Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic emergency braking, adaptive cruise, lane keeping, backup camera).
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
Vehicle was put into reverse and did not stop, it hit a pole. Then the driver tried to put in drive to get it off of the pole and it accelerated quickly and the driver could not stop the vehicle. There was little time to react as it hit the side of a building and airbags deployed. Driver stated that the car accelerated on it's own once it was put into gear.
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). …
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? …
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). …
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. …
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. …
Related recalls
Back over prevention › Sensing system › Camera
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with an 8.4 inch radio display, 360 degree surround view camera system, and seat back video screens. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed on the radio after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Collision Avoidance complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are collision avoidance problems on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the driver assistance of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 3% of the model year's 889 complaints. The component named most often is warnings (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica collision avoidance problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-886 (camera, Dec 12, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica collision avoidance problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 11,000 miles, and 57% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 1 fire and 1 injury to driver assistance 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.