2019 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

ENGINE

My 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus is experiencing coolant leaking into a cylinder, diagnosed by. This has rendered the vehicle undrivable. The Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine used in this vehicle has a well-documented pattern of coolant intrusion into cylinders due to head gasket failure across the 2017–2019 Chrysler Pacifica model years, based on extensive owner complaints already on file with NHTSA and reported by consumer advocacy organizations. Despite this known pattern, no recall currently exists covering this specific defect for 2019 model year vehicles. This is a safety concern because coolant intrusion into a cylinder can cause sudden misfires, rough running, loss of power, and potential stalling while driving — creating a hazard in traffic, particularly at highway speeds or during turns/merges. I contacted Chrysler Case Management regarding this issue. The manufacturer has attempted to attribute responsibility to the dealership rather than acknowledging this as a manufacturer defect in the engine design/manufacturing, despite the well-documented pattern across multiple model years of the same engine. I have also not been provided a rental vehicle despite my vehicle being undrivable.

NHTSA complaint #11758412 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

As I pulled up to stop, in electric mode, at a stop light, the display screen pulled up a message to pull over safely because the engine would stop soon, within about 10 seconds the screen showed the engine stopped. I was still at the light. I tried restarting the vehicle, moving the shifter from drive to park and back, pressing the park button several times with no success. With cars honking behind me, I got out of the car, told them my car had died and asked them to drive around me. I got back in the car, repeated the actions a few times and the car started in electric mode. I drove home (about 5 miles) without incident. Check engine light was on. I pulled 2 codes U0412 and U029a. I have had the U0412 code a few times before with only the check engine light coming on. It would go away in a day or two (no check engine light and no code). U029a is new.

NHTSA complaint #11756324 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving, the vehicle began to sputter and the check engine light illuminated. A scan at a franchised dealership showed a stored code for a cylinder 4 misfire. Further diagnosis found coolant intrusion into cylinder 4, indicating internal failure of the left cylinder head and/or head gasket, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. Upon removing the left valve cover and camshafts, the technician found a broken head gasket and a warped left cylinder head. The dealership replaced the left cylinder head, head gasket, cylinder head cover gasket, and oxygen sensor, refilled coolant, and replaced the PCV valve as a maintenance item. After repair, the vehicle was test driven and no further misfire was detected. This failure occurred at approximately 72,000 miles, low mileage for a major internal engine component, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired, leaving the owner responsible for the full repair cost. A misfire caused by coolant entering a cylinder can cause sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and rough running while driving, a safety concern in traffic, on highways, or when merging and passing, since reduced power can make it hard to maintain speed or accelerate out of a hazardous situation. Continued driving with undiagnosed coolant intrusion can also cause secondary engine damage, including hydrolock. The failed cylinder head and gasket were not retained by the owner; the dealership performed the repair as part of the invoiced order. The manufacturer has not independently inspected the vehicle beyond the dealership's diagnosis, photographs, and repair documentation, available on request. This appears to be a recurring issue on this engine platform, as similar cylinder head/gasket coolant intrusion failures, with matching misfire codes, have been reported by other owners of similar model-year minivans with the same engine, typically presenting in the 60,000-85,000 mile range, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expires.

NHTSA complaint #11755670 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle intermittently displays a "Stop Safely – Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warning message accompanied by a turtle icon while driving, most often at highway speeds above approximately 50 mph. There is no consistent pattern or condition that triggers the warning. When the warning appears, I must immediately attempt to pull off the roadway because the vehicle indicates it will shut down. This creates a significant safety hazard, especially on interstate highways or roads without a safe shoulder. If the vehicle is turned off and restarted, the warning message disappears, but the check engine light remains illuminated. After the next ignition cycle, the check engine light also disappears, leaving no visible indication of the problem. The issue began occurring approximately once per year but has become progressively more frequent. It now occurs almost daily. During a recent 300-mile trip, the warning appeared four separate times. It also commonly occurs twice during a 60-mile drive. The increasing frequency has made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate on highways. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Chrysler dealership. However, the dealer stated they cannot diagnose or repair the problem unless the warning is actively displayed when the vehicle arrives. Because the warning clears after restarting the vehicle, the dealer has been unable or unwilling to identify the cause or perform a repair. I also contacted Chrysler customer service. I was informed that because there is no recall related to this issue, they could only refer me back to the dealership for diagnosis under any applicable warranty coverage. This defect poses a serious safety risk because the vehicle may lose propulsion while traveling at highway speeds, requiring an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder while surrounded by fast-moving traffic. I am concerned that this could result in a rear-end collision or other serious crash if the warning occurs where there is no safe place

NHTSA complaint #11749513 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

A misfire code came up. Had plugs done.. didn’t solve problem now blowing white smoke burning antifreeze. Head gaskets bad. We just bought this 2019 7 months ago. And it only had 68,000 miles on it now 71000 miles on it. We thought we would get the newer better vehicle and having engine problem in a car that we paid 22000 dollars for. Going to be an expensive fix on a problem that shouldn’t be occurring on a car with that mileage.

NHTSA complaint #11748610 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle has no power going up hills or accelerating and just stops and doesn't move. To get the car to move again you have to turn the car off and back on. Even if you put the car in L it can still just go back in regular drive on its own an cut out with no acceleration.

NHTSA complaint #11724582 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving the car is unable to switch gears from D to L gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.

NHTSA complaint #11724661 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Bad engine at 67,000 miles for a blown head gasket. Service records up to date,

NHTSA complaint #11723248 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

This has been ever since I got my van. Sometime when I drive my lights come on and it goes into limp mode. Most of the time. When I start my van my lights will turn on. I have to turn my car off . Then start again to get my van riding correctly. The other day I was making a U-turn and my engine stalled and I was almost hit by a truck.

NHTSA complaint #11713341 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

A slow coolant leak is draining the coolant from the reservoir into the engine. This has happened twice now and no external leaks can be found. The first instance in June 2021 was on a trip from Goldsboro, NC to Antigo, WI. We made it to Chicago and noticed the engine temp climbing. We thought it was due to the trip and heat but had just stopped in Ohio the day prior. We took the vehicle to a local shop and they told us the coolant was nearly gone. The second time happened just [XXX] when I took my Pacifica in for an oil change. The shop stated my coolant was very low and they had to fill it up. They again found no visible external leak. I had noticed that it was low as well the day prior after getting home and knowing the shop is less than 2 miles away I knew I could get the van there safely. I did notice the temperature going up quickly even though it has been bitterly cold the last few days. I've been doing research and found many Pacifica and other online forums stating this issue had led to engine failures totaling repair costs in excess of $5,000 as of 2023 before continued inflation. This poses a huge safety risk for motorists if the engine fails while in transit as well as during extreme weather both cold and hot. Please hold the manufacturer accountable to fix this common defect for those of us who cannot afford a new vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11704873 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

We bought our brand-new Chrysler van in 2019. On [XXX] the oil filter housing needed to be replaced due to cheap manufacturing parts. It cost us $918.78. In October of 2025, we were experiencing some shaking in our van. Upon investigation, it was diagnosed with a blown head gasket. The repair was estimated at $3000 - $4000. The mileage on our van was a little over 93,000 miles. We were meticulous with the maintenance of our van. This, according to Chrysler Pacifica owner online forums, is not uncommon. There is a general outrage at the obvious manufacturing error. Is there any class action lawsuit ongoing? Is there any recourse available? Chrysler should pay out due to their shoddy work. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11699753 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The vehicle jerked, stopped and would not start again. After a while it started, people were honking to move. This happened about 3 years ago. The vehicle jerks often and afraid it will leave us on the street. About 2 years ago, the auxiliary battery ran down the main battery. The car would not start. Had to buy both batteries. The lights come on, engine, traction and auxiliary battery light. This happens often on a weekly basis.

NHTSA complaint #11699301 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the message “Engine would Shutoff Soon” was displayed. The START/STOP, engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, and 4WD warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering functionality had become inoperable. The vehicle had stalled on several occasions. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V348000 (Electrical System). The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who scanned the vehicle and determined there was a code that “Voltage-too-High” was displayed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 129,000.

NHTSA complaint #11690589 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving light came on that car was hot. Immediately pulled over and had the van towed. Was told the head gasket was blown which damaged the engine. Engine now needs to be replaced. Cheapest estimate has been $9,000 at a dealership, van isn’t even paid off yet. My 5 children were in the car when this happened I was afraid the vehicle was going to stop in the middle of the rd. No other warnings or anything. Also when we first purchased van was idle and then go silent like it’s supposed to we have noticed it doesn’t even get quiet anymore. Very disappointed family of 7 with no way to have our van repaired.

NHTSA complaint #11676736 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

There was a battery safety recall (72B) letter sent to me for potential fire danger. On the letter, in bold, "a vehicle fire can result in increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle as well as property damage" 3/25 - 3/29 - 72B Recall work at Autonation Dealership completed Since the recall repair, my “service engine” light will intermittently turn on/off. 5/30 - Mile High Hybrid Diagnostic Code - U0412 “Invalid data received from battery energy control module” 6/12 - 6/18 - at AutoNation Dealership. U0412 - only software upgrade completed 7/1 - 7/8 at AutoNation Dealership - p0D57. They suggested it's a charger issues and to only use Mopar charger 7/24- O'Malley Diagnostic Code - U0412 - have ONLY been using Mopar charger. (NOT a charger issue) Waiting to hear back from Chrysler on path forward. I want answers to get this hybrid battery issue fixed. Days at the Shop: 3/25 - 3/29 - 4 5/30 - 1 6/12 - 6/18 - 6 7/1 - 7/8 - 7 Total - 18 days

NHTSA complaint #11676038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While stopped at a red light my van alerted me that the start/Stop feature was not working, turned itself off and put the van in Park causing much confusion and my almost getting reended as I was unsure what to do.

NHTSA complaint #11668697 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Vehicle Incident Summary – 2019 Chrysler Pacifica [XXX] is the orginal owner Initial Incident – [XXX] At 50,779 miles, my 2022 Chrysler Pacifica lost all power while driving on Mound Road in Sterling Heights, MI. Officer Nathan Sears from the Sterling Heights Police Department assisted, and the vehicle had to be towed. The diagnosis at the time was complete battery failure—both batteries were replaced. Current Ongoing Issue – [XXX] At 86,000 miles, the vehicle once again became completely inoperable. It was towed to Jim Riehl’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Warren, MI. I was initially told the issue was the starter, and I paid $1,200 for the repair. However, the vehicle still does not start. I have now been told the issue may be a blown head gasket or engine failure. The dealership is requesting an additional $2,000–$3,000 just to disassemble the vehicle to determine the exact cause. If it is indeed an engine failure, I’ve been informed that repairs could cost up to $12,000. Concerns: I paid for a starter replacement and the car remains undrivable. There was no resolution or refund offered despite a misdiagnosis. Now I am being asked to pay thousands more just to identify the problem. If this is engine failure, it occurred at only 86,000 miles. I have since found many other Pacifica owners reporting similar failures—battery, engine, and complete loss of power—raising concerns of a potential manufacturing defect. Why I’m Reporting This: This vehicle has experienced major, potentially dangerous failures twice—first a complete power loss while driving, and now possible engine failure without warning. If this had happened at higher speeds or on the highway, it could have been catastrophic. I am requesting this issue be investigated for possible safety defects and design flaws. VIN: [XXX] 3.6 liter VG engine Location: Sterling Heights/Warren, MI Dealership: Jim Riehl’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA complaint #11667028 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

As I'm driving down the road my MIL comes on and tells me to pull over the engine will shut off. My vehicle has had the recall completed. This happened to me on the interstate with my family in the van. This is our only vehicle for the family and need it everyday. Now my dealership is telling me that it isn't a recall issue and I might have to pay for the repairs. This light started coming on about a week ago, and doesn't always come on. But it started to happen more frequently.

NHTSA complaint #11650271 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the transmission skipped gears. Additionally, the vehicle was experiencing erratic transmission shifts and unintended deceleration. The check engine warning light was illuminated. Additionally, the contact stated that upon attempting to shift to drive(D), the gear shifter failed to respond and remained stuck in park(P). The contact researched the failure online and found information on how to override the gear shifter failure. The contact pressed the Push to Start button twice, without depressing the brake pedal, depressed the accelerator for ten seconds, and pressed the Push to Start button to turn off the vehicle. The contact stated that upon restarting the vehicle minutes later, the vehicle responded as needed and the gear shifter became operable. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring intermittently. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Action Number: RQ24004 (Electrical System). The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA complaint #11645498 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 55 MPH on the highway, the A/C vents started blowing cold air; causing the vehicle to become extremely cold. There was water coming from the wheels. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact parked the vehicle and noticed that the radiator was cracked. The contact who is an independent mechanic, determined that the torque on the radiator caused the radiator to crack. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed that a radiator replacement was needed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 99,970. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA complaint #11642727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The head gasket leaks, full engine replacement is recommended. No accidents, only 79k miles on the engine.

NHTSA complaint #11640856 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

My vehicle suddenly lost power driving down the road at approximately 20MPH. I rolled to the side and the vehicle engaged the electronic parking brake. It's been at Chrysler dealership for over a week and is now a STARS case according to my service rep. .

NHTSA complaint #11637930 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

I’m having trouble with my start stop. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes my motor goes into limp mode for no reason.

NHTSA complaint #11637073 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

While driving down the road and slowing down the van put itself into park and shut off. Had to then restart the van.

NHTSA complaint #11634781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds on several occasions, there was a clicking noise emanating from the engine compartment and the vehicle began shaking. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, and the contact was informed that the control arm and bushings needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer who was unable to replicate the failure on one occasion; however, on another occasion, the vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the alternator needed to be replaced. The failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to the same dealer where it was determined that the sway bar link needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA complaint #11633604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The transmission shifts/jerks hard and hesitates/struggles to accelerate at times. It has even shutdown numerous times while I was at a traffic light.

NHTSA complaint #11633562 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica limited with 3.6l Pentastar engine had a check engine light come around 90,000 miles. The vehicle would suddenly lose acceleration power without warning, especially while getting onto the freeway. It was found that there is a known issue with the 3.2 and 3.6l Pentastar engines where the camshafts begin throwing metal shavings into the cylinders. The issue first presented itself as a cylinder 6 misfire with error code P0306. After replacing the spark plugs, coils, and VVT solenoids, the problem continued until the metal shavings were discovered. The design flaw of the engine causing the camshaft to produce metal shavings into the cylinders that lead to the sudden loss of acceleration is a major safety concern.

NHTSA complaint #11632747 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Van has 55,000 miles on it. Not overheating but noticed coolant reservoir keeps needing to be topped off daily. Also, just received check engine light code for cylinder 5. Shop diagnosed as head gaskets and now need an engine replacement. Absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle with such low miles.

NHTSA complaint #11630362 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

Head gasket failure at 68500 miles. It causes a misfire in the engine and could cause an accident from the car bucking once it consumes the engine coolant and also causes overheating and a lot of smoke to come out of the tailpipe making it less visible for others on the road to see, if behind a car like mine

NHTSA complaint #11622515 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

ENGINE

The check engine light came on. The day it came on, when starting the vehicle, it started shaking while in idle and when initially driving. The same day I had the engine read and a cylinder 6 misfire came up on the report. When I began driving, the car was shaking and it felt like it could stop abruptly which could have caused an accident. Yes, it was inspected and it was diagnosed that the head gasket is blown. Yes, the check engine light came on. It should be noted that when my local mechanic diagnosed the problem, two other Chrysler Pacifica's and two other vehicles with the v6 engine have the same issue.

NHTSA complaint #11619115 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.