2018 Chrysler Pacifica driver assist problems

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

• July 19 (PM): While driving, the vehicle displayed: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light • July 20 (AM): All warning lights had cleared. • July 20 (PM): While driving, the following warnings appeared simultaneously: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ LaneSense Unavailable – Service Required I needed to find an alternate parking spot since the parking brake was not working. • July 21: All warnings cleared except the Check Engine Light, which has remained illuminated continuously since then. • July 25: Upon starting the vehicle, the following warnings returned: ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Service Shifter ◦ Check Engine Light Again needed to find an alternate parking spot with parking brake not working. Once again, these warnings disappeared after the next restart, with only the Check Engine Light remaining. Took car to dealership for service. Expected issues had to do with recall work that was completed earlier in the month. They said it was not and that the it was due to loss of can c bus communcation because the star connector failed.

NHTSA complaint #11755706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

• July 19 (PM): While driving, the vehicle displayed: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light • July 20 (AM): All warning lights had cleared. • July 20 (PM): While driving, the following warnings appeared simultaneously: ◦ Service Hybrid Electric System (red wrench) ◦ Check Engine Light ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ LaneSense Unavailable – Service Required I needed to find an alternate parking spot since the parking brake was not working. • July 21: All warnings cleared except the Check Engine Light, which has remained illuminated continuously since then. • July 25: Upon starting the vehicle, the following warnings returned: ◦ FCW Unavailable – Service Required ◦ Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System ◦ Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable ◦ Service Electronic Stability Control ◦ Service Shifter ◦ Check Engine Light Again needed to find an alternate parking spot with parking brake not working. Once again, these warnings disappeared after the next restart, with only the Check Engine Light remaining. Took car to dealership for service. Expected issues had to do with recall work that was completed earlier in the month. They said it was not and that the it was due to loss of can c bus communcation because the star connector failed.

NHTSA complaint #11755706 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Odometer 66466. Hybrid battery charge level 100%. When starting the vehicle the issue started with the transmission shifter knob stuck in gear Park. After turning off and on a few times, the transmission shifter knob would shift into Reverse. I then drove it to a dealer service for repair. During the drive several dash warning messages appeared. Also, the blind spot warning system did not function and the backup camera did not function. Dash warning messages while driving to dealer service: Parking Brake, TPS, Service Electronic Stability Control, engine, Red wrench, amber throttle, Brake, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. stability control, Blind Spot Alert, Arrived at dealer, kept engine on, brought service tech rep to vehicle and demonstrated the issue while in service bay. Mileage 66474. Last message I saw, Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System. Friday, April 10 2026. The vehicle was in the shop for Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System just 750 miles previous to this system failure. Dealer is unable to fix problem. Hybrid System still under warranty. Hybrid battery replaced last year, 12 volt battery replaced twice after. Vehicle is beyond unreliable, there is significant risk of failure at any time.

NHTSA complaint #11740295 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Chrysler performed the 73B recall and n my van in August of 2025. Ever since performing this recall the van has a continuous stream of check engine lights and error codes. The van has been at the dealership at least 6 times for well over 100 days. The check engine lights and error codes always return. The hybrid battery recently had a failure code, and was replaced. I didn't even make it home before I got a check engine light and error codes. The dealership cleared the check engine light and sent me on my way. The codes returned and the van is back at the dealership. The codes I have been getting are : Service Hybrid System, Parking Brake Temporarily Unavailable, Service Electronic Throttle Control, Service Shifter( I was not able to drive as it wouldn't go into gear), Service Electronic Stability Control, Blind Spot Alert, and Service Airbag System. On the longest service visit (over 80 days), Chrysler ended up just telling the dealership to erase the stored codes and return the van to me. They test drive it 50 miles. The error codes returned. They currently have the van again for the same reason.

NHTSA complaint #11736983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

At a stoplight the FCW ( forward, collision), warning dash light went on and engaged the brakes, thankfully, no movement was taking place.I had to put the car in park and then drive to be able to resume.This indicates that it could have occurred at high speeds, potentially causing a collision

NHTSA complaint #11695562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Electrical adaptive, cruise control, forward collision warning, and shifter all malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. There was failure to accelerate at an intersection which almost caused vehicle to be rear ended. The error codes have been pulled and shown by O’Reillys auto parts. The vehicle is pending inspection by an independent mechanic. The adaptive cruise control the Ford collision, warning and service shifter warning lamps all appeared shortly before this problem occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11682670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Electrical adaptive, cruise control, forward collision warning, and shifter all malfunctioned. It is available for inspection. There was failure to accelerate at an intersection which almost caused vehicle to be rear ended. The error codes have been pulled and shown by O’Reillys auto parts. The vehicle is pending inspection by an independent mechanic. The adaptive cruise control the Ford collision, warning and service shifter warning lamps all appeared shortly before this problem occurred.

NHTSA complaint #11682670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Van was working fine one day and the next, before I even started it, when I pressed the brake pedal to start the van, there was a buzzing noise from the braking system and pedal went almost to the floor. Once I started the vehicle, the noise stopped and the pedal travel returned to normal. However at the same time, the warning light / message for several of the systems came up (ABS, traction control, collision detection, parking sensors, etc) along with several messages (ParkSense Unavailable, FCW Unavailable Service Required, Service Antilock Brake System, Service Electronic Stability System). Using an OBDII code reader displayed several "communication errors" (start with the letter "U"). I researched it on the Internet and it would appear that this is caused by a common failure of the "star connector" ("bus module" to connect various components in the van). I ordered a replacement part (which I haven't received yet) but not completely surprisingly, about 1 week after the issue occurred, today my vehicle was running properly with no more errors. I'm hoping NHTSA forces FCA to fix this issue under a recall. I've read of several other owners suffering the same issue and IMO, this is a security risk as ABS and traction contol (along with other systems) are disabled when this happens. In included pictures of the dash when it happened (note all the warning lights) and of the dash when if fixed itself (no warning light although MIL is still on (I haven't cleared it))

NHTSA complaint #11672062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Van was working fine one day and the next, before I even started it, when I pressed the brake pedal to start the van, there was a buzzing noise from the braking system and pedal went almost to the floor. Once I started the vehicle, the noise stopped and the pedal travel returned to normal. However at the same time, the warning light / message for several of the systems came up (ABS, traction control, collision detection, parking sensors, etc) along with several messages (ParkSense Unavailable, FCW Unavailable Service Required, Service Antilock Brake System, Service Electronic Stability System). Using an OBDII code reader displayed several "communication errors" (start with the letter "U"). I researched it on the Internet and it would appear that this is caused by a common failure of the "star connector" ("bus module" to connect various components in the van). I ordered a replacement part (which I haven't received yet) but not completely surprisingly, about 1 week after the issue occurred, today my vehicle was running properly with no more errors. I'm hoping NHTSA forces FCA to fix this issue under a recall. I've read of several other owners suffering the same issue and IMO, this is a security risk as ABS and traction contol (along with other systems) are disabled when this happens. In included pictures of the dash when it happened (note all the warning lights) and of the dash when if fixed itself (no warning light although MIL is still on (I haven't cleared it))

NHTSA complaint #11672062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Van was working fine one day and the next, before I even started it, when I pressed the brake pedal to start the van, there was a buzzing noise from the braking system and pedal went almost to the floor. Once I started the vehicle, the noise stopped and the pedal travel returned to normal. However at the same time, the warning light / message for several of the systems came up (ABS, traction control, collision detection, parking sensors, etc) along with several messages (ParkSense Unavailable, FCW Unavailable Service Required, Service Antilock Brake System, Service Electronic Stability System). Using an OBDII code reader displayed several "communication errors" (start with the letter "U"). I researched it on the Internet and it would appear that this is caused by a common failure of the "star connector" ("bus module" to connect various components in the van). I ordered a replacement part (which I haven't received yet) but not completely surprisingly, about 1 week after the issue occurred, today my vehicle was running properly with no more errors. I'm hoping NHTSA forces FCA to fix this issue under a recall. I've read of several other owners suffering the same issue and IMO, this is a security risk as ABS and traction contol (along with other systems) are disabled when this happens. In included pictures of the dash when it happened (note all the warning lights) and of the dash when if fixed itself (no warning light although MIL is still on (I haven't cleared it))

NHTSA complaint #11672062 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Recurrent intermittent power steering failure and intermittent engine stall. Steering wheel gets stuck when turning right while driving at speed on highway. Steering wheel gets very heavy and requires some force to get it back to center. If I let go of the steering wheel, it would stay in the same position until I move it back. When driving at slower speeds, usually when navigating around turns or roundabouts, the engine will stall and then drastically jolt into gear. Two different mechanics have not been able to identify the root cause. They have checked alignment, electrical codes, and other potential issues without any answers. After research, I believe I am experiencing similar issues as detailed in the Safety Recall V53 / NHTSA 19V-348 Power Steering Assist. My VIN was not included in the recall , but I believe my car is showing similar concerns. I have requested a local Chrysler dealer look into this issue specifically and I have an upcoming appointment.

NHTSA complaint #11667648 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

Hello: My 2018 Pacifica hybrid was just recalled, and serviced, yet the hybrid battery only last a few miles before needing to be recharged. Also, when in reverse the back up camera doesn’t always come on and doesn’t beep when approaching an obstacle. It will also stay on while driving forward.

NHTSA complaint #11659306 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the back-over prevention camera image remained displayed on the radio display screen. The cause of the failure was not yet been determined. The local dealer was contacted and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V886000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION, EQUIPMENT). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 80,000.

NHTSA complaint #11657227 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while reversing, the back-over prevention camera screen failed to function as intended. The back-over prevention screen displayed a black screen. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with computer and electrical system failure. The contact was informed that the back-over prevention assembly, instrument cluster, and electrical system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was informed of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not associated with the recall. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 135,000.

NHTSA complaint #11655919 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

In the dash bord power steering not aveleble warning also stop start not responding then servic charging....... not safe to drive this car at all. I had to go the dealership more than four times a year recently spending a lots of time and money. Again engen lights come up.

NHTSA complaint #11632962 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The shifter module fails or malfunctions and it put the vehicle in park. All the electronic controls in the vehicle malfunctions even when the vehicle is driving like the ABS, displays, throttle, ADAS and all other controls How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The vehicle suddenly starts throwing the warnings while you are driving - sometimes in the freeways, it also jerks, throttle and other controls and displays goes blank, you are not sure even if the emergency flasher is activated Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? It started almost 2 years ago in Dec 2021 when the check engine light first came, dealer tried to fix by replacing the 12 volt battery but the problems started slowly and in August 2022 disabled the vehicle completely. The vehicle had been with the dealer most of the time since then and its still not fixed as of today

NHTSA complaint #11549099 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

On 5/31/22 I took my vehicle for service due @ error. The dealership Mac Hakil I-55 Jackson MS slept my vehicle until 6/2/23 telling me it was my battery charging $813.00. I feel this was a ripped off

NHTSA complaint #11525081 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Car was on cruise control. While approaching traffic, attempt was made to release cruise control by braking. Brake system was locked, vehicle started accelerating and revving. Brakes would not work, had to swerve to avoid collision. Managed to fidget with the gear knob. Finally managed to gain control of vehicle. I figured I gained control because I must have shifted the gear into Neutral somehow. I had my entire family of SIX in the car. Without having gained control, the vehicle would have accelerated until I crashed it. It accelerated past 80mph before I could gain control

NHTSA complaint #11507118 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Reverse camera screen remained on after reversing and during a ~30 minute drive. Stopped vehicle, shutoff engine, opened door to trigger interior electronic shutoff. Restarted vehicle and backup camera still remained during drive until eventually changing to full blue screen with "Camera System Unavailable" message at the top. (photo available) The event occurred during extreme winter weather in Oklahoma 1/30/2023 and is an obvious safety issue. The constant rearview display while driving is very distracting and disorienting. Additionally, the vehicle climate control settings for defog, heat, and other settings are unavailable for determining and adjusting to external environmental conditions, as experienced during the winter weather event leading to full interior fogging and reduced visibility (another mechanical safety issue prevalent to this vehicle series). This issue is found under NHTSA Campaign 19V886000 for 2018-2019 year models however, our VIN is not included. I contacted the original dealer service department, and they informed me of no related recall for our specific VIN as well. I contacted FCA/Chrysler Customer Service in reference to recall VE2 as indicated in NHTSA recall 19V886000 and informed no recall as well and no other assistance or direction. Our vehicle VIN should be included in the recall.

NHTSA complaint #11504695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Hi, I received a recall notice in February 2022 (Z11) related to a fire potentially originating in the center of the vehicle underbody with the ignition in the OFF position. A resolution to this defect has just become available which would require the car (Chrysler Pacifica VIN 118706) to be kept overnight by an authorized dealer. My complaint deals with that no deal can provide a rental car that is of equal size to accommodate my family of 6 with four kids using car seats. I was told that an car of equal size cannot be provided and would have to pay for a rental out of pocket. Why would the cost not be covered by the manufacture that is attempting to resolve an issue created by them. I have kept my part of the agreement by making my monthly car payments and paying the car off with no issue. It seems to me that the manufacture has no regard to the buyers of their vehicles after the sell is complete. I am looking to have the recall corrected and to have a rental car of equal size provided by the manufacture, since they are holding my car as they fix their mistake. Let's take ownership of our mistake and do the right thing. Thank you for helping with this recall

NHTSA complaint #11492245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Hi, I received a recall notice in February 2022 (Z11) related to a fire potentially originating in the center of the vehicle underbody with the ignition in the OFF position. A resolution to this defect has just become available which would require the car (Chrysler Pacifica VIN 118706) to be kept overnight by an authorized dealer. My complaint deals with that no deal can provide a rental car that is of equal size to accommodate my family of 6 with four kids using car seats. I was told that an car of equal size cannot be provided and would have to pay for a rental out of pocket. Why would the cost not be covered by the manufacture that is attempting to resolve an issue created by them. I have kept my part of the agreement by making my monthly car payments and paying the car off with no issue. It seems to me that the manufacture has no regard to the buyers of their vehicles after the sell is complete. I am looking to have the recall corrected and to have a rental car of equal size provided by the manufacture, since they are holding my car as they fix their mistake. Let's take ownership of our mistake and do the right thing. Thank you for helping with this recall

NHTSA complaint #11492245 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Sept. 12, 2022 - Ever since we have owned this vehicle, we have experienced this issue with the cruise control. Speed increases while driving downhill highways and sometimes on pretty level highways. When I decrease the speed on the controller, it sometimes maintains the speed for several seconds (slow to respond) in order to slow down while coming up behind another vehicle. I therefore need to break or turn off the cruise control. Very unpredictable. Also, speed changes a lot which sounds like shifting gears back and forth while going uphill. I had contacted the dealer originally and was told this is normal. This is ongoing. Happens every time when driving on the highway. Safety concern. The other issue we had experienced while driving on a city street, we got some odd sounds, what sounded like it was coming for the transmission. Like shifting sounds. and on another couple of occasions, we got a kind of (clunk) noise. Not sure…hard to explain. Only happened a few times over the last several months. and was brief. This in not ongoing, but a concern for failure and or safety. No warning lamps or messages

NHTSA complaint #11484017 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Honestly it’s been one thing after another, including engine, power train and electric issues

NHTSA complaint #11473258 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the Back Over Prevention screen image remained on the display screen for approximately 30 seconds after shifting the vehicle out of reverse(R). The contact stated that the image distracted him while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to the dealer however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V886000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment) however, the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 96,000.

NHTSA complaint #11471141 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Transmission doesn’t shift properly. Highway going normal speeds, switch lanes and when pushing gas peddle, it instead slipped and decreased speeds almost causing an accident. Dealership says nothing is wrong. Eco start stop illuminated and front collision warning light also on.

NHTSA complaint #11427549 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while attempting to park the vehicle, the back over prevention camera failed to display an image on the screen. The contact also stated that the rearview image would remain on the radio display. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the radio software needing to be updated. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was relating the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 19V886000 (Back Over Prevention, Equipment). The manufacturer had been informed of the failure and informed the contact that the part was not yet available. The failure mileage was approximately 800.

NHTSA complaint #11423921 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE SYSTEM CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AT A CHECK POINT PROCEEDED FORWARD WHEN TOLD TO AND WITH IN 20-30 FEET THE WARNING SYSTEM WENT OFF AND VEHICLE CAME TO AN ABRUPT STOP FOR NO REASON. NOTHING IN FRONT OF THE VEHICLE AT ALL. SIMILAR SITUATIONS HAVE HAPPENED BUT THERE WERE VEHICLES PARKED ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AS YOU GO INTO A TURN, BUT THE VEHICLE NEVER ACTUALLY BRAKED FOR THOSE.

NHTSA complaint #11145142 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

MY NEW PACIFICA IS EQUIPPED FOR THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING SYSTEM. THIS IS ONE OF THE BIG REASONS I CHANGED TO THIS EXACT VAN. WELL, IT DOESN'T WORK. I HAVE TRIED TO GET IT TO ENGAGE, NO WARNINGS, NO BRAKING, NO ANYTHING. I HAVE HAD IT IN THE DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM THEY TRIED IT AND IT WORKED BUT THE SERVICE GUY REFUSED TO DO IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT WASN'T SAFE. UMMM, ISN'T THAT THE WHOLE PURPOSE OF IT? IT IS SET TO THE FARTHEST DISTANCE SETTING AND NOT WORKING. I HAVE HAD TO SLAM ON THE BRAKES WHEN TESTING IT, SO KNOW THAT IT IS NOT WORKING. THE DEALER IS GIVING ME THE RUN AROUND BUT I HAVE READ THAT MANY OTHERS HAVE THE SAME ISSUE. THIS NEEDS TO WORK! I PAID EXTRA FOR THIS PACKAGE AND AM VERY DISAPPOINTED. A NEW 45000 VAN THAT DOESN'T DO WHAT IT IS SUPPOSE TO IS RIDICULOUS.

NHTSA complaint #11131532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.