2018 Chrysler Pacifica: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Aug 11, 2026 · Engine · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Transmission · PA

This is related to the 23V‑010 / XE1 recall and extended warranty for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. The manufacturer is refusing the recall remedy because the catastrophic nature of the failure (transmission rupture) makes it impossible for the dealer to pull diagnostic codes. This creates an impossible standard for the consumer and effectively nullifies a federal safety recall. On XXX, I brought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited to D’Ambrosio Service in Downingtown, PA.  I reported that the car was making a sound during acceleration. On April 16, I was advised that the noise was the rubbing of the heat shield which was reportedly adjusted and tested that the noise was gone.  On April 19 I sent a message to D’Ambrosio that the noise remained however I never received a response.  I believe that the noise was misdiagnosed and was actually warning signs of an imminent transmission failure.  On XXX, while driving, my wife and I heard a pop, saw smoke pouring out the back and immediately pulled over to discover a large amount of fluid spilling out of the bottom of the vehicle.  The vehicle was towed to D’Ambrosio service in [XXX] where it has remained unaddressed until June 10. On XXX I received a phone call from D’Ambrosio that the vehicle transmission had a hole in it (quote from service advisor "internal failure of the transmission, which has caused components to puncture the casing") and would need to be replaced at my cost.  When I inquired about the XE1 warranty extension, I was told that the lack of diagnostic codes didn’t justify the warranty.  I then asked that the issue be escalated INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 21, 2026 · Steering, Suspension · FL

My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.

Filed Jul 18, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · VA · fire

On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “Your car is on fire!” So we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going West also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.

Filed Dec 18, 2024 · Engine · MI

Water pump is leaking with white smoke came out from the engine bay under hood. I immediately checked the reservoir and it was empty. I took pictures and consulted with my friend who is a mechanics who confirmed the findings being due to water pump leak. I confirmed with a pressure test. Had I not noticed, it would’ve listed to other serious problems.

Filed Dec 8, 2024 · Engine · NY

Vehicle engine is stalling, smells like burnt makes a lot of knocking sound and has a lot of white smoke coming out the muffler. My safety of my family and me is put at risk because this is a safety hazard that can cause an accident or a fire.

Filed Jul 23, 2024 · Engine · WY

Check engine light came on. Pulled code, cylinder 1 misfire. Service for spark plugs was already scheduled for 2 days later. Van parked awaiting service. Service performed, CEL off. Van runs as normal for about 1 day. CEL comes back on. Cylinder 1 misfire. Multiple messages display on instrument cluster. Service shifter. Start/Stop unavailable. Some inerior lights turning off then back on later. Similar to a previous issue with a failing battery. Replaced both batteries. Cleared codes. Van drives as normal for 1 afternoon. Next day hard start and rough idle. CEL on. Cylinder 1 misfire. Van operates normally once warm. Schedule follow up service for diagnostic. Next day, CEL off. Van operates as normal in the morning. Hard start in the afternoon with rough idle and CEL back on. Van runs rough tries to stall. Service shifter message returns. Start/Stop unavailable message returns. Parked van at home until service appointment. Day of service battery completely flat. multiple attempts at jumpstart finally get the van started. White smoke coming from exhaust mixed with smell of burning coolant. Notice coolant level has dropped in resevoir. CEL light is on, cylinder 1 misfire. Service messages. Tested battery voltage and alternator appears to be charging. Dropped van off with service. 2 days later report from dealer service department indicates leaking head gasket, and scoring of walls in cylinder 1 seen through endoscope. Recommendation is new motor. Van again requires jump start to relocate to our house. Van idles and drives rough. Using OBDII device and Torque app able to see that van has had over 1k misfires on cylinder 1. occasional misfires in other cylinders. Additional service appointment schedule with independent shop for second opinion on engine replacement. Van is unsafe to drive due to impending engine failure. which may result in crash.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Transmission · GA

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.

Filed Jun 11, 2024 · Engine · NJ

The check engine light came on in early May, and I immediately took it to our local mechanic. On [XXX], he told me we had a cracked cylinder head (attached quote). You can imagine my surprise! It’s a fairly new car. I just went on Google, and I found immediately a thread on the Pacifica forum where hundreds of families have had this problem. I just commented without expecting to get help, and I got a DM from Chrysler Cares (correspondence attached). They asked me to take it to a Chrysler dealer to confirm the diagnosis. The dealer reached out to me on May 28th with the bad news below. I said I would pick the car that afternoon. He informed me that if I drove the vehicle it would “catch on fire.” Quote below: Technician has completed diagnosis of vehicle. Found engine is burning coolant, coolant leaking into engine from headgaskets. Need to replace both left and right side headgaskets, cost for repair is $4334 plus tax. With this service also recommended to replace spark plugs additional $437, service throttle body $299, Service fuel injectors/rails $299, flush coolant in radiator and reservoir $299. Sincerely, Tony Pantagis Service Advisor Office 973‑744‑2000 ext 137 Fax 973-744-248 Email: [email protected] I immediately reached out to Chrysler Cares online. I also called the 800#again. It took MANY days to get anyone to get back to me, but finally I got a Case number. I explained my whole story on the telephone, and Chante said she would reach out to the dealer. After many days of back and forth phone tag, she called me on Friday, June 7 to say this would be referred to a Chrysler supervisor for one final review. I picked up my broken car from the dealer today and it is still not fixed. I still have no answer why a car with 60K miles would have a failed engine with no warning. Chrysler needs to recall these vehicles! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Nov 20, 2023 · Brakes · NY · fire

Wiring for Air-Pump/Power Brake Booster caught fire, see attached image

Filed Jul 25, 2023 · Engine · 60,000 miles · MD

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, smoke came from underneath the hood; however, the contact turned off the vehicle. The contact waited for the smoke to settle before restarting the vehicle. The contact was able to drive the vehicle for a short distance, and then the vehicle was towed to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed due to extensive melted engine parts. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000.

Filed May 3, 2023 · Electrical, Steering · FL

The informational screen when turned on get super super hot and has slightly warped the dashboard. I believe There is a connection between Having the informational screen on while driving and the steering wheel sticking. It sticks less when the informational screen is turned off. I worry that if I’m driving with the radio on it will catch the car on fire