Common Problems with the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Powertrain, Transmission Issues:
“While driving home with my pregnant wife and kids, our van seemed to cut off and coast. I got no response from the accelerator pedal, and there was a message on the dash saying "Shift to P to Start". The check engine light also illuminated. Luckily, we were able to coast and pull over in a neighborhood. I was able to shift to Park and restart the van and finish the drive home. However, the same issue and message appeared while I was parked in my driveway. The van is currently at a local Chrysler dealer for further inspection and diagnosis.”
“The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving from a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle hesitated to respond and then surged forward. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was able to continue driving however, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer three times where an unknown computer software was updated; however, the failure reoccurred intermittently. Additionally, the contact stated that while his wife was coming to a complete stop, the accelerator pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to respond and stalled. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact’s wife noticed that the gear shifter had moved from drive(D) position into park(P) inadvertently. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.”
Electrical System Problems:
“Suddenly our Pacifica would not start and started cycling through over a dozen error messages. We were finally able to get the vehicle to start and took it to the dealership. They confirmed that the star connector needs to be replaced. After looking at many forums, this appears to be a fairly common issue among the early hybrid pacificas, to the point that I felt I should report here, especially given the recalls that have already happened due to the electrical system in the car. We just got the last recall done in August and already we now have a ~$1000 bill to repair the electrical system again. Please have someone look into how many of the pacificas need this particular connector replaced given the prevelance of people with the same issue online.”
“The service electronic stability control warning is populated after the vehicle stalled while driving on the freeway. The vehicle often jerks and stalls when taking off or driving at slow speeds but this is the first time at freeway speeds. This early caused an accident for me and my family.”
“This vehicle has been towed to the dealership for service for a 5th time! Lights of all systems start flashing as not available. This time I had loss of power driving. I got off a main road, but was not able to put the car into park or engage emergency brake as no systems were available!! I sat with my foot on the break while the “p” for parking flashed and the engine just wanted to rev. I have pictures that tell some of the story. It took 40 minutes for the car to recognize that it was in park (or reset). They’ve already had this car in September of 2022, October 2022 two separate incidents, and then again for an entire month from November-December, with no loaners or funds towards rentals. Last week the car lit up the same way, but this time I was not in my neighborhood, but I was on a main road! Not being able to have power was frightening, but not being able to put that car into any gear for 40 minutes is not acceptable.”
Brake Problems:
“I have recognized at least 6 times within the first ten minutes after propulsion on, when I apply the brakes on dry pavement, with even brake pedal pressure, the brakes do not grab properly and the car continues to glide forward for a few moments, Then I put the car in park (often at a traffic light) to try to clear or reset the problem.”
“Several separate times when I have been braking then let up off the brakes, my car accelerated on its own, without me pushing the accelerator. It’s like the car hops or jumps. Very scary as I’m trying to slow down.”
Steering Problems:
“Several near-accidents yesterday and today. Steering wheel randomly locks up when driving. This is an extremely dangerous situation for my wife and 4 children riding in the van. You have to physically force the steering wheel back over, which can easily result in over correction which could also cause a crash. No warning lights on at the time, and has happened 4 times yesterday and once today already. How is this not a recall?!”
“I purchased this vehicle used in 2022. A few months after purchase, I began to notice that while I was going through a sweeping curve in the road and traveling faster than approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel would stick at approximately 1 o'clock or 11 o'clock depending on which way I was turning while attempting to straighten the wheel back out after completing the turn. To get the steering wheel to return to center, it takes forcible action. If not careful, this forcible action can cause you to overcorrect from the turn. This becomes quite dangerous especially on narrow one lane roads. This problem has been discussed with multiple service centers, but has not been able to be diagnosed. No warning lamps are present in the vehicle and all other systems seem to be working fine.”
Suspension Problems:
“The left ball joint (front lower control arm) became squeakier and squeakier until the mechanic said it should be replaced or risk it failing while I drive which could leave me unable to steer/control the car. The mechanic said the dealer ought to cover it since they recalled some of this model year for this same issue on the right side but not all of them. The dealer would not cover replacement.”
“Loud creaking noise (and sometimes what sounds like a spring) coming from the front passenger side suspension. At first this happened when the vehicle was backing up with the steering wheel turned and locked to the left. It's now extended to while braking. I know prior models were recalled for bad lower control arm ball joints. My vehicle didn’t fall in that window, but this vehicle should be included in that recall (v15 recall)”
Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com
California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist
The California Lemon Law is in place to protect consumers who have purchased or leased a vehicle that turns out to be a lemon, with persistent defects affecting safety, value, or use. If you're dealing with any of the above issues or other problems with your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, you might be eligible for remedies such as a refund, replacement, or a cash settlement. Valero Law specializes in assisting clients through the Lemon Law process, including initial case evaluation, negotiation with the manufacturer, and legal representation if required. Our expertise ensures you can navigate the complexities of the law, addressing your vehicle-related concerns while prioritizing your satisfaction and peace of mind.