Recall 18V740 affects 10,260 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles for an engine-restart defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
Chrysler is recalling 10,260 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivans because the gas engine can fail to restart properly after PHEV driving, sending unburned fuel into the exhaust catalyst. That defect can lead to loss of motive power or catalyst ignition, which raises crash or fire risk; Chrysler dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid uses powertrain control module software to manage the handoff between electric drive and the gas engine. In normal driving, that software keeps the engine synchronized as it starts, stops, and joins the hybrid propulsion system. The catalytic converter in the exhaust then treats burned fuel gases before they leave the vehicle.
On affected vans, after the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas engine does not restart properly. The software does not catch engine mis-synchronization well enough, so unburned fuel enters the catalytic converter. That fuel can ignite inside the converter, overheating the catalyst and nearby parts. The same fault can also lead to a loss of motive power.
There is no warning sign before failure. The problem is tied to the engine restart sequence, so an owner does not get a specific symptom to rely on before the converter overheats or propulsion is lost.
Who's affected?
Two model years are listed, with the same hybrid propulsion system and catalytic convertor components for each year.
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid propulsion system |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid | Catalytic convertor |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid | Hybrid propulsion system |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid | Catalytic convertor |
| Units affected | 10,260 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific minivan.
What's the safety risk?
An improperly started engine can cause loss of motive power, increasing crash risk. Unburned fuel in the catalyst can ignite, increasing fire risk. If the vehicle loses power while driving, pull over when safe and call a dealer. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the free powertrain controller software update that addresses the engine restart problem, plus the catalytic-converter inspection.
- Bring the recall notice if Chrysler sent one. If not, reference recall number 18V740 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete, and stop driving if the van loses motive power.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chrysler technician updates the powertrain controller module software so it can detect and correct engine mis-synchronization. The technician also inspects the catalytic converter and replaces it if needed. The recall repair is available now, and parts and labor are free. If you already paid for this repair, Chrysler's reimbursement process asks customers to send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment for confirmation of the expense.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| October 19, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 15, 2018 | Owner notification mailed |
| December 8, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| December 8, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| December 8, 2018 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| December 8, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V740?
Recall 18V740 covers 10,260 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. After PHEV propulsion mode, the gas engine can restart improperly, sending unburned fuel into the exhaust catalyst. That creates crash risk from loss of motive power and fire risk from ignition in the catalyst.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 18V740. If it is, contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the powertrain controller module software update and catalytic converter inspection. Reference recall number 18V740 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost. Chrysler dealers will update the powertrain controller module software, inspect the catalytic converter, and replace the catalytic converter as necessary for free.
What is the safety risk in recall 18V740?
The safety risk is loss of motive power or fire. An improper engine restart can cause the vehicle to lose motive power, increasing crash risk. Unburned fuel entering the exhaust catalyst can also ignite, increasing fire risk.
What if I bought my Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid is included, then call a franchised Chrysler dealer and reference recall 18V740.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V740000 |
|---|---|
| Chrysler customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V740 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V740000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (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 →