2018 Chrysler Pacifica transmission problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Transmission · 170,000 miles · MO

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving uphill, the vehicle was shaking uncontrollably. Additionally, the Auto START/STOP feature intermittently failed to restart the engine while depressing the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test indicated that the passenger’s side CV axle camshaft was defective. Upon investigation, the contact discovered the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 18V493000 (POWER TRAIN) and 18V492000 (POWER TRAIN); and associated the failure with the recalls. The dealer was notified of the failure and later informed the contact that the vehicle was not included in the recalls. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was illuminated. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

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 Oct 20, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · CA

My van has been reliable for 5 years until recall 73B was performed. Ever since it's install I have had 7 repair attempts and 250+ days out of service. Each repair attempt is preceesed by check engine lights, service hybrid system, check electronic throttle control, red wrench, blind spot temporarily unavailable, (occasionally) service airbag, service shifter, and stability control lights. Chrysler has been unable to fix this issue. They have replaced the abs module, 12v battery, can bus's, wiring, battery coolant heater, eflite motors and reducers, 400v battery, and the under hood wiring harness. Engineering has been involved, star cases opened, and technicians flown in to address these issues. The DTC code scans reveal many communication codes, both active and permanent. The last scan had 23 active codes. No one can tell me if this van is safe to drive, I don't think it is. I have had no drive events, and lost power steering momentarily at highway speeds. The latest incident had the messages start appearing at 45 mph. This can is unfit to be on the road, and stellantis does not seem to be able to fix it

Filed Oct 7, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · FL

The transmission shifts harshly, clunks when shifted into Drive or Reverse, and hesitates before suddenly lurching. Engine RPM rises before the transmission engages, and some describe the resulting jolt as feeling like being hit from behind. The steering wheel locks stiffly during gentle turns to the right, then suddenly releases causing a jolt back to the left at times, all other times it requires a hard pull of the wheel manually to get the steering to release, which also causes a hard jerking to the opposite direction. Battery and stop/start system: Repeated Auxiliary battery replacements which power the stop/start system and warning lights. On 5 occasions the Aux battery has been replaced and within a week the system fails with no diagnostic readings identifying the cause. This leads to harder drains on the main battery. The main battery (purchased from Autozone, has been replaced on warranty because it never makes it past the 2-year mark) occasional starting difficulties, and inconsistent stop/start operation. Dash Screen: The screen freezes or turns blank while operating the vehicle. Complete loss of cabin temperature control. At other times the display will freeze on the Chrysler brand logo and is completely unresponsive to any haptic touch. The software just freezes. Even after complete shutdowns and time outs the display does not reset immediately. It's a coin flip if it's going to work. These problems have been ongoing since I purchased the vehicle in 2019. Dealerships have recognized them and consistently say that until Chrysler is forced to fix this the Dealerships can't do anything about it without charging me repairs/replacement.

Filed Sep 14, 2026 · Transmission · 82,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the shifter module warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted by phone and was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with a shifter module failure. The contact was informed that the shifter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. While the contact's son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. In addition, the steering wheel failed to turn in the intended direction and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that the following day, the vehicle was started; however, the gear shifter failed to shift as needed. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, and the battery was replaced, but the failure reoccurred. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was towed to the dealer; however, the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that the failure was possibly caused by the wiring harness. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that the parts were discontinued. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 82,000.

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 Aug 4, 2026 · Transmission · CA

While driving the vehicle the minivan will lose all acceleration. There is usually a preceding error displayed on the dashboard to pull over immediately. The dealership has thus far been unable to fix it.

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 15, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · HI

I had my cylinder heads, valves and head gasket replaced over a year ago and drove 15k miles and i am having the same issues again. The Dealer is trying there very best not to honor my valid powertrain parts warranty like saying the head gasket is only covered for 12 months and denying my claim but my cylinder heads and top end have a 3 year 100k mile warranty since they were installed not to long ago and they are trying to deny my claim using the head gasket. I have seen and read online that these engines all have similar problems with the head gaskets.

Filed Jul 12, 2026 · Transmission · GA

The van fail GA state emissions with code p2797. I have to the end of July to get the tag. I went to the state for a repair waiver control # s1174706. I told them this code is under a tsb it fell on deaf ears. I. Took the van back to the dealership for a third time a different dealership they say they did the procedure for the tsb code p2797 butt didn't fix the code to pass GA emission. Tsb are good for the automotive industry but if the tsb and engineers procedures didn't fix the p2797 code than the tsb need to be moved to a recall program. The dealership was good at explaining that the van needs a new transmission that cost the customer 13,000.00 to replace and 3000 for new struts. The van was bought Sept 2025 and the payoff is 13,000.00. The problem is have is will not pass GA state emissions, a code thats not related with emissions cover under a tsb that should have fix it at the dealership.