Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
I bought this car from the original owner in 2009 with 38K miles on it. Since then, I have had to replace the engine mount three times! Recently , the car has been overheating while driving with smoke coming from under the hood. At first, I had some hoses replaced. The mechanic has now advised that it needs a radiator replacement. I have called around and dealerships say that it is hard to get to the radiator on this car due to its design, so the cost is $1600. At this point, I am afraid to drive the car. I have read through these complaints and Chrysler has known about the engine mount problems with this car since at least 2011, and still no recall! Several other people have also experienced the overheating issue. I am baffled because Chrysler has just brought out a new version of this car for 2016, without addressing any of the known problems with the original version of the car!
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.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while parked, the vehicle became engulfed in flames starting from under the hood. The contact stated that a technician from Chrysler came to inspect the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recalls and did not provide any further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The cause of the fire was not determined. The approximate failure and current mileage was 77,000. The VIN was not available.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the EGR warning light illuminated. The failure occurred multiple times. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the EGR and motor mounts with the hydraulic units needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 101,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the engine cradle was rusted and could soon fracture. The vehicle was taken to thompson Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep (124 north point blvd, baltimore, md 21224, [phone]), but was not yet diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 123,000.
We have replaced the motor mounts around 50,000, we replaced the engine at 66,000, and I was driving it today and my steering locked up on me. We have issues with the lights, and just had the timing chain and water pump replaced. I recently just put around $6,000. All issues happened while the car was in motion on a city street.
ABS warning light comes on and then vehicle shuts-down while driving causing steering to be lost etc. Owners manual mentions this as normal habit and you must put vehicle in park and wait a few minutes to restart. This is dangerous while driving to have vehicle just stop operations.
Driving vehicle down the road and vehicle started to smoke under the hood. Pulled car over and the entire engine area under hood became engulfed in flames. Fire department came and extinguished fire after about 20 minutes. Vehicle is a total loss.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at 40 MPH, the engine stalled. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The approximate failure mileage was 70,000.
On the night of July 3, 2013 I began to hear a slight rattle while driving. The noise could only be heard while the car was moving. I drove the vehicle for approx. 25 minutes and the noise maintained for most of the ride. The next morning the noise was much louder and could be heard even while the vehicle sat idle. I checked my oil and transmission fluid as well as my coolant and all levels were at normal. This was the 4th of July and I could not find a mechanic open. I drove the vehicle to work for approx. 25 minutes then back home again. The noise did not worsen or improve. I checked the oil level once I returned home last night and it was low. I added 2 quarts and did not drive until this morning. The noise remained so I took it to a mechanic who has informed that the engine needs replacing. …
Engine complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 32 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, 31% of the model year's 102 complaints. The component named most often is cooling system (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 69,000 miles, and 17% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 0 injuries to engine & cooling 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.