2018 CHRYSLER PACIFICA Complaints

The lock actuator on the sliding door does not function correctly. The same exact part in the same designed car (Dodge Caravan) has a settlement for this. This should also apply to the 2018 Pacifica. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

At slow speeds while turning, the steering column shudders and vibrates. At higher speeds the steering seems to get tight and needs to be forced back in to the correct direction. This has been occurring for approximately 6 months. My car is out of warranty. It could become a dangerous situation.

I have been experiencing a brake surge when I come to a stop, it has been a few weeks now (or maybe months). It feels like the regenerative braking is disengaging and the friction brakes are not engaging immediately. I am concerned this is a brake handoff issue and a major safety problem.

We had the seat fail on one of our middle row seats. It lines up with a dealer service, and we believe the dealer probably broke it while performing other work, but we don't have before/after videos or anything like that to prove it. The issue is that there is a plastic piece that breaks, which means that the seatback no longer locks. This is apparently a common problem in these cars: https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/broken-passenger-2nd-row-captains-chair-thoughts.54633/ https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/fix-for-stuck-easy-tilt-2nd-row.47300/ https://www.reddit.com/r/pacificahybrid/comments/1kmsiuj/both_of_my_middle_row_seats_are_defective_they/ The dealer wanted something like $900 to fix it. This is a major safety issue; if the seatback failed during a crash it would mean the other safety systems in the car couldn't do their jobs. We have the broken seat in the garage - we've been driving around without it. I think the pictures in the Pacifica threads above are pretty useful, but if seeing in person would help, happy to meet up or something like that.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant pressure test was needed. The vehicle was later taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the front and rear head gaskets needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 51,000.

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).

At a stoplight the FCW ( forward, collision), warning dash light went on and engaged the brakes, thankfully, no movement was taking place.I had to put the car in park and then drive to be able to resume.This indicates that it could have occurred at high speeds, potentially causing a collision

The steering periodicall locks up. This doesn't happen offten and only lasts a second or two but at high speeds does give a scare to the driver. Also when turning the steering in a tight turn like in a parking lot, the steering jerks/wabbles.

Power steering impaired while going about 35-40 mph around gentle curves. Carplay will no longer work with the USB port wired to phone.

When taking turns the steering "sticks" amd it takes extra physical force to "unstick" the car. While unsticking by turning the steering wheel harder than normal, it either crosses into uncoming traffic or runs off the shoulder. It unsticks but with the extra physical force, it generally causes you to over correct and/or swerve/veer all over the roadway. 2018 with 72k miles