Engine complaints by model year
| Year | Complaints | Share of year's complaints | Typical mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 | 27% | 5,000 miles |
| 2025 | 5 | 17% | — |
| 2024 | 9 | 19% | — |
| 2023 | 47 | 30% | 0 miles |
| 2022 | 69 | 32% | 40,000 miles |
| 2021 | 141 | 38% | 15,000 miles |
| 2020 | 54 | 32% | 35,000 miles |
| 2019 | 86 | 27% | 32,000 miles |
| 2018 | 381 | 43% | 12,000 miles |
| 2017 | 535 | 35% | 20,000 miles |
| 2008 | 32 | 31% | 69,000 miles |
| 2007 | 134 | 35% | 80,000 miles |
| 2006 | 247 | 34% | 90,000 miles |
| 2005 | 434 | 35% | 97,000 miles |
| 2004 | 258 | 29% | 107,000 miles |
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the brakes locked up. The contact stated that the parking brake unexpectedly engaged and failed to release. The driver's side rear wheel locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving in the driveway, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where the ABS module was replaced. Additionally, there was an engine malfunction, and the battery was recharged. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
When driving on freeway the vehicle overheated and engine warning light flashed and had to come to stop at side of freeway. The vehicle had lost its coolant from a rear heater hose connection. The car was towed to dealer and the repair comment was that a part was deformed from mis-assembly (or words to that effect) - rear heater core fitting clip distorted causing hose come of the core. This was an early life failure.
After not driving the car for a full day or so, when I drive down my street about 1/4 of a mile to a stop sign and stop the vehicle will not accelerate from the stop. I press on the gas but the car goes around 5 MPH for the next 50-100 feet or so and will not accelerate before finally kicking in and accelerating normally. This has happened over 20 times since purchasing the vehicle as new in late March of 2025.
My van has been in the shop for 22 days. They have replaced the engine 1 time and I had the van back 2 more times for check engine light issues and now the engine is being replaced for a a second time, so this is the 3rd engine in my 2025 Chrysler Pacifica that has 9100 miles on it.
I would like to bring up a serious safety issue with this vehicle (2024 Chrysler Pacifica Select PHEV) WITH 6997 miles on the odometer. As I was driving, at approximately 11:15AM, I received a message on the dashboard that read, "Stop Safely!! Vehicle will shut off in < 2 minutes". For my own safety as well as other drivers on the road, I tried maneuvering the vehicle to the side of the road, however the vehicle shut off within 15-30 seconds. The vehicle did not move at all. The serious safety concern I have is "What if the vehicle had stopped running on the major highways full of traffic"? Please note, this is also a well-known issue starting from the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica models. Additionally, a similar incident occurred to another similar make model in Sept. 2024 with VIN # [redacted] . …
While driving, the vehicle suffered a sudden, severe, and un-commanded complete loss of propulsion and motive power on a live roadway, posing an immediate crash hazard. * Sequential Fault Chain: 1. An audible, physical "pop" was heard emanating from beneath the engine bay/high-voltage system compartment. 2. Immediate loss of acceleration and propulsion. 3. Simultaneous illumination of the Check Engine Light, a "Service Charging System" warning message, and a "Turtle" (absolute critical limp-mode) dashboard icon. 4. Electrical failure cascading to the interior control panel and displays, which flickered and went entirely dark while the vehicle was still rolling. 5. Abrupt, un-commanded physical engagement of the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) as the vehicle slowed down, locking the rear wheels on a live road. 6. …
The contact rented a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Brake Release" was displayed. The contact stated that the braking system malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal before the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted. The vehicle was drivable, but the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light then turned off. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The rental company was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 300.
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that immediately after purchasing the vehicle, while driving approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle stalled. The following day, the vehicle was taken back to the dealer who was unable to identify the cause of the failure and no corrective service was performed. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, while driving from the dealer the failure reoccurred and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle could not be restarted and was towed back the dealer. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 35.
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling
On February 27, 2006 rq06-002 was opened in response to 60 complaints of engine stall, mostly during left-hand turns, in model year (my) 2004 to 2006 Chrysler pacifica vehicles that were outside the scope of recall 04v-113.in March 2004, daimlerchrysler initiated recall 04v-113 on 34,561 my 2004 pacifica vehicles to correct a condition that could result in engine stall while making a left-hand turn after a…
Engine stalling
In a November 8, 2006 letter, daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) submitted a defect information report to NHTSA concerning two separate defect conditions that could result in engine stall while driving in model year (my) 2005-2006 Chrysler pacifica vehicles (NHTSA recall no.
Stall/Loss of Motive Power
By letter dated November 30, 2017, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requesting it open an investigation into allegations of engine stalling in the model year (MY) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, a new vehicle platform.
Frequently asked questions
Which Chrysler Pacifica years have engine problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2017 (535), 2005 (434), 2018 (381), 2004 (258) and 2006 (247) model years. Engine complaints make up 35% of all complaints for the 2017.
Is there a recall for Chrysler Pacifica engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for any Chrysler Pacifica model year. A widespread problem may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin, so ask a dealer.
At what mileage do Chrysler Pacifica engine problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 71,000 miles; 39% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the engine (124 mentions), followed by the engine › gasoline (14).
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.