Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2018 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while parking, the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to respond. The vehicle lunged forward and struck an unoccupied Honda Pilot. The vehicle lost power but restarted after several attempts. There were no warning lights illuminated. There were no reported injuries, air bag deployment, police report or fire. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified but no additional assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 67,084.
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? …
I am experiencing a serious brake safety issue involving the brake booster on my Chrysler Pacifica. When braking, the pedal becomes extremely hard, pushes back against my foot, and requires excessive force to stop the vehicle. In some instances, when I am at a complete stop, the brake pedal pushes upward and the vehicle begins to move forward on its own. This issue causes a loss of braking assist and significantly increases stopping distance, creating an unsafe driving condition and risk of collision. The problem occurs intermittently but has worsened over time. Chrysler/Stellantis has acknowledged this brake booster defect by issuing a warranty extension; however, they have not issued a safety recall. …
Car will not start with push button and/or key fob push. Problem started 10 months ago with dead stop/start battery. Both batteries were replaced and then two months later stop/start system failed at stop lights. Car would stall once break was released to go. Had car serviced, starter replaced. Next day, car stalled and would not restart in parking lot, service department could not find any problems and no error lights found so the solution was to turn stop/start system off. A few months later car would not start on first try, took several pushes and sometimes a keyfob push. Sometimes "no key fob detection" light. Car was sent to service center again and they could not find any problems. At this time car only starts on 2nd push. Problem has worsened over the last 5 months, car takes at least 5 tries to start or doesn't start at all. …
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The van stalls, the wheels lock up, the transmission shifter becomes unusable, and of the warning light start flashing on the dashboard. Yes, it's available for inspection upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? It stalled in the middle of the road blocking traffic from both ways and was unable to be moved for over half an hour. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, by an independent service center. 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? No, not until the day it stalled on 8/30/2022z
While I was driving the right control arm seperated from the car. I was fortunate that I wasn't on the highway, also that I did not cause a collision with another car/person. With no warning the car felt as if it dropped on to the ground. Soon after I received an error message saying to service the brakes which i assume was also damaged when the control arm fell... I had to have the car towed to a repair shop and received a list of repairs. The car is avaliable for inspection. I had no clue how something like that could even happen. Ive been trying to find answers when i saw a recall on another car by the same maker that perfectly summed up what happened to me. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.
On numerous occasions the van has lost brake function. I can slowly be coming to a stop and press brakes all the way to the floor and I'm still coasting. So dangerous and scary. There is a hissing sound LIKE as If air pressure is building up in the brake line which is pushing against my foot is on the brake pedal, allowing the vehicle to move slowly when it should be stopped. As a mom of 3, I feel very unsafe I took it to the dealership and 2 other people and no one can't find what is wrong. I feel very unsafe.
The van continues to accelerate when I'm braking. This has happened 4 times after an hour or two of driving the freeway. As we were exiting the car continued to Rev up as we applied the brakes. Thank God the light was green. Another time I tried to park and as I was braking the car was accelerating. I had to quickly put it in park position. The van is in the shop, Hunter Dodge, now and they ran a diagnostic test and failed to find a problem.
I have recognized at least 6 times within the first ten minutes after propulsion on, when I apply the brakes on dry pavement, with even brake pedal pressure, the brakes do not grab properly and the car continues to glide forward for a few moments, Then I put the car in park (often at a traffic light) to try to clear or reset the problem.
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
Brake complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 31 complaints about the brakes of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 3% of the model year's 889 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, though it has 12 recalls for other components. 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 2018 Chrysler Pacifica brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 6,000 miles, and 71% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 6 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to brakes 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.