The car shifts really hard going into 2nd gear, it feels like I've been rear-ended. It is awful. Also sometimes it loses power then accelerates on its own. Both issues are safety issues. this happens several times a weeks for the last 3 years.

- Erie, PA, USA

[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Complaint Regarding Recurrent Mechanical Issues and Potential Safety Concerns with 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report repeated mechanical issues with my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN [XXX] ), which have raised significant concerns regarding the vehicle-??s reliability and safety. In 2023, my vehicle initially experienced a persistent ticking noise in the engine, leading to extensive repairs. These included replacing the tappets, rockers, and timing chain tensioner on the right bank of the engine. Following these repairs, the vehicle exhibited low oil pressure, ultimately requiring a complete long block replacement. These issues left the vehicle out of service for nearly two months, significantly disrupting our daily lives. Despite these major repairs, my Pacifica has recently developed overheating issues, necessitating the replacement of the radiator at an estimated cost of over $2,000. The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles, and I find it deeply concerning that such critical mechanical issues are occurring at such low mileage. These repeated failures suggest a potential underlying defect in the design or manufacturing of this vehicle, which could present a safety risk. An overheating engine, for instance, poses a potential hazard both to the occupants and to other road users. As a police officer and parent of three young children, I rely on this vehicle for my family-??s safety and transportation. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate whether these issues are indicative of a broader defect in 2018 Chrysler Pacifica models. I believe an investigation could help identify potential safety risks to other owners and encourage Chrysler to address these problems proactively INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Port St Lucie, FL, USA

An engine fault code for P0303 has become active on my 2018 Pacifica. This code was confirmed by an independent service center and confirmed that the code is active. The service center ran a compression test and showed that cylinder three is low on compression. They then ran a hydrocarbon test and confirmed exhaust in the coolant. This diagnosis points to the common issue related to a bad head gasket potentially due to a warped head/block. The car has never overheated and all service maintained.

- Naperville, IL, USA

REPAIR ORDER DATE: 11/04/2024 MIKE PERRY CHRYLSER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: SHAKING WHILE IDLING/STOP-START NOT WORKING ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED SUPPORTS AND MOUNTS ENGINE SUPPORT -?" $105 TRANS MOUNT -?" $274 ENGINE MOUNT -?" $155 PARTS - $535 LABOR - $600 TOTAL - $1191 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 10/14/24 - MIKE PERRY CHRYSLER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON/ENGINE MISSING ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED GASGETS, GASGET FLANGE, CAMSHAFT, THERMOSTAT GASGET - $250 GASGET -?" $120 GASGET EXHAUST FLANGE - $43 CAMSHAFT INTAKE - $572 ANTIFREEZE COOLANT - $53 THERMOSTAT - $122 PARTS - $1014 LABOR - $3752 TOTAL - $5129 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 10/02/24/SOUTHERN CHRYSLER LUFKIN ISSUE: CAR WOULDN'T START ACTIONS TAKEN - REPLACED STARTER AND BATTERY FUSE FUSE BOX - $202 LABOR - $636 TOTAL - $855 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 9/25/24 /MIKE PERRY CHRYSLER /NACOGDOCHES ISSUE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND COILS IRIDIUM IX - $15 IGNITION COIL SET - $274 LABOR - $300 TOTAL - $710 SERVICES FROM 9/25/2024 THROUGH 11/04/2024 *Approximately 6 weeks TOTAL EXPENSES $7,855

- Lufkin, TX, USA

Vehicle just dies when you brake. This has now happened twice. Once in May 2024 and now Oct 2024. You have no steering and cannot be put into neutral or park. Must pull neutral cord to get pushed out of road. No codes pull up other than the neutral cord used. In May 2024 towed to dealer and they replaced starter but could not find anything else. In Oct 2024, took it to an independent car place and he could not find anything wrong, just re-boot computer. This is very dangerous; this is a handicap van modified for a wheelchair person to be put in through the back of the van. If I get hit in the back, I can't get my son out of the van. Extremely unsafe! I know the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica's were recalled for this and I believe the powertrain control module software was updated or the chip was replaced. This needs to be recalled for the 2018's also.

- Jackson Township, NJ, USA

I left work one day and I stopped at Walmart once I was done there, I got into my car to leave when I attempted to start my car all of the dash board lights illuminated although my car turned over it would not engage into gear. I did notice that all the dashboard lights illuminated simultaneously, which was quite alarming. This happened not once, but twice both times when I went to start the car however the second time I immediately drove it to the dealer for service. This left me concerned about what might be causing the issue. Only for the dealer to tell me it is my transmission and it would cost me $10,000 to fix it as a blue collar worker I have absolutely know idea what I am going to do. I then began to research the car only to find out that this year, make & model has a recall on the transmission describing the exact symptoms I am having. Please help!!!!!! my lively hood depends on me being able to get to work!

- Petersburg , IN, USA

I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with 50k miles and it is still covered under the powertrain warranty. 1. I had a check engine light with code as "misfire on cylinder 6" in August of 2024. I had all spark plugs and engine coils replaced. 2. I drove the vehicle for one week before the engine light came back on with the same code, and then the vehicle wouldn't start. It was towed to a dealer. 3. A dealer replaced the starter assembly and valve body. 4. I drove the vehicle for 2 days before the engine light came back on with code as misfire to a different cylinder. 5. I am now being told by the dealer that I need to replace both cylinder heads, both cylinder head gaskets, timing cover gaskets, valve cover gaskets, valve cover gaskets and the coil boots (again) because they were ruined the the failure/leaks in the other parts.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

The check engine light recently came on, and there was an issue with starting and idling, so we replaced the battery and the light went off, but would randomly come back on. One day notice the vehicle as overheating, and found the coolant tank to be completely empty. Refilled the tank, and several days later the problem arose again. Checked under the van immediately after refilling, no leaks detected. Took van to the dealership and was told the head gasket was bad, and the coolant was leaking into cylinder 3. Recommended repairs noted are as follows: -??HEAD GASKET IS BAD. LEAKING ON CYLINDER 3. NEEDS A NEW HEAD AND GASKET TO FIX ISSUE. WILL ALSO NEED CAMS, LIFTERS, AND ROCKERS DUE TO THE TICKING COMING FROM THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE MOTOR-?? I-??ve seen that apparently, this is a more than common issue specifically with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. Others have recommended a total engine replacement, as the damage caused thus far is significant enough that replacing only the head and gasket would be, as quoted, -??a very expensive bandaid.-?? This is the only vehicle we have available for my wife and four small kids, and to see that it-??s such a common and, thus far ignored problem is infuriating to say the least. Vehicle was purchased 2 years ago, and has depreciated $21,000 in that short amount of time. Repairs are estimated around $6000. Vehicle value is estimated around negative $12,000, so we-??re stuck with a faulty vehicle regardless. With the overwhelming number of complaints regarding this issue, almost verbatim, there is absolutely no reason Chrysler should continue to be allowed to let this go unresolved. The fact that the vehicle depreciated so rapidly in such a short time span should be a testament in and of itself to the known and perceived quality of these vehicles, and if ever I can be rid of it, it-??ll be that last Chrysler product I ever own.

- Pleasant Garden, NC, USA

Sometimes when I am accelerating it feels like I am being rear-ended. The whole vehicle jumps as if it is being pushed. I have tried to reset the Transmission by watching YouTube videos that show the same problem. But it has not fixed it. It also happens when I am driving. I am worried that it may not shift gears at all. I use it for all my long distance trips and do not want to break down on Interstate 95 in the dark. I have had it back to Auto Lenders in EHT, NJ multiple times from 2019- 2021. I gave up bringing it back because it never got fixed. Now it is happening almost every week.

- Mays Landing, NJ, USA

2018 Pacifica with multiple similar issues. August 2018 - Recall - Reprogram Powertrain Control module May 1019 - Recall fixes (Power steering and ball joint). July 2021 - start/stop light came on - took to dealership and they replaced the battery for that system. Feb 2022 - Recall customer satisfaction notification 1 Y65 July 2022 - ISSUES begin - Cylinder misfire - and car would not start and was smoking. Van was towed to dealership. The dealership had the van for 2 months and had a difficult time really diagnosing the issue. They ended up replacing the right Cylinder head - which is a major part of the engine. Just being over the 60,000 mile mark, we had to fight with Chrysler to honor the warranty on this very expensive fix. Spark plugs were also changed at that time. August 2024 - check engine light is back on, as well as the automatic start/stop button. We took to Auto zone and the diagnosis was Cylinder 6 misfire. All along we have felt there should have been a recall on this van. Is it an electrical issue that is failing? Searching online there are a lot of these complaints about Cylinder misfiring issues with this year/model. It also looks like there may have been a class action lawsuit as well. A 4 year old van should not need a major engine repair. Now here we are 2 years later with a 6 year old van and having a similar issue. We are worried it is going to be another costly fix. We have had nothing but issues with this van and it is unacceptable, especially regarding a brand new car. We have all our receipts indicating appropriate and timely oil changes and transmission flushes, etc from the dealer.

- Haslett, MI, USA

While driving on a 4-lane highway, I received a message on the dashboard "Vehicle will shut off soon". I had just a few seconds before power to the vehicle was limited. The engine stopped working and another message was displayed: "Battery Conditioning Leave Ignition in Run." After that the car would no longer move and I was in the middle of the right lane. Luckily I could get my children out safely. The vehicle was towed to the local Chrysler dealership where it is waiting for repair.

- Decatur, GA, USA

Van currently has a P0303 code for cylinder 3. Have done research and found that this is a common issues with this vehicle. Also the stop/start needs to be service. Which is also know to happen a lot in this type of vehicle.

- Manteca, CA, USA

While driving on the highway at 70 mph with children in the car, my screen system shut off quickly and then rebooted. Was concerned something worse could happen. Randomly, my car will start fine and will drive to my location, when leaving and trying to start my push/start button it will not start. I attempt many times to start the vehicle until the battery has no power. It doesn't take much to jump the battery. I've been stranded at grocery stores, work, or other places with my children. I was driving and stopped at a stop light, and my car shut off with no noticed. Had to get jumped at an intersection. When driving my car will stall when accelerating and continue driving Both batteries have recently been changed out. I believe when reading about this its the powertrain control module. This has not been confirmed by the dealership, no engine light is on, the van drives great but I am afraid that it will not start after I've turned it off or will lock up and shut off when I am driving with my children in the vehicle. The no starts were farther in between with issues but has recently become more frequent. There are no prior issues to the vehicle. My safety and my children's safety is put at risk, hot weather when car won't start having to wait, stopping at an intersection and the van shuts off with my kids in the car, driving on highway and electronics on vehicle shuts off, possibility of losing control of vehicle. Last occurance was at a grocery store tried to turn on vehicle and it wouldn't start. Acted like it wanted too but couldn't turn over. 7/14/24 7/7/24 Driving on the highway incident at 70 mph and computer system went out. Issues have been happening for about a year now, just lately has been progressing.

- Warsaw, IN, USA

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle transmission shifted to park with the START/STOP system warning light illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic where an unknown repair was performed; however, the failure persisted. The contact then took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the gear shifter module needed to be replaced. About a year later, the contact stated that the START/STOP warning light and the check engine warning light were illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where a misfire in cylinder #6 was found. The dealer flushed the engine, replaced the ignition coils, and replaced the spark plug in cylinder#6. Despite the repairs, the contact became aware of a slight engine rattle at start up. The contact continued to drive the vehicle however, the check engine and START/STOP warning lights returned. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where the contact was informed that the failure might be linked to a blown head gasket but could not determine the failure without an official diagnostic test. While the contact's husband was driving from the dealer, the engine started to overheat. The vehicle was driven to the residence and then towed to an independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with head gasket failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and advised the contact to have the vehicle towed back to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was towed back to the dealer and remained in the dealer possession. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.

- Massapequa Park, NY, USA

At low speed 12-18 mph the transmission hard shifts. It slams so hard that you feel like someone rearended you.

- White Lake, MI, USA

I am experiencing premature transmission failure. It is available for inspection upon request. The safety of myself and my 3 small children have been put at risk because of the likely potential of transmission failure during our frequent trips on the interstate, that could lead to a deadly accident. This problem as been confirmed by an independent licensed automotive mechanic. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by any other entity, but is available for inspection. The symptoms of the problem started around March of this year, as a sweet burning smell, that lead to a smell of burning rubber. The Chrysler dealership I brought it to would not check the transmission fluid itself due to the "forever system" design of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, that does not allow for easy access to the transmission fluid, rather is designed to tell you if it is full or not. So the issue was missed during inspection, and was labeled as being in good condition. After I noticed the vehicle beginning to skip between 1st and 2nd gear recently (end of June), I brought it for inspection to an independent mechanic who was able to inspect the fluid which was extremely burned, as well has hook the vehicle up to their reader machine and access that it was in fact in the process of transmission failure. The transmission has not yet completely failed, because I have stopped driving the vehicle for fear of the safety of my children.

- Brunswick, GA, USA

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, 49,250 miles. Vehicle has had transmission replaced once under warranty a couple of years ago. Last week, dashboard lights lit up and message read "-??Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon." I pulled off the road, shut it off, waited a few minutes, started it up and drove home. We were in-town going in-town speeds, so safety risk was minimal. Earlier that same day the day the HVAC fan was intermittently going higher and lower, like it couldn't decide if it should be at 5 or 2 (out of the 7 fan speeds). I don't know if that is related in any way. I made an appointment at the dealership several days later (driving it the whole time but only in town). They say it needs another transmission and have ordered one. Repair will be free.

- Rochester, MN, USA

Head gasket is leaking coolant into cylinder #5. According to the Chrysler forums, this seems to be a common problem. We are seeking to share this information so that the appropriate steps may be taken to commence a recall in order to service these vehicles. The safety of all drivers/passengers should be the pinnacle of this concern. We have 105, 000 miles on this vehicle and have experienced no other mechanical issues to this point.

- Wichita, KS, USA

My car jerks really hard when driving mostly at around 14 to 16 mph when it shifts into 2nd gear. It feels like I have been rear ended. Also occasionally it happens shifting into 3rd gear, but mostly into 2nd. Once in a while it loses power altogether and other times it accelerates on its own. I have had this to the dealer 3 times and they did a diagnostics on it but can't find anything wrong. This is not normal for the transmission to do this. When it loses power I'm afraid of somebody hitting me and when it speeds up on its own, I afraid I will hit somebody.

- Erie, PA, USA

While driving 45+ MPH, a warning message shown stating "stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon", which is followed by loss of power and inability to control the vehicle. No error codes generated. There is an open investigation according to the NHTS website, NHTSA Action Number: RQ24004.

- Gainesville, FL, USA