Chrysler Pacifica Complaints (2021)

362 consumer complaints on file.

#11713537January 27, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The transmission is defective, and according to the warranty, under the lemon law, it has a lifetime warranty, which in my understanding means the entire defective transmission should be replaced. However, I received a call where I was told they would only repair the transmission with a 3-year warranty, and if it breaks down again, I would have to bear the future costs. In my understanding, if I have a warranty on the transmission, they should replace it with a new one. Therefore, I want to make it clear in writing that I do not wish to or authorize any repair of the transmission, but rather the replacement of the transmission as is my right. If there is any problem with the transmission, the company is solely responsible for the decision.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11712936January 23, 2026
AIR BAGS
Another driver failed to yield to traffic and drove right into the side door, gas tank and rear wheel at about 35 mph. Not a single airbag was deployed within my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. I did sustain injury
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11712248January 20, 2026
SERVICE BRAKES
Car rolls forward when in reverse and takes a dangerously long time to slip into gear. Car rolls back when foot is taken off brake, especially on hills.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711996January 20, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The vehicle experiences repeated hybrid system failures, including “system charging” errors, rapid battery depletion from full to zero within minutes, and vehicle stalling. These failures have occurred multiple times, even after dealership repair attempts. The vehicle has stalled and been towed more than once, most recently on September 26, 2025. Now, today, January 20, 2026, the vehicle has once again stalled and will have to be towed for the third time since purchasing in August 2024. This has left us stranded once again. This is a serious safety concern, especially given the risk of stalling while driving. I transport elderly family members and depend on this vehicle for medical appointments. I am requesting NHTSA document this issue and review whether this represents a broader safety defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11711046January 15, 2026
ENGINE
On [XXX] while driving my vehicle on the fast lane of the freeway the warning came on that the vehicle was going to shut down soon. I was able to pull over to the slow lane and immediately exit the freeway and as I was exiting the freeway the vehicle completely shut down. I was able to move the car to park in a safe area on the street with what little power it had. Shut the vehicle down and contemplated what to do. I waited for a few minutes and then turned the engine on and it drove but the orange engine light was still on. I slowly drove it to the Carl Burger Dodge dealership in La Mesa, CA using side streets, avoiding the freeway, approximately 10 miles distance. They would not take my car in for service due to their back log and asked for I to make an appointment which would likely be around two to three weeks away or take it to another dealer that may look at my car sooner. Hesitant, I slowly drove my car to my residence again using only side streets, a distance of about 20 miles. Made it safely but the orange engine light was still on. I have had recall repairs on this vehicle previously. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706925December 24, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Similar to the Ford recall, the LED Daytime Running Light Module is defective. This LED went out in under 3 years and Chrysler won’t fix it. This is a problem that many people are experiencing, and they want $2,000 to replace the entire head lamp system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705779December 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN
Reversing onto roadway and shifted from reverse to drive via rotary dial and vehicle went into park and would not move causing me to block the roadway. In addition and even more concerning was that the vehicle could not be turned off and any and all actions to do so just left the car "on" and the hybrid system running. Eventually we pulled the battery cable on the main 12v in the trunk and the reset allowed us to move the vehicle again. I sat across a busy section for twenty minutes with no way to move, turn off, or overide the system with three kids with me in a busy traffic area. The vehicle has not reproduced the issue as of yet. The dash had multiple warnings for park system and service various items needed. this occurred 12/17/2025 with 70,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700402November 19, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, POWER TRAIN
While driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour ater driving 2.5 hours our 2021 Pacifica hybrid minivan flashed a warning on the vehicles display saying approximately "Warning Engine Shutting Down". The engine immediately shut down in the middle of the highway and we were forced to coast off the highway to the shoulder. The engine warning light came on. We turned the car off for a few minutes and proceeded to start the engine. The engine warning light was still on, but the other message was gone. We attempted to drive towards our destination and approximately 30 minutes later the same thing happened again. We tried one more time since we were several hours from home and within 30 minutes the vehicle had the same issue. At that point we decided to try to get home. We drove the vehicle 15-20 mins at a time and then exited the highway over and over giving the vehicle time turned off. After returning home with no additional events the engine warning light went off the next warning. This was on a Sunday so we were unable to get it to a dealer. The next day we dropped off the vehicle at Nappletom Chrysler dealership. The called us the next day and told us they could not cause the event to happen again. They could see a set of error codes showing the problem occurred, but told us there was nothing they could do and it was up to us to cause the problem and then return the vehicle. Now I have a minivan with 70k miles on it that my wife primarily uses my with to get my daughter from place to place and I have no idea when this vehicle will shut the engine down at any time potentially causing a dangerous accident. I believe Chrysler has the responsibility to determine what the issue is. Researching on the internet show this is a common problem for my vehicle and typically requires a new transmission or and engine wiring short.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11699441November 14, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11698654November 10, 2025
STEERING
More often than not, the steering wheel column gets stuck at 10-11 o’clock positions and 1-2 o’clock positions. So it typically happens when making slight bends on my local roads and highways. This requires a hard jolt on the steering wheel to get it un-stuck. This is extremely unsafe to do at high rates of speed and/or with traffic on either side of me and it feels only a matter of time before it results in an accident. When I brought the car into the dealer for a different repair, they noted in their follow-up inspection a, “rep clunk from steering gear the wheel both ways” and quoted me $4800 for repair. I’m assuming that’s to replace the entire steering column, which is pretty outrageous considering the part is less than $900 OEM and would be about 2-3 hours of labor. I purchased the car 6 months ago as a certified pre-owned car from a dealership and the CarFax report came back completely clear, recall repairs weren’t even mentioned on it. I’ve seen some discussions on online forums describing a similar issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11694762October 21, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
High pressure fuel leak with large fan spray pattern in fuel line part number 68492134AA where it sits and rubs against a sharp corner of another component, (appears to be ignition coil) above the rear passenger side of the engine. Searched online and found another owner had posted an image of the exact same leak! https://www.reddit.com/r/ChryslerPacifica/comments/1amcdp9/2021_pacifica_hybrid_fuel_leak/Their photo and mine are identical and in comments on their thread, Two other owners that responded to that thread also said they've also had exactly the same leak. The cause appears to be how this line is routed by the factory. it is resting against the coil and not secured in a way to prevent chafing. Result is extremely dangerous with fuel spraying down towards the exhaust. The part is available for inspection. Safety of my family was put at risk by fuel spraying towards hot exhaust while my wife was driving. She was unaware of problem until fuel smell just prior to arriving at home. Problem is easily reproduced. I spoke with Olympia Chrysler Jeep and the service advisor Corey, said he had seen this issue before as well. He also said because car is not under warranty and I don't have roadside assistance, towing would be at my expense. I have ordered replacement part and will install and secure it to prevent chafing. I will keep part to be availalbe for examination. There were no warning lamps, messages or other symptoms prior to the fuel smell.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692514October 10, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while reversing, the back-over prevention camera image was frozen. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who performed a software update as part of the manufacturer's Extended Warranty Coverage related to the failure. The contact stated that after the software update was performed, the failure occurred intermittently. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 55,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11692293October 9, 2025
SEATS
2nd Row Seat fails to latch and lock in position. The seat reclines back and forth without being able to be latched in place. My [XXX] and [XXX] 's safety is greatly impacted by this, as the seat is unable to be properly secured in the event of a crash. I have had the other 2nd row seat repaired nearly 2 months ago at a Chrysler dealership, but am dealing with the same problem on the other 2nd row seat. When I took the vehicle to the dealership 2 months ago, the 2nd row seat that has now failed to latch was not experiencing those problems. There were no warning lamps or symptoms of this failure to occur other than knowing that the other 2nd row seat had experienced the same failure 2 months prior to this. A poor design in the seat reclining mechanism in the 2nd row seats of the Chrysler Pacifica by Chrysler appears to be the problem. Numerous other posts about this same issue exist on the [XXX] webpage, as well as by doing a google search on the failure INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688994September 22, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rear view camera does not work 50% of time since recall was updated. Back seat entertainment games no longer work due to recall “fix”. Service department at Chrysler had no diagnosis besides that the recall has messed up other peoples vans entertainment as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688762September 21, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission stutters and searches from 15 mph - 30 mph. Dealer ship told us it was a known issue and they just reset the "learning" feature of the transmission. The fix gives you another 6 months and then the issue slowly returns. This causes undue wear on the transmission and leaves it open for catastrophic failure. Dealership refuses to repair after warranty expires even though it is a known issue. There are no warning lamps or messages just an slowly growing clunking at slow speeds over time.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11688761September 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE
The ESS battery fails constantly and manufacturer will not find problem and just replaces battery. When the ESS battery fails it drains the main battery which then leaves the driver and its occupants at risk of being stranded. The transmission is an electronic transmission and if the battery fails while driving that could compromise the occupants also. We have had to have the battery replace twice and a third time tomorrow 9/21 if the dealership will "fit" us in. The ESS system will tell you it is unavailable but only after the battery has failed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685214September 5, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
When adaptive cruise control is enabled and I’m at cruising speed, new vehicles entering the lane in front of my vehicle are not being acknowledged leading to my vehicle getting too close and collision becoming likely. This leads to me having to takeover control frequently to prevent accidents. This happens often, not always, but it is becoming more and more frequent. This happens at all speeds from 30 mph to 70mph
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683692August 28, 2025
ENGINE, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my vehicle soon after purchase I notice an engine light on along with a huge fan noise from under the hood. Addressed the issue with dealer they diagnosed the car and so called fixed the issue. about a month ago I’m driving the car on a residential street and noticed the car jerking loud fan noise and the whole dashboard light up saying service hybrid service engine and transmission.. Suddenly the engine stops in moving traffic. The vehicle windshield wipers cut on by themselves and the car stayed in park.. tow the vehicle to the dealer using only a dolly tow truck due to vehicle unable to be placed in neutral. Dealer calls to give update and noted no codes were stored and there is currently no issue with vehicle..He suggested to keep the vehicle longer to see if the problem returns. I’m afraid the electrical issue that is going on with this hybrid will cost me and my children life one day. this vehicle is not safe to drive and I am stuck in a purchase contract.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683298August 26, 2025
WHEELS
Vehicle is new and delivered on 08/27/21. Complaint: The front axle nuts on vehicle loosen over time. The first incident was reported to I-10 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on 09/29/23 (see Invoice), with 24,832 miles as a noise coming from the front left suspension. This dealer replaced both front hubs at that time which resolved the noise. The second incident was reported to Chrystal Chrysler Jeep Dodge Center on 02/13/24 (see Invoice) with 27,952 miles as a noise coming from front left axle. Dealer mechanic went on test drive with me and found noise coming from front left axle shaft nut. RO states, "Found axle nut not torqued to specs. Tight down left front axle nut. Test drove vehicle. No noise found after repair.". The third incident was reported to Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on 08/26/25, and I asked them to check the torque on the front axle nuts. They told me that the odds that they would be loose again was very small and they would need 2 days to diagnose the issue. Because I was leaving for a vacation road trip with the vehicle within a few days, I decided to take it to an independent automotive shop (Cam Stones Automotive Inc.) on 08/26/25 and reported that the vehicle has a history of the axle nuts loosening over time. I asked that they check the torque on the front axle nuts (see Invoice). The invoice states, "Retorque axle nuts and apply lock tight. Suggest contact dealer or NHTSA as to permanent fix. 120 Ft. Lbs.". As I'm sure you are aware of the danger in axle nuts that loosen over time. Is there a Recall on this issue? If not, are you investigating complaints of the axle nuts loosening time and time again?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681002August 15, 2025
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
There are clearly many design flaws on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. One issue I am having with this car is the Daytime Running Lights. These are expensive LED lights that should function for the life of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I believe there is a problem with the control module on the LED lights, and part of the driver's side light does not function. This is a clear safety issue, and seems to be very common problem people are having with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. I notified Chrysler about the issue, and because the car was just over 36 months old, they would not repair the issue. They told me I would have to pay for a complete replacement of the headlight which would cost over $1000. Just today, I noticed Ford posted a recall for the same issue they are having with their Daytime Running Lights. I believe it is only fair for Chrylser to provide a voluntary recall on this same issue because of the clear safety hazard it can creates. What is the purpose of Daytime Running Lights if they don't function properly. This is a minivan I rely on to safely transport my family, and I do not want to risk a hazardous collision because Chrysler refuses to repair a faulty part in their vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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