Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
2008 Chrysler PacificaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 102 owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. Most complaints involve electrical system (24) and engine (21). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
102
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
102 complaints filed with NHTSA · Apr 2008 – Jan 2026
- Electrical system24
- Engine21
- Power train14
- Structure14
- Engine and engine cooling11
- Steering10
- Suspension9
- Fuel/propulsion system7
- Air bags5
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
By model year
Complaints for each Pacifica model year we’ve synced.
View as table
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 896 |
| 2005 | 1,244 |
| 2006 | 726 |
| 2007 | 380 |
| 2008 | 102 |
| 2017 | 1,546 |
| 2018 | 895 |
| 2019 | 363 |
| 2020 | 175 |
| 2021 | 381 |
| 2022 | 221 |
| 2023 | 156 |
| 2024 | 49 |
| 2025 | 31 |
| 2026 | 11 |
| 2027 | 1 |
- Crashes reported
- 2
- Fires reported
- 4
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Deaths reported
- 0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
24 reports2 fires
“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.”
Engine
21 reports2 fires
“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.”
Power train
14 reports
“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.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
- Engines
- 3.8L 6-cyl · 4.0L 6-cyl
- Transmissions
- Automatic 4-spd · Automatic 6-spd
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacifica FWD Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 22 | 18 | $3,450 | 494 |
| Pacifica AWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 22 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
| Pacifica FWD Auto 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 15 | 23 | 17 | $3,650 | 523 |
- 18mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
- 17mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 2643
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2008 Pacifica questions
How many recalls does the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 9, 2026.
What are the most common 2008 Chrysler Pacifica problems?
Owners filed 102 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (24), engine (21), power train (14). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica get?
The EPA rates the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026