9.5

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
1,090 miles

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problem #49

Dec 072024

Pacifica

  • miles
The car was running great, but then I had the check engine light on. When I checked the vehicle with an OBDD2, I got P0303 (misfired cylinder 3). A mechanic expert and I checked the vehicle for a possible blown head gasket, low compression, and defective spark plugs, and all was good. The car is a 2020 Chrysler pacifica and should have problems of this kind

- Orlando, FL, USA

problem #48

Nov 202024

Pacifica

  • miles
While driving down the highway car makes a pop sounds and shuts completely down. Would not start again for 4+ minutes. Upon a quick google search learned this happens a lot with this vehicle and was apparently recalled and fixed in the past and seeing how this vehicle has no open recalls that was supposedly fixed. However this is the 2nd time it has done it with us alone

- El Paso, TX, USA

problem #47

Nov 092024

Pacifica

  • miles
Van randomly shut off at stop light.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #46

Nov 152024

Pacifica

  • miles
Came to a stop at a stop light & the emergency brake engage, the van went in park & shut off. It has done it twice in a week now.

- Janesville, WI, USA

problem #45

Oct 022024

Pacifica

  • miles
See attached document for complaint.

- Poestenkill, NY, USA

problem #44

Sep 272024

Pacifica

  • miles
Car started to rock and the engine light came on with a cylinder 3 misfire code (P0303). We replaced the spark plug and coil on cylinder 3 and the issue resolved temporarily. About 48 hours later the rocking and engine light came back on with the same error code. We swapped the spark plug and coil on cylinder 3 for those on cylinder 1. The check engine light turned off but we would still get the rocking intermittently. We also noticed the coolant level was low and there are water vapor coming from the exhaust in the morning when starting the engine. The engine temperature never got hot that we noticed. We refilled the coolant level but it would slowly drop, and we felt there may be a leak or, with the cylinder 3 misfire, there may be a blown head gasket. We tried a K-seal coolant leak repair. This stopped the coolant leak and rocking for a few weeks, but the leak and engine rocking started to return. We took it to an auto-body shop and, after flushing the line, they checked the engine head gasket which had a leak on cylinder 3 (and apparently cylinder 1 was also starting to go bad). This had to be replaced along with a bad radiator fan assembly. After looking online, there have been very similar issues with other Pacifica engine head gaskets, so we decided to file a report.

- Tampa, FL, USA

problem #43

Oct 072024

Pacifica

  • miles
I-??m experiencing persistent issues with my 2020 Chrysler engine. While driving, the engine frequently shuts down unexpectedly, often resembling a start-stop feature. When I come to a stop, the engine and lights go out, and the vehicle won-??t restart, which is particularly concerning while in traffic. Additionally, when accelerating, I notice a jolt in the engine followed by a loud knocking sound. These problems significantly affect the vehicle's performance and pose a serious safety risk. I would appreciate any guidance on diagnosing and resolving these issues.

- White Plains, MD, USA

problem #42

Aug 222024

Pacifica

  • miles
A coolant leak in the engine led to contamination, misfiring spark plugs. Check engine light came on while driving, and very soon thereafter (~3 minutes) car began sputtering while accelerating and shaking while idle. Acceleration seemed particularly unreliable and dangerous, leading driver to immediately exit the highway and continue straight to dealership on back roads. Dealer found that coolant had leaked into the engine, causing the need to replace right side cylinder head, gasket and spark plug.

- Washington , DC, USA

problem #41

Sep 062024

Pacifica

  • miles
After driving a few minutes gas engine died and received "Stop safely vehicle will shut off soon" on cluster as well as a turtle icon.

- Williamsville , MO, USA

problem #40

Aug 032024

Pacifica

  • miles
I was driving in a remote region of Washington in high heat (101 F) outside of Pasco, when my car alerted me that it was going to turn off and I needed to pull the car over and stop before it shut off. I had to rapidly decelerate and dodge other vehicles to make it to the shoulder of the highway. When I pulled over and shut it off, it reported that the charging system was broken and needed to be repaired. Once off, the car would not start back up. I called for a tow through my State Farm insurance but had trouble getting a vehicle to my location. After an hour of being stranded on the highway in high heat with small children, the car finally turned back on, with the check engine light on. I took it to the Chrysler service station in Walla Walla. They said that the car showed no errors and that it was safe to drive. The check engine light turned back off. I researched this and it-??s related to recall 03A, which I am now having performed. The problem is that the fix they are doing for 03A does not fix the underlying problem -?" it just changed the text of the error message and adds potentially a few more seconds before the car turns off and I lose control of the vehicle. I don-??t understand why this -??fix-?? was accepted if the car is still unsafe to drive. I would expect Chrysler to have to replace the faulty components in the transmission. I often have to drive in remote, unpopulated areas in bad weather, icy conditions, etc. Even with the -??fix-??, the car will not be safe to drive in such conditions. What if my car turns off when I-??m on a mountain pass on an icy road? If I survive the crash, I-??ll still be stuck on the side of the road in freezing conditions. I am extremely disappointed that the NHTSA approved this -??recall fix-?? that leaves these vehicles unsafe to drive. Because of the problems with this car, I can-??t get very much for it in trade-in, and honestly it would be unethical to sell it to an unsuspecting family. Now I-??m stuck with an expensive, unsafe vehicle.

- Seattle, WA, USA

problem #39

Jun 012024

Pacifica

  • miles
July 21, 2024 On June 1, 2024, while driving at normal speed under normal conditions, 2020 Chrysler Pacifica (with 14,600 miles) engine seized up, serpentine belt tore, power steering lost, and all lights went on within seconds. I immediately pulled to side of busy 495 Beltway. Dealership concludes that mounting bolts holding alternator in place simply sheared off, broke off causing alternator to drop into engine, tearing belt, breaking AC hose and chain of other breakages. As it turns out, this exact incident has been reported by others on the Chrysler Pacifica Forum online with pictures. Without obvious explanation, vehicle engine shuts down resulting in a very dangerous situation with loss of all control of the vehicle, including steering. One possible explanation is that the bolts are made from a mixed alloy and are very weak or that the bolts holding alternator as well as other engine components are over-torqued resulting in sudden snap breaking of multiple bolts. It is a very dangerous as well as helpless situation. Our vehicle has been at the dealership for over 6 weeks as they negotiate with Stellantis. The warranty expired in March 2024. Estimated cost of replacing alternator (the screws sheared off in such a clean manner that they cannot be extracted from the alternator), AC hose, serpentine belt, battery and more is at $6500 now. The mini-van has 14,600 miles and is used primarily for my 100% disabled veteran husband and his medical appointments. In summary, I am alerting the NHTSA as others hopefully have. This exact same experience of an engine seizing up due to over-torqued engine mounting bolts cleaning shearing off while driving at highway speed is extremely dangerous and cannot be due to normal owner driving/vehicle wear and tear. I recommend that the NHTSA do a further inquiry to this matter to ensure that responsibility is taken with Chrysler to prevent more serious accidents in the future. I will try to enclose photos. Thank you -

- Kensington, MD, USA

problem #38

Jul 212024

Pacifica

  • miles
We were traveling 70 mph down a steep incline and suddenly the vehicle, a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, displayed the warning "Pull Over - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" and immediately the vehicle lost all motive power. I was able to pull over to the side of the road safely. This is the second time this has occurred. The first time a Chrysler dealership did not fix the problem. The code pulled was P0A43 related to the 03A recall.

- Marion, IA, USA

problem #37

Jun 242024

Pacifica

  • miles
Got the stop safely Vehicle will shut off soon warning. My wife was upset and not sure what to do. Was able to start again but now we don't trust the van

- Toccoa, GA, USA

problem #36

Dec 072023

Pacifica

  • miles
Check engine light came on first in 12/2021 because of a failed coolant heater. Dealer repaired under warranty in 8/2022. Loud/rough idle started 2/23 dealer could not determine what was causing the sound. Started noticing empty coolant bottle once a month. 11/23 check engine light came back on indicating coolant heater failed again. Still noticing vehicle losing coolant. Vehicle begins rough idle again and misfiring code in #3 cylinder. Dealer requires diagnostics to determine reason for coolant heater failure since they replaced in 8/22. soonest appointment avail for diagnostic is [XXX] Misfire continues. On [XXX] goes in -??limp mode-?? take it immediately to the dealer, service advisor clears codes sends me on my way. Take vehicle to scheduled diagnostic on [XXX] and they determine the cause of the rough idle is the valve cover seal leaked oil into spark plug tubes and coils were soaked in oil. Warranty has expired and the dealer cost is $2700. I take to my local mechanic on [XXX] and he replaced all recommendations for $1800. He recommends that coolant is being lost due to head casket issues, cracked block. I have read dozens of the same experiences with these vehicles on Pacifica forums and believe that there is a huge safety issue as they are advertised for families and can carry 6+ passengers and the cost for repairs is in the $6000-$15000 range and are occurring when the vehicle warranty has expired. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Lithia Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Bend, Oregon INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

- Bend, OR, USA

problem #35

May 152023

Pacifica

  • miles
Since performing the latest recall (03A/NHTSA 23V-010) this car has gone into a "limp home mode" a half dozen times -often with a car full of children and at least once in a long construction zone on the Washington DC beltway! The recall "fix" for the faulty transmission wiring was apparently to program the electronic control to recognize faulty wiring and put the car in "limp home mode" - supposedly this makes it safe! Really? on DC beltway at night in a construction zone! The dealership told me that Chrysler would replace the transmission - 5/25/23. I have been in contact with the dealer numerous times and also Chrysler customer care. No one can give me a delivery estimate for the transmission and in the meantime, we continue to experience the total loss of power in the most horrible of circumstances. Neither Chrysler nor the dealer has offered a rental car or a loaner vehicle. This recall was totally inadequate to address the wiring and safety issue due to the lack of response from Chrysler to fix the actual problem.

- Burdett, NY, USA

problem #34

Nov 302023

Pacifica

  • miles
The seals on the oil filter housing and the valve covers go bad. I have been smiling a burning oil smell off an on for the last 8 months. I reported this to the dealership and was told that the seals on the PCV valve seep they all doit should be ok. As time rolled on the van went put of warranty and the smell got worse. I went back to the dealer and they finally looked the way they should have 8 months age and found the problems listed above.costing me $712.69 dollars. You look ant where on the web about this problem and find that Chrysler is fully aware and they are doing nothing about it. What happens when we are going down the road and enough oil leaks and runs down the manifold then starts a fire"?" I contacted Chrysler and got no help at all.

- Vernon, AL, USA

problem #33

Nov 112023

Pacifica

  • miles
Our car was fixed for a recall 5 months ago for engine failure on the highway because of an electrical issue. On Saturday morning driving on the highway, the car's dashboard gave a warning when we driving on the highway, 70 mph, and then immediately started breaking. This caused us to be slowing in the middle lane to 45 mph and cars swerving around us. We were very lucky to be able to maneuver around traffic and safely make it to the shoulder to catch our breath. This could of been a really bad accident involving 3-8 cars. We had the car towed to a dealership and after a diagnosis, the car needed a whole new transmission. The recall was an electrical update to control wiring in the transmission but then the transmission only after 32k miles completely shut down and needs to be replaced. We are hoping this gets looked into. After reading on forums, this issue has happened multiple times. We did have the recall fixed but it seems like the recall is 100% effective. Since this is a major issue and can cause fatality or serious body injury, FCA should have a more effective update to fix this issue with the transmisson.

- Oakland, CA, USA

problem #32

Jul 072023

Pacifica

  • miles
The issue is the Pentastar V6 engine defect. It has caused engine misfires resulting in bucking and surging, decreased engine performance, hesitation, loss of power, premature wear on internal components.?The potentially dangerous issues on the -??defective design-?? of the engine-??s needle bearings within the rocker arms, the use of sub-standard materials and procedures during manufacture, -??defective or miscalibrated-?? ECM software, and poor quality controls.? The Defect causes unsafe driving conditions because the Class Vehicles, that includes 2020 chrysler pacifica, have a significant chance of failing while being driven. Further, even the lesser symptoms of the Defect affect vehicle performance and safety, making it harder for a driver to control the vehicle as it loses power, hesitates, or misfires. the vehicle has only been inspected by the mechanic at the dealership we leased the vehicle from.

- Las Vegas, NV, USA

problem #31

Sep 082023

Pacifica

  • miles
Three times now while driving the car just turns its self off with no warning. One incident was car wouldn-??t start after just driving 20 minutes before with no problems. Steering wheel and brake were stuck in place so unplugged the battery and waited a few minutes. Hooked back up started the car with some struggling and the security light stayed on. Second incident was while driving car just turned off with no warning. Was told battery was dead so replaced the battery. Same day after thinking the car was fine we went somewhere and when turning on the car the security light was on again. Drove and the car turned off again while driving. Was able to restart and drive when the car shut off again with no warning. Had the car jumped and had someone check alternater and batteries again and they are all fine. Diagnostics talks about power train and faulty wire when everything checks out fine. Very scary when your family is in the car and not knowing if the person behind you is paying attention so you can get over safely. Taking car to a dealership on 9/11/2023.

- Holland, TX, USA

problem #30

Aug 042023

Pacifica

  • miles
Vehicle shut off and locked up while driving. I was leaving my neighborhood and coming to a stop to turn right on to a major road. The vehicle powered down while in motion and the ignition locked. I could not restart it, I could not turn the wheel, I could not put it in neutral. The brake pedal was pushed down and would not release. I had children in the van. I turned hazards on and rolled the windows down but due to the sun shining, other motorists could not seem to see my hazards and we were nearly rear ended. I called 911 for assistance and AAA for a tow. At some point the entire vehicle was non operational and the windows would not roll back up and the hazard lights did not work. Police were there by that time. The vehicle was towed to Larry Miller Dodge where it now sits. I also independently had AAA battery service check the battery and have been told it needs replaced but that the vehicle should not just stop and lock up mid drive. We suspect an issue with the stop/start feature or multiple issues. Date of 8/4/2023. Vehicle has 3 months remaining on original warranty and approx 23k miles.

- Surprise, AZ, USA

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