Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA about the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, and it carries no recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Power train | 9 | 9% |
| Engine | 9 | 9% |
| Structure | 8 | 8% |
| Electrical system | 8 | 8% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 8 | 8% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 6 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 4 | 4% |
| Air bags | 3 | 3% |
| Seats | 3 | 3% |
| Tires | 2 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
I noticed that my tire was getting flat at my aunt townhouse in nephi Utah. so I took it to the maverick gas station to get a better look at it and investigate the possibility of a leak in it put some air in it and then
NHTSA complaint: Tires
The car runs out of gas when there is gas in it - the fuel system doesn't recognize the fuel. It is a known problem with this vehicle/fuel system (you can google it). It is difficult to add fuel to the car, as a vapo
NHTSA complaint: Fuel/propulsion system
Transmission completely goes out of gear while driving causing you to roll to a stop unable to move.
NHTSA complaint: Power train
THE AIRBAG LIGHT IN THE DASHBOARD BLINKS ONCE IN A WHILE. THIS IS ISSUE STARTED AROUND AUGUST 2019.
NHTSA complaint: Air bags
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
NHTSA complaint: Power train
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
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
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 21
NHTSA complaint: Engine
WHILE DRIVING 40MPH THE HOOD FLEW OPEN AND SMASHED INTO THE WINDSHIELD, BLOCKED MY VIEW WHILE DRIVING & NEARLY CAUSED A FATAL CRASH. THIS IS THE SECOND TIME THIS HAS HAPPENED THOUGH THE FIRST TIME, IT STAYED LATCHED JUST
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
| Reliability raw | 72 | good |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 72 | good |
| Maintenance | 75 | good |
| Depreciation | 68 | good |
| Performance | 59 | average |
| Efficiency | 35 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 102 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and power train is the most reported area with 9 of them (9%). No recalls are on record for it.
AVOIR scores its reliability 72/100 (good) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 72/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2008 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 67/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.