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 upper control arms bushings needed replaced due to a popping noise from the wheel any time I turned. You then could feel the pop under your feet when you turn. We got them fixed, but now it has started popping again just 2 weeks later. There is now a rattling/clanging noise coming from the feet area when you hit a bump. It's pretty loud at times and you can feel vibrating in the steering wheel. I feel very unsafe with my two children being in the car and traveling around town. The auto start stop battery has also been replaced many times. It keeps going out and will make my car turn off while driving at times.
My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving-the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.
There is a very loud creaking noise coming from the front driver side suspension. This happens every time when I put the vehicle in reverse and turn and lock my steering wheel all the way to the right and press the accelerator to back up. It doesn't sound safe. I know prior models were recalled for bad lower control arm ball joints. My vehicle didn't fall in that window, but this vehicle should be included in that recall (v15 recall).
Loud creaking noise (and sometimes what sounds like a spring) coming from the front passenger side suspension. At first this happened when the vehicle was backing up with the steering wheel turned and locked to the left. It's now extended to while braking. I know prior models were recalled for bad lower control arm ball joints. My vehicle didn't fall in that window, but this vehicle should be included in that recall (v15 recall)
The left ball joint (front lower control arm) became squeakier and squeakier until the mechanic said it should be replaced or risk it failing while I drive which could leave me unable to steer/control the car. The mechanic said the dealer ought to cover it since they recalled some of this model year for this same issue on the right side but not all of them. The dealer would not cover replacement.
When taking turns the steering "sticks" amd it takes extra physical force to "unstick" the car. While unsticking by turning the steering wheel harder than normal, it either crosses into uncoming traffic or runs off the shoulder. It unsticks but with the extra physical force, it generally causes you to over correct and/or swerve/veer all over the roadway. 2018 with 72k miles
There is a loud creaking noise coming from the front end, most likely suspension. It seems worse when the car is turning and even more so when backing up and turning steering wheel. I am aware of the V15 recall for the Pacific and from what I have read the symptoms are nearly identical. Along with this there are at times more of a clicking sound.
There is a prominent loud creak/squeak noise when locking the steering wheel all the way to the right, and slowly backing up. It is replicated every time. There is a V15 lower control arm recall on prior years, but this VIN was not covered. I am very concern it may be of similar issue, and makes me worried for the safety of my children.
There is a loud clicking and popping noise from the front drivers side suspension when turning or going over bumpy ground. The car also pulls to one side unexpectedly when going around corners Sometimes while driving the car will shut down and restart as if rebooting a computer.
My 2018 Chrysler Pacifica has ongoing electrical problems that match the same symptoms described in existing recalls, but my VIN is not included in those campaigns. The issues began around 08/30/22. The vehicle has experienced stalling, electrical shutdown, dashboard warning lights, loss of power steering issues, failure of the start-stop system, dead batteries, loud creaking, popping, squeaking noises from the front suspension, especially when turning, backing up, steering lock, or going over bumps. These events began in 2021 and continue despite numerous repairs at mechanics and dealerships. Despite repairs and inspections, the problems continue. I have reviewed NHTSA recalls and found recall numbers 18V524000, 20V334000, 19V143000 as well as battery ground recall for 2017-2019 models, and my vehicle's problems are identical to those safety issues. …
Related recalls
Suspension › Front › Control arm › Lower arm
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary.
Suspension complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 20 complaints about the suspension of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, 2% of the model year's 889 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 19V-143 (lower arm, Feb 28, 2019). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2018 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 10,000 miles, and 75% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 0 injuries to suspension 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.