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severe Owners of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 196 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 15,680 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 243 |
| 2018 Pacifica (this page) | 196 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 77 |
| 2020 Pacifica | 45 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 84 |
| 2022 Pacifica | 32 |
Of the 196 electrical complaints filed for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
Among the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Electrical accounts for 24% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Calibration Requirements For The Power Sliding Door Module (PSDM).
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed. Rev A
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
Owners of 2018 Pacificas describe a pattern of catastrophic electrical failures that create immediate safety hazards. Complete loss of motive power while driving occurs without warning—the vehicle simply shuts down mid-highway, forcing owners to coast to the shoulder. Dashboard messages say "Stop Safely—Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" or "Shift to P to Start." Check engine lights illuminate, but dealerships cannot find the root cause or refuse to diagnose it.
Start-Stop system failures are chronic. Owners replace the auxiliary battery repeatedly—three times in 17 months in one case—yet the vehicle still fails to restart at traffic lights. Some owners disabled the feature entirely to prevent stalling.
Stalling at intersections is widespread. Vehicles stall when accelerating from a stop or at low speeds, leaving drivers stranded in traffic with warning lights flashing. One owner reported a cracked engine block after prolonged electrical issues.
Infotainment systems reboot every 2–3 minutes, disabling backup cameras, climate controls, and navigation. One owner nearly backed over a child when the camera shut off mid-backup. Touch screens go black and stay black despite multiple screen replacements.
Shifter electronics malfunction, trapping vehicles in Run position so owners cannot turn them off. Hybrid battery systems fail days after the 73B safety recall is performed; dealers refuse replacement despite recall stating battery replacement is part of the remedy. Owners report 80+ forum posts of identical post-recall failures.
Same Chrysler Pacifica electrical reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Vehicle suddenly loses all power while in motion, rendering it inoperable with no ability to accelerate or steer assist. Occurs without warning and forces driver to coast to shoulder. Engine shuts down, dashboard lights flicker or go dark, and vehicle will not restart without significant intervention (towing, battery disconnect, or waiting).
When: While driving at various speeds (30-60 mph), sometimes at intersections or during acceleration; reports span 2018-2026 model years
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power while driving; Dashboard message 'Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' or 'Shift to P to Start'; Check engine light illuminates; Unable to accelerate; Vehicle does not restart immediately; Dashboard lights flicker on and off; Loss of steering assist; 12V battery dies due to lack of system voltage maintenance
Codes mentioned: P0C0E, U0412, P0BBE, P0410
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report multiple dealer visits with no permanent fix; some cite Power Inverter Module (PIM) failure, transmission wiring short, PCM issues, or head gasket failure; costs range from $8,000+ for engine replacement to repeated battery replacements
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 03A (NHTSA 23V-010), Recall Y40 (software update March 2026), Recall U87 (PCM voltage regulator), Recall 73B (hybrid battery), multiple software updates; owners report recalls performed but failures continue; dealerships refuse repairs citing inability to 'replicate' or contradicting STAR reports
Start-Stop feature malfunctions intermittently or completely ceases to function. Vehicle fails to start or restart at stop lights/signs, requiring driver to place in Park and manually restart. Alternator cannot sufficiently recharge auxiliary battery over time, causing feature to stop working. Repeated battery failures despite replacements.
When: First occurrence within months of purchase; progressive degradation over 6-18 months; affects vehicles from 2018 onward
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to start or restart at stop lights; Engine stalls when brake is released; Vehicle remains in 'Run' position and cannot be turned off; Auto Start-Stop unavailable message; Erratic engine restart behavior with unexplained pauses or jack-rabbit acceleration; Multiple battery replacements required within 17 months and 15,000 miles; Auxiliary battery repeatedly discharges
Codes mentioned: Start-Stop system error codes
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report replacing auxiliary and main batteries multiple times (3+ discharge-and-replace cycles in 17 months); one owner disabled feature to prevent stalling; one dealership confirmed battery inventory is 'inferior' and supplier may change from current brand
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls cited as effective remedy; dealers offer battery replacement only; one owner reports dealer said problem will return; warranty extensions mentioned but not fully documented
Vehicle stalls without warning while driving or at stop lights, often at low speeds or during acceleration. Engine refuses to restart immediately; multiple restart attempts required. Warning lights and error codes appear sporadically. Condition is unpredictable and difficult for dealers to diagnose or reproduce.
When: Throughout ownership; one report at 400 miles on new vehicle; another at 10,000 miles; progressive issue over years
Symptoms owners cite: Engine stalls at intersections and traffic lights; Stalling during acceleration or at low speeds; Vehicle will not restart on first attempt; Check engine light and warning messages (e.g., 'Put vehicle in Park to restart'); Dashboard warning lights flicker; Fuel gauge cycles erratically; Odometer displays 'NO BUS' error; Loss of power in drivetrain
Codes mentioned: Multiple codes reported (up to 85+ on some instances), P0410, PCM/voltage regulator faults
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report spark plug replacement, starter replacement, fuel pump sensor replacement, PCM replacement, and loose wiring repairs; dealers unable to find root cause or reproduce issue; one case involved cracked engine block requiring full engine replacement ($12,000)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall U87 for PCM voltage regulator defect; dealers perform software updates; repairs do not resolve issue; owner alleges repair attempts escalated damage over time
After Recall 73B (high-voltage battery fire risk) is performed, vehicle develops check engine light and charging failures within days. Diagnostic codes indicate high-voltage battery pack and control system failure. Owners report dealership and manufacturer refuse to authorize battery replacement despite clear evidence of failure and recall's stated purpose of detecting and replacing defective batteries.
When: Within days of 73B recall service (January-November 2025); affects multiple owners
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminates after recall; Charging system failures; Persistent charging faults during charging; Battery fault becomes permanent; Loss of all power while driving (one case)
Codes mentioned: U0412 (Invalid data from battery energy control module), P0BBE (Hybrid battery pack voltage variation)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement needed but refused by manufacturer and dealership; dealership clears codes and releases vehicle; battery has been at dealership 4+ months without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 73B (software update to monitor battery and disable charging if risk detected, plus battery inspection/replacement if necessary); manufacturer and STAR (technical support) refuse to authorize battery replacement citing contradicting reports, despite recall's stated purpose; owners report 80+ customers on forums with identical post-recall battery failures
Radio freezes on loading screen or reboots every 2-3 minutes while driving. Touch screen goes black and will not respond. Vehicle loses access to backup camera, climate controls, navigation, Bluetooth, and safety features. Issue is intermittent and persists despite multiple screen and software replacements. Dealership attributes to humidity but problem continues after wiring harness work.
When: From beginning of ownership (one case: 6/2019); recurring through 2019-2025; one case ongoing for over a year
Symptoms owners cite: Radio freezes on loading screen; Radio reboots continuously; Touch screen goes black or does not respond; WiFi issues; Backup camera unavailable or stuck in camera mode while driving; Climate controls unresponsive; Lane assist and cross traffic alert intermittent; Safety features disabled; Screen flickers as if shorting out; Screen freezes displaying initial scene
Codes mentioned: Not specified; software/module-level issues
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple screen swaps, software updates, video module replacement under passenger seat, wiring harness work performed; one case: radio/climate controls failed during 1,000-mile highway drive in rain, leaving driver without defroster and camera; one case: owner nearly backed over child when camera shut off mid-backup
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owners told to wait for software updates; no permanent solution offered; dealership suggested humidity causes issue; one case shows class action lawsuit filed (2:20-cv-11838-SFC-RSW) for Uconnect failures
Entire electrical system malfunctions unpredictably with multiple warning lights flashing, buttons unresponsive, and loss of vehicle control. Symptoms include erratic throttle, wipers turning on without input, unintended acceleration, all dash buttons disabled, doors locked/unlocked unexpectedly. One case involved cracked engine block as result of prolonged electrical issues.
When: First incidents at low mileage (200-400 miles); progressive failures over months; one case: 34,000 miles right before warranty expired
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard warning messages flashing; Loss of accelerator response; Wipers activate without input; Unintended acceleration or acceleration exceeding pedal pressure; All dash buttons unresponsive; A/C controls not responding; Backup camera/sensors disabled; Vehicle behaves as though it 'dies' electrically; Engine light on and off intermittently; Side auto doors fail to work automatically; Lurching and chugging randomly
Codes mentioned: Codes referred to electrical panel issues, Multiple codes without clear root cause
Repairs/costs cited: Shops have replaced starter, spark plugs, fuel pump sensor, battery; one case: cracked engine block found after prolonged electrical issues ($12,000 estimate); owners report dealerships state 'too many electrical parts to check' and refuse diagnosis
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No effective recalls cited; dealerships unable or unwilling to repair; one owner deemed vehicle total loss despite ongoing loan; multiple shop visits (5-7) without resolution
Electronic gear shift becomes unresponsive or stuck in 'Run' position, preventing vehicle from being turned off. Shifter lights malfunction. Transmission cannot be shifted into Park, Drive, or Reverse as intended. Vehicle displays 'Vehicle not in Park' or 'Vehicle is not in Drive' messages incorrectly. Shifter has been replaced but issue recurs.
When: Throughout ownership; one case: shifter replaced once, then failed again
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter stuck in 'Run' position, cannot turn off vehicle; Cannot shift into Park or Drive; Shifter lights do not come on; Vehicle displays false 'Vehicle not in Park' messages while driving; Vehicle reverses when shifted into Drive; Shifter becomes unresponsive/intermittent
Codes mentioned: Service transmission, Service shifter
Repairs/costs cited: Shifter module replacement performed but issue recurs; dealership cannot resolve; one owner had to disconnect and reconnect battery to restart vehicle
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Shifter replacement offered; no permanent solution; recalls may address but not fully effective
Rear sliding doors fail to operate correctly. Doors open or close unexpectedly on their own when vehicle is parked or during entry/exit. Doors take multiple attempts to latch properly. Issue is intermittent and unpredictable.
When: Starting 2021 in one case; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding doors open and close randomly while parked; Requires 3-4 tries before latching; Doors malfunction despite new battery
Codes mentioned: Not specified
Repairs/costs cited: No repair noted; issue ongoing
Backup camera freezes, becomes unavailable, or displays frozen images. Sensor systems (blind spot, cross traffic alert) become unresponsive. Reverse camera display remains on during forward driving, causing distraction and loss of climate control access in cold weather (defog unavailable, leading to interior fogging).
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; one case: January 2023 during winter weather
Symptoms owners cite: Backup camera unavailable or stuck on during driving; Camera display frozen showing earlier scene; Screen blank with 'Camera System Unavailable' message; Cross traffic alert and blind spot sensors malfunction; Camera function tied to climate control system failure
Codes mentioned: Not specified
Repairs/costs cited: No effective repair found; camera replacement suggested at $400 but wiring short suspected; one case involved NHTSA Campaign 19V886000 but owner's VIN not included in recall
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall VE2 (NHTSA 19V886000) exists but owner's VIN not included; Chrysler Customer Service claims no recall applies
Auxiliary battery repeatedly fails and drains quickly despite being new or recently replaced. Charging system light comes on indicating electrical charging malfunction. Vehicle nearly shuts off due to low voltage. Vehicle dies from constant rebooting of computer systems. Alternator cannot maintain sufficient charge over time.
When: First failure within 2 months of purchase; progressive failures every 6-12 months; one case: 2-week-old battery would not restart vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Auto Start-Stop battery dies repeatedly; Low battery alert then vehicle dies while driving; Charging system light illuminates; Vehicle nearly loses power in motion; Computer reboots drain battery; Vehicle dies from auxiliary battery failure
Codes mentioned: Charging system fault codes
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple battery replacements required (every 1-2 years despite 5-year warranty); one owner went through 3 discharge-and-replace cycles in 17 months; dealership stated battery inventory is inferior and supplier may change
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery replaced under warranty; no permanent solution; dealership blames vehicle's drain on battery
Cylinder 5 misfire occurs, causing vehicle to lose power and become unable to respond in emergency situations. Head gasket leaks coolant into cylinder, preventing spark plug ignition. Rust visible on valves and piston tops. Blown head gasket requires full engine replacement.
When: Progressive failure; one case: head gasket blow at 4 miles after warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder 5 misfire codes; Vehicle cannot accelerate in emergency; Engine loses power intermittently; Coolant level low without visible leaks; Bubbles observed in coolant reservoir during pressure test; Temperature gauge spike; Sudden loss of fluids
Codes mentioned: Misfire codes (cylinder 5)
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plug and ignition coil replacement did not resolve issue; full engine replacement required ($8,000+); one case: issue appeared just 4 miles after warranty lapsed; mechanics confirm this is 'well known issue across the United States'
Sliding doors often fail to work automatically. Interior electronic shutoff does not function properly. Doors lock/unlock unexpectedly. Back hatch will not open. Power accessory buttons disabled.
When: Throughout ownership, progressive from early on
Symptoms owners cite: Sliding doors fail to operate automatically; Sliding doors open and close on their own; Back hatch will not open; Interior electronic shutoff does not trigger; Buttons for power windows, locks, etc. unresponsive
Codes mentioned: Not specified
Repairs/costs cited: Door and hatch components available but not replaced; issue ongoing
Horn does not work. Independent mechanic found horn was built without fuse and one had to be installed. Total electrical failures occur while parked or driving.
When: Discovered at 18,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Horn inoperable; Total electrical failure while parked in garage; Total electrical failure while driving
Codes mentioned: Not specified
Repairs/costs cited: Horn required aftermarket fuse installation; auxiliary battery replaced; body control module replaced (January 4, 2019)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer assigned technician; escalated to higher office; Body Control Module replacement performed
Synthesized from 196 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
Vehicle was at red light when started to smell something burning then smoke from the hood and vents inside the van. Then when the hood is popped tithe flames got worse. The fire started on the right rear side of engine compartment around the radiator reservoir.
While driving on the freeway, the van suddenly started to ‘drag’ and alarm that the start/stop system was unavailable. I was barely able to pull off the freeway before the van completely stopped moving and would not start up again.
The sliding side doors and rear tailgate open when I'm driving the vehicle!!!!! Also when you push button shut the side doors they shut, then open again repeatedly, no obstacles or debris in the tracks, this is purely electrical on a vehicle that has 42,000 miles. The back tailgate opened today on my wife while she was driving, this vehicle has not been in an accident orw water damage either.
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the entire theater system failed and the backup system would become stuck in camera mode while driving. The failure intermittently occurred. The contact stated that the software on the tv monitor and the video module under the passenger seat were replaced and updated at coast auto center Chevrolet (530 chetco ave, brookings,…
Tl* the contact owns a 2018 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle's horn did not work. An independent mechanic stated that the horn was built without a fuse and that one needed to be installed. While driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle lost power without warning. The vehicle was taken to dadeland Chrysler Dodge (16501 s dixie hwy, miami, fl 33157), but was not diagnosed or…
It's a meaningful issue. 196 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
Across the 98 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 8,000 and 32,000 miles, with the median around 15,680. A quarter of owners report trouble before 8,000; a quarter make it past 32,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.