Chrysler Pacifica owners filed 3,672 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for model years 2015–2025 (see the Car Problem Index for all 60 models), and NHTSA lists 38 recall campaigns for the same years. The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica drew the most complaints (1,521); across all years, owners complain most about engine (35% of complaints).
Key findings
- Worst model year: 2017, with 1,521 complaints, led by engine (523) and 11 recalls.
- Complaints vs recalls: Engine drew 1,298 complaints but no recalls, so for most of these owners the repair falls to warranty or their own pocket, not a free recall fix.
- Stop-driving recalls: 2 recalls told owners to park outside until repaired (26V362000, 23V753000).
- Over-the-air fixes: recalls 24V436000, 20V191000 can be repaired by a software update, without a dealer visit (2 of 38).
- Spike years, compared with a typical model year: 2017 (7.3 times as many complaints), 2018 (4.2 times as many complaints), 2021 (1.8 times as many complaints).
- Earliest-failing area: fuel system complaints came at a median 13k mi.
- Fire and crash reports: 33 complaints mention a fire and 116 a crash, with 92 injuries and 1 death reported.
Chrysler Pacifica complaints and recalls by model year
| Model year | Complaints | Top problem areas |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 no recall | 2 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) (1), Engine (1), Fuel system (1) median 18k mi |
| 2017 11 recalls | 1,521 | Engine (523), Transmission / powertrain (468), Electrical system (391) median 25k mi · 46 crashes · 10 fires |
| 2018 12 recalls | 870 | Engine (373), Electrical system (287), Steering (175) median 14k mi · 27 crashes · 14 fires |
| 2019 7 recalls | 310 | Electrical system (94), Engine (81), Transmission / powertrain (72) median 20k mi · 11 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2020 5 recalls | 170 | Electrical system (64), Engine (52), Transmission / powertrain (38) median 35k mi · 7 crashes · 3 fires |
| 2021 7 recalls | 368 | Electrical system (149), Engine (140), Transmission / powertrain (119) median 50k mi · 11 crashes · 1 fire |
| 2022 10 recalls | 209 | Transmission / powertrain (71), Engine (68), Electrical system (58) median 40k mi · 6 crashes · 2 fires |
| 2023 14 recalls | 152 | Engine (47), Electrical system (41), Transmission / powertrain (41) median 30k mi · 3 crashes |
| 2024 11 recalls | 42 | Electrical system (13), Transmission / powertrain (11), Air bags (10) median 15k mi · 2 crashes |
| 2025 9 recalls | 28 | Air bags (9), Speed control / acceleration (5), Automatic emergency braking / collision warning (5) median 26k mi · 3 crashes |
One recall campaign often covers several model years, so the recall column adds up to 86, more than the 38 separate campaigns. Newer years have had less time to collect reports.
Most-reported Chrysler Pacifica problems, and what they cost to fix
| Problem area | Complaints | Share | Recalls | Median mileage | Estimate the repair |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 1,298 | 35% | 0 | 15k mi | Engine overhaul cost |
| Electrical system | 1,099 | 30% | 8 | 20k mi | Alternator / electrical repair cost |
| Transmission / powertrain | 979 | 27% | 3 | 25k mi | Transmission repair cost |
| Steering | 566 | 15% | 0 | 29k mi | Power steering repair cost |
| Fuel system | 257 | 7% | 1 | 13k mi | Fuel pump repair cost |
| Brakes | 204 | 6% | 1 | 16k mi | Brake repair cost |
| Speed control / acceleration | 188 | 5% | 0 | 17k mi | — |
| Body structure | 110 | 3% | 0 | 17k mi | — |
Top problem areas only; one complaint can count twice.
What Chrysler Pacifica owners report
Owners’ own words; dollar figures are what they reported.
Engine
I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with just 53K miles. Recently, after starting the vehicle, the dash board displayed a check engine light. When I took it to the dealership, they informed me the code was a P0305, which indicated a misfire in cylinder 5, caused by a blown head gasket and a coolant leak into the cylinder. At 53,000 miles!
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11593425
Engine failure around 120,000 miles...no detail information why..engine replaced at Jeep Chrysler 8200 fairforest rd. Spartanburg sc dealership 0N 02-26-2021. Cost $8,461.85. No warranty coverage
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11495550
None of these 1,298 engine complaints is matched by a recall on these model years, so a repair is covered only by warranty or paid by the owner.
1,298 owners reported engine problems; the engine overhaul cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Electrical system
Car engine has stalled a dozen times or so. On one occasion it stalled and would not restart, had to tow to a dealer to repair it and it ended up costing $2700. And when it doesn’t stall on the road the engine constantly has weird acceleration dips where it almost stalls. This has been a constant problem for me and I purchased the vehicle used with 39000 miles on it.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11489419
2 months after recall for the auto start/stop service, the service stopped working and light came on engine. Could not start car until 3rd attempt. Happened two ties after engine shut off. Brought to dealer, aux battery has 0 charge and a cell in main battery is now bad. Reading several forums this has been common after recall even though it should not have affected it.
2017 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11277705
Related recalls: 23V010000 (2017–2023): An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. 19V348000 (2017–2019): A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash. 18V524000 (2017–2019): A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
1,099 owners reported electrical system problems; the alternator / electrical repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Transmission / powertrain
My local Chrysler dealership suggested (and charged me for) computer updates relating to the sliding doors and transmission of a 2019 Pacifica minivan. Without these updates, the service advisor said the sliding doors may not open/close and that the engine may rev but power may not be delivered to the drivetrain. Doors can be opened manually. I am not all that concerned about that one.
2019 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11518855
While I was driving the car started beeping and all dashboard lights started flickering. Transmission started stuttering and engine RPM fluctuating wildly. Fortunately I was in my neighborhood and was only going about 15 MPH and was able to pull to a stop. The issue is with a faulty star bus connection near the glove box.
2018 model-year owner, NHTSA complaint 11724766
Related recalls: 18V492000 (2018): If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. 18V493000 (2018): If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. 17V482000 (2017): A wheel wobble may cause a possible loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
979 owners reported transmission / powertrain problems; the transmission repair cost calculator shows what the fix costs where you live.
Chrysler Pacifica recalls
Check these first: 26V362000 (2020–2022, electrical system: park outside); 23V753000 (2023, electrical system: park outside).
Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for your car’s open recalls.
| Campaign | Announced | Model years | System | Risk (NHTSA's wording) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26V561000 | 2026-09-01 | 2025 | Electronic Stability Control (esc) | A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash. |
| 26V362000 | 2026-06-04 | 2020–2022 | Electrical system | A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury. |
| 26V358000 | 2026-06-02 | 2023–2025 | Air bags | The unintended connection may prevent the air bags from deploying, increasing the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 26V327000 | 2026-05-21 | 2019, 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 26V296000 | 2026-05-11 | 2023–2025 | Equipment Adaptive/mobility | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 26V189000 | 2026-03-26 | 2022–2025 | Air bags | Air bags with insufficient pressure retention increase the risk of ejection and injury during a crash. |
| 25V876000 | 2025-12-17 | 2017–2025 | Equipment Adaptive/mobility | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V877000 | 2025-12-17 | 2021–2025 | Equipment Adaptive/mobility | An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury. |
| 25V573000 | 2025-09-04 | 2025 | Air bags | An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash. |
| 25V471000 | 2025-07-17 | 2024–2025 | Equipment / accessories | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V388000 | 2025-06-12 | 2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 25V302000 | 2025-05-08 | 2022–2025 | Air bags | An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash. |
| 24V888000 | 2024-11-25 | 2024 | Seats | A seat positioned too close to the air bag can increase the risk of injury during a crash. |
| 24V793000 | 2024-10-24 | 2020–2023 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. |
| 24V436000 (OTA) | 2024-06-13 | 2021–2023 | Backup camera / rear sensors | A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 24V238000 | 2024-03-28 | 2024 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | A windshield that detaches from the vehicle during a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 24V240000 | 2024-03-28 | 2024 | Traction Control System | An inactive traction control system can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 24V199000 | 2024-03-14 | 2023–2024 | Air bags | An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V753000 | 2023-11-09 | 2023 | Electrical system | A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury. |
| 23V500000 | 2023-07-20 | 2023 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. |
| 23V010000 | 2023-01-17 | 2017–2023 | Electrical system | An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V619000 | 2022-08-11 | 2022 | Visibility (windows, mirrors, wipers) | Improperly functioning wipers can reduce the driver's visibility in certain weather conditions, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 22V181000 | 2022-03-24 | 2021–2022 | Seats | An unsecured seat increases the risk of injury in a crash. |
| 20V191000 (OTA) | 2020-09-10 | 2019–2020 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V886000 | 2019-12-12 | 2018–2019 | Backup camera / rear sensors | The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 19V348000 | 2019-05-09 | 2017–2019 | Electrical system | A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash. |
| 19V143000 | 2019-02-28 | 2018 | Suspension | A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V524000 | 2018-08-09 | 2017–2019 | Electrical system | A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V492000 | 2018-07-26 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 18V493000 | 2018-07-26 | 2018 | Transmission / powertrain | If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. |
| 18V395000 | 2018-06-14 | 2017–2018 | Electrical system | If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash. |
| 18V332000 | 2018-05-17 | 2017–2018 | Electrical system | If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash. |
| 18V049000 | 2018-01-11 | 2017 | Electrical system | An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash. |
| 17V824000 | 2017-12-21 | 2018 | Equipment / accessories | If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. |
| 17V542000 | 2017-08-31 | 2017–2018 | Seat belts | Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
| 17V482000 | 2017-07-28 | 2017 | Transmission / powertrain | A wheel wobble may cause a possible loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 17V342000 | 2017-05-25 | 2017 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | The crossed rear brake lines will cause the rear anti-lock brake system to be ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash. |
| 16V490000 | 2016-06-30 | 2017 | Seat belts | If passengers occupying the third-row and/or second-row center seats cannot use a seat belt, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash. |
What this data can and can't tell you
3,672 unverified owner reports, not adjusted for sales. Method.
Other Chrysler models in the index
- Chrysler 200 (2,361)
Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation consumer complaint files (nhtsa.gov), retrieved 2026-09-25; NHTSA recalls database (nhtsa.gov/recalls), retrieved 2026-09-23. Model years 2015–2025. Free to cite with a link to this page.