Recall 18V493 affects 61 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles for incorrectly assembled front axle halfshafts. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
Chrysler is recalling 61 2018 Pacifica minivans because the front axle halfshafts were built with an assembly problem that can keep the shaft from securing to the CV joint. If the axle shaft disengages, the Pacifica can lose drive or move while in "Park," increasing crash risk; Chrysler dealers will complete the free repair.
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What's wrong?
The axle halfshafts on the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica carry engine power from the transmission to the front wheels. Each halfshaft connects to a constant-velocity joint, or CV joint, which lets the shaft keep turning while the wheels move up, down, and side to side. A retaining ring holds the axle shaft in place inside that joint.
On affected Pacifica vans, a halfshaft built for PHEV production was installed in a non-PHEV assembly. That mismatch keeps the retaining ring from properly locking the shaft into the CV joint. If the shaft is not secured, power from the transmission does not reach the wheel as designed, and the van can fail to move forward when shifted into Drive.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is inside the halfshaft and CV joint connection, so an owner is not expected to hear, feel, or see a clear symptom before the van stops moving under its own power.
Who's affected?
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | drive axle |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 61 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
Not every 2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivan is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific minivan is included.
What's the safety risk?
If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the Pacifica can lose drive power or move while shifted into "Park." The crash risk is from losing drive power in traffic or from unintended vehicle movement. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the recall repair promptly. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the free front axle halfshaft replacement that secures the shaft to the CV joint.
- Ask whether your Pacifica needs the left or right halfshaft assembly replaced, and reference recall number 18V493 when you call.
- Bring the recall notice if Chrysler mailed one.
- Set the parking brake each time you park until the repair is complete, and drive cautiously in case the vehicle loses drive.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chrysler technician replaces the left or right halfshaft assembly covered by the recall and checks that the axle shaft is properly secured to the CV joint. The replacement parts and labor are free under the recall. Chrysler's reimbursement process covers owners who already paid for a related repair before the recall notice. Send the original receipt or other proof of payment to the company for expense confirmation, following the instructions in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 26, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 14, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 14, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| September 14, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| September 18, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V493?
Recall 18V493 covers 61 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles with front axle halfshafts that were incorrectly assembled. The shaft can fail to stay secured to the CV joint, causing loss of drive or movement while parked and increasing crash risk.
What should I do if my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pacifica is included in recall 18V493. If it is, contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule replacement of the left or right halfshaft assembly. Reference recall number 18V493 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Chrysler dealers will replace the affected left or right halfshaft assembly free of charge. You can also call Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403.
Is it safe to drive my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica before the recall repair?
This recall does not include a do-not-drive order. The risk is loss of drive or vehicle movement while in Park if the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint. Confirm your VIN, then schedule the free halfshaft replacement with a Chrysler dealer.
What if I bought my Chrysler Pacifica used?
The free recall repair still applies. Federal recall law follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2018 Pacifica is included, then reference recall number 18V493 when you contact a Chrysler dealer.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V493000 |
|---|---|
| Chrysler customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V493 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V493000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (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 →