2008 Chrysler Pacifica

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.

Chrysler Pacifica
Pictured: 2004-2006 Chrysler Pacifica -- 03-21-2012. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
Limited 4dr Wagon AWD, LX/Touring 4dr Wagon FWD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
18 combined · 15 city / 23 hwy
Length
198.8 in
Curb weight
4,354–4,458 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
0 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • AWD / 4WD available
  • No recalls so far

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 28 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.8L 6-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 199 inches long and 79 inches wide on a 117-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,458 lb (Limited 4dr Wagon AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 18 MPG combined (15 city / 23 highway), 5% worse than the 2008 SUV - average of 18.9 MPG, for an estimated $3,700 a year in fuel.

It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 49 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2008

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Pacifica — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Pacifica →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Limited 4dr Wagon AWD198.8 in79.1 in68.5 in116.5 in66.5 / 66.9 in4,458 lb56/44
LX/Touring 4dr Wagon FWD198.8 in79.1 in68.5 in116.5 in66.5 / 66.9 in4,354 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pacifica FWD3.8L 6-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive15 / 22 / 18-5%$3,700494
Pacifica FWD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spdFront-Wheel Drive15 / 23 / 17-10%$3,950523
Pacifica AWD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 6-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive14 / 22 / 17-2%$3,950523
Spend $6,500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.9 MPG2008 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2008 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2008 Chrysler Pacifica (this car)18 MPGNot rated0
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser15 MPGNot rated5
2008 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2008 Chevrolet Tahoe21 MPGNot rated3
2008 GMC Yukon21 MPGNot rated3
2008 Ford Expedition14 MPGNot rated0
2008 Nissan Pathfinder17 MPGNot rated3

Recalls (0)

No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica.

Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2008 Chrysler Pacifica is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

49Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
1Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
1Injuries reported
110,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System14
Engine10
Unknown Or Other9
Structure › Body7
Steering6
Power Train6
Suspension5
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)4
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
16/04: 116/05: 116/06: 116/08: 116/09: 316/10: 117/01: 417/03: 117/06: 117/07: 117/11: 318/01: 218/04: 218/05: 118/06: 118/07: 118/11: 119/01: 219/05: 119/07: 119/10: 123/02: 123/08: 126/01: 116/0416/0817/0117/0718/0418/0719/0523/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2008 Chrysler Pacifica buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
  2. Electrical System — 14 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine — 10 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Structure › Body — 7 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 110,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Chrysler Pacifica. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pacifica years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Pacifica22–Not rated11
2026 Pacifica30204.3 inNot rated511
2025 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★1031
2024 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★1173
2023 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★14195
2022 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★10334
2021 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★8403
2020 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★7231
2019 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★9361
2018 Pacifica32204.3 in★★★★★161,113
2017 Pacifica32204.3 in★★★★★171,621
2007 Pacifica18198.8 inNot rated0132

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →