2018 Chrysler Pacifica
Independent review & score by Carivo
Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.6L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic 9-spd |
| Drivetrain | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Regular |
| City / Hwy MPG | 19 / 28 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 22 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,050 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 401 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 8 passengers |
| Body Style | Minivan |
| Base Price | $32,791–$38,807 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 6.8/10, the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica earns a Good rating among the minivans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.6/10, while Reliability at 6.0/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional minivan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.0/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.6/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.1/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.6/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $32,791–$38,807, 16 MPG, seating 8, the Chrysler Pacifica sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. The value score of 6.9/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 8 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica, but it needs the right buyer. Its value and technology and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica ranks #46 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 4% of the segment. Its 6.8/10 overall score is 0.8 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $32,791 starting price sits close to the segment's median of $33,751.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Minivan ranking →
Across the Pacifica model years we've scored, the 2018 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 7.2/10 | $41,189 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 7.2/10 | $41,189 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.2/10 | $39,990 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.1/10 | $38,790 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.0/10 | $37,590 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.0/10 | $36,390 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 6.9/10 | $35,191 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 6.9/10 | $33,991 | Read review → |
| 2018 (this review) | 6.8/10 | $32,791 | |
| 2017 | 6.7/10 | $31,592 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Electrical system / Ignition / Anti-theft / Control module 14/06/2018 · 18V395000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard… |
|---|---|
| Power train / Automatic transmission 26/07/2018 · 18V492000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the… |
| Power train / Axle assembly / Axle shaft 26/07/2018 · 18V493000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint. |
| Electrical system / Wiring 17/05/2018 · 18V332000 | Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500,… |
| Suspension / Front / Control arm / Lower arm 28/02/2019 · 19V143000 | 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. |
Showing 5 of 12 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
We rate the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica's reliability 6.0/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 12 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
12 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 6.8/10 overall, ranking #46 of 47 minivans in our database (better than 4% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $32,791 and ranges up to $38,807 across trims (MSRP when new). At 16 MPG, expect roughly $3,281/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of Chrysler models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.