Free. Instant. No signup. Pulls recalls and complaints for your exact vehicle.

Couldn't find that VIN. Check the digits and try again.

2008 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →

Failure mileage
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1fire

When does it fail?

Of the 19 engine complaints filed for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.

0-25k
2 (40%)
25-50k
1 (20%)
50-75k
0 (0%)
75-100k
1 (20%)
100-125k
0 (0%)
125-150k
1 (20%)
150k+
0 (0%)

Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.

What stands out

Engine accounts for 19% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.

No new NHTSA engine complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.

Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins

The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.

Service Bulletin S1121000006 Rev. Aug 2020

(Revision A) No Start No Crank ? Starter Will Not Engage And There Are No Related Codes Or Concerns

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin RL108213A$ Jan 2016

NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9003215 Feb 2015

Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗
Service Bulletin 9003215 Feb 2015

Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.

full bulletin at NHTSA ↗

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.

The failure pattern owners describe

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica exhibits multiple serious engine and engine-support failures across this complaint cluster.

Rod bearing wear is the most severe: one owner at under 68,000 miles heard knocking, found low oil, and was told by a mechanic the bearing was already wearing into the crankshaft—engine replacement the only option. Chrysler allegedly has assisted with these costs in past cases.

Motor mounts fail repeatedly and unpredictably. Starting at 32,000 miles, owners report loud banging when shifting or accelerating, and one owner says replacements fail again within months. Dealers claim mounts are normal wear and not warranty-covered, even though Chrysler's own certification checklist and owner's manual don't mention them for inspection.

Radiator hose fails due to incorrect installation at the factory or dealer—the hose rubs against engine or fan shroud and develops a hole. One vehicle had the hose replaced twice in seven months for the identical reason.

Unexplained stalling strikes repeatedly. Engine dies at highway speeds and city speeds with no warning, killing power steering and brakes—a genuine hazard. Dealers run computer updates and reboots with no success; one case involved an EGR and motor mount replacement that didn't stop the stalling. Manufacturers deny warranty coverage past certain mileages even when the vehicle is clearly unsafe.

One owner reports an engine fire while parked; Chrysler inspected but found no cause and offered no assistance.

Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2007

Failure modes owners describe

Rod bearing failure / engine knocking

Internal engine bearing failure causing loud knocking/rattle and requiring full engine replacement. Owners report the rod bearing begins to wear into the crankshaft, making the engine inoperable.

When: Under 68,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Loud knocking or rattle noise while driving; Noise audible at idle; Low oil level; Noise does not worsen or improve over short drives

Repairs/costs cited: Full engine replacement required. Mechanic confirmed rod bearing wear on crankshaft.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner states Chrysler has assisted with repair costs in previous cases involving similar bearing issues.

Motor mount failure

Engine motor mounts fail prematurely, causing excessive engine movement and loud noise during acceleration or shifting. Multiple owners report identical failures. Some owners report needing replacement every few months.

When: 32,000-123,000 miles; some failures within 2 years of purchase

Symptoms owners cite: Loud banging noise when shifting from Park to Reverse or Drive; Loud abnormal knocking noise when starting vehicle; Engine lifts or moves excessively during acceleration; Unusual engine noise when going forward

Repairs/costs cited: Motor mount replacement ~$700. One owner reports recurring failure after replacement. Another reports needing replacement every few months.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers claim motor mounts are normal wear and tear, not covered under warranty. Chrysler certification checklist does not include motor mount inspection. Owner's manual does not list motor mounts for regular inspection.

Lower radiator hose failure and rubbing

Lower radiator hose fails due to improper installation causing it to rub against engine or fan shroud, wearing through the hose and causing coolant loss and overheating. One vehicle experienced this failure twice in 12,000 miles.

When: 6,000-12,100 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Engine overheating on highway; Coolant loss; Hole or rupture in radiator hose

Repairs/costs cited: Hose replacement under warranty. One owner had hose replaced twice in 7 months for same issue due to repeated incorrect installation.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty repairs performed by dealers; however, replacement hoses were also installed incorrectly, causing recurring failure.

Unexpected engine stall while driving

Engine stalls without warning at various speeds, causing loss of power steering and brake function, creating dangerous situations. Dealers cannot diagnose the problem in many cases. One owner reports EGR light illumination and EGR/motor mount replacement did not resolve the issue. Problem recurs even after repairs.

When: 21,000-101,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine stall without warning; Loss of power steering and brakes during stall; No warning lights before stall (in most cases); Vehicle restarts normally after stalling; EGR warning light (one case)

Codes mentioned: EGR warning light (one case)

Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports EGR and motor mounts with hydraulic units were replaced, but failure persisted. Dealers unable to diagnose cause in multiple cases.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Computer updates and reboots attempted by dealers with no resolution. One manufacturer stated vehicle ineligible for warranty repair at 87,000 miles. Manufacturer notified in some cases but provided no assistance.

Engine fire

Vehicle caught fire while parked with no apparent cause. Engine fire started under the hood. Chrysler technician inspected but cause was not determined.

When: 77,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle engulfed in flames while parked; Fire originating from under the hood

Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler technician inspected vehicle but did not determine cause. Vehicle not included in any recalls and no assistance offered.

Engine cradle corrosion/rust

Engine cradle showing significant rust and corrosion that could lead to structural failure and fracture.

When: 123,000 miles

Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust on engine cradle; Risk of cradle fracture

Repairs/costs cited: Not yet diagnosed or repaired at time of complaint.

Synthesized from 19 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.

What owners are reporting 5 most recent

engine · 130,000 mi · filed 10/21/2014

Engine stalls while driving. *tr

engine · 6,200 mi · filed 10/06/2009

Relatively new SUV (2008 Chrysler pacifica) with approximately 6,000 miles experienced a breakdown caused by the engine overheating on interstate 95 in maine while on a trip. After being towed to a local Chrysler dealer, it was determined that the lower radiator hose had failed due to probable incorrect installation at time of manufacture. The radiator hose was found to have a hole in it which…

engine · 87,000 mi · filed 09/29/2014

Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler pacifica. While on an incline, the vehicle stalled without warning and rolled back into traffic. The contact managed to avoid a crash. The failure occurred several times. The dealer was unable to diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was ineligible for any warranty repairs. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate…

engine · 46,420 mi · filed 09/24/2009

Purchased a 2008 Chrysler pacifica with approximately 32k miles on it. The car was "certified" by Chrysler. At approximately 44k miles the engine would bang when shifting out of park to reverse or drive. According to the dealer the engine mounts were torn and needed to be replaced. I was told engine mounts are not covered under warranty because it's considered normal wear and tear and it would be…

engine · 21,000 mi · filed 09/11/2008

Vehicle purchased new jan 08, currently has 21,000 miles, while driving approx. 30 MPH, all power was lost, car stalled without warning. Able to restart and drive approx 300 feet, car shut down second time. Towed to dealership, where for the past several days they have been unable to replicate problem. All power steering was lost. We have lost all peace of mind. Terrified to drive car in…

Had engine trouble with your 2008 Chrysler Pacifica? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.

Common questions

How serious is the engine problem on the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica?

It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.

At what mileage does the engine typically fail?

Across the 19 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 21,000 and 77,000 miles, with the median around 67,500. A quarter of owners report trouble before 21,000; a quarter make it past 77,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.

What does it cost to fix?

Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.

Are there any recalls related to engine?

No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.

Related

Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2008/Chrysler/Pacifica. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.
Get a free warranty quote →
Sponsored — we earn a commission if you complete a quote. Disclosure.