When i got people on the phone, i got the run-around and had my time wasted. i needed Chrysler to replace the engine on their dime in a timely fashion. i needed a working, reliable, safe car back immediately. Not in a couple weeks or if/when they decide to respond and resolve the issue. i needed it when i got the news the engine was toast. i had to spend money on car rentals. i had to pay $8k+ for a new engine. chrysler didn't pay a dime. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Natick, MA, USA

While driving, the Pacifica lost all engine power in the middle of an intersection while traveling at 34 mph. All the dash lights blinked and sounded alerts. The car then showed U1267 and U0416 diagnostic codes.

- Kennesaw, GA, USA

Absolutely, [XXX] -?" here-??s a more natural, human-sounding version of your NHTSA report draft: --- Vehicle Issue Report: Chrysler Pacifica I-??m reporting ongoing issues with my Chrysler Pacifica that I believe could be safety-related: Clunking Sound: The vehicle makes a clunking noise when shifting gears. Steering Stickiness: The steering doesn-??t always respond smoothly -?" it occasionally sticks when turning. This makes the car go wider than intended during turns and lane changes, which feels unsafe. I-??m concerned they may point to a larger mechanical issue and could affect driver control. I-??d appreciate it if NHTSA could look into whether this is part of a known defect or something that needs further investigation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Wyoming, MI, USA

The engine failed at 104,000 miles despite proper maintenance. The vehicle is used by my wife and three children, and the engine unexpectedly experienced a head gasket failure while on the highway, with no prior warning except for a known issue acknowledged by Chrysler. I am now faced with the costly repair of replacing the engine. As a family relying on this vehicle for daily needs, including school and work commitments, I am disappointed that such issues persist in this model despite widespread reports of similar problems.

- Genoa, OH, USA

Blown Head Gasket (Cylinder 3 Misfire) After having 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L serviced at Chrysler Dealership, technicians found small leak coming from Oil/Coolant Filter housing unit. Part was replaced and few days later vehicle had a misfire and had flashing Check Engine Light (CEL). Car was towed to dealership, technicians said code seen was P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire). Tech, replaced Ignition coil for cylinder 3 and cleared codes. Two days later on start up, P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire) came back with CEL. Tech cleared codes and could not re-create CEL again. Two days later P0303 came back. Technicians performed more diagnostics and confirmed blown head gasket. This seems to be a very prominent issue with 2017-2018 Pacificas, more notably Cylinders 1, 3, & 5. The catalytic converter sits above the firewall cylinder bank and possibly is causing this possible engine failure due to excessive heat and poor heat dissipation capability over time. If not caught quickly, coolant can leak into cylinder affected and then overheat engine causing irreversible damage. This situation can also create a very hazardous situation if driving into speeding traffic from a turn and engine misfires, my vehicle could be rear ended if acceleration does not happen quickly enough.

- Saint Johns, FL, USA

I have written about repeated issues with Auto Start/Stop on this vehicle. Prior dealers have not been able to isolate the problem. Some of the problems seem to mimic a much earlier issue that went to court but did not happen during the timeframe of the class action suit. The prior submission to NHTSA was with this tracking number: 11681967. I am now submitting repair information that aligns with my complaint of the Auto/Start stop on this vehicle. I am submitting this because it helps to support my earlier submission. Thank you

- Sunnyvale, TX, USA

The vehicle jerks or hesitates to shift into gear when I get near 35 mph. It is forceful and loud. Somewhat like initial jerk pulling off from a roller coaster. My safety and the safety of my children have been at risk because slow moving vehicles are a hinderance to the flow of traffic. I have almost been rear-ended several times as the speed limit has increased in an area and I can't increase my speed as quickly as others behind me. Also, the delayed acceleration with the force of the jerk causes me to move forward too fast. This seems to be a transmission problem that all of the dealers in the area try to ignore. They claim they cannot reproduce the error but it happens each time I drive it. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, nor insurance representatives as I have not YET had an accident from this safety issue. There were no warning signs when the issue first appeared. I first noticed it the day after purchasing it from Westgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge RAM, 6421 Old Westgate Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617. I reported the issue to them within days of noticing and brought the vehicle in several times for troubleshooting. I have since switched servicing over to Crossroads Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Henderson. They recognized that my batteries were both dying and replaced both of those. That never stopped the jerking/hesitating, it just made it less intense. I brought it into that dealership as well for this issue several times and they cannot reproduce the issue either. I have searched online for solutions and on a Pacifica forum online, many other owners note this issue with low mileage on their vehicle. This is indeed a manufacturer issue that it seems the manufacturer wants to cover up and dealers have no solution for it because of this.

- Henderson, NC, USA

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The contact had to press the PUSH-to-Start button several times for the vehicle to restart. The contact stated that the lights were out on the gear shifter. The driver was able to shift to park and then continued driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed with a corroded wire in the active grill shutter system. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The contact replaced the battery. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the local dealer and also the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

- Wauconda, IL, USA

Check engine light came on the day after the automatic start/stop light came on. Engine code read cylinder 4 misfire. We switched all the spark plugs and changed the cylinder 4. A couple days later check engine light came back on brought the vechile into Bergstrum. They put in a name brand cylinder 4 plug and spark plug, 2 weeks later the light came back on, same exact issue. They are now claiming it-??s an engine issue potentially. Sounds like this is a BIG problem for 2018 Chrysler pacificas.

- Appleton, WI, USA

The transmission KICKS into 2nd gear at times and it feels like I've been rear ended. Also sometimes when that happens the car will accelerate on it's own, I am surprised that I haven't hit anything or anybody when that happens. And other times it will cut out altogether and loses power. This is definitely a safety issue. I can't understand why Chrysler will not do anything about this issue. It can be very dangerous. This has been going on for the 4 years that I have had the van.

- Erie, PA, USA

Auto start/stop alarm displays in dash. Have taken it to two different dealerships and they say they can find no problem. They car hesitates when stepping on the gas. There have been incidences when the car stalls all together. We have now noticed that the issue is more prominent when the weather temperature is hot like over 90 degrees but especially if the temperature is over 100 degrees. Also just recently within past few weeks the car will stall but keeps going though you cannot accelerate, however, you do not lose steering ability. You have to pull off the road and shut the car down and restart it and then all components work properly. Again this is happening when weather temperatures run high. This has been an issue last year as well. I called Chrysler and got a Star Case # 91330213 but then we stopped having the problem. Most likely because it got cooler but we are having issues again this year now. What is interesting is that the dealerships say they cannot find any code being set off because at times the auto start/stop alarm will reset and then they say they do not see an issue. Yet we know there has been an issue & continues to be an issue.

- Sunnyvale, TX, USA

While slowing to a stop at a traffic light, the engine stalled unexpectedly. The start/stop system did not restart the engine when I released the brake pedal. Accessories (radio, lights, etc.) remained powered, but I could not shift the vehicle into neutral. After approximately 20 minutes, I was able to restart the engine; however, the transmission remained unresponsive and the engine could not be shut off using the ignition button. I was unable to shift to neutral or turn the steering wheel. Message on dash indicated shifter module required service, and indicated that the vehicle was not in park when attempting to turn off vehicle. The vehicle was only turned off by disconnecting the 12-volt battery. The vehicle was towed to a Chrysler dealership and diagnostics completed, showing error codes with the shift module. They were unable to recreate the problem and advised replacing the shift module. When inquiring about recall V53, the dealership service department indicated that this recall had been repaired on the vehicle in 2020. These symptoms match those described in Chrysler Recall V53 (NHTSA Campaign 19V-348) for 2017-?"2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with start/stop systems, which involves a loose battery ground connection. My VIN is not currently listed in the recall as it was reportedly corrected in 2020, but the issue created a hazardous situation by stalling in traffic, disabling shifting, and preventing engine shutdown. This could have resulted in a crash if traffic conditions were different. Please investigate whether additional 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles not currently included in Recall V53 should be covered or if this is a recurring safety issue with the engine start-stop (ESS) on 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

- Salem, IL, USA

Head gasket failure at a 107,000 miles.

- Lebanon, MO, USA

This vehicle experience is intermittent installing or fails to restart after the engine shut down I verified there are currently no open recalls and I believe this may be related to a known PCM or emissions related issue

- Midland, TX, USA