Recall 18V395 affects 240,242 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles for an unsecured manual park release plug. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
Chrysler is recalling 240,242 2017-2018 Pacifica minivans because the Manual Park Release plug can be removed without a tool. If the release is engaged by mistake, the vehicle can roll away and strike a bystander or cause a crash; Chrysler dealers will complete the free repair.
Does this recall apply to your specific vehicle?
The official, free per-VIN recall check is run by NHTSA. Enter your VIN and we'll forward you directly — and add you to a free watchlist so you hear about new recalls for your vehicle.
Check my VIN at NHTSARecallNotify doesn't check your VIN — NHTSA's official tool does. We use your email only to alert you to new recalls.
Watch this vehicle for recalls
Add it to your free watchlist and we will alert you as new federal recalls are posted for your year, make and model. New-recall alerts are rolling out now.
You are on the watchlist.
We will email you as new federal recalls are posted for your vehicle.
What's wrong?
The manual park release on the 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica is a backup release for the Park position. It lets a service technician or tow operator move the vehicle out of Park when the normal shifter path is not available. A small shifter override plug covers that access point, and the plug is supposed to require a screwdriver or another tool to remove.
On affected Pacifica minivans, the plug does not hold tightly enough. It can be removed by hand, which exposes the manual park release without the tool barrier required by the theft-protection rule. Chrysler traced the issue to plugs used before the redesigned version with a higher pull-out force.
There is no warning sign before failure. An owner is unlikely to feel a change while driving, because the problem is the access cover for the release, not normal shifting or engine operation.
Who's affected?
Across both model years, the listed components are the anti-theft equipment and the ignition anti-theft control module.
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | Anti-theft devices |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | electrical system |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica | Anti-theft devices |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica | electrical system |
| Units affected | 240,242 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
NHTSA campaign 18V395 describes a rollaway risk if the MPR engages unintentionally. The Pacifica can move, hit a bystander, or lead to a crash. Keep people clear around the vehicle when parking or shifting, and schedule the recall repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the free Manual Park Release plug replacement that keeps the plug from being removed without a tool.
- Bring the recall notice if Chrysler mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V395 when you call.
- Keep the parking brake set whenever the Pacifica is parked until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chrysler technician replaces the Manual Park Release plug, which is the part tied to the park release access on the Pacifica. Parts and labor are covered, and the recall repair is free. Chrysler's reimbursement plan also covers owners who already paid for a related repair before the owner letter. Send the original receipt or other proof of payment to Chrysler for confirmation of the expense, or bring that paperwork to the service desk so the dealer can explain the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| June 14, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| July 9, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| August 3, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| August 3, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| August 3, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V395?
Recall 18V395 covers 240,242 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles with a Manual Park Release plug that can be removed without a tool. If the release is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle can roll away, injure a bystander, or cause a crash.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pacifica is included in recall 18V395. If it is, contact a franchised Chrysler dealer and ask for the Manual Park Release plug replacement. Reference recall number 18V395 or Chrysler recall U50 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair this defect at no cost. Chrysler dealers will replace the Manual Park Release plug free of charge, and the remedy has been available since July 9, 2018.
Is it safe to drive my Chrysler Pacifica before the repair?
The recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The safety risk is rollaway if the Manual Park Release is engaged unintentionally. Confirm your VIN, schedule the free plug replacement, and ask the dealer for instructions if the vehicle has shifted unexpectedly.
What if I bought my Chrysler Pacifica used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific Pacifica is included, then give the dealer recall number 18V395 or Chrysler recall U50 when scheduling the repair.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V395000 |
|---|---|
| Chrysler customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V395 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V395000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →