2018 CHRYSLER PACIFICA Complaints

After safety recall 73B was performed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid on 02/03/2025, the vehicle's check engine light illuminated and it began experiencing charging failures. The component that has failed is the high-voltage (HV) battery pack and its control system. Diagnostic scans performed by a Chrysler dealer on [Date of diagnosis] confirmed trouble codes, including U0412, which indicate a critical fault within the battery system. The HV battery is available for inspection upon request. My safety and the safety of others are at risk because the recall was issued to prevent a battery fire. The symptoms my vehicle is exhibiting are precisely the kinds of faults the recall's software update is supposed to detect. By refusing to provide the full remedy, the manufacturer has left an unresolved fire hazard. The problem was confirmed by dealer diagnostic reports. However, both the dealer and Chrysler have refused to replace the defective battery under the recall. Their denial is based on [indicate reason for denial]. The first warning signs, including the check engine light, appeared within days of the recall service. This strongly indicates the recall procedure, specifically the mandatory battery integrity test, was not completed correctly by the dealership. This is a widespread issue, with numerous owners reporting the same post-recall failures online and to Chrysler Cares customer service.

Coolant leak in cylinder 3 due to faulty head gasket. Based on the blogs, this is an issue with all Pacifica not just 2018. This requires a full engine replacement which most families cannot afford nor afford to replace the vehicle. If we keep driving it with this issue it becomes a safety issue. Quote is an $11,000 repair.

Component/system failed: Electric Power Steering (EPS). The system intermittently fails during normal driving, showing a "Service Power Steering" warning. Diagnostic codes include U113E (lost comm w/ EPS), C2217 (SAS not calibrated), C2210 (EPS internal fault), P058C (low voltage), and P1009 (hybrid module MIL request). The issue began immediately after a Chrysler recall service where the main charging unit was replaced. Vehicle is available for inspection. Safety risk: Loss of steering assist creates a serious hazard, especially during turns or at low speeds. The steering becomes extremely heavy without warning, increasing the risk of collision or inability to maneuver safely in traffic or parking situations. Dealer confirmation: Yes. A Chrysler dealer confirmed the EPS fault and quoted $5,500 to replace the entire steering rack. No electrical diagnostics were completed, despite the issue starting after recent electrical recall work. Inspections by others: The dealer has inspected the vehicle. Chrysler corporate has been contacted but has not yet resolved the issue. No inspections by police or insurance. Warning signs: The issue started right after the dealership performed recall work. “Service Power Steering” message appears, and diagnostic trouble codes are present. The error is intermittent and can clear after restarting, only to return later.

Soon after having recall 73B completed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug in Hybrid the check engine illuminated with DTC P0BBE. The vehicle no longer accepts a charge through the charge port and is now indicating there is an error with the high voltage battery. This issue has happened within 147 miles of driving. I can no longer use the vehicle as it is now in limp mode.

On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “Your car is on fire!” So we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going West also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.

The hybrid battery system is malfunctioning. I am not at risk. I am repeatedly getting U0412 error code, indicating a problem with voltage in the hybrid battery system. It only happens intermittedly. I have taken it into the dealer when the check engine light is not on (unfortunately), and they did not find any issue. One time while driving at highway speed, I did get an immediate red message saying "check hybrid system". It went away with the check engine light remaining on for about an hour. This has occurred after (and I think because of) the 73B recall.

Van was working fine one day and the next, before I even started it, when I pressed the brake pedal to start the van, there was a buzzing noise from the braking system and pedal went almost to the floor. Once I started the vehicle, the noise stopped and the pedal travel returned to normal. However at the same time, the warning light / message for several of the systems came up (ABS, traction control, collision detection, parking sensors, etc) along with several messages (ParkSense Unavailable, FCW Unavailable Service Required, Service Antilock Brake System, Service Electronic Stability System). Using an OBDII code reader displayed several "communication errors" (start with the letter "U"). I researched it on the Internet and it would appear that this is caused by a common failure of the "star connector" ("bus module" to connect various components in the van). I ordered a replacement part (which I haven't received yet) but not completely surprisingly, about 1 week after the issue occurred, today my vehicle was running properly with no more errors. I'm hoping NHTSA forces FCA to fix this issue under a recall. I've read of several other owners suffering the same issue and IMO, this is a security risk as ABS and traction contol (along with other systems) are disabled when this happens. In included pictures of the dash when it happened (note all the warning lights) and of the dash when if fixed itself (no warning light although MIL is still on (I haven't cleared it))

I am writing to formally report ongoing and unresolved electrical issues with my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. Despite replacing both the main and auxiliary batteries, several components continue to fail, including: •The third-row power seats, which do not function at all or operate intermittently, rendering them impossible to stow or adjust. There is no manual override, which is a serious design flaw for families. •The rear liftgate, which starts to open and then immediately closes without completing its cycle. •The passenger-side rear entertainment screen, which is completely non-functional while the driver’s side screen works normally. These issues have severely impacted the usability and reliability of the vehicle. The third-row seat and tailgate problems, in particular, compromise safety and convenience—especially for families with children. The third-row power seat design lacks a manual fallback, which could leave passengers stuck in emergency situations. The liftgate’s failure to open fully and the battery system’s unreliability and constant need for replacement (around every 1.5/2 years) has left my stranded countless times. These electrical issues need recalls and solutions.

After the 73B recall was performed on my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, the vehicle began experiencing persistent check engine lights and charging issues, especially during charging. Diagnostic scans revealed codes U0412 (invalid data from battery energy control module) and P0BBE (hybrid battery pack voltage variation), both directly related to the high-voltage battery system. These issues began within days of the recall and escalated, with the battery fault becoming permanent by late May 2025. The recall was issued due to a risk of fire from the high-voltage battery, caused by defects that can develop over time. The recall remedy included a software update to monitor for dangerous battery conditions and disable charging if a risk is detected, as well as inspection and replacement of the battery if necessary. My vehicle’s post-recall symptoms—persistent warning lights and charging faults—are exactly the type of problems the recall is meant to detect. The problem was confirmed by diagnostic data and scan reports, which were sent from the dealer to Chrysler’s technical support (STAR), but the vehicle itself was not physically inspected by the dealer or STAR. Both refused to authorize battery replacement, citing the contradicting STAR report, despite clear evidence of battery failure and the recall’s stated purpose. The battery and related components are available for inspection upon request. My safety and my family’s safety are put at risk, as the recall specifically warns owners not to charge or park the vehicle near structures until the remedy is complete, due to fire risk. Multiple other owners have reported similar post-recall battery failures, indicating a broader unresolved safety issue. Chrysler has not provided a satisfactory resolution, and the vehicle continues to exhibit battery faults and charging issues after the recall remedy.

Electronic power steering failure at around 40k miles driven. Was able to replace completely understand warranty.