What are the most common Chrysler Pacifica problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 1,000+ owner reports, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has 16 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, 4 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has 16 known issues documented across 1,000+ owner reports. 4 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) and Recall 24V436000 — 2021-2023 Pacifica Rear Camera Image May Not Appear (Free Software Update). 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 is the 2017-2024 Chrysler Pacifica 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure?
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 coolan… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Risk (PHEV)?
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 re… Repairs typically run $0-$17,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Transmission Wiring Harness Short (PHEV)?
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 mot… Repairs typically run $0-$8,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Recall 24V436000 — 2021-2023 Pacifica Rear Camera Image May Not Appear (Free Software Update)?
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling 2021-2023 Pacifica minivans under NHTSA campaign 24V436000. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying, so shifting the Pacifica into reverse may produce no camera view at all. Without that image the van fails to comply w… Severity: high.
What is the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica Power Sliding Door Actuator and Motor Failure?
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… Repairs typically run $200-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Chrysler Pacifica UConnect Infotainment System Freezing and Rebooting?
The 8.4-inch UConnect 4 and 10.1-inch UConnect 5 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 repl… Repairs typically run $0-$1,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plastic Oil Filter Housing / Oil Cooler Cracking and Leaking Oil and Coolant?
The 3.6L Pentastar's oil filter housing on the top of the engine valley is molded plastic and integrates the engine oil cooler, where coolant passes through the same casting. Heat cycling embrittles the plastic and the internal O-rings/seals, and over-torquing the oil filter cap… Repairs typically run $400-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Chrysler Pacifica Premature 12V AGM Battery Failure and High Parasitic Drain (Including PHEV Auxiliary Battery)?
The Pacifica draws an unusually high parasitic current with the vehicle asleep, and the modules can fail to fully shut down - owners document the van entering an unresponsive state where lights and accessories stay powered with no way to switch them off, flattening the battery ov… Repairs typically run $220-$600. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Panoramic Sunroof Drain Tubes Clogging or Crimping, Soaking Headliner and Carpet?
Pacificas with the tri-pane/panoramic roof route roof-trough water down four drain tubes inside the A- and D-pillars. The tubes clog with debris or, from the factory, are crimped or left disconnected behind the trim. Water then backs up out of the roof trough and runs down the in… Repairs typically run $150-$1,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Chrysler Pacifica Rear Caliper Slide Seizure and Electronic Parking Brake Actuator Failure?
The Pacifica's rear calipers carry a motor-on-caliper electronic parking brake (EPB) actuator and use slide pins that leave the factory with minimal grease. Road salt and water corrode the slide pins and the actuator housing, so the caliper stops floating and only part of the pad… Repairs typically run $300-$900. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2024 Chrysler Pacifica Stow 'n Go Second-Row Seat Release Cable and Floor Latch Failure?
The second-row Stow 'n Go buckets fold into floor bins using a cable-operated release: a strap at the seat back releases the recliner, and a second cable releases the floor latches at the seat base. The release cables slip out of their guides or stretch, and the floor latch mecha… Repairs typically run $100-$500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica A/C Compressor Failure and Rear A/C Performance Loss?
The A/C compressor fails prematurely, often between 60,000-100,000 miles, leaving the entire cabin without cooling. Additionally, the rear A/C system (standard on most trims) can lose effectiveness even when the compressor is functional due to a clogged rear A/C expansion valve o… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica Transmission Harsh 3-4 Shift and Shudder (9-Speed)?
The ZF 9HP 9-speed automatic transmission in the Pacifica exhibits harsh or jerky 3-4 shifts, shuddering during light throttle acceleration at 25-40 mph, and occasional hesitation when downshifting. The 9-speed has had multiple software calibration updates since launch, and the a… Repairs typically run $0-$2,000. Severity: medium.
What is the 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica HVAC Blend Door Actuator Overshoot - Repetitive Clicking Behind the Dash and Uneven Temperature?
The Pacifica's temperature and mode blend doors are driven by small geared actuators behind the dash and glovebox. When new, internal friction keeps the actuator from overshooting its commanded position; after a year or two the gear train wears in, the actuator overshoots and the… Repairs typically run $180-$400. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica Power Liftgate Malfunction and Failure to Open/Close?
The power liftgate struts, latch assembly, and control module fail, causing the liftgate to not open or close fully, reverse direction mid-travel, or stop responding to button presses entirely. The hydraulic struts lose pressure and cannot hold the liftgate open, letting it fall. Repairs typically run $100-$700. Severity: low.
What is the 2017-2025 Chrysler Pacifica TPMS Sensor Battery Failure and False Warnings?
The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) sensors experience premature battery failure, causing persistent TPMS warning lights and inaccurate pressure readings. The factory TPMS sensors use lithium batteries with a typical lifespan of 5-7 years, but many Pacifica owners report f… Repairs typically run $80-$400. Severity: low.
