Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The vehicle's charging system includes a heavy gauge wire which runs from the alternator feed post to the starter wiring harness, which then charges the vehicle, as the starter wiring harness then runs directly to the battery. None of this wiring appears to have a circuit breaker or fuse inline. This particular wire which runs between the alternator and the starter is routed through several bundles of other wires, and makes a hard bend in one location where a bundle is secured to the frame. This wire forced itself out of the bundle, and then abraded itself against the frame until it finally made contact with the copper therein and short circuited. Considering there is no breaker or fuse in this circuit, and the wire appears to be about a 6 gauge, it shorted until it melted, finally breaking the circuit. …
I am having trouble starting my 08 pacific. I get a message that says "invalid key & fob" and then car dies when trying to start my vehicle with the original key. As a temporary solution, I found a sequence online (Chrysler's forum) to get the vehicle to started and stay running but that is very annoying. I'm the original owner and I should not have to deal with this issue. After researching online, I learned that this has been a recurring issue with this vehicle for multiple year groups. Until now, I would have expected Chrysler to address this issue long ago. This is a serious safety concern for this type of family vehicle because in order to get the vehicle started, during extreme hot or cold temperatures, children are in the car while you have to all wait until the system re-associates itself with the key and this take 3-5 minutes; this is with the original key I May add. …
My 2008 4.0l limited has had the battery replaced five times & currently needs a sixth replacement (so (7) bad batteries incl the one the car came with). The 1st went bad around 20K miles & none has lasted more than 25K miles. Car has also had a persistent 'hard to start' condition for years & (5) diff dealers have been unable to diagnose the root cause of the batteries going bad or the hard to start condition. I've opened (2) Chrysler cases in the past 21 mos.; the 1st when the current battery was just 3 mos old & again during the 24 mo. Part warranty. Chrysler has refused to investigate & address the problem nor pay for battery replcmts. Dealers will not honor the 24 mo. Part warranty simple because it passes the charge test, despite visible evidence of a bulge & battery acid leaking all over the battery tray, terminals & cable. …
My car will unexpectedly stall out while driving thus creating a serious safety hazard. This has been happening intermittently for the past 8 months. I have had a local Chrysler dealership check and they think it's the PCM or fuel pump as had been reported in other model years. They reset the PCM but this did not repair the problem. Chrysler has recalled other models from 2004 and 2006 for this issue but will not aknowledge responsibility for the 2008 model. The car is currently being used in brussels, belgium as I am working for the department of defense there. I contacted the europe Chrysler customer care but the representative said she had no knowledge of any relevant recalls past or present. I have sent an email to them (copy to NHTSA) again requesting financial coverage for the necessary repairs and I await their response. What are my options now?
The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica simply stalls while in motion. All electrical systems, including airbags, are dead. This has happened at highway speeds, while stopped, and while accelerating. It has happened during very cold temperatures (below 0), high temperatures (above 90) and other temperatures in between. A very loud knocking noise happened a few weeks ago and has gotten worse. I've been looking around to see if anyone else has had this problem and have found out that they have. This is a very bad safety issue that Chrysler needs to take care of without any expense from the consumers. This are finances being taking from my family that need not to happen.
Motor mounts & cradle rot are known pervasive issues with 2008 pacificas (& other years). There is no inspection or maintenance required per the maint. Booklet nor shown anywhere so dealers never inspect them thereby leaving unsuspecting owners/drivers in a potentially dangerous crash situation. My bad motor mounts weren't noticed until 101K miles & cost $1,200 to replace. The dealer stated it was a serious safety issue at that point so a mandatory repair. In just 12 short months, they required replacement again. I now have no confidence in the safety of the motor mounts after having had (3) sets in 116K miles (original + 2 replcmts).
Car kept stalling and then would not start. The lights and alarms went off and on without any reason. Had it flatbedded to the shop - good thing we weren't able to drive it. The mechanic said that the ignition unit broke. This would have been a serious situation if it happened while on the highway...the ignition was replaced, with a used ignition so we are very worried. Odd lights kick on, the transmission/engine jumps for reason. It May be the AWD is failing too. Mileage was around 80,000 at the time and use of the vehicle has been normal with no towing or other heavy use.
My Pacifica stalled and lost power while driving. I was so scared. I have kids and this is very unsafe. I was able to coast to a stop safely but if there was a car in front of me I would have hit it...this is a recurrent issue with this vehicle. I see complaints all the time and I am now added to the list. I'm so worried for anyone who owns this vehicle. This car needs to be recalled because people pay their hard earned money for a safe reliable vehicle... If something happens to anyone Chrysler will have to answer for it...
Driving in a parking lot, electrical system just shut down. This is a recurring problem, same as on other Chrysler vehicles, however Chrysler refuses to issue a recall for this vehicle. There have been other chronic problems with this make of vehicle, but Chrysler refuses to address them with recalls. They just continue to ignore them, hoping the vehicle owner's will simply walk away from the vehicle. They have tried to get me to trade the vehicle in , numerous times.
I just purchased my 08 Pacifica on 2-10-16. Today as I was driving the electrical system started to malfunction. First it started with the heater not working to the car stalling in the middle of the highway. I have five kids so for me to be stranded on a busy highway with children is very scary. 1 wk ago wheels diagnosed to bent alloys and o2 sensor is jacked up too. Rust is also present im just worried about safety.
Electrical complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, 24% of the model year's 102 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler Pacifica electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system recall for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler Pacifica electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 5% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.