2018 Chrysler Pacifica: engine stalls while driving

Filed Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · MI

The engine powertrain system failed, specifically a catastrophic failure of the cylinder head gaskets alongside a stretched engine timing chain. The replaced components were discarded by the repair facility following the completion of the service and are not available for inspection. The failure caused a sudden, severe engine malfunction accompanied by a rough idle and immediate loss of smooth powertrain operation. Sudden engine failures of this nature create a severe hazard when operating on backroads or public highways, as they can cause unexpected stalling, a complete loss of motive power, or sudden deceleration in active traffic, significantly increasing the risk of a collision. The diagnosis of the blown head gasket and stretched timing chain was formally confirmed and documented by an independent service center (Rusty's Auto Service, Repair Order #118288). The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance representatives. It was inspected and repaired strictly by the independent service center. The vehicle experienced a sudden, momentary rough idle and rapid coolant loss without any prior overheating indications or warning lights. These symptoms appeared immediately prior to bringing the vehicle in for a professional diagnostic inspection.

Filed Aug 19, 2026 · Transmission · 120,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver, and the vehicle stalled. The message "Power Train" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the auxiliary battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in Safety Recall U01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the Powertrain Control Module (PCM). However, this vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same symptoms.

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Engine · OH

Engine only stalls out when stopped on roadway while driving. Vehicle also does not start up after it has been driven and is parked. It takes 10 minutes or longer to get the vehicle to start again. Check engine light comes on every time when these two situations happen, which it happens periodically. Sometimes it's 2-3 times a day, sometimes, once every two days. Once it starts back up the engine light turns off. I've taken it to 2 reputable shops and neither of them found any issues as they could not replicate the issue, the engine light is not on, and there are no codes displayed. I now have a date for a inspection which includes a test drive with the dealership.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Engine · IL

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar V6 engine. At approximately 81,600 miles, the vehicle developed a check engine light and a Cylinder 5 misfire (P0305). The vehicle began exhibiting hard starts, rough engine operation during cold starts, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant loss with no obvious external leak. An independent repair facility initially diagnosed the vehicle and found evidence suggesting coolant intrusion into Cylinder 5. The vehicle was then inspected by a Chrysler dealership. The dealership confirmed that coolant was present inside Cylinder 5 using a borescope inspection. The dealership recommended replacement of the cylinder head gasket. The safety concern is that the failure developed with little warning other than a check engine light and intermittent rough operation. The engine misfires on startup and can run rough, which could result in reduced power, hesitation, stalling, or loss of acceleration while operating the vehicle. The vehicle also consumes coolant internally, which may lead to engine overheating or further engine damage if not detected quickly. During my research, I found numerous reports from other owners describing similar coolant intrusion, head gasket failures, and Cylinder 5 misfires in Chrysler vehicles equipped with the 3.6L Pentastar engine. Despite the apparent frequency of these complaints, I am not aware of any recall addressing this issue. In my case, the repair estimate is approximately $5,000 for head gasket replacement. I am submitting this report because coolant intrusion into a combustion cylinder can create a significant safety concern due to engine misfires, loss of performance, and the potential for engine failure while driving. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether a defect exists affecting other vehicles with this engine.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Engine · MD

VIN: [XXX] 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus 3.6L Mileage at first failure: 52,930 On November 7, 2024 my 2018 Pacifica began losing coolant (I had to refill it multiple times) and exhibited morning engine shuddering/stuttering. I took it to Century Chrysler Jeep Ram in Mt. Airy, MD (Repair Order #XXX). They performed a 5-hour cooling-system pressure test and borescoped all 6 cylinders. Their notes state: “no coolant was found… no leaks… held pressure for entire 5 hours… could not find any leaks.” They replaced the spark plugs and performed a tune-up (total charged $1,606 after discount). Their own paperwork admits it “could be internal engine issue’s” and “will have to wait till gets worse.” They even wrote an estimate for a cylinder leak-down test but never performed it. The vehicle ran normally for only two days. The shuddering returned and rapidly progressed to complete no-start/stalling (engine would not crank). On December 17, 2024 I took it to Limitless Auto Solutions in Monrovia, MD (another Chrysler-authorized shop, Repair Order #XXX). They removed the intake manifold, all 6 spark plugs and coils to inspect for coolant intrusion. Exact diagnosis: “Rear Cylinder Head Warped – Coolant Intrusion In Cylinders 1 & 3” (Bank 1, rear head closest to firewall). They replaced the complete Bank 1 cylinder head, full gasket set, spark plugs, thermostat, coolant, oil, and related components. Total cost: $6,823.54 (paid in full; 36-month/36k-mile warranty issued). The first dealership’s failure to diagnose the known coolant-intrusion / warped-head defect (despite a 5-hour test + borescope) directly caused the engine to catastrophically worsen, creating a clear safety hazard of sudden stalling or hydrolock while driving. This matches hundreds of identical complaints on 2017–2025 Pacifica 3.6L vehicles. I request a full investigation and recall. Both repair invoices are available upon request. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Mar 11, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · CT

As I was entering [XXX] between [XXX] and [XXX] the check engine light came on and a warning about finding a service charging station. The accelerator then stopped working, the car stalled out and I was unable to drive the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the car to the breakdown lane as it decelerated. I then had to get a tow to the dealership. The engine light came on several times over the last few months prior to this incident but the dealership at shoreline Chrysler jeep dodge were not able to fit in the car to diagnose the issue. Their negligence led to this dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 6, 2026 · Fuel system · TX

In at least 3 different drivers experienced the engine shutting off while driving at low speeds. It happened either while stopped at the traffic light, or shortly after being stopped at the traffic. The engine stalled and the message on the dash said to stop the vehicle, turn it off, then turn it back on. Fortunately, we were able to coast to a stop and follow the procedures. We replaced the fuel module and fuel pump, which did not help. I did some research last night and found an article from CBS News dated 01/12/2018 for this issue that recalled some of the Pacifica minivans starting with the 2017 model. Our van is a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. I suspect it was built AFTER the recall, but the software was not fixed when built. I want this fixed under the recall umbrella so I don't get charged for something Chrysler already new was a safety problem.

Filed Jan 5, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · VA

At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving Cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failure consistent with the known 3.6L Pentastar cylinder head/gasket manufacturing defects. The vehicle is now unsafe to operate. This failure occurred well before the expected useful life of the powertrain and appears consistent with the defects alleged in the class action Maugain et al. v. FCA US LLC. No warning lights illuminated prior to the immediate failure.

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 Dec 11, 2025 · Engine, Steering · FL

The vehicle stalls while driving without any notice. This van has a start/stop function and it malfunctions. There are two separate batteries that control this function and both of them have been replaced. The entire steering rack and steering column have had to be replaced. The front suspension has also had to be replaced because the tires wear out very quickly. The alternator, radiator, and motor mounts have also had to be replaced. The van is available for inspection. At the moment the vehicle will not start and I have been advised that it needs a new starter. This vehicle is a safety risk and it puts others at risk as well. These problems have been diagnosed and confirmed by at least three different service centers including a Chrysler dealership. I generally do not get any warning lamps, messages, or symptoms when the van stalls.

Filed Oct 25, 2025 · Engine · TX

2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 3.6L V6, approx. 66,476 miles. The vehicle began losing coolant with no visible external leaks. When cold, opening the coolant reservoir cap releases a strong hiss of pressure and coolant flows back into the tank. The check engine light appeared, first showing a cylinder misfire (resolved after spark plug replacement), then later a slow EGR leak code. Over the next several weeks, the coolant level continued dropping and the reservoir remained pressurized even when cold. Vehicle was inspected by Waxahachie Dodge Chrysler Jeep (RO #490099, Sept 2025). Technician performed a combustion gas test and confirmed exhaust gases are present in the coolant system. No external leaks were found. Diagnosis: failed head gasket allowing combustion gases into the cooling system and coolant to burn in cylinders. The technician stated overheating or warpage may have opened a path at the head gasket but found no external signs of overheating. This condition poses a safety risk—coolant loss and trapped pressure can cause sudden overheating, engine stall, or hydrolock while driving, potentially leading to loss of power or a crash hazard. The issue was confirmed by a Chrysler dealer and documented in the repair order. The vehicle remains available for inspection. Prior to failure, symptoms included the check engine light, rough running, and repeated coolant loss. There were no visible leaks or overheating messages. Manufacturer was contacted but declined assistance; dealer verified diagnosis and estimate for repair (~$7,800).