CSR

Chrysler · NHTSA safety record

2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

223

Complaints

3

Crashes

12

Fires

4

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid have filed 223 safety complaints with NHTSA between November 2017 and May 2026. The most complained-about system is the electrical system, named in 83 of them (37%). The typical failure was reported at 6,617 miles, the median across the 97 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

NHTSA has issued 2 recalls covering this vehicle. A further 2 defect investigations are open and unresolved.

Recalls (2)

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

24V536000 · July 18, 2024

Park outside until repaired

The 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.
The risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · up to 15,910 vehicles across all model years covered

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD

18V524000 · August 9, 2018

The 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.
The risk
A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
The 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.

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) · up to 12,779 vehicles across all model years covered

Defect investigations (4)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Electrical arcing and thermal events, potentially leading to fires, while utilizing Enel X Way USA, LLC's JuiceBox residential charger.

PE24028

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened October 3, 2024 · closed June 5, 2025

equipment

On October 3, 2024, the Office of Defects Investigations (ODI) opened PE24028 to investigate alleged failures of Enel X Way's JuiceBox Level 2 residential EV chargers. The allegations were described as thermal incidents and electrical malfunctions, which could trip the circuit breakers in Juicebox owners’ homes and disrupt electric vehicle charge cycles. On October 2, 2024, Enel X Way posted on its website that Enel X Way North America would cease operations in the United States and Canada on October 11, 2024. The closure would potentially impact the charging app and supporting software. ODI sent Enel X Way an Information Request (IR) letter on October 21, 2024. Enel X Way provided an incomplete response to the IR on December 9, 2024. Enel X Way later provided a complete response to the IR on January 24, 2025. ODI reviewed Enel X Way’s IR submissions to determine whether further action is required. Based on ODI’s analysis, there was no clear trend in the cause of the failures described in customer complaints and warranty reports. Additionally, there have been no recent reports alleging safety issues. The available information does not warrant further action at this time. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency will continue to monitor for any safety trends and reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in this Closing Resume, go to NHTSA.gov.

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

RQ24004

Still open recall query · opened February 27, 2024

the electrical system

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.

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

RQ24001

Still open recall query · opened January 16, 2024

the electrical system

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.

Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power

PE22008

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened July 22, 2022 · closed March 27, 2024 · led to recall 23V010

the power train

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22008 to investigate allegation of loss of motive power, potentially due to transmission malfunction, in certain Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. In a January 17, 2023 letter to NHTSA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) submitted recall notice 23V-010 involving a transmission motor wiring defect in 67,118 model year (MY) 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) manufactured from August 12, 2016 through January 9, 2023. FCA determined that an internal transmission connector short could result in an unexpected engine shutdown under certain conditions. Follow up correspondence with FCA confirmed this defect results in an electric motor position trouble code that was the basis for opening PE22008, therefore NHTSA is closing this investigation. The 23V-010 recall remedy is a software update to address the hardware failure associated with PE22008. When a hardware failure is detected, the vehicle limits motive power while instructing the driver to pull over to a safe location. NHTSA is concerned that drivers will pull over to an unsafe location when the warning message associated with the recall remedy displays on the dashboard. Due to the nature of the recall remedy and related reports, NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ24004 to assess the recall remedy. The reports and failure report summary values included with this closing action are related to allegations of Recall 23V-010 remedy inadequacy. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 223.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 83 37%
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM 75 34%
ENGINE 63 28%
POWER TRAIN 39 17%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 34 15%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 19 9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 13 6%
SERVICE BRAKES 7 3%
STEERING 7 3%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 6 3%
SUSPENSION 6 3%
STRUCTURE 5 2%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2022 at 62.

2017 2022 2026
2017 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 injured · fire

On Sunday, November 5, 2023, our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid caught fire in our garage. Please refer to the attached PDF which details the incident. I have pictures and videos of the incident as well as a report from the fire department is being prepared. We have placed home and auto claims with our insurance provider, and we are also working with a disaster recovery company who is compiling a report on the damages and losses. - What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? My educated guess from what I witnessed and discussions with the firefighters is it was the car’s electric battery. - How was your safety or the safety of others put

NHTSA complaint 11555014, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · towed · 2,900 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID. WHILE THE CONTACT'S WIFE WAS DRIVING 70 MPH, AN ABNORMAL NOISE WAS HEARD AND THE ENGINE STALLED. THE CONTACT NOTICED SMOKE COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD. WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND THE HOOD WAS LIFTED, THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE ENGINE IN FRONT OF THE FIREWALL. THE FIRE MARSHALL EXTINGUISHED THE FIRE AND THE POLICE FILED REPORT NUMBER: 2018-2716. THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE WAS UNKNOWN. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN UNKNOWN CHRYSLER DEALER, BUT HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED. IT WAS UNKNOWN IF THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS

NHTSA complaint 11130465, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · towed · 1,000 miles

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 CHRYSLER PACIFICA HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE EMITTED A BURNING ODOR. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO LIA CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM NORTHAMPTON (263 KING STREET, NORTHAMPTON, MA 01060, (855) 315-8182) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO LOCATE THE BURNING ODOR. THE DEALER FOUND THAT THE BATTERY WAS DISCHARGED. THE BATTERY WAS RECHARGED, BUT NOT REPLACED. THE ODOR RECURRED WHILE DRIVING HOME AND THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO BAYSIDE CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE (212 NORTHERN BLVD, BAYSIDE, NY 11361, (718) 229-8700) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER WAS CLOGGED AND WAS NOT PERFORMING

NHTSA complaint 11162163, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

fire · 750 miles

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

NHTSA complaint 11129517. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY

towed · 101,000 miles

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated when attempting to charge the battery, the charger failed to work as intended . A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the battery needed to be replaced and and they sent a request to the manfactuer in regards to replacing another battery. The vehicle was repaired as the battery was replaced three times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and they could not give her an update and they informed her this is up to the dealer. The approximate mileage was 101,000.

NHTSA complaint 11739486. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I was traveling at south bound on TOLL 130 going 80MPH (which is the speed limit on that road) when my Pacifica immediately slowed down and my accelerator gave out. In addition to my dash flashing that the cruise control was no longer available, but the van also said "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start", the engine light and batter light both came on. I am sure that I almost died as I was in the middle lane and cars were whipping around me since I had slowed down so much, there was an 18 wheeler behind me and one of my righthand side, which is the shoulder I was trying to get to. I was finally able to coast to the shoulder and came to a stop, put the car in park and turned it

NHTSA complaint 11648682, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. I purchased it brand new in 2018. This van has had sooo many problems, it has been in and out of the shop, countless recalls. Last year it was in the shop for almost the entire year, I think I had possession of the van for less than 3 months of the year. I just brought my van in for a recall related to the hybrid battery and it was returned to me in December, within 2 weeks there were check engine lights on and when I googled the code that was showing I found a ton of blogs about how people had the same recall done and within a short period of time this code came up and it meant the hybrid battery needs to be replaced. I reached out to the dealer and

NHTSA complaint 11642444, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Vehicle states "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" with a red turtle logo. I have restarted the vehicle, and the warning persists. I am bringing in the car to the dealer next.

NHTSA complaint 11639047. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Had check engine code p1c5e and vehicle would not charge. Dealership has confirmed that the lithium battery has failed and needs to be replaced. They communicated with Chrysler, opened a STAR case, and are in process of replacing the battery

NHTSA complaint 11639192. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA complaint 11629911. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 40 0
2022 115 0
2021 26 1
2020 58 1
2019 45 1
2017 79 1

Other 2018 Chrysler models

Every Chrysler on this site — 49 vehicles, 207 recall campaigns and 4 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst