Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid acceleration problems
36 of the
1,077 complaints filed about the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
are about the throttle and cruise control —
3% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2018.
36
Complaints
3%
Share of all complaints
1
Crashes
0
Fires
Acceleration & Cruise Control complaints by model year
I was traveling at south bound on TOLL 130 going 80MPH (which is the speed limit on that road) when my Pacifica immediately slowed down and my accelerator gave out. In addition to my dash flashing that the cruise control was no longer available, but the van also said "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start", the engine light and batter light both came on. I am sure that I almost died as I was in the middle lane and cars were whipping around me since I had slowed down so much, there was an 18 wheeler behind me and one of my righthand side, which is the shoulder I was trying to get to. I was finally able to coast to the shoulder and came to a stop, put the car in park and turned it off. I immediately started researching what the problem could be and I was alarmed to find out that this is an issue that others have had and that Chrysler has failed to issue a recall...I was able to start the car once more and get on to a little back road, after pushing through a barricade off the toll just for safety's sake, and my van broke down again, this time on a little 2 lane road, which thankfully had a little bit of a gravel shoulder. This time, my van took quite a bit longer to get started, but I was not safe where I was. I started it once more and was able to get to a Wal-Mart parking lot where my brother-in-law picked me up so that I could have a chance of making it to see my grandmother who was on her deathbed, I missed my window of opportunity to make it to see her, she died that afternoon. I had to pay an additional tow fee to get the vehicle moved from the parking lot to a Chrysler dealership since it was so far from where I usually go.
NHTSA complaint #11648682 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle occasionally failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain speed, and gradually decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired several times by the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for further diagnostic tests and repair; however, the cause of the failure remained unknown. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.
NHTSA complaint #11645107 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle had been operating less than 5 minutes. When I was on an on-ramp for a left entrance to a highway, several warning lights illuminated in addition to messaging on my dash. The car entered "turtle mode" which extremely limited the speed of the vehicle. I immediately pressed the button for my hazard lights to come on, but they did not operate correctly. They flashed so rarely that they did not warn vehicles behind me that I was having an incident. During this incident, the vehicle speedometer was inoperable, displaying "-- --" instead of a speed. I was lucky to be able to pull to the shoulder, but with the narrow shoulder and my child in the car I felt safer limping off the highway using primarily the shoulder. I was terrified and had some cars nearly hit me/honk as I was going approximately 10 miles per hour on a 55mph roadway. I have seen similar reports on online forums for chrysler pacifica minivans, so I am not the only one to encounter the issue. The vehicle has also at times refused to go into gear while in Park, which is a related problem but I don't deem it a safety issue. The problem is intermittent and the service center is able to see 'codes' when they examine the vehicle but as the issue is intermittent they have returned the car to me twice with no repairs performed since it didn't occur while they had it. The warning lights and turtle mode occurred simultaneously or within a few seconds. I have a video during the incident. I can see the fuel gauge needle rising and falling wildly, turtle mode, a picture of a wrench, check engine, parking brake, brake, collision avoidance, ABS, and others. Each time the vehicle has gone in for service they have seen and cleared codes but they did not come back immediately, so no repairs were attempted. It is in the shop again currently and I have escalated to the manufacturer to hopefully get greater assistance.
NHTSA complaint #11642219 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on highway and car shut off with a "Stop safely soon / vehicle turning off" warning message, a red turtle warning, and the Malfunction Indicator Light on. Pulled off on shoulder. Turned car off. Turned car back on. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on but red turtle was gone. I was able to get to my destination. Malfunction Indicator Light remained on for next few driving cycles, but then went off after fourth drive. My safety was definitely put at risk as I was driving on the highway at 60-70MPH when the car just shut down and slowly decelerated on its own. Because the MIL ultimately went off after my fourth drive, I thought I was in the clear--as the Chrysler manual says this light can come on if you've had a recent servicing because the on-board diagnostics may just be recalibrating. I had my car serviced 9 days previous to the incident. The manual says if the light doesn't go off on its own, then bring it in. It went off on its own, so I thought I was in the clear. However I see in online forums this has happened to others multiple times and I'm worried it will happen to me again. I am calling my dealer tomorrow. Thank you for taking this report!
NHTSA complaint #11630459 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving the vehicle in the middle lane of a 3-lane (one direction) interstate highway when a message appeared on the dashboard "stop safely vehicle will shut off soon," the check engine light turned on and the vehicle lost all ability to accelerate so it was extremely challenging to navigate to the side of the road safely through busy rush hour traffic. As the driver I had zero ability to accelerate the vehicle whatsoever, the gas pedal did absolutely nothing, which can lead to an accident on the highway due to other vehicles moving very quickly and not expecting a vehicle that is not at the right of the road to come to a stop. I brought the vehicle to the Chrysler Dealership where they initially stated this is a known issue and they would be replacing the transmission and that the transmission is under 10-year/unliminted miles warranty for this specific error (POA43 Driver Motor), however once the dealership spoke with Chrysler corporate, they indicated that they would simply be clearing the code and they returned the car to us. We were advised to bring the vehicle back when the error recurs. We opted to sell the vehicle immediately instead, because it it not safe to drive now, but unfortunately this means we are passing the problem on to another consumer as Chrysler refuses to fix the problem. The case number they assigned is Case #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11619561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle was purchased new on [XXX]. 360 surround cameras and Connect box malfunctioned and vehicle was brought in for service on July 10, 2024. I was told by the service advisor that the camera was a poor connection and simply plugged back in but they were unable to reproduce the UConnect issue and that it was currently working. On [XXX] I started the vehicle in my driveway and it immediately entered "limp mode" with a large red turtle appearing on the dash and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle would not drive greater than 5mph and posed a safety risk on the road so was towed to the dealer. The hybrid battery coolant hose was replaced and I picked up the vehicle on [XXX]. The diagnostic code relayed to me was P0C44-00. On [XXX], I started the vehicle in a family member's driveway and it again entered limp mode with the red turtle and check engine light displayed. The vehicle was again not able to be driven and was towed to the dealer. Chrysler engineers are now involved in the repair. I do not know if the previous camera and UConnect Box issues are related to the red turtle limp mode. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11609211 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owned a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at 35 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without the application of the accelerator pedal. The accelerator pedal depressed against the floorboard. The brake pedal was applied, but it failed to respond, and the vehicle continued to increase in speed. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact crashed into a concrete barrier and crashed into a Ford, and another unknown van. The driver sustained an unknown injury and was taken to the hospital by ambulance to receive medical attention at the hospital. There was no reported fire. The air bags were deployed. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a tow lot. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The black box data showed the vehicle was traveling at 100 MPH. The passenger's side door had detached, and the windshield was shattered. The front and rear of the vehicle were shoved inward. The vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. The VIN was not available.
NHTSA complaint #11603753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle lost motive power while driving. Vehicle was new with less then 1,500 miles. After a full charge drove about 4 miles and received message "vehicle will shut down". Tried to pull into a gas station parking lot and only made it half way through the parking lot. Vehicle has been brought to dealer and a new Power Inverter Module is being installed.
NHTSA complaint #11601153 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine shut off and I lost the ability to accelerate. The issue only resolved when I turned off the vehicle and opened my car door while on the highway and had oncoming cars driving next to me at 55+ MPH. After shutting the car door and turning the vehicle back on, I was able to continue to drive home. The check engine light remains on while the vehicle is powered on, now. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine lost power as my wife, two children, mother, and I were going down a ramp attached to the highway. We lost momentum and ability to accelerate and I had to stop on the side of the highway as cars had to drive around us as we were forced to stop half on the right highway shoulder and half in the right-most lane. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not that I am aware of. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not as of 06May2924, I reached out to the Bachman Jeffersonville Indiana dealer that I purchased this vehicle from to collect the vehicle’s issue code(s). •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? “Stop Safety Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” appeared when the vehicle first had the issue occur. Now the check engine light remains on when the vehicle is powered on.
NHTSA complaint #11587291 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I engaged the speed control (NOT adaptive speed control, also equipped on this car), and set my desired speed. I pressed and held the SET+ button to increase speed, as demonstrated at 1:27 on this video [XXX] from Mopar for an older model of this vehicle. When I released the button, the car continued to accelerate. Pressing Cancel or disabling speed control stopped the acceleration. This behavior is repeatable. I tested it several times on that drive cycle, and again on subsequent drive cycles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11583088 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On three separate days (2/27, 3/18, 3/29), the vehicle has shown a message saying “Stop safely, Vehicle will shut off soon”. The ability to accelerate is cut off. This has happened twice while on the highway, requiring a move across lanes to pull over safely due to loss of acceleration. After turning the car off, the car is able to turn back. The check engine light remains on for the next trip, but turns off on its own by the next day. This is a vehicle which was recently serviced for the following recalls: 1. NHTSA 23V-010 (unexpected engine shut down) completed on 1/16 2. FCA Campaign 47A (squealing serpentine belt) completed on 2/11
NHTSA complaint #11580098 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The electrical system for the Chrysler Pacificas are dangerous. Beyond the other dangerous recalls, my Horn and cruise control no long work intermittently. I learned this while trying to warn a driver that was cutting into my lane without seeing my vehicle and I couldn’t warn them that they were about to hit me. Also Cruise control stops randomly. This all started after previous recall repairs. Since I am unable to use my horn in an emergency, I am nervous that my airbag no longer functions. This is a common issue reported online. This all started after previous recall repairs
NHTSA complaint #11568907 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving on [XXX] in Virginia, speed limit is 70mph, a warning flashed in the screen: “Stop Safely, Vehicle will Shut Off Soon.” The car immediately began decelerating, I pulled off the highway and restarted the car, but it would only drive very slowly (approx 15mph). After restarting two more times, it was able to drive normally. This is the second such incident, the car is under warranty. The first incident happened [XXX] and I brought the car to the dealer, Chrysler of Culpepper, Va. Their service department told me that they were unable to replicate the event after the first incident and it was likely just a computer glitch that has corrected itself. I have another service appointment scheduled, but they seem to be clueless on how to fix this incredibly dangerous problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11567224 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving at approx 45 MPH the car suddenly lost propulsion and experienced a complete electrical failure. The power steering was lost, braking was stiff, gas pedal was unresponsive. I struggled to get the vehicle out of the lane of traffic. The police arrived and helped route traffic until the tow truck arrived. The vehicle is still covered under factory warranty and is currently at the dealer with no estimated return date. As a matter of fact, the Chrysler dealer that has my car hasn't returned my phone calls or voice mails in a week now to inform me how long I might be without my vehicle. A day before the incident a message appeared: ?service Hybrid electrical system It happened fast but prior to the failure the display flashed red and sounded an alarm Shift to P to start for a few seconds, then the gear shifter was flashing....then I lost all power.
NHTSA complaint #11545745 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
When driving approximately 65 mph on the highway, alert on the vehicle display came on saying to pull over the engine would shut down soon. We were able to pull over and the car no longer worked. We were driving with our family of young children in the car, had there been no shoulder to pull over on the highway we would have been extreme danger.
NHTSA complaint #11524084 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Pacific Hybrid Limited stalled today while heading towards the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Luckily, I had enough momentum to make it to the shoulder. I've had it since late December and it has 3900 miles. It started with this whine for 10 miles prior to the stall, similar to the fake whine EV cars make to warn pedestrians. Then I hit a patch of traffic that dropped my speed to less than 10 mph. When traffic started to go again, the car shook and grumbled until it stopped accelerating all together. The check engine light blinked on. At that point I was maybe going 20mph and quickly started to go over two lanes (had to cut off a guy) but made it to the shoulder safely. Once we stopped, we all noticed the smell of something like burnt electronics. The car wouldn't move at the point. I tried turning the car off and on for the next 15 mins and still no go. The car also had <1% battery power (which we used up the battery maybe 20 minutes prior to the stall).
NHTSA complaint #11516818 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
February 23rd: car shut off while getting off the freeway. Would not restart for 5 minutes. Had no acceleration but could still steer. February 23rd: brought car to the dealership, they scanned the car and there was no code. February 26th: car shut off 3 times on the freeway going 70mph. Had to pull over and restart car to be able to accelerate. I had my 2 kids in the car at this time and fear for their safety. March 1st- car shut off on the freeway going 70 mph. Had to pull over carefully again. Turn off the car, open the car door, wait a few minutes, restart. March 3rd- car shut off on the freeway again. Brought car to the dealership again, they asked for me to drop it off on Monday. March 6th- left car at dealership. They said it needs a new transmission and would be a minimum of 30 days to replace it, but most likely longer.
NHTSA complaint #11511675 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving on the freeway at 60-70 mph, in 20 degree weather at night, the engine suddenly, and without warning, stopped. A dash error message showed instructions to put the car in park and push the start / run button. The van was still traveling at a high rate of speed while the message stayed up and the van had to be carefully maneuvered through traffic, across multiple lanes to the next exit, without the ability to accelerate when needed. Somehow no one was hurt and the vehicle did not get into an accident, but it came to a stop in the middle of the exit ramp, which had a steep uphill grade. The van was unable to be restarted. A Good Samaritan helped push the car to a nearby lot while car was in neutral. It was unable to be started then and two and three days later. The roadside assistance couldn’t be provided until a few days later because the incident occurred at the beginning of the weekend. The vehicle was finally towed to the closest dealership today. The dealership said the software update is available for the recall of potential loss of motive power, which appears to be the issue we experienced. They said it would take 2-3 weeks to look at the vehicle due to their backlog. I called the dealership where we bought it, and they said the same. Also, based on initial research, it seems the software update will only give advance warning when an electrical short is about to cause the engine to stop so the driver can have advanced warning and presumably drive to safety without an accident. Unfortunately, the manufacturer still needs to address the root cause and build a solution to prevent the electrical short from happening in the first place. The situation is troubling and the manufacturer and both dealerships are even stalling in getting us a complimentary loaner vehicle. Also note that we were not instructed to stop driving the vehicle when we found out about the recall prior to the incident. Again the van won’t be fixed for weeks, NHTSA shows no remedy yet
NHTSA complaint #11508248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Dec 5th, as I was driving downhill on Hwy 54 in Peachtree City, GA, the van jerked, made a beeping noise, and the dash lit up. The van had completely shut off. It said "service charging system" and "shift to park". I was able to get the van off the roadway and into a parking lot by coasting. Despite turning it off, it kept turning back on with the ac on full blast. It finally stopped turning back on after I opened the driver door and left it open. It restarted and my husband drove it home. I called Chrysler when I got home. They said to call the local dealership to get recall fixed and have them look at the engine. I called the dealership first thing the next morning. He said the first available appointment would be Dec 28th. They no longer have a loaner program so I had to contact Chrysler cares back regarding rental. I sent them a message asking about a rental. They recommended I try to find an appt at another dealership. They also stated they couldn't speak to if it was safe to drive the van until seen at the dealership. On Friday Dec 9, I had to use the van. It stalled 5 times. I was able to get it off the roadway and restarted immediately. I contacted Chrysler again to request they contact the dealer to try to get me in sooner and they need to provide me a rental. This is a huge safety concern, and this is an issue that has been impacting their vans for a long time now. We love the van, but so disappointed that it is failing us and doesn't even have 50k miles on it! Their customer service is terrible. They are aware of these issues!!!
NHTSA complaint #11496719 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was driving the car around 70 mph on a highway with charged batteries and a 3/4 full tank of gas when the engine shut off a red dot appeared under the check engine light and a message appeared saying charging system fault, shift to park. Before this the van had been in the shop multiple times for a periodic check engine light that have a "cam shaft position sensor fault"message but the dealership was unable to locate the issue.
NHTSA complaint #11496312 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.