Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2017 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was modified for wheelchair accessibility. The contact stated that while driving at 45 MPH, the vehicle started rocking abnormally. The contact stated that further down the road, the vehicle drove over imperfections in the roadway and started rocking excessively. The contact stated that the body of the vehicle was rocking on the frame. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the rear spindle mount was faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 61,300.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the vehicle started to sway from left to right, and a message displayed reading "Stability Control System Fault". No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the rear passenger's side cradle was fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I purchased this Chrysler Pacifica from advantage auto sales in new Kensington pa. Making payments obviously but I have had nothing but issues since we got it. Now it's up at #1 Cochran and they did a exam and they sent me a video and the transmission is bad, (which when I got the vehicle I been saying something is wrong with the transmission, took it to the garage they kept telling me to take to for now 3rd gear to be grinded out. Head gaskets went in it as well they kept it for over 2 months to not even put parts back together properly, axle is bad. Leaking oil somewhere where still , this fan flapper thingy in the front is bad and been since day 1 there is a bad sensor on it which they told me they fixed and clearly didn't. I have had nothing but issues on this vehicle since I got it. It sees more garages than it does outside. I have 4 kids. …
Greetings, have a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica that at 43k miles started making a front end noise. The steering wheel now sometimes locks into place for a second or two while turning. Dealership states it needs a needs rack and pinion. Contacted Chrysler as this was a CPO vehicle that supposedly was checked out drastically to be able to receive the CPO warranty. Issue started less than 1k miles after purchase. Chrysler states they will do nothing except warranty the new part which is 1800 alone. I've read a lot of people are having this issue. How can a car that the steering wheel locks into place not be considered for a recall?
of all the issues, I want to bring attention to 2 very serious ones. 1) Engine has transmission issue. Auto Shifting of gears give constant jerks and this was never resolved. Chrysler has always avoided this as it's a very expensive fix. Have taken to several different dealerships in 2 different states. (NJ & TX) 2) Coolant leaking. This ends up becoming an engine problem that they don't fix.
Front right stabilizer broke while driving down street and caused loss of control of vehicle. Vehicle spun to right and crashed into parked vehicle.
I have taken this vehicle in for repairs multiple times and it is schedule for repairs again this week. There have been multiple electrical issues including problems with the sliding doors, anti lock brake system had to be replaced, the battery system is grounding out, issues with the radio screen, and now the auto on off system is not working. In addition, I had to take the vehicle in for the ball joints bolts coming loose three time and they just used loctite to make them say on . They never realigned the vehicle and now I have to replace tires that are unsafe. Chrysler should own this and I am still convinced the ball joints could be damaged from this issue and they should replace them. However, the biggest issue is the transmission. It will be going in for the fifth time this week for the same issue that the dealer keep claiming is how I drive it. …
I am clearly having transmission issues. At 45,000 miles, I have taken the van in twice so far and no solution is successful. First service was to address the transmission recall which was merely a software modification. This did not fix the issue. I took it in again and the service department could not replicate the issue. I am getting a major kick in the shifting during low speed movement. It happens around 15 MPH when acceleration holds steady. It is a violent kick as if another vehicle has hit the rear of our van. This is not OK, nor does it seem healthy for the state of the rest of the moving parts associated. The other issue is within the front suspension. Over even the smallest of bump or uneven road surface, it feels as if something is loose. …
While driving our van it became completely uncontrollable at any speed greater than about 25 MPH. Van rocked and pitched violently and I am convinced it would have certainly caused an accident and likely flipped van if it occurred at 40+ MPH. Dealer discovered rear suspension had broken completely away from bracket. A complete bracket failure on right rear which allowed the whole right rear of the van to move independently of van. It was also discovered during inspection that the same bracket on the left side was cracked and also failing. The van is a mobility van and has been modified by a company called vmi. The van has been lightly used and has less than 9000 miles on it. I stress again that the van became completely uncontrollable without any known cause. I believe there is great chance of death or serious injury from this apparent defect. Updated 10/1/18
Purchased the vehcile in 2018 electric brake vacuum pump went out while driving no accident in 2019. ~ mileage 55,000 extended warranty covered. Air conditioning compressor pump out at 70K miles. December 2020. Driving, and I heard the air make a noise and realized it was warm air. Axle shaft out at 68K miles October 2020. Causing struts to go bad and leak. Parts on backorder. Car automatic transmission is rough changing gears. Told I need fuel injectors cleaned. My cost was over $400. I had it done at another service provider, no change. Advised by dealer they needed to clean fuel injections replaced 3 batteries in 3 years. Twice the vehicle died wile driving causing the power steering a brakes to tighten up. Mopar battery bought and instaled from dealership. Venginesmell like anit-freeze - dealership sadvised it past test and no issues
Suspension complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 25 complaints about the suspension of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, 2% of the model year's 1,537 complaints. The component named most often is subframe/mounting bracket (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, though it has 11 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2017 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 36,000 miles, and 32% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 6 injuries to suspension problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.