Chrysler Pacifica Problems: 5 Issues Every Owner Should Know
2017-2025 model years · Based on 1,000+ owner reports · Last updated March 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,000+ owner reports, the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica has 5 documented known issues, with 3 rated critical by the Au7o research team. The most serious are 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure ($0-$8,000 repair), Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk (PHEV) ($0-$17,000 repair) and Hybrid Transmission Wiring Harness Short (PHEV) ($0-$8,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor Failure with 300 owner reports. Across all issues, repair costs range from $0 to $17,000. Full technical analysis and DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
All 5 Known Issues
The high-voltage battery pack in Pacifica PHEV models can develop internal short circuits and spontaneously catch fire, even while parked and turned off. Stellantis recalled 24,000+ vehicles after 7+ fire incidents. A previous software fix was deemed not effective and a second recall was issued. Recall 72B / NHTSA 24V-482 provides free battery replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Service Hybrid Electric Vehicle System warning
- Battery not charging properly
- Unusual heat from under vehicle
- Burning smell from underneath
- In worst case, fire while parked
How to Fix
Park vehicle outside immediately, away from structures, until recall is completed. Do NOT charge the vehicle until recall remedy is applied. Contact Chrysler at 800-853-1403 for recall status. Recall 72B provides free diagnostic software update and battery replacement if abnormality detected.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 150+ owners who fixed this issue
- NotePark outside IMMEDIATELY and do NOT charge until recall 72B / NHTSA 24V-482 is completed - fires can occur while parked
- TipCheck recall status at safercar.gov or call Chrysler at 800-853-1403 - Mopar Hybrid Service Kit 68307396AD is provided free under recall
- NoteKeep a fire extinguisher accessible - this is a genuine safety critical recall
The UConnect 8.4-inch and 12-inch infotainment systems freeze, go blank, or reboot randomly. Affects radio, touchscreen, GPS, rearview camera, Bluetooth, and rear entertainment. A class-action lawsuit covers 8.4A and 8.4AN systems. Some owners have had screens replaced multiple times without lasting resolution.
Common Symptoms
- Touchscreen freezes and becomes unresponsive
- Screen goes blank or reboots while driving
- Backup camera goes black
- Radio changes stations or volume on its own
- Apple CarPlay/Android Auto disconnects frequently
How to Fix
Try soft reset by holding volume and tuner knobs for 10-20 seconds. For UConnect 4C (2018+), pull radio fuse F76 for hard reset. Request latest software update from dealer before screen replacement. Screen replacement for delamination issues.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 250+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipSoft reset: hold volume and tuner knobs for 10-20 seconds. Hard reset on 2018+: pull fuse F76
- TipAlways ask dealer for latest software update before agreeing to screen replacement - often resolves the issue
The 3.6L Pentastar V6 in Pacifica models suffers from engine stalling due to loose ground connections (recall NHTSA 19V348), crankshaft position sensor sync issues, and premature head gasket failures typically around 75,000-85,000 miles. Cooling system failures can lead to coolant entering the combustion chamber, requiring complete engine replacement.
Common Symptoms
- Engine stalls without warning while driving
- Loss of power steering assist during stall
- Coolant level dropping without visible external leak
- White smoke from exhaust
- Engine overheating
How to Fix
Check recall NHTSA 19V348 for ground connection fix. For head gasket, use Felpro head gasket set HS26517PT. Monitor coolant level frequently - dropping level with no visible leak is a red flag. If coolant enters oil system, engine replacement may be required ($5,000-$8,000). 2020+ models reportedly have improved head gasket design.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 180+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteCheck coolant level weekly - dropping level with no visible leak is a red flag for head gasket failure. Felpro HS26517PT is the recommended gasket set
- TipCheck recall NHTSA 19V348 for engine stalling due to ground connection - free fix at dealer
- NoteAddress overheating immediately and do not continue driving - head gasket failure leads to $5,000-$8,000 engine replacement if coolant enters oil
Internal transmission wiring connectors in PHEV models can short circuit, causing unexpected engine shutdown while driving. The low-voltage wiring harness within the transmission develops shorts, causing the gas engine to shut down and the vehicle to go into limp mode or lose motive power entirely. Recall 03A / NHTSA 23V010 issued.
Common Symptoms
- Engine suddenly shuts off while driving
- Service Transmission warning message
- Vehicle goes into limp mode
- Loss of power while driving
- Transmission stuck in one gear
How to Fix
Contact dealer for Recall 03A / NHTSA 23V010 inspection. Dealers will inspect and if necessary replace the entire transmission. Keep gas tank above quarter-full so gas engine can take over if electric system fails.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 120+ owners who fixed this issue
- NoteCheck recall 03A / NHTSA 23V010 status immediately for 2017-2023 PHEV models - wiring harness parts 05062444AA through 05062444AI affected
- TipKeep gas tank above quarter-full so gas engine can take over if electric system fails
Power sliding door lock actuators and drive motors fail, causing doors to not open or close automatically, get stuck partially open, or make grinding/clicking noises. Most common non-powertrain complaint among Pacifica owners. The actuator's internal mechanism sticks in the lock position.
Common Symptoms
- Sliding door won't open or close automatically
- Whirring, grinding, or clicking noise from door
- Door opens partially then stops
- Sliding Door Open warning despite door being closed
- Door won't latch properly
How to Fix
Replace sliding door lock actuator and/or drive motor. Remove interior door trim panel to access. Right (passenger) actuator Mopar 68185976AD, left (driver) actuator 68185977AD, motor 68303288AC. Can be DIY in 1-2 hours. Lubricate door track rails with white lithium grease regularly as preventive maintenance.
What Owners Are Using
Parts and tips from 300+ owners who fixed this issue
- TipRight sliding door lock actuator: Mopar 68185976AD, left: 68185977AD, motor: 68303288AC - test manual operation first to determine if actuator or motor
- TipAPDTY 154553 (passenger side) works as cheaper aftermarket alternative to Mopar actuator
- TipLubricate door track rails with white lithium grease regularly to prevent premature wear
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Chrysler Pacifica problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,000+ owner reports, the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure, Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk (PHEV), Hybrid Transmission Wiring Harness Short (PHEV). Of these, 3 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
The 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica has 5 known issues documented across 1,000+ owner reports. 3 issues are rated critical: 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure and Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk (PHEV) and Hybrid Transmission Wiring Harness Short (PHEV). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Chrysler Pacifica problems?
Repair costs for known Chrysler Pacifica issues range from $0 to $17,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure, typically costs $0-$8,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What year Chrysler Pacifica is the most reliable?
Reliability varies across model years of the Chrysler Pacifica. Based on owner reports, issues are most commonly reported in earlier model years. Au7o recommends checking the specific known issues for your target year before purchasing, and having a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic. Our known issues database covers the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica with 5 documented issues from 1,000+ owner reports.
Get DIY Repair Guides for Your Chrysler Pacifica
AI-powered step-by-step repair and maintenance guides tailored to your exact vehicle. Enter your year, make, and model to get started.
Get Started Free