[JeffT]

I was evaluating a repair that was done to our new 2018 Pacifica, (more on that later), when I noticed something odd. I leased a 2017 Pacifica before purchasing a 2018 and noticed that on either side of the engine bay there were missing panels that allowed me to stick my hand all the way into the fenders. I thought this was odd so I stared searching google images and sure enough, everything I found shows plastic panels that my van does not have.

The repair was to the wiring harness due to rodents somehow getting into the engine bay and eating through the main wiring harness, on a van with 7500 miles. in evaluating the replacement of the wiring harness I noticed the missing panels.

I reached out to Chrysler on February 21st about this issue including sending them pictures of the areas in question and still do not have the issue resolved. I have attached images of my van, 2018 Pacifica Tourning Plus w/ S package. If you search youtube for "2018 Chrysler Pacifica S - Ultimate In-Depth Look in 4K" you can see in the video the panels around the 22:05 mark as he pans across the engine bay.

Has anyone else had this issue? Can you all pop your hoods and let me know if you have missing panels

Thanks!

 

[Longtimemopar]

I was evaluating a repair that was done to our new 2018 Pacifica, (more on that later), when I noticed something odd. I leased a 2017 Pacifica before purchasing a 2018 and noticed that on either side of the engine bay there were missing panels that allowed me to stick my hand all the way into the fenders. I thought this was odd so I stared searching google images and sure enough, everything I found shows plastic panels that my van does not have.

The repair was to the wiring harness due to rodents somehow getting into the engine bay and eating through the main wiring harness, on a van with 7500 miles. in evaluating the replacement of the wiring harness I noticed the missing panels.

I reached out to Chrysler on February 21st about this issue including sending them pictures of the areas in question and still do not have the issue resolved. I have attached images of my van, 2018 Pacifica Tourning Plus w/ S package. If you search youtube for "2018 Chrysler Pacifica S - Ultimate In-Depth Look in 4K" you can see in the video the panels around the 22:05 mark as he pans across the engine bay.

Has anyone else had this issue? Can you all pop your hoods and let me know if you have missing panels

Thanks!

Who did the repair work?

 

[JeffT]

Repair work

The repair work was done by the dealership that I purchased the van from. After getting the van back I went and looked at pictures I had took of the van prior to work being performed and the panels were missing before the work was done.

I believe these parts were simply, just not installed on the assembly line.

My question to FCA was why?

Every image I have found of the van and the 2017 I owned prior to this one had the panels.

I have asked for a written explanation and have yet to receive one.

 

[Lily]

mine are there

 

[Lipster]

Just tell the dealer you want the missing parts installed. They will have to deal with it.

 

[Odyssey1!]

Have a 2019 and do not have them installed on my vehicle.Guess factory neglected to install

 

[Okievision]

we have a new 2019 Touring L and it looks just like yours without any covers
.

 

[PacificaMinivanFan]

Ours has the covers installed. Jeff T (and Odyssey1), what trim level is your Pacifica?

 

[Bond007]

Looks like the 2019's are having some cost cutting done at factory. I need to check mine now.

 

[JeffT]

It's a 2018 Touring Plus with S Package

 

[JeffT]

I called the dealer and they instructed me to contact FCA.

 

[JeffT]

Thanks for posting pictures!

Honestly this is discouraging as a consumer. My wife and I have been happy overall with the Pacifica. That is why we bought the 2018 after leasing a 2017, but missing parts from the assembly line and going on a month with no resolution to what seems to be a simple matter is not encouraging to say the least.

 

[CANADAHYBRIDGUY]

My assumption is the parts in question were removed from production assembly . Just because parts were on your 17 model does not mean that the parts have to be on the 18 model. Parts in the manufacturing process are added or removed during model year or changeover assembly. If you read on the manufacturer website and brochures they state that as well .

 

[Lipster]

My '18 Gasser Limited has them. The are sort of a foam/plastic, so I am assuming it is to attenuate some sort of noise.

 

[JeffT]

My assumption is the parts in question were removed from production assembly . Just because parts were on your 17 model does not mean that the parts have to be on the 18 model. Parts in the manufacturing process are added or removed during model year or changeover assembly. If you read on the manufacturer website and brochures they state that as well .

The issue for me is that all the 2018 pacifica images that I can find and the images submitted in this thread by @Lily show the parts as being in place for a 2018 model.

My question is why is my pacifica different?

 

[JeffT]

My '18 Gasser Limited has them. The are sort of a foam/plastic, so I am assuming it is to attenuate some sort of noise.

That is my assumption also, and is why I want to know if it was a missed part from production or if it was purposely left off the vehicle because of some design change.

 

[Waldo]

Rodents? Maybe that's to put some d-Con in?

My 2018 Limited has the panels. The only use they appear to have would be to keep some engine noise out of the passenger area. Your dealer parts guy should have information as to which vehicles get them.

 

[SciTchr]

I called the dealer and they instructed me to contact FCA.

Try to private message @ChryslerCares by clicking on the red letters to see if they can do anything for you. They should be able to find out if it is a trim level, model year change, or factory oversight based on your VIN. My 2017 Touring L has the plastic panels.

 

[JeffT]

Rodents? Maybe that's to put some d-Con in?

My 2018 Limited has the panels. The only use they appear to have would be to keep some engine noise out of the passenger area. Your dealer parts guy should have information as to which vehicles get them.

Yeah, we were surprised to say the least when I popped the hood and saw a heaping pile of grass and leaves next to the radiator overflow tank and against the firewall. We have parked cars outside of our garage for ages and have never had an issue. The dealership has advised me to put some bounce dryer sheets in the engine bay. I did some research, and a lot of camper forums suggest the same thing.

I have attached a few images of what I found when I popped the hood that cold January night.

 

[Frig]

Looks like the 2019's are having some cost cutting done at factory. I need to check mine now.

Cost cutting is euphemistically referred to as "decontenting."

Anyway, just checked, my 2019 hybrid doesn't have them. meh ¯\_(ツ)_/¯