2008 Chrysler Pacifica Top Problems

By Max Anthony •  Updated: 12/01/20 •  6 min read

Chrysler introduced the mid-size crossover Pacifica in the market when its production started in  2003 for its 2004 model year.
The mid-size crossover was labeled as a sports tourer by the  company.

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The Chrysler Pacifica crossover was only produced from 2003 to 2007 for the model  years 2004 to 2008 and after that it was discontinued due to multiple problems.

There were a lot  of complaints about the low build quality, engine and transmission issues, electrical glitches,  interior and liner flaws.  In this article, we will have a look at 2008 chrysler pacifica top problems.

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One more thing which also contributed to the discontinuation of crossover  Pacifica was the fact that Chrysler was unable to timely fix all the flaws and offer repairs to the  consumers.

Chrysler re-introduced the Pacifica in 2017 but this time as a minivan and it replaced  the Chrysler Town & Country minivan.

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Top Problems

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Engine’s Ticking Noise 

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica has a defect which causes a ticking or rattling noise to come from the  engine.

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This problem is one of the most common complaints which is reported by the 2008  Chrysler Pacifica drivers.

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica variants with 3.5-liter, 3.8-liter and 4.0-liter  V6 engines are among the most affected Pacifica variants with the ticking noise problem in the  engine.

The ticking noise from the engine in the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is reported to have started  as early as 15,000 miles.

But the average of 104,500 miles were observed after which the engine’s  rattling noise started in the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. 

The cause of the engine’s ticking noise in Chrysler Pacifica 2008 is the broken retaining pin on  the rocker arm shaft.

This broken retaining pin acts as a blockage and doesn’t let oil to pass in the  rocker arm and as a result the ticking noise is produced.

To stop the engine’s ticking noise, the  2008 Chrysler Pacifica needs a repair which can either be done by replacing only the  malfunctioned part or the whole kit which consists of rocker arms, rocker arm shafts and pedestals. 

This repair on a 2008 Chrysler Pacifica can cost anywhere between $80 to $1,500 to the owner. 

The swinging fixing price is dependent on two factors. First, if the repair has been done by only  replacing the broken part with a functioning one or the whole kit has been replaced with a new  one.

Second, if the owner of 2008 Chrysler Pacific fixed the problem himself/herself or had it done  by a professional car mechanic. 

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Carbon Buildup in Engine Valves 

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Another problem which adds to the worries of 2008 Chrysler Pacifica owners is the continuous  and fast buildup of carbon in the engine valves.

It not only causes discomfort to the owners but also affects the performance of the car and increases the maintenance cost.

The Chrysler Pacifica  2008 models with 3.5-liter and 4.0-liter V6 engines were most affected with this problem.

Chrysler  Pacifica 2008 owners can face this issue as early as after 60,000 miles. On average enough carbon will build up in the Chrysler Pacifica 2008 engine valves after 131,000 miles that a repair would  be required.

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Top Problems
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The Chrysler Pacifica 2008 drivers reported that the carbon buildup in engine valves would cause the car to stutter on roads while trying to maintain a regular and constant velocity.

Moreover, the  Chrysler Pacifica 2008 check engine light will also turn on due to carbon in valves which will  indicate the misfiring in the valves.

Misfiring means that the engine isn’t functioning properly and  a perfect combustion isn’t taking place inside the engine.

This will in return negatively affect the  2008 Chrysler Pacifica road performance and fuel average. 

In order to remove the carbon from the engine valves of 2008 Chrysler Pacifica, the combustion  chamber needs to be opened and then thoroughly cleaned.

To prevent the quick carbon buildup  again inside the valves, valve spring retainers can also be replaced with new ones.

But despite all  the efforts to stop the accumulation of carbon inside the valves, the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica owners  have reported that frequent mechanic visits will still be required and cost of repair will keep  increasing. 

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Static Discharge Related Problems 

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica had some loose wire connections or static discharge which caused a  number of problems within the car.

The static discharge contributed to the malfunctioning of seat  heaters, adjustable pedals, power seat memory and door handles.

Although Chrysler offered the  revised seat modules later that were more reliable but the static discharge issues in door handles  still came up. 

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica static discharge problems happened as early as 52,000 miles of  mileage. The average mileage which was calculated for static discharge related issues is 106,000  miles.

The repair of a static discharge related problem will probably cost around $400. 

2008 Chrysler Pacifica Engine Stall Problem 

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A lot of complaints were reported by the drivers of 2008 Chrysler Pacifica about the stalling and  shutting down of the engine while driving.

During this problem check engine light turns on, the  engine can start using excessive oil, the engine block can crack, the motor mounts can break and  the engine can be loose.

During such an incident the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica starts to jerk while  accelerating and then the car stalls and engine stops while driving.

This type of problem usually  happens after 115,000 miles and to repair the car after such a problem can cost the owner about  $1,600. 

Many other problems were also reported with the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica including misalignment  of drive belt, HVAC case bulkhead not sealed and shortcomings with the powertrain control  module.

The misalignment of the drive belt in Chrysler Pacifica 2008 led to a noise coming from  the car. The HVAC case not being sealed at the bulkhead caused water leakages.

The continuous  software updates with the powertrain control module added to discomfort of the consumers.

Is 2008 Chrysler Pacifica A Reliable Car?

The reliability of the Pacifica is a little ambiguous. It depends on who you ask and what situation they’ve experienced it in, so we can’t say definitively whether or not this car is reliable; but most people seem to think that Chrysler does build quality cars after all!

Chrysler has set a few quality records. In the Pacifica’s first year, it was named to Car and Driver Magazine’s 10 Best list for 2017 in their “10Best Cars To Buy Now” category.

It also received top safety ratings from both IIHS (Insurance Institute of Highway Safety) and NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

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Max Anthony

Max is a gizmo-savvy guy, who has a tendency to get pulled into the nitty gritty details of technology and cars. He attended UT Austin, where he studied Information Science. He’s married and has three kids, one dog and a GMC truck and a Porsche 911. With a large family, he still finds time to share tips and tricks on cars, trucks and more.