2018 Chrysler Pacifica: key fob or push-button start problems

Filed Jan 13, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · GA

On October 31, 2020 (before our purchase of the van) the previous owner had to take the van to Chrysler for hesitation in the transmission shifting. On June 14, 2021 (only two weeks after purchase), we had to drop it off for intermittent shifting issues with what seemed like skipped gears. No engine light came on, and the van was returned stating an inability to reproduce the issue. On February 7, 2022 we brought the van to Chrysler after taking it in a few times to Carmax to resolve the the disabled "Start/ Stop" System. The light would intermittently come on indicating the system was unavailable, and shifting would be erratic. An inspection and recall work for the PCM was performed. In June of 2023, the UConnect System stopped working intermittently. The gears were still shifting roughly with the shift knob becoming increasingly more difficult to turn. An independent shop found no solution with an unknown timeframe on the delivery of a new transmission. In June of 2023 while driving, the van shut off completely while in motion. After a few minutes, it started up again and drove as if nothing was wrong. June 24, 2023, we took the van to Chrysler with the same issues. At the time there was still a back order of transmissions for the van. Upon contacting Chrysler, we found out that there was a recall effective on the new transmission and the company rush ordered the part to the shop. As well, the Uconnect system was also addressed. The issue was fixed. After a few years of reliable service, the van functioned normally with rough shifting and start/stop system failures still an issue. In January of 2024, the van would not start at first try. Often my wife was able to get it started after sitting for awhile. In other cases, changing the key fob helped. Changing the AUX battery repaired the issue temporarily. Now it won't start at all. The starter was misdiagnosed by an independent shop with Chrysler finding a failed transmission once again.

Filed Jan 1, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · CT

Car will not start with push button and/or key fob push. Problem started 10 months ago with dead stop/start battery. Both batteries were replaced and then two months later stop/start system failed at stop lights. Car would stall once break was released to go. Had car serviced, starter replaced. Next day, car stalled and would not restart in parking lot, service department could not find any problems and no error lights found so the solution was to turn stop/start system off. A few months later car would not start on first try, took several pushes and sometimes a keyfob push. Sometimes "no key fob detection" light. Car was sent to service center again and they could not find any problems. At this time car only starts on 2nd push. Problem has worsened over the last 5 months, car takes at least 5 tries to start or doesn't start at all. Additional observations: brake gets very tight and pressurized after the first attempted start, steering wheel is locked.

Filed Sep 14, 2025 · OK

Mid February 2025, while driving through a university campus 25 mph the vehicle died. All dash indicators went out, lost engine power, no warnings or indicators displayed on instrument panel. I held onto the steering wheel until stopped in the street without hitting college students or cars. Shifted to Park. Turned off and tried to start but the dash remained out and no engine start. Turned engine off again. Removed key fob. Got out of vehicle and waved traffic to go around. Got back in and started with success. Days later dash displayed hybrid charging maintenance required. Took vehicle to dealer and reported problems. I reported the issue on Chrysler web page. Dealer told me that the problem is a failed hybrid battery. Waiting for under warranty hybrid battery repairs.

Filed Nov 22, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · IN

I bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica limited about two years ago. It’s been the worst decision I’ve ever made. I have just about a 3% rate and with the amount of issues these things have I’m so far upside down it’s not even funny. This car with all of its known issues is depreciating faster than I can pay for it. I currently have about 129,000 miles on it. I couldn’t get rid of this thing if I tried. The Chrysler dealership I service it with said they would give me 4000.00 IF they were willing to buy it back. The engine build company my mechanic uses says they won't even build these engines at all because of how many issues they have. So no option other than to buy the exact same engine is has now through Chrysler and know it will do it again. I’m having stalling/accelerating issues (shop can’t figure it out, kids cry when it stalls in traffic.. I've been in for it about 9 times to two different place) Oil cooler housing unit replaced last year (taken it back in a few times for ongoing leak, now need a head gasket) Head gasket Batteries galore Ongoing start stop issues My AC went out the month I bought it (leak in the lines near the rear) 3000k to fix The shop says it needs lifters, cam shafts and rockers (might as well do the engine if I had the extra money after paying off the rest of the repairs) My heated and cooled seats have stopped working numerous times Dash comes on and off when it wants Back up camera stays on the screen while I drive as much as it doesnt My rear washer fluid sprays INSIDE the car onto my kids Rear power seats stopped working multiple times now Get in to head to work and it just won’t start…. Have to basically play a video game with the controls and key fob to miraculously start it up Starting to rust already We have owned 2 Durango’s, 2 dodge rams, a Chrysler Sebring and now this. Clearly we support Chrysler but after this my husband switched to a ford truck and I will be going back as soon as I can if this isn't resolved.

Filed Jul 20, 2024 · Steering · NY

Having trouble with steering. At times steering wheel makes noises and locks up while turning. I was told a recall was already done and that I need a new computer that will cost 5k for part and install. I just had issues with panel lights going on and off and had to replace secondary battery due to stop/start button which Ive had trouble with consistently. I think this issue with computer may be due to recall issue and I believe this issue should be fixed and paid for thru recall process. It is an ongoing issue with pacifica 2018 with start/stop and push button starts. I have taken it to 2 dealers. They said recall done. So I need new part

Filed Dec 5, 2021 · CA

My vehicles power sliding doors on the right side of the vehicle will not open using the controls on the door itself or the handle. They will open using the key fob, or from the control panel accessible to the driver on front of the vehicle. Once opened form the front panel or key fob, the door controls become responsive again (the electric controls or door handle will close the door), until the door closes, at which point they will not open it. I understand there is a technical bulletin for the door, and the the dealership will flash upgrade the controller to resolve intermittent door not working issues, however this could prevent the passenger on that side of the vehicle from evacuating in the case of an emergency, which could elevate it to a safety issue.

Filed Oct 6, 2021 · Electrical · OH

The problem occurring on the vehicle is the inability of the vehicle to start despite the battery being fully charged. A little red dot 🔴 appeared on the instrument panel upon starting vehicle the day prior to incident. The day of the incident the vehicle wouldn’t turn over and the check engine light had come on. Upon calling AAA the vehicle had been jumped and started up fine. Next morning vehicle would not start and had to be jumped again. AAA was called again and they checked the battery and it was good. They felt there was a problem with the relay system. Also to be noted, the battery for the auto start/stop system is currently dead; dealership said it wouldn’t cause any problems If it wasn’t replaced. The battery for the key fob had been replaced a few months prior to this incident. Vehicle can be available for inspection. My family runs the risk of being stranded if the problem persists.

Filed Apr 20, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 34,548 miles · MA

Multiple times while stationary when starting the car, the push button starter will fail to start the engine. Upon second attempt to start the car the starter has a prolonged series of cranks and finally starts. The concern is this has happened multiple times after just purchasing the car. This could be a safety issue if it happens while driving, and engine shuts off, or could strand us without the the ability to start the car.

Filed Dec 14, 2020 · Electrical, Engine · 20,000 miles · OH · crash · 1 injury

The vehicle stalls and has trouble starting at times, the steering pulls and caused 1 accident and almost caused 2 more accidents, sliding door doesn't open with key fob or push button in vehicle at times. Brought to dealer 2 times for issues to date. There r recalls for these issues but not for my specific van. It's affecting more than th one listed for recalls

Filed Oct 25, 2020 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 30,391 miles · AR

Driving on major highway at 70 MPH, car suddenly lost power with no warning other than a message on dash 'parking brake may temporarily be unavailable', car did not shut off but gas pedal unresponsive. Pulled over, turned off car, restarted, put in drive, car did not move. New message: service trans, press brake when stopped, key off engine to engage park. Previous two days, had trouble ,took 4 try's to start car from key fob. Car has 30391 miles, I have owned it 2 months. Had to be towed to dealership.

Filed Dec 13, 2019 · Brakes, Electrical · CA

2018 chrysler pacifica. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle stalling. *ld the consumer stated the battery was dead upon purchase. The dealer replaced it. A week after purchasing the vehicle it would not start. It had power, but the key fob could not be detected. The sliding doors reopened after being closed. The vehicle applies the brakes when reversing or going forward as if to stop a crash. The vehicle jolts/lunges and rolls a little when shifting gears. The engine rattles for a few seconds after the vehicle was shut off. The vehicle stalled/idled and shut down while at a stop sign and in traffic. The dash displayed engine stop start system malfunction.

Filed Mar 31, 2019 · Engine · 7,386 miles · CA

Vehicle auto shutdown and will not restart at stop light. Lifting foot off brake pedal will not have the vehicle disable the fuel saving auto shutdown and vehicle will not restart. Forward collision warning light comes on and audible alarms active. Must do a complete restart of the vehicle engaging brake pedal and push button start.