NHTSA (USA)CriticalPark Outside
At a glance
What can fail
The battery pack control module software can cause the battery pack to overheat and catch fire while the vehicle is parked, even when the engine is off.
This page covers 6 recalls and 222 owner complaints for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In.
The dominant complaint pattern for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In centers on the hybrid propulsion system, which draws by far the most reports of any category. Owners frequently describe sudden loss of propulsion while driving at highway speeds, often accompanied by dashboard warnings telling them to shift to park, service the charging system, or pull over because the vehicle will shut down. The high-voltage battery comes up repeatedly, owners report it failing outright and requiring replacement, with dealerships opening manufacturer cases to authorize the work. A "turtle mode" warning with an accompanying message to stop safely appears across multiple reports as well. Engine and powertrain complaints follow at a distance, with owners describing check engine lights and drivability issues that often seem tied to the same hybrid system faults. Battery charging failures, including vehicles that simply refuse to charge, round out the most common symptom cluster.
222
Total Complaints
3
Crash-Related
12
Fire-Related
1
With Injuries
By System
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In has 6 recalls, with multiple fire risks standing out as the most serious: the high-voltage battery pack can catch fire while the vehicle is parked and off, and a 12-volt electrical connection behind the driver's seat can overheat and ignite with the vehicle on or off.
The fire risks extend to the hybrid propulsion system as well. When the gas engine restarts after running in electric mode, it can fail to start cleanly, allowing unburned fuel to build up in the exhaust catalyst and ignite. Note that one of the parked-fire recalls affects vehicles that had already received a prior software repair, meaning that earlier fix did not fully resolve the issue.
On the mechanical and electrical side, a front underhood wiring fault can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, raising the risk of a crash. There is also a suspension concern: the right front lower control arm can separate from the steering knuckle, which would cause a sudden and significant loss of steering and vehicle control.
At a glance
What can fail
The battery pack control module software can cause the battery pack to overheat and catch fire while the vehicle is parked, even when the engine is off.
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Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will update the battery pack control module software and inspect the battery pack, replacing it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The high voltage battery pack control module can malfunction, causing an electrical fire in parked vehicles even when the ignition is off.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the battery control module software and inspect the battery pack, replacing it if necessary.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The 12-volt isolator post behind the driver's seat can develop high resistance, potentially due to contamination or moisture exposure.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the isolator post, increase torque, install a waterproof gasket, and replace the post and cables if contamination is found.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The right front lower control arm can separate from the steering knuckle due to an undersized pinch bolt.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replace damaged components, and install a larger-diameter pinch bolt.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
After running in electric-only mode, the gas engine may fail to restart properly, allowing unburned fuel to enter the exhaust catalyst.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the powertrain controller software and inspect or replace the catalytic converter as needed, at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A voltage regulator chip in the powertrain control module may fail, causing the engine to stall or not start.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the powertrain control module at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.