2008 Chrysler Pacifica: problems, recalls and reliability
0 recalls and 102 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
Data updated weekly
0
recalls
102
owner complaints
4
fire reports
78,500
typical failure mileage, mi
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Among the quietest Pacifica years (#15 of 15 by complaints, age-adjusted)No recall campaigns4 fire reports
Common problems
Computed from 102 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
Electrical System (battery, wiring, electronics)15% · 15 complaints
Engine (engine mechanics)14% · 14 complaints
Engine And Engine Cooling (engine, radiator, overheating)10% · 10 complaints
Structure (body, frame, doors, rust)10% · 10 complaints
Power Train (transmission, axles, driveline)9% · 9 complaints
Suspension (shocks, springs, ride quality)7% · 7 complaints
“Noise coming from 2008 model year pacifica transmission is not being covered under the lifetime powertrain warranty because chrysler says rusted engine cradle is too fragile for them to access the transmission. As rusted out engine cradles are an ongoing documented problem for chrysler pacifica models, yet chrysler is effectively voiding my lifetime powertrain warranty unless I agree to pay over $5000 for a new engine cradle.”Owner report · Power Train · Jul 2019
“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.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2019
“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, (410) 288-3100), 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.”Owner report · Engine · Jan 2019
Show 7 more owner reports
“Front cross-member connecting the side frame rails is rusting through due to water draining from a/c evaporator. This was found at annual safety inspection at the dealer while up on rack.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2018
“Fuel gauge shows inaccurate reading. I filled the tank halfway and after driving for 30 minutes or so the gauge drops to an 1/8 tank while driving. After I shut it off for a few minutes it will go back up sometimes higher sometimes lower. It's happening more frequently. I have small children and would hate for it to leave my wife and children stranded in the middle of nowhere.”Owner report · Fuel/Propulsion System · Apr 2018
“The gearshift sticks in park position and does not release. Upon investigation there is a small plastic lever with a spring attached to it that has become broken. Upon review this has occurred the number of times with the chrysler vehicle.”Owner report · Power Train · Nov 2017
“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.”Owner report · Service Brakes · Nov 2017
“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.”Owner report · Engine · Jul 2017
“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).”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2017
“The engine would not start. Battery and connections were checked. The starter motor and solenoid assembly was replaced. The starter attempts to engage but will not turn the engine. After research I found chrysler has offered a recall for several 2008/09 model cars and vans for defective ignition switches. The safety hazard is great if the electrical portion would fail while the car was in motion.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2017
When filing, owners marked a crash in 2 of these complaints and injuries in 1 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2008 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
Drive typeAWD/All-Wheel Drive · FWD/Front-Wheel Drive
How other years compare
Check your exact Pacifica by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
NHTSA has 102 owner complaints and 0 recall campaigns on record for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. The most complained-about area is electrical system (15% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2008 Chrysler Pacifica problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 78,500 miles or less.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.