Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2021 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
While driving above referenced vehicle, I was driving southbound on Hwy 515 when i noticed a vehicle driving northbound began to lose control, so i slowed down and then began to watch the vehicle cross the median and headed straight for me. I pushed the pedal to the floor to accelerate to get out of his way but the vehicle did not respond, i pushed the pedal again on several occasions and the vehicle just bucked and did not accelerate. Unfortunately the vehicle hit me right in the door at a high rate of speed. Unbeknownst to me this vehicle had been in the shop on several occasions for this exact problem: This can all be verified due to the fact i had a Chrysler service manager on the phone as this horrific experience unfolded
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while refueling the vehicle, the pump handle was set to pump automatically. The contact stated the pump handle was ejected from the filler neck when the fuel tank was full, causing a fuel spill onto the ground. The contact was able to prevent further spilling. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 63,000.
While driving our 2021 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV in EV on the highway, at speed of 65 mph, the vehicle lost power and the accelerator pedal became unresponsive. This has occurred on three occassions, each on different days. The dashboard signaled these issues: Shift to P to Start, Service Charging System, and the check engine light indicator. This is a very serious safety issue. The Engine and Power failed while driving at highway speed, this has occurred 3 times in the past few weeks. After losing power, the vehicle can only coast using it's own momentum. The steering and braking functions remained operable, so the driver was able to steer the car to change lanes (while losing speed) to get to the shoulder. This UNSAFE for my family because vehicle is at risk of being rear ended while on the highway. This is unsafe for anyone in the vehicle directly behind my vehicle. …
On 3 separate occasions while driving the dashboard has flashed the error message "Shift to P, Service Charging System". As soon as this occurs, the car begins to lose power and is no longer driveable. Once the car is shifted to "Park" it is temporarily stuck in that position with the car "On" but no power to the engine. For somewhere between 30-90s the car can't be turned off or shifted out of "Park". At some point after a short period - sometimes opening the door seems to help - the car will turn off and can then be re-started. The check engine light is on, but the car can be driven. Within a couple of hours the check engine light goes off and the car seems to behave normally. This has happened to us 3 times over ~2 months now. The car has actually stopped in the middle of the road forcing us to turn on hazard lights while trying to restart. …
The charging system is shutting down my vehicle while driving in high speed heavy traffic. I was traveling with my grandchildren and my dog and my vehicle stopped in 90+ degree weather in the middle of no where. Once it ran again I got it to a charging station so I could continue my travels. The check engine light went away and we were traveling home when the charging system shut us down again doing 65 mph on the interstate about 30 miles from any town with no cell service. My vehicle had to be towed from the 30 miles to the closest town and then towed again from the closest town to the closest Chrysler dealership. They can't even get to my vehicle for over 3 weeks and I am out thousands of dollars in rental car fees. I even took my car to the Chrysler dealer before my trip because the check engine light came on and they ran a diagnostics that said my front camera wasn't working. …
Was driving at 72-74mph on Dallas North Tollway on Oct 6th. Vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2021 model - Limited Plug in Hybrid trim. Battery charge was 2% (less than 1 mile range) Fuel was 95% showing 395 miles of range left After the battery depletes, the vehicle is supposed to switch over into ICE mode (Gas engine kicks on) Car was running only on Electric power and when the battery hit 0%, the car stalled on the highway and showed multiple warning lights Service Hybrid Electric System Charge system not available EBD2 Engine Malfuction Transmission Temperature Automatic Transmission Fluid overheating Check Engine light Car still had power (power steering and brakes working) but lost all propulsion suddenly Luckily i was able to safely pull over on the shoulder Turned car off and on and still had same warning lights and car's engine would not start Finally waited 15 minutes, …
I received the "Red Wrench" warning light several times, but it would clear. One day while travelling in a 45mph zone the car suddenly stopped and I came to a skidding stop, luckily I was coming to my turn and was only going about 10mph. I did fear I was going to get rear ended, luckily it did not occur. I was stuck in the road and traffic built up. I couldn't push the car off the road because every time I put it in Neutral and opened the drivers door it would go into Park. My daughter lived nearby, so they came to assist with diverting traffic around me and to put safety cones out. I called the County Sheriff because I felt I was a safety hazard. When a Deputy arrived he and my Son In Law were able to push the car off the road while I steered. I was blocking traffic for about 30 minutes. I called a flat bed who towed the vehicle to the dealer. …
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. …
While driving at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and entered limp mode. A turtle warning icon appeared along with multiple system fault messages. The vehicle began slowing down on it's own and was unable to accelerate. I pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle displayed an error "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". After sitting for a period of time, the vehicle restarted and was able to be driven again, but the failure occurred without warning and created a dangerous situation in traffic. Diagnostic trouble codes were present related to the hybrid system and high-voltage battery, including P1D43, P1A21, U029A, and U0412. These codes indicate faults in the hybrid control system and battery communication. …
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced multiple high-voltage component repairs, including software modules for the power inverter. The vehicle is currently experiencing a recurring failure and is displaying active diagnostic trouble code P0A78 (Drive Motor "A" Inverter Performance), indicating a critical fault in the high-voltage hybrid propulsion system. Prior to the current failure, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced propulsion system degradation. …
Fuel System complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 21% of the model year's 375 complaints. The component named most often is storage › tank assembly › filler pipe and cap (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2021 Chrysler Pacifica fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, though it has 7 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 2021 Chrysler Pacifica fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 63,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 3 injuries to fuel & propulsion system 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.