Head gasket failure..engine replaced with factory long block by independent garage at owner expense
2018 Chrysler Pacifica engine complaints
Page 5 of 14: complaints 101 to 130 of 384, newest first, as owners wrote them.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 30-35 MPH, the vehicle made an abnormal beeping sound. The message "Stop Safely - Vehicle will shut off soon" was displayed, and the vehicle stalled. Several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull over to the side of the road. The vehicle was able to restart, and the contact continued driving. The contact stated that the failure had previously occurred while her husband was driving at an undisclosed speed. The contact's husband was able to pull to the side of the road, and the vehicle was able to restart after an extended period. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed as a low voltage failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Action Number: PE22008 (Power Train). The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 73,692.
Had vehicle towed to Orange Coast Chrysler Jeep Dodge and Ram 11/4/24 due to vehicle being unable to start. Error message in vehicle indicated "Service Hybrid System"" and "Service Charging System" Vehicle was left at dealership pending inspection. 12/5/24 I contacted dealer asking for update and was told Chrysler STAR case was opened for vehicle for hybrid battery. No further information was provided. 1/5/25 I contacted dealer again for update. Was told Chrysler engineer had attempted diagnosis/ repair of vehicle including application of current recall 73B (the federal safety agency Recall ID 22V‑077) but was unsuccessful. Was told another Chrysler engineer must be brought in to assess/ repair vehicle.
Our 2018 Pacifica after only 77K rough miles has a blown gasket and a misfire in cylinder 3. The safety concern is that my family bought this van and are the original owner with the safety standards in mind. We have a 6 year old and a 3 year old. we have had this van since our first born was born. a possible blown engine is a safety issue and wouldn't expect this with such low miles. Vehicle was inspected by the dealer and coolant was found in cylinder 3. the only indication that we had got was the check engine light coming on and then after we made sure the gas cap was on, we ran some fuel cleaner to see if it was a fuel injector issue and the light went away. when my wife used the key fab to start the vehicle, it wouldn't start and the engine light appeared. we took it to the dealer at that point once we had autozone scan the codes. we then learned it could be a gasket or needing plugs and wires replaced. Dealer reviewed and used a camera to see that there was coolant leak. this issue continues to impact many of these vehicles and nothing is being done.
Blown head gasket and leaking coolant at 65,000 miles with regular maintenance. $6000 repair quotes.
Cylinder 3 keeps failing and head gasket keeps failing. Have had to replace the head gasket 3 times now over the last 6 months. This last time it lasted 6 weeks. Code was P105D.
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
Our 2018 Chrysler Pacifica had a check engine light come on and we immediately took it to get it checked out. The mechanic said that it had a cylinder 5 misfire that would require a new engine. Our Pacifica only has 68,000 miles on it. The vehicle never over heated and we did routine maintenance by the manufacture recommendations. Our extended warranty is denying the claim due to coolant leaking into the cylinder. We have never had any issues or overheating. This looks like a faulty design. We have been told this is a very common thing in Pacifica's from the years 2017-2021. I would like someone to please investigate the engine issues in the Chrysler Pacifica.
The head gasket appears to be leaky. Misfire in cylinder 3. routine fluid maintenance and never over heated. Appears to be a common issue with this engine.
Persistent white smoke from the exhaust suspecting coolant leak concerning for blown head gaskets.
VVL solenoid gasket and O-rings failure in bank 1 and bank 2. This led to significant amount of oil seeping over time on other engine bay components.
PCV valve failure. There was oil leak outside. When taken off, there was oily gunk inside. When shaked, it was obviously completely stuck. I took out and cleaned it thoroughly.
Significant leak from the oil filter housing underneath the intake manifold plenum. Upon inspection, one ore more seals of the housing appear to have failed.
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.
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.
The engine was unresponsive and made it difficult to pull into the oncoming traffic. We found out the head gasket was blown and it finally just shut down. Then after we fixed that the lifters and heads were gone even after we had the heads milled and got new gaskets and other parts amounting to $11000.00 so far. We have this car for two years and we have put less that 5000 miles on the car.
There was a rough idle and tje the check engine light came on, idle smoothed out and the the following week the check engine light started blinking and the van started to miss and then drove rough. Then I took the van to dealer and they said it seemed that I have a cracked head after I received engine code for misfire on cylinder 3... sounds like this is a growing issue for this van and engine type.. Thank You for any help with this situation.
Blown head gasket. Had to get it repaired. Steering is catching as well. Probably need a new steering box. It’s been one expensive repair after another.
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.
74,121 miles head warped on engine. $4300 repair to replace head and head gasket.
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] the federal safety agency 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 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 federal safety agency 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)
The hybrid battery coolant heater (part 68443445AC) was confirmed a problem, however the dealership wont review ANY recalls on my vehicle until I pay $1700 to replace that part. However, there are MULTIPLE incidents online showing this is a problem with this vehicle and should be a recall as this is obviously defective within the first 150000 miles. My car has roughly 124K miles, making it just outside the warranty coverage. Shortly before this lamp warning (check engine) came on my steering wheel started "sticking" making it hard to steer in a curve, causing me to veer off the road. Within 7 days of this happening, is when my check engine light appeared, throwing code POE15. The heat now also takes much longer to warm up- like 30 minutes longer. The dealership said none of the issues are connected, however after online research I have determined that is not true.
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.
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
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.
Engine code misfire cylinder #3 and losing coolant. Took it to the mechanic who diagnosed it has a failed head gasket and coolant leaking into the cylinder. Vehicle had 85,000 miles at the time.
Misfire code on cylinder 1. Pulled the coil and plug and replaced, cleared code. Code returns in a matter of days. Then engine temp hot flashes during a short drive, so I purchase approved OAT coolant and fill it back up. Happens again three weeks later. Then two weeks later. Have local mechanic replace coolant pump and thermostat thinking that might do the trick. It doesn't. Issues return in a week. Mechanic can find no coolant leak and says the only thing that makes sense is a blown head gasket. I browse Chrysler forums and see that this is a common issue. No recall as of yet.
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L+ with 59,300 miles on it that we bought new from the dealer with a blown head gasket needing replacement of cylinders 3 and 4. We are outside the powertrain warranty. We got a check engine light [XXX] and found code p-0303 (cylinder 3 misfire). We were fortunate enough to get it to the dealer the very next day. It failed the engine block test and we were informed that the head gasket had blown and needed replacement. They also recommended replacing cylinders 3 and 4. This cannot be the expected lifespan of this engine or car. Searching forums on the internet and unfortunately it is a common problem with pacifica's and other vehicles with the pentastar 3.6L engine. We are averaging <10,000 miles per year, did not drive it aggressively, and got regular maintenance on it. This seems like obvious premature failure of the engine. Chrysler wanted $8200 for the parts and labor to fix it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
In April of 2022 my dash engine check light went on, as well as my start stop. Van was running rough and coolant missing. Chrysler fixed seals, gaskets. In July of 2024, 3000 before warranty ended, the same thing, Chrysler fixed. As of today October 10, 2024, the same dash lights and coolant missing. Now I am over 100,000 warranty. they just fixed this issue. Looking at Technical Service Bulletins and thousands of Chrysler forum complaints report the same issue. Despite two warranty fixes almost 10,00 in 15 months, the same issue continues. In 2024 this past fix Chrysler said this on the phone, Failed leak and combustion test. Cylinder head gasket has gone. Cylinder itself. Cylinder one. Misfire but not as bad. Checking the cylinder wall. Seems odd. Really inspecting the cylinder wall. Odd it would come back odd a year later. Not sure what he is going to find. They can do it tomorrow unless more. When my husband called today all they said was payment is on us of it is not the same thing but did not day to was we did this 3 months ago. I took my van to auto zone after same dash lights went on and they read the code, misfire cylinder one
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.
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