ChryslerPacifica20183.6L/chrysler/pacifica/2018/3-6l/
RU platform

2018 Chrysler Pacifica — 3.6L

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2018 Pacifica 3.6L. Covers both the standard and High Output 3.6L.

Body VANEngine 3.6LTransmission Automatic 9-spd

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica is an RU-platform van propelled by a 3.6L engine paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission, delivering EPA figures of 19/28/22 mpg. Routine maintenance for that powertrain requires 5.0 quarts of 0W-20 viscosity oil, yet researchers must weigh that straightforward servicing against 821 total owner complaints and 12 recalls heavily concentrated in the engine category. Although this model year's complaint volume sits well below the 2017 Pacifica's record peak of 1,483 across the nameplate's 2003-2026 history, the persistent engine grievances and double-digit recalls mean the 2018 still occupies a markedly problematic chapter in the vehicle's reliability timeline.

Model year201920182017

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy19/28/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 750 CCA battery, OE oil filter 68191349AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 750 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235/65R17OEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.0; Optional: 7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter68191349AC
Engine air filter68214516AA alt 68235291AB
Spark plugSP225755AB
BatteryBBH7F001AA alt BBAUX101AB
Front wiper blades68197138AC alt 68316740AA
Serpentine belt05281261AA alt 05281296AA
Thermostat68217305AH
Cabin air filter68606186AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 9-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length204.3 in
Overall width79.5 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase122 in
Curb weight4330 lb
Track (front / rear)68.5 / 68.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined19 / 28 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent published road-test results.

7.3–7.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.30 sec — 2018 Limited
260–287 hpHorsepower (as tested)
262 lb-ftTorque (as tested)
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2018Limited 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec287 hpFWD
2018eHybrid Limited 3.6L V6 + Elec 16-kWh7.40 sec15.80 sec260 hpFWD
2017Touring 3.6L V66.70 sec15.10 sec287 hpFWD
2017Limited 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec287 hpFWD
2017Limited 3.6L V67.30 sec15.80 sec287 hpFWD
2017eHybrid Platinum 3.6L V6 + Elec 16-kWh7.40 sec15.80 sec260 hpFWD
2017Limited 3.6L V67.40 sec15.60 sec287 hpFWD
2017Limited 3.6L V67.50 sec15.90 sec287 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidMopar ZF Automatic transmission fluid
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3-6.4
Brake FluidDOT 3
Engine CoolantMS-12106
Engine Coolant Capacity13.1-15.5
Engine Oil0W-20 · MS6395
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt
Power Steering FluidEPS

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)6.6 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs84.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)22.0 ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)38.0 ft-lbs
Knock Sense (KS) Bolt(s)16.0 ft-lbs
Engine Flywheel Bolts70.0 ft-lbs
Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts17 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Front Wheel Hub120.0 Do not re-use old hub nut ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerChrysler
Spark Plug Gap.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap.043 in

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.87 lbs
RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity1.87 lbs.
Oil TypePSD-1 or equivalent
Oil Capacity6.42 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil TypePSD-1 or equivalent

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)53.0-63.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Minimum53.0 psi
Fuel Pump Pressure Maximum63.0 psi
Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)53.0-63.0 psi
Engine Compression100

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27; Rear: 19
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 149; Rear: 110
Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27; Rear: 19
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 149; Rear: 110
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.040; Rear: .409
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0004; Rear: .0003
Maximum Rotor Runout.0008
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.040; Rear: .409

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Connecting Rod (Large End) Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages
115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
290.0
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11530 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 11530 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 9 stages

Prep If the threads of the old bolts are stretched or damaged, do not re-use old bolts. Do not apply additional oil to the bolt threads.

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
333.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 125 degrees125 degrees
5Loosen all bolts completely in reverse order.
622.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833.0 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Do not use a torque wrench for this step. Turn bolts 130 degrees.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench.125 degrees
5Loosen all fasteners in reverse sequence.
622 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench.125 degrees
5Loosen all fasteners in reverse sequence.
622 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench.130 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 8 stages
122 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
233 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
4Turn 125 degrees do not use torque wrench.125 degrees
5Loosen all fasteners in reverse sequence.
622 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
733 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
833 ft. lbs.33 ft. lbs
9Turn 130 degrees do not use torque wrench.130 degrees
Main Bearings — tightening sequence 2 stages

Prep M11 Inner bolts

115.0 ft. lbs.15 ft. lbs
290 degrees; M8 Outer bolts90 degrees
116.0 ft. lbs.16 ft. lbs
290.0 degrees; M8 Side bolts90 degrees
122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (inspect) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miAccessory Drive Belt (inspect) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2018 Chrysler Pacifica sits on the downward slope of a steep complaint curve that peaked in 2017 at 1,483 complaints, falling to 823 in 2018 and continuing down to 337 by 2019. However, while owner-reported complaints declined year-over-year, recalls reached a generation high of 12 in 2018, matching the level later seen in 2023 and exceeding the 11 recalls in 2017 and 9 in 2019. Federal filings show the top 2018 complaint categories were engine, steering, electrical system, and power train, accompanied by 27 crash-related and 14 fire-related complaints, though the data does not specify root causes. Within the broader 2016–2020 arc, 2018 represents a transition point where field reports eased but manufacturer-initiated safety actions remained at their highest level. Because complaint volume improved significantly even as recall exposure hit its generational peak, a 2018 Pacifica is a reasonable used purchase only if all 12 recall campaigns have been verified as completed.

12
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
467
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
4
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
821
Owner complaints
27 involved a crash · 14 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 821 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine174
Steering91
Electrical System57
Power Train49
Electrical System,Engine47
Unknown Or Other47
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine25
Power Train,Engine22

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 12 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

18V395000Electrical System:Ignition:Anti-Theft:Control ModuleReported 14/06/2018

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… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403…

18V492000Power Train:Automatic TransmissionReported 26/07/2018

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… Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 467 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S26230000462026-06-25StructureCalibration Requirements For The Power Sliding Door Module (PSDM).
S2623000041 REV.A2026-06-19StructurePower Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar…
S1623000028 Rev. K2026-06-12Electrical SystemOutside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window…
91008352026-06-08Electrical SystemPrior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Pacifica. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2018 Pacifica 3.6L take?

5.0 qt of 0W-20 Meeting Chrysler specification MS6395 or equivalent, per the factory manual.

Does the 2018 Pacifica have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 12 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the 3.6L get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined mpg.