Owners have filed 16 complaints
about the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica with NHTSA between 2025 and 2026.
The largest single group is the electrical system.
Across this model's run it ranks 7 of 15 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 1
Against the median year of the Chrysler Pacifica. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 100
31.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
100% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2026 compares with every other Chrysler Pacifica
Complaints filed with NHTSA, by model year. Bar colour is the FaultScore grade:
A
B
C
D
F
ungraded
What breaks on a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica
Every complaint is filed against a part. Follow any row for the complaints about that part alone.
Electrical System
425.0%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 700 mi
Brakes
318.8%
1 crashes, 0 fires · median 5,000 mi
Other & Unspecified
212.5%
Engine & Cooling
212.5%
Median failure at 5,000 miles
Driver Assist & Collision Avoidance
16.3%
1 crashes, 0 fires
Fuel & Propulsion
16.3%
Suspension
16.3%
Median failure at 1,173 miles
Airbags
16.3%
Transmission & Drivetrain
16.3%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Sep 2025peak 7Jul 2026
Recalls on the 2026 Chrysler Pacifica
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202639682,868 units in Canada
Visual System
Issue: On certain vehicles, a software problem could cause the rearview camera image not to display when the transmission is shifted into reverse. Canadian regulations require the rearview image to display when the vehicle is reversing. Note: This recall also affects Grand Cherokee L models and Grand Wagoneer L models. Safety Risk: A rearview camera image that doesn't display could reduce a driver's ability to see behind the vehicle while backing up. This could increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and send a wireless over-the-air software update to eligible vehicles to update the radio software. Alternatively, you may schedule an appointment to have the update performed at an FCA dealership.
Recall 202614121,291 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the side curtain airbag(s) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the airbag(s) may not inflate properly in a crash. Note: This is an expansion of Transport Canada recalls 2025-291 and 2025-454. Safety Risk: A side curtain airbag that doesn't work properly could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Actions: FCA Canada will notify owners in writing and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the side curtain airbag(s), as necessary.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Woodbridge, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Divide, CO1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were stopped for fuel. Prior to fueling we turned off the engine and opened the fuel door, inserting the gas nozzle and then began to pump fuel. While the nozzle was running, a passenger opened the sliding door by pressing the auto open button - and the door slid into the hand of the individual holding the fuel nozzle, crushing his hand between the door and the nozzle - causing the nozzle to dislodge from the filling neck , releasing gasoline all over the driver and j hiring his hand. There is no interlock preventing the door from auto opening while the fuel tank is open - which is a critical design flaw, that can result in injury to the individual fueling and hazardous material spills/ hazardous conditions where the pump attendant is directly drenched in fuel. A simple sensor on the door with a software interlock would resolve this issue and prevent future instances. In this case the injury was minor/bruise and discomfort, but it could have been more severe had the driver not reacted quickly, or had the driver had underlying medical conditions such as brittle bones or was on blood thinners.
NHTSA complaint #11738286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Divide, CO1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We were stopped for fuel. Prior to fueling we turned off the engine and opened the fuel door, inserting the gas nozzle and then began to pump fuel. While the nozzle was running, a passenger opened the sliding door by pressing the auto open button - and the door slid into the hand of the individual holding the fuel nozzle, crushing his hand between the door and the nozzle - causing the nozzle to dislodge from the filling neck , releasing gasoline all over the driver and j hiring his hand. There is no interlock preventing the door from auto opening while the fuel tank is open - which is a critical design flaw, that can result in injury to the individual fueling and hazardous material spills/ hazardous conditions where the pump attendant is directly drenched in fuel. A simple sensor on the door with a software interlock would resolve this issue and prevent future instances. In this case the injury was minor/bruise and discomfort, but it could have been more severe had the driver not reacted quickly, or had the driver had underlying medical conditions such as brittle bones or was on blood thinners.
NHTSA complaint #11738286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Woodbridge, VACrash
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Woodbridge, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.
NHTSA complaint #11752618 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Denton, TX
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V189000 (Air Bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and the contact was informed that the parts were ordered. The contact stated that parts were ordered two months ago, and the parts had not yet been delivered. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11751884 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 700 milesAlpharetta, GA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the parking brake independently enabled and caused the battery to drain. Roadside Assistance was contacted. The Roadside Assistance driver recharged the battery. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with battery failure. The contact was informed that both batteries needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact was informed that further diagnostic testing was needed. The vehicle was scheduled for an upcoming diagnostic test. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 700.
NHTSA complaint #11750060 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
When driving, the rear passenger interior trim cup holder heats up to an unsafe temperature. The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks and I was told this is normal and it was because of radiant heat from the axel/wheel well. After driving approximately 100 miles, I used a temperature gun to screen the area. The hotspot was 126 degrees, with temperatures around in ranging from 77-85 degrees. Outside wheel well temperatures ranged from 94 - 97 degrees. the driver side rear trim area was also checked for comparison and ranged from 78-82 degrees. which would indicate it is not radiant heat from the wheel well and axel. Children sit in the 3rd row next to this and can be burned. No warning lights are present, vehicle can be inspected if required.
NHTSA complaint #11748559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Louisville, KY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
When driving, the rear passenger interior trim cup holder heats up to an unsafe temperature. The vehicle was in the shop for 4 weeks and I was told this is normal and it was because of radiant heat from the axel/wheel well. After driving approximately 100 miles, I used a temperature gun to screen the area. The hotspot was 126 degrees, with temperatures around in ranging from 77-85 degrees. Outside wheel well temperatures ranged from 94 - 97 degrees. the driver side rear trim area was also checked for comparison and ranged from 78-82 degrees. which would indicate it is not radiant heat from the wheel well and axel. Children sit in the 3rd row next to this and can be burned. No warning lights are present, vehicle can be inspected if required.
NHTSA complaint #11748559 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, CO
POWER TRAIN
Driving down a busy section of highway on I-25 in Colorado, without warning car lost all power and shutoff. Was able to veer off highway to shoulder without getting hit. Car will not restart. This was incredibly unsettling as my family and kids were all in the car on the way home and was a very dangerous situation. For a brand new vehicle to shut off on the highway without warning is unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11739905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, CO
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Driving down a busy section of highway on I-25 in Colorado, without warning car lost all power and shutoff. Was able to veer off highway to shoulder without getting hit. Car will not restart. This was incredibly unsettling as my family and kids were all in the car on the way home and was a very dangerous situation. For a brand new vehicle to shut off on the highway without warning is unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11739905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Elizabeth, CO
ENGINE
Driving down a busy section of highway on I-25 in Colorado, without warning car lost all power and shutoff. Was able to veer off highway to shoulder without getting hit. Car will not restart. This was incredibly unsettling as my family and kids were all in the car on the way home and was a very dangerous situation. For a brand new vehicle to shut off on the highway without warning is unacceptable.
NHTSA complaint #11739905 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Divide, CO1 injured
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
We were stopped for fuel. Prior to fueling we turned off the engine and opened the fuel door, inserting the gas nozzle and then began to pump fuel. While the nozzle was running, a passenger opened the sliding door by pressing the auto open button - and the door slid into the hand of the individual holding the fuel nozzle, crushing his hand between the door and the nozzle - causing the nozzle to dislodge from the filling neck , releasing gasoline all over the driver and j hiring his hand. There is no interlock preventing the door from auto opening while the fuel tank is open - which is a critical design flaw, that can result in injury to the individual fueling and hazardous material spills/ hazardous conditions where the pump attendant is directly drenched in fuel. A simple sensor on the door with a software interlock would resolve this issue and prevent future instances. In this case the injury was minor/bruise and discomfort, but it could have been more severe had the driver not reacted quickly, or had the driver had underlying medical conditions such as brittle bones or was on blood thinners.
NHTSA complaint #11738286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Divide, CO1 injured
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
We were stopped for fuel. Prior to fueling we turned off the engine and opened the fuel door, inserting the gas nozzle and then began to pump fuel. While the nozzle was running, a passenger opened the sliding door by pressing the auto open button - and the door slid into the hand of the individual holding the fuel nozzle, crushing his hand between the door and the nozzle - causing the nozzle to dislodge from the filling neck , releasing gasoline all over the driver and j hiring his hand. There is no interlock preventing the door from auto opening while the fuel tank is open - which is a critical design flaw, that can result in injury to the individual fueling and hazardous material spills/ hazardous conditions where the pump attendant is directly drenched in fuel. A simple sensor on the door with a software interlock would resolve this issue and prevent future instances. In this case the injury was minor/bruise and discomfort, but it could have been more severe had the driver not reacted quickly, or had the driver had underlying medical conditions such as brittle bones or was on blood thinners.
NHTSA complaint #11738286 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesCorcoran, CA
PARKING BRAKE
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the brakes locked up. The contact stated that the parking brake unexpectedly engaged and failed to release. The driver’s side rear wheel locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving in the driveway, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where the ABS module was replaced. Additionally, there was an engine malfunction, and the battery was recharged. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesCorcoran, CA
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the brakes locked up. The contact stated that the parking brake unexpectedly engaged and failed to release. The driver’s side rear wheel locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving in the driveway, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where the ABS module was replaced. Additionally, there was an engine malfunction, and the battery was recharged. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 5,000 milesCorcoran, CA
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 MPH, the brakes locked up. The contact stated that the parking brake unexpectedly engaged and failed to release. The driver’s side rear wheel locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving in the driveway, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where the ABS module was replaced. Additionally, there was an engine malfunction, and the battery was recharged. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.
NHTSA complaint #11710857 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 1,173 milesPittsburgh, PA
SUSPENSION
The contact's mother owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while his mother was driving 30-35 MPH on a well-maintained road, the front passenger's side of the vehicle suddenly lowered, and the driver lost control of the steering wheel, causing the rear passenger's side of the vehicle to strike a curb, and the vehicle was pushed towards the left, near oncoming traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle nearly rolled over prior to coming to a stop. The driver was able to exit the vehicle. A Police Officer arrived at the scene and redirected traffic away from the vehicle, but no Police report was filed. There was no injury sustained. The contact stated that upon meeting his mother at the scene, the contact inspected the vehicle. The contact noticed that the front passenger's side lower control arm ball joint had fractured sharply, separated, and had gone sideways. The vehicle was towed to an Auto Collision repair shop. The dealer was notified of the failure and reported the failure to a Chrysler regional manager. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 1,173.
NHTSA complaint #11690285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.