HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2018 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 182 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 14,656 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
182
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 236 |
| 2018 Pacifica (this page) | 182 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 23 |
| 2020 Pacifica | 18 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 32 |
| 2022 Pacifica | 18 |
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What stands out
Owners have filed 182 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
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.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Engine Oil Leak
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with 3.6L Pentastar engine shows a recurring head gasket failure pattern. Owners describe coolant loss with no visible external leaks, pressurized coolant reservoirs, and check engine lights with cylinder misfire codes (cylinders 1, 3, 5, or 6). Rough cold starts that smooth out when warm are common early warnings. Failures cluster between 30,000 and 105,000 miles, though most fall in the 51,000–85,000 range.
Diagnosis often lags initial symptoms. Dealerships sometimes perform 5-hour pressure tests and borescope inspections but initially point to spark plugs or fuel injectors. Once a head is removed or borescoped properly, the coolant intrusion into cylinders becomes clear. Several owners report dealers acknowledging they "see this all the time" with the Pentastar but offering no recall or goodwill support.
Engine block cracks and cylinder wall scoring appear in some cases, requiring complete engine replacement rather than gasket repair. One owner cited evidence of prior repair attempts using RTV and reused gaskets, suggesting the defect may have been known and patched before resale.
The start/stop system stalling—engine shutting off at traffic lights with no restart without manual intervention—affects some vehicles beginning as early as 3,000 miles. Battery replacements and software updates do not resolve the issue.
One report of engine compartment fire at 33,750 miles with no prior warning. Owners universally cite safety concerns: loss of power while driving, potential hydrolock, risk of stranding with children, and inability to accelerate from intersections.
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2019 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Head gasket failure with coolant intrusion
Head gaskets fail prematurely, allowing coolant to leak into cylinders and combustion gases to enter the cooling system. Occurs across multiple cylinders (1, 3, 5, and 6 most commonly reported) and both cylinder banks. Owners report coolant loss with no visible external leaks, pressurized coolant reservoirs, and misfire codes.
When: 30,000–105,000 miles; most common in 51,000–85,000 mile range
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes (P0301, P0303, P0305, P0306); Coolant level drops with no visible external leaks; Coolant reservoir pressurized when cold, hisses when cap opened; Rough or shaky engine start, stuttering, shuddering; White smoke from exhaust; Smell of burning coolant or coolant odor; Engine runs rough once warm, smooths out; Low coolant warnings
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0303, P0305, P0306, P0100
Repairs/costs cited: Full or partial cylinder head replacement, ranging $4,100–$8,200 for head gasket and related components (spark plugs, thermostat, coils, coolant flush). Several owners cited engine replacement quotes of $8,000–$16,000 when block damage was present. Some dealerships performed 5-hour pressure tests and borescope inspections but still missed the defect initially.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler Cares opened cases but mostly provided run-around responses; some owners report Chrysler referred them to dealers without assistance; one warranty claim denied due to "manufacturer defect" classification; one owner noted Chrysler paid for repairs on a previous vehicle but refused goodwill for second occurrence; some dealers replaced parts under remaining warranty (3 months to 36 months/36k miles on replacement heads).
Engine block cracks or cylinder wall scoring
Cracks in the engine block or severe scoring of cylinder walls allow coolant to leak into affected cylinders. Owners cite cracks in cylinders 1, 3, 5 and cracked blocks. Often discovered during diagnosis of misfire codes via borescope or endoscope inspection. Some cracks are attributed to prior repair attempts with RTV and reused gaskets.
When: 100,000+ miles (several cases); one reported as early as 77,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder misfire code; Coolant loss, pooling in cylinder; Rough idle and hard start; Check engine light; Wear on camshaft noted in one case
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; quotes $8,000–$16,000 for new engine. One owner cited evidence of previous repair using RTV and reused gaskets, suggesting the defect was known and previously patched. One dealership stated they were on a waiting list for replacement engines.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer assistance reported in these cases. Extended warranty denied claims citing manufacturing defect as exclusion or impending detonation.
Start/Stop system stalling or failure to restart
Automatic start/stop feature causes engine to shut off unexpectedly at traffic lights, stop signs, or low-speed driving (≤10 mph). Vehicle will not restart without manual intervention (shift to Park and press Start button). Occurs intermittently at first, escalates in frequency. Some cases involve no check engine light or warning prior to stall.
When: As early as 2,932 miles; most reported 10,000–115,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at traffic light, stop sign, or slow speed; "Shift to Park" message displayed on dash; "Service Shifter" or "Start/Stop unavailable" message; Vehicle will not restart without manual intervention; Electronic Stability Control chimes and alerts; Intermittent at onset, escalates to multiple occurrences per 20 minutes; No check engine light in early occurrences
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0305, P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements included: both batteries (multiple times in some cases), crankshaft position sensor, gear shifter module, software update, data recorder installation. One owner reported $900 paid for piston misfire diagnosis that turned out to be head gasket. Most repairs did not resolve the underlying issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates offered at first visit (did not resolve). Chrysler Cares opened cases and authorized data recording but withheld findings from owners. One dealership could not duplicate the failure and performed no repair. Manufacturer referred owners to NHTSA Hotline in at least one case.
Oil filter housing leak
Plastic-to-metal oil filter housing design flaw causes coolant or oil leaks. Owner attributes design to different thermal expansion ratios between plastic and metal components, leading to leaks over time with temperature cycling.
When: Not specified; described as chronic issue affecting "virtually every one of these vehicles"
Symptoms owners cite: Small leak from oil/coolant filter housing; Engine failure and breakdown following leak
Repairs/costs cited: Housing replacement performed; later model years changed from plastic-to-metal design to metal-to-metal to address. Owner reports over one year of research and discussion with mechanics and Chrysler personnel with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No assistance from Chrysler despite one-year communication; owner notes later models received design change.
Engine overheat with rapid coolant loss
Rapid coolant loss on highway or during normal driving leads to sudden engine overheating within minutes. No visible external leaks; coolant drains internally into cylinders or combustion chamber. Can occur with no prior warning lights or temperature gauge indication.
When: 33,750 miles (one case); generally concurrent with head gasket failure diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid coolant loss (reservoir empty after short drive); Engine overheat warning or gauge spike; No visible external leak; White smoke from exhaust (one case); Coolant odor in cabin
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately repaired; diagnosis confirmed head gasket or block failure.
Engine compartment fire
One owner reported engine compartment fire with grey smoke and flames in lower left engine bay. Vehicle was parked with engine off; fire occurred shortly after short 5-mile drive and 10-minute stop. No mechanical or electrical indication prior. Vehicle deemed total loss.
When: 33,750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Faint odd smell initially assumed external; Grey smoke in engine compartment; Flames in lower left engine bay; No prior warning lights or mechanical issues
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle deemed total loss; cause unknown at time of complaint; fire department extinguished fire.
Misfire with delayed detection or initial misdiagnosis
Check engine light appears with misfire code; initial dealership diagnosis incorrect (fuel injector, spark plugs, evap leak). Owners perform repairs that do not resolve issue; repeated visits reveal head gasket or block damage only after escalation. Dealerships sometimes confirm they see this repeatedly but lack authority or willingness to diagnose fully.
When: Varies; P0305 cylinder 5 misfires reported at 33,750, 60,000, 61,000, 84,000 miles; P0303 at 73,000–108,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with cylinder misfire code (P0301, P0303, P0305, P0306); Rough idle on startup; CEL clears briefly after spark plug replacement, returns days later; Multiple service visits needed to obtain correct diagnosis
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0303, P0305, P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs and ignition coils replaced first (cost $437–$900); borescope or endoscope inspection eventually reveals head gasket or block damage. One owner noted dealership performed 5-hour pressure test and borescope but failed to diagnose warped head; second dealership caught it after intake manifold removal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers sometimes acknowledged issue is common (e.g., "we see this all the time") but did not offer recall or goodwill repair; Chrysler Cares received complaints but often delayed response or declined assistance.
Hard start with rough idle, then smooth operation when warm
Engine exhibits rough start when cold (shuddering, stuttering, extended crank time), improves significantly once engine warms. Pattern consistent with coolant pooling in cylinders and being burned off during warm-up.
When: Varies; reported alongside misfire codes and coolant loss
Symptoms owners cite: Hard start in morning or after sitting; Rough, shaky, or stuttering idle on startup; Engine smooths out after 30 seconds to few minutes of warm-up; Shuddering on acceleration from stop
Codes mentioned: P0301, P0303, P0305
Repairs/costs cited: Not separately repaired; symptom resolved only after head gasket or engine replacement.
Synthesized from 182 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Check engine light p0305 misfire cylinder 5. Found head gasket leaking coolant into cylinder.
Blown head casket at only 64000 miles. Engine light on and antifreeze I’m told is leaking now. No warranty or recall with the 2018 Pacifica but there is for the same issue with the 2017.
Original code displayed was for a misfire on cylinder 5. Vehicle wouldn’t start and we had it towed to a Chrysler dealership for a diagnostic. Dealership stated it had a cracked head gasket. Based on research this is a common problem among Chrysler pacificas where it’s specifically happening on cylinder 5. Regular maintenance has been done and prior to the issue it idled roughly. The next morning…
Ticking noise began out of nowhere, 2 days later accelerated from a stop light felt a jolt and then lost power and check engine light flashing. Took to closest dealer to have looked at. Dealer determination new engine needed, or have cams, headers, rockers, and lifters repaired. Engine has 68,000 miles on it.
Had engine trouble with your 2018 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 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 182 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 43 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 5,000 and 51,000 miles, with the median around 14,656. A quarter of owners report trouble before 5,000; a quarter make it past 51,000. 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/2018/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.