FaultScore

2017 Chrysler Pacifica driver assist problems

38 of the 2,354 complaints about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica are about the driver-assist systems — 2% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 19,921 miles.

B

38

Complaints

5

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

Exactly what failed

Forward Collision Avoidance 5 13.2%
Adaptive Cruise Control 5 13.2%
Warnings 4 10.5%
Automatic Emergency Braking 4 10.5%
Warnings 4 10.5%
Blind Spot Detection 3 7.9%
Assist 3 7.9%
Rearview System Braking 3 7.9%
Back Over Prevention 2 5.3%
Camera 2 5.3%

Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance across every Chrysler Pacifica year

2017 38 19.9%
2018 31 16.2%
2019 26 13.6%
2021 54 28.3%
2022 30 15.7%
2023 12 6.3%

What owners said

Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.

Sergeant Bluff, IA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The backup camera rarely works anymore. It will show a variety of the following: - A blue screen - A black screen - A still image - It works correctly (Rarely happens). The still image is a great cause of concern for safety. It still shows the guiding lines as I am moving the steering wheel, so it almost looks like I am moving in real-time. If the still image is showing nothing behind my vehicle, it could cause me to back over something/someone because camera did not display real-time video. (Attached photos show a vehicle behind my car, but when I turn on the camera, there is a still image. The third image shows the guide turning on the still image). Dealer has stated it is a known issue, but there is not a recall. Many reports of this issue can be found in online forums. Vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance. There were no warning lamps or other symptoms prior to the failure. Issue has been intermittent for about a month.

NHTSA complaint #11750165 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Seattle, WA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

The back up camera does not turn on immediately. Sometimes it takes up to 3 minutes for it to turn on, after shifting into reverse. I understand this is a violation of the safety requirement for a back up camera. There is not an open recall for this particular issue on this VIN. The dealer service department confirmed the issue but has not offered a solution. It has not been inspected by the police or insurance representatives. There are no warnings or messages related to the issue. It first occurred approximately 1 year ago.

NHTSA complaint #11748940 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Rome, GA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

This car has had so many issues in the 2 years that i have had it. Blown head gaskets, hard shifting, cruise control getting stuck in a high gear and not shifting. When fixing the head gasket it was apparent that it wasnt the first time being fixed. For such a nice vehicle it has way too many problems for the amount i purchased it for. There needs to be some sort of compensation for this. Upon looking into these issues there are thousands among thousands of people with the same head gasket issues and transmission issues as well.

NHTSA complaint #11725086 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Knoxville, TN

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.

NHTSA complaint #11722346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Portland, OR

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

Right and left lower control arms are failing. Steering rack replacement is required for repair and imperative for safe vehicle driving. The safety of people in the car is greatly at risk. Since learning about the true problem, the van is parked and we're having to borrow another car for transportation. The issue is that when turning, the steering wheel gets stuck. This seems to occur at 11 o'clock and 1 o'clock positions during turns. The Chrysler dealer was able to reproduce the issues when taking the car on a test drive. The component has only been inspected by the dealer. This issue first appeared about 6 months prior to it seemed like a fluke at first. The occurred became more consistent and that's when we took it in for surface. We took it into a local auto shop a few times and they were unable to detect the issues. Then we took it into the dealership where they were able to identify the issues. I'm not sure if there were warning lamps prior to failure.

NHTSA complaint #11714246 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muncie, IN

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

While driving you feel the steering wheel sticking when at a certain degree. It has mostly occurred when on a curve and when going over 40 mph. We take several long trips and it has happened multiple times.

NHTSA complaint #11686368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Muncie, IN

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

While driving you feel the steering wheel sticking when at a certain degree. It has mostly occurred when on a curve and when going over 40 mph. We take several long trips and it has happened multiple times.

NHTSA complaint #11686368 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Allen, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

When driving van will jerk or bang like slipping in gear, feels like possible being hit from behind, we have tried the adaptive learning reset several times, we had just purchased this less than 2 months ago with about 4800 miles in it. Feels dangerous to drive, especially with kids. We are scared to even try the cruise control. We heard and read online many whey same issues, with warranty and having there vans in dealership on several events, having reset in software upgrades, transmission replacement with only the problem to return. Please fix this, this one of my vehicles that unfortunately I have to drive because it's my only vehicle. This problem happens at lest everytime I'm driving daily, it started maybe a few weeks ago from the time this has been written.

NHTSA complaint #11679508 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Vernon, MO Crash

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

Parksense Unavailable. While reversing we backed into another vehicle. Normally, the parking brakes if we get to close or at least a warning that we are approaching a potential hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11673415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Vernon, MO Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

Parksense Unavailable. While reversing we backed into another vehicle. Normally, the parking brakes if we get to close or at least a warning that we are approaching a potential hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11673415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mount Vernon, MO Crash

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

Parksense Unavailable. While reversing we backed into another vehicle. Normally, the parking brakes if we get to close or at least a warning that we are approaching a potential hazard.

NHTSA complaint #11673415 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kansas City, MO

BACK OVER PREVENTION: REARVIEW SYSTEM BRAKING

I periodically receive a warning when the transmission is placed in REVERSE that the “Camera System is Unavailable”. Sometimes the camera works and sometimes it doesn’t. The Internet is replete with many similar occurrences of Pacificas across several years of manufacture where the camera operates intermittently. This is a serious safety issue and I am very surprised that there appears to be no recall notice.to correct this issue. Information on the Internet implies that this issue is related to a computer glitch and a software update of the Uconnect system may be required. Clearly, Chrysler should be responsible for correcting this design deficiency. Unless the camera fails completely as a result of an impact or age, is shoulfpd be available 100% of the time.

NHTSA complaint #11670518 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Fairfax, VA

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

We experienced a failure of the entire steering rack assembly and tie rod ends and also the control module for the steering system. The repair cost was just under $5,000.00. I question why the entire rack and pinion steering system needed to be replaced. I ask what component failed on on the steering rack and what specifically fail on the steering control assembly. No logical answer was provided. I told the dealer I brought the Van in for a diagnosis of concerning steering corrections taking place even with the steering adaptive function turned off. I explained replacing everything involving the steering of the car should correct the issue but it did not feel like a diagnoses and more like a shotgun approach that I would be forced to pay for. I explained by wife drive this vehicle and she had a trip planned to travel across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and I believed the erratic behavior of the steering was to dangerous to change driving. I rented a replacement van to ensure her safety. The problem was recreated by the Dealership and the estimate to replace everything involving the steering system was provided as the fix. I have the steering assembly at my home but no one has opened or inspected what components failed. This failure appeared around 81,000 miles on our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Limited. I have owned 5 Chrysler products and have never had a rack steering assembly fail even with most of our vehicles exceeding 200,000 miles.

NHTSA complaint #11638752 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Cleves, OH

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Intermittently my van will lose power, all dash lights will pop up, active parksense unavailable, service required , blind spot alert temporarily unavailable , service shifter, fcw unavailable service required, service electronic stability control will pop up on the dash and in the message center. Code p0420 has popped up on a reader. Several trips to the dealership purchased at, and they cannot figure out the issues. I have 2 kids, this is a major safety concern. I had it shutdown on a highway 3 weeks ago with my 9 month old in the van. Recall list says everything was repaired, but it seems there needs to be more recalls. These vans are not safe. Recall them all. Chrysler is going to end up with a lawsuit. I think this is a major defect on the electrical and computer systems. When driving the van it will show I'm doing 70 but really 35mph. The van will rough idle. Again these are all intermittent issues that happen all at once. It seems like the van will reset itself once it's sat overnight. We just bought the van in May 2024 and this started a few weeks later. Very frustrating. The dealership won't buy it back, they can't figure out what the issue is. I

NHTSA complaint #11615791 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 67,950 miles Villa Park, IL

LANE DEPARTURE

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed through an intersection, the automatic braking system engaged independently, and the engine shut off. Despite the sudden failure, the contact's wife was able to restart the vehicle and resume normal driving. The contact then stated that while driving at slow speeds, the failure reoccurred with the Lane Departure Assist message flashing on the instrument panel. The manufacturer was notified after each failure had occurred; however, the contact was not offered any assistance. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 67,950.

NHTSA complaint #11615406 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 127,000 miles Tallahassee, FL

BACK OVER PREVENTION

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle the backup camera had malfunctioned. The contact stated that while in reverse the backup camera display screen image was either a solid blue or a black screen, or the image was frozen, causing a visibility hazard to the driver. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer was contacted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.

NHTSA complaint #11613458 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Park Ridge, IL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Occasionally when we start the van the shifter lights don’t go on and while the he engine starts, the shifter won’t move so we are stuck. It can be a few minutes up to 30 minutes We tried to replace the batteries and the shifter. It was fine for a few weeks after but continues to be intermittent after that few weeks. Also sometimes only some of the shifter lights go one and several alarms go off on the consel including fcw unavailable and service shifter. I am concerned one day we will be stranded.

NHTSA complaint #11595695 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

It started on or about September 17, 2023, the van's adaptive cruise control, forward collision, automatic breaking is warnings show up on the dash after driving the vehicle about 10 minutes. It does it every day that I drive the vehicle. I have looked up causes and repairs online and there are many complaints about this issue and also after paying a couple thousand dollars at the dealership, it will work for about six months then start happening again. Also unable to use cruise control while driving on a trip, the crusie control will quit operating about ten minutes after the car starts and while driving it.

NHTSA complaint #11579262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

It started on or about September 17, 2023, the van's adaptive cruise control, forward collision, automatic breaking is warnings show up on the dash after driving the vehicle about 10 minutes. It does it every day that I drive the vehicle. I have looked up causes and repairs online and there are many complaints about this issue and also after paying a couple thousand dollars at the dealership, it will work for about six months then start happening again. Also unable to use cruise control while driving on a trip, the crusie control will quit operating about ten minutes after the car starts and while driving it.

NHTSA complaint #11579262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Jonesboro, AR

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

It started on or about September 17, 2023, the van's adaptive cruise control, forward collision, automatic breaking is warnings show up on the dash after driving the vehicle about 10 minutes. It does it every day that I drive the vehicle. I have looked up causes and repairs online and there are many complaints about this issue and also after paying a couple thousand dollars at the dealership, it will work for about six months then start happening again. Also unable to use cruise control while driving on a trip, the crusie control will quit operating about ten minutes after the car starts and while driving it.

NHTSA complaint #11579262 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Kenner, LA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

My vehicle now 3 times just stops on me luckily 2 of the 3 times i was going maybe 10 mph. only once i was going 35 and it just slams shut i am being told they are no active recalls however this is a problem and going to cause an accident when this happens my drive light on the dash is flashing as well as on the knob to put it in to drive. this is just one of the many problems with the vehicle the transmission constantly jerks you around. the sliding doors have a mind of their own. i am a single mom of 4 and i purchased this car almost bran new and i only have 3000 left to pay on it and i can barely drive it i dont even like going around my neighborhood in the vehicle for fear it will just stop. it has also left me stranded when everything just stopped working in the car and that turned out to be a recall that i was notified about til a few weeks after it left me and my kids on the causeway bridge. and before that alot of time my car wouldnt even start it was something with the battery for starting the vehicle. Chrysler should be sued for making this vehicle it is horrible i got it to have a reliable car for me and my kids and now im paying almost 500 a month for my car to sit in my driveway because no one wants to ride in it.

NHTSA complaint #11578647 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Peachtree Corners, GA

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The vehicle loss power while driving on the highway would not accelerate

NHTSA complaint #11539212 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

San Antonio, TX

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

This happens every single time we drive our Pacifica: Per many other complaints available online, the current gen Pacifica (2017-present), when equipped with ADAS such as lane keep assist, has a steering issue as follows: -under varying conditions, the vehicle's steering wheel will "stick." This issue typically follows a small steering input of 10-25 degrees in either direction. -When the steering wheel sticks, it presents 2 major safety issues: 1) the vehicle maintains its course and could collide with objects or veer off the road and 2) the sticking of the wheel is so severe at times that the counter-steering required to correct the "stick" presents a danger of driving into oncoming traffic. -Yes, Dodge of Boerne, TX, and it was "fixed" by securing a ground wire on the vehicle, but the problem continues to persist -Just dealership listed above -No Here are selections of other reports on this issue: https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/2017-steering-problems.48061/ https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/2017-steering-issue.50528/ https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/the-steering-wheel-tries-to-turn-by-itself-when-driving-on-uneven-roads.23538/ https://www.carproblemzoo.com/chrysler/pacifica/2017/steering-problems.php I am guessing this issue is what was addressed at our service appointment, but it did not solve our specific issue: https://www.mlive.com/news/2019/05/fca-recalls-198k-pacifica-minivans-due-to-potential-issue-with-power-steering.html

NHTSA complaint #11528103 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Mesa, AZ

LANE DEPARTURE: BLIND SPOT DETECTION

The electrical interface components stopped working spontaneously; the speedometer and RPM gauge dropped to zero, the windshield wipers turned on, and all of the "check engine" type warning lights lit up on the dash (check engine, seatbelt, airbag, battery, etc). The warning messages started popping up one after another on the dash, for example, "Service Trans Stop Safely Shut Off Engine to Engage Park," "Stop/Start Not Ready Due to Outside Temperature," "Park Brake Temporarily Unavailable" etc. I tried to put the car in Park, but the round shift knob locked in Neutral. I could not turn off the engine with the ignition button (keyless ignition). There was no way to turn off the engine without opening the hood and disconnecting something manually. Everything spontaneously went back to normal for about 15 minutes, then it happened again and has not gone back to normal since. The photos I am attaching were taken during the first incident, during the second incident, and in between the two incidents when the electrical was working again.

NHTSA complaint #11523872 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 16,742 miles Appleton, WI

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the touch screen failed to respond as needed. The vehicle was shifted into reverse; however, the rear-view camera failed to operate as designed. The contact stated that the radio malfunctioned, and the steering wheel heater and seat heaters failed to deactivate causing the seats to overheat and burn the occupants. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who had replaced and upgraded the center seat module; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact returned the vehicle to the dealer two more times where the radio was replaced then the touchscreen was replaced. The failure reoccurred; however, the contact had not taken the vehicle back to the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and filed a case. The approximate failure mileage was 16,742.

NHTSA complaint #11495585 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Havelock, NC

BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS

While driving vehicle with cruise control set to 55 vehicle stallings, losing power steering, and loses all driver-assist features, to include traction control, blind spot monitoring, power steering, forward collision avoidance, adaptive cruise control, airbags, and other systems. Send back to dealership three times to two different dealerships and for same

NHTSA complaint #11425022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Braunfels, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

Lane assist and Forward Collision Warning would intermittently turn off along with the passenger window automatically going down. Vehicle would also seems to glitch and restart at the same time. After this taking place for a couple of weeks, now the vehicle has twice completely shut off while driving. The engine, screens, dash, etc. all turned off and the it was automatically put into PARK. Vehicle will restart and everything seems back to normal once it is restarted.

NHTSA complaint #11421867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

New Braunfels, TX

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

Lane assist and Forward Collision Warning would intermittently turn off along with the passenger window automatically going down. Vehicle would also seems to glitch and restart at the same time. After this taking place for a couple of weeks, now the vehicle has twice completely shut off while driving. The engine, screens, dash, etc. all turned off and the it was automatically put into PARK. Vehicle will restart and everything seems back to normal once it is restarted.

NHTSA complaint #11421867 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Lockport, IL

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

We’ve written the NHTSA in the past and have not received a response. We understand Covid was a problem that messed a lot of things up and we’ve been patient until now and we’re writing again hoping for a long awaited response. We purchased new (on 03/10/17) a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with the factory installed tow package, which Dealer and Chrysler Corp claimed it could tow 3600 pounds, so we can purchase and tow a 3500 pound RV but since the van purchase we have learned that we need trailer brakes on any trailer weighing more than 2500 pounds so the van and trailer could stop safely. After much investigation and many calls with our Dealer, Chrysler Corporation and many RV Dealers, it turns out the 2017 model year that Chrysler Corporation claimed it could tow up to 3600 pounds, can not In fact safely tow over 2500 pounds without a brake controller/trailer brakes and our van, which was purchased with the factory tow package, was not designed or wired to accommodate the necessary brake controller to tow over 2500 pounds and it can not be retrofitted with a necessary brake controller. The Dealer advised taking the matter up with Chrysler Corporation and Chrysler advised taking the matter up with the Dealer, and neither will resolve the safety issue. Can you please tell us if this is a safety issue or if in your opinion we can safely tow a 3500 pound RV without a brake controller and trailer brakes or do you recommend we seek legal counsel. Thanks very much for your time and expertise in this serious matter. Anxiously awaiting your response.

NHTSA complaint #11418417 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

at 84,800 miles Bristow, VA

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

FROM A STOP AT A STOP LIGHT, WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN ACCELERATED TO ABOUT 18 MPH (GOING STRAIGHT THROUGH LIGHT) THEN LOST ALL POWER (WITH ACCELERATOR STILL DEPRESSED) WHILE IN MIDDLE OF THE INTERSECTION. AT THAT SAME TIME A NOTIFICATION DISPLAYED ON THE DASHBOARD FOR ABOUT 5 SECONDS STATING "ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL (ACC) OFF". AFTER ABOUT 5 SECONDS NOTIFICATION DISAPPEARED AND POWER RETURNED TO VEHICLE. THIS EXACT ISSUE HAPPENED TWICE IN THE SAME DAY.

NHTSA complaint #11406740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

Other 2017 Chrysler Pacifica problems

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