P0171 on Chrysler
System Too Lean (Bank 1)
P0171 on Chrysler vehicles indicates system too lean (bank 1). Au7o has documented this code across 5 Chrysler models — most commonly on 200, Pacifica, PT Cruiser. This code means the engine's computer has detected that the air-fuel mixture on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder #1) is running too lean — meaning there is too much air relative to fuel. The computer watches the oxygen sensors and has had to add a large amount of extra fuel (long-term fuel trim) to try to compensate, but it has hit its correction limit. A lean condition can cause rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and over time can run the engine hotter than normal. It usually points to either unmetered air leaking into the engine or not enough fuel being delivered. Typical repair costs on Chrysler range from $100 to $8,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Common Causes of P0171
- •Vacuum or intake air leak (cracked hose, gasket, or PCV system)
- •Dirty or failing mass airflow (MAF) sensor
- •Weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter
- •Clogged or dirty fuel injectors
- •Faulty or aged upstream oxygen sensor
- •Leaking intake manifold gasket
- •Low fuel pressure or failing fuel pressure regulator
- •Exhaust leak ahead of the oxygen sensor
P0171 on Chrysler by Model
Chrysler 200(1 issue)
- 2.4L Tigershark Excessive Oil Consumption2015-2017
The 2.4L Tigershark MultiAir II engine has defective piston rings that allow oil into the combustion chamber. Owners report consuming 1 quart of oil every 500-1,000 miles. Engine can seize without warning if oil drops too low. Class-action settlement (Wood, et al. v. FCA US, LLC) reached. FCA extended powertrain warranty to 7 years/100,000 miles under CSN W80.
Chrysler Pacifica(1 issue)
- 3.6L Pentastar Engine Stalling and Head Gasket Failure2017-2024
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.
Chrysler PT Cruiser(3 issues)
- Chronic Overheating - Multiple Causes2001-2010
PT Cruisers are extremely prone to overheating from multiple causes: radiator fan relay failure, fan motor failure, thermostat sticking closed, radiator clogging, and water pump failure. The high-speed fan relay is the most frequent single failure point. Overheating leads to head gasket failure. This is one of the most universally reported problems across all model years.
- Head Gasket Failure (Especially Turbo Models)2001-2010
Head gasket failure is common, especially on turbo models. The aluminum cylinder head is susceptible to pitting from acidic coolant which compromises the gasket seal. Turbo models experience higher cylinder pressures that accelerate failure. Overheating from cooling system issues frequently triggers head gasket failure.
- Turbocharger Failure (GT/Turbo Models)2003-2010
The turbocharger on GT and turbo models fails from oil starvation, wastegate actuator failure, and bearing wear. Failures reported as early as 60,000-78,000 miles. Turbo failure is often followed by head gasket failure within months due to changes in combustion pressure dynamics.
Chrysler Sebring(1 issue)
- 3.5L V6 Head Gasket Failure and Overheating2001-2010
The 3.5L V6 engine has common issues including leaky head gaskets, coolant leaks, and overheating. The water pump uses a molded plastic impeller that erodes from rust and sediment in the coolant, reducing cooling efficiency. These engines run hot and are prone to oil sludging, especially if oil is not changed every 3,000 miles.
Chrysler Town & Country(1 issue)
- Cooling System Failures (3.3L/3.8L V6)2001-2010
The 3.3L and 3.8L V6 engines suffer from water pump failures, thermostat failures, and radiator fan relay failures. The water pump weep hole is a common leak point. Overheating can cause head gasket failure. The cooling fan relay is a frequent failure point causing overheating at idle.
Looking for P0171 on a different make?
View P0171 across all makes →Frequently Asked Questions
What does P0171 mean on Chrysler?▼
P0171 stands for "System Too Lean (Bank 1)." This code means the engine's computer has detected that the air-fuel mixture on Bank 1 (the side of the engine with cylinder #1) is running too lean — meaning there is too much air relative to fuel. The computer watches the oxygen sensors and has had to add a large amount of extra fuel (long-term fuel trim) to try to compensate, but it has hit its correction limit. A lean condition can cause rough idle, hesitation, reduced power, and over time can run the engine hotter than normal. It usually points to either unmetered air leaking into the engine or not enough fuel being delivered. On Chrysler specifically, this code is documented across 5 models.
What causes P0171 on Chrysler vehicles?▼
Common causes on Chrysler: Vacuum or intake air leak (cracked hose, gasket, or PCV system), Dirty or failing mass airflow (MAF) sensor, Weak fuel pump or restricted fuel filter, Clogged or dirty fuel injectors, Faulty or aged upstream oxygen sensor. Specific causes vary by model and year — see the per-model sections below.
How much does it cost to fix P0171 on a Chrysler?▼
Repair costs on Chrysler range from $100 to $8,500, depending on the specific model and root cause.
Which Chrysler models have P0171 documented?▼
Au7o has documented P0171 on 5 Chrysler models: 200, Pacifica, PT Cruiser, Sebring, Town & Country.