385 of the
10,659 complaints filed about the Chrysler Pacifica
are about the braking system —
4% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
The brake booster has failed, a hissing noise is audible coming from the brake pedal when depressed. I have also noticed reducing stopping power in certain situations. It appears this issues is referenced by Chrysler in an extended warranty, covered under Mopar Warranty Bulletin D-22-15, however this car has now been in service for 6 years.
NHTSA complaint #11756643 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle’s braking system is not working properly. The brake pedal pumps and does not always respond correctly when pressure is applied. When backing up, the brakes pump and do not stop the vehicle as expected. While driving forward, the vehicle may continue moving even after the brake pedal is pressed. Because of this, I have to begin braking much earlier than normal and stop farther back from stoplights and other vehicles to allow enough distance for the van to finally come to a complete stop. This issue puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk because the vehicle may not stop when expected. It has been extremely scary, we stopped driving the van. The exact cause is UNKNOWN but the BREAKS for sure.
NHTSA complaint #11755193 — 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.
I have a big problem with this van’s brakes I couldn’t brake when I was driving on the freeway it didn’t brake properly and so dangerous and I was terrified luckily didn’t get into accident I complained about this issue to the nhtsa about this Chrysler Pacifica
NHTSA complaint #11749664 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
We were at a complete stop waiting for traffic to go, I had my foot on the brake pedal and the car lunge/revved up and hit the car in front of me. This is the 3rd time this has happened. The first time we were advised it was probably the front-end sensor that were probably covered with ice. We were advised they are very sensitive. The 2nd time it was winter still, so we took the car through the car wash to make sure no ice was built up. We did not get in an accident because traffic started to move. We took the vehicle to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong with it. Chrysler Corp got involved and they sent a 3rd party to check the van and black box. They advised nothing was found on the black box (not even an accident) and their investigators found nothing wrong with the vehicle. No warning messages were reported after the crash. Police were called to the scene and insurance was notified. Our insurance company advised that we should file this on here. There were 3 people in the van besides myself. We had a loaner vehicle for almost 3 months and we cannot get any information or paper work from Chrysler Corp regarding the investigation. We were advised the investigation was confidential and proprietary.
NHTSA complaint #11748855 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact rented a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard while attempting to stop the vehicle. The rented vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle that was in front of the rented vehicle before coming to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. No injuries were sustained. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.
NHTSA complaint #11744597 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While stopped at a traffic light on a downhill slope, my 2023 Chrysler Pacifica suddenly applied the brakes by itself and shifted into Park as I began to accelerate through the intersection. I did not touch the shifter. The vehicle locked up abruptly in the middle of the intersection. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before or after the incident. I had no idea as to what was happening. I was scared the car behind me was going to run into me.I was fortunate that she didn't This behavior is extremely dangerous and could have caused a collision. I have since learned that the 2023 Pacifica has numerous electrical‑system Technical Service Bulletins, and this appears to be an unintended Auto‑Park activation caused by an electrical or sensor fault. Vehicle details: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, VIN [XXX]. I am submitting this complaint so this issue can be investigated as a potential safety defect affecting other vehicles as well. This incident scared me badly, and I no longer feel confident that the vehicle will behave predictably in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11742833 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1. Most emergency lights come on while the vehicle's brake engages automatically. The brake then pumps up and down on its own if any pressure is applied. Shortly after, the vehicle goes into "limp mode". The vehicle is currently at a Chrysler Dealership service department and available for inspection. 2. This has occurred 8 times since the vehicle was purchased in October 2024. All but one time, it has happened while driving. Once it happened while on a major highway. I had to quickly veer into a turn lane so our vehicle was not rearended by another car. Another time, I was driving my children to school and it happened about 10 seconds before crossing the worst intersection in our city. That could have resulted in a major crash based on the history of that intersection. A third time, I was traveling at about 40 miles an hour when warnings came on and the brake started to engage. Luckily, I had just gotten off a major highway and I was able to get to the side of the road. 3. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, since it happened while I was in their service parking lot. However, they have been unable to recreate, find the source of, or fix the issue after 7 times of servicing it. 4. I am unsure whether the manufacturer has sent anyone outside of the dealer's service department to inspect the vehicle. We have been in contact with the manufacturer directly since December 26, 2025 in relation to this issue. Our extended warranty company may have had an inspector out on the first visit to the dealership for the issue, but no one since that I am aware of. 5. Emergency messages have included: Service Electronic Stability Control, Service Charging System, Service Hybrid Electronic Vehicle System, Auto Emergency Braking Unavailable Service Required. Multiple emergency lights come on including: Check Engine, Electronic Throttle Control, Electronic Stability Control Active, Service Forward Collision Warning. The first incident was January 22, 2025.
NHTSA complaint #11740092 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has developed a dangerous rear brake system malfunction. During a dealer inspection on 4/27/26, the certified technician confirmed that the rear brake pads are only contacting approximately 50% of the rotor surface, leaving the remaining half completely unused and heavily corroded. This is not normal corrosion or wear. It is a mechanical failure in which the pads are not engaging the rotor correctly. The technician also stated that the pads were sticking in the caliper slides, which prevented full engagement. This is a functional defect in the brake hardware, not environmental corrosion. Corrosion does not selectively prevent half of a brake pad from engaging the rotor unless the caliper mechanism is not operating properly. This defect results in: Reduced rear braking force Increased stopping distance Excessive load on the front brakes Potential loss of stability during emergency braking Possible degradation of the parking brake The vehicle was serviced on 9/23/25 (tire rotation + NYS inspection) and 12/10/24 (four new tires + NYS inspection). No rear brake issues were identified at either visit. If this were normal corrosion, it would have been visible during those inspections. The sudden onset of severe partial engagement by 4/27/26 indicates a latent mechanical defect, not gradual wear. Chrysler/Stellantis has refused to classify this as a defect and instead labels it “corrosion,” despite the technician’s findings of pad binding in the slides and improper brake engagement. The manufacturer’s internal system blocks any warranty or engineering review because it incorrectly categorizes the failure as routine maintenance. This is a premature and unsafe brake system failure at only 33,000 miles. The braking system is not operating as designed, and the defect could lead to reduced braking performance or loss of control. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this issue as a potential safety defect affecting the rear brake system
NHTSA complaint #11739359 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact noticed an unusual hissing sound. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor. In addition, the contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the vehicle rolled forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump and a failed brake booster. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump and the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing within the next couple of days. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under any unknown recall or warranty program. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.
NHTSA complaint #11739038 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had an issue with my brakes for a couple years. I have taken my van to a couple of different mechanics to express my concerns and they have changed brakes but the issues continue. The brakes do not always work effectively. They make a hissing sound. When my foot is on the brake, sometimes my van will still roll forward or backwards - this has happened often when leaving parking lots. I cannot stop quickly when animals or unexpected moments happen while driving on the highway. I have not yet had an accident due to this but this condition is very serious. There was an extended warranty issued due to this issue (brake booster) but it was issued prior to these issues occurring in my vehile and has expired. The issues are still very dangerous. I encourage this warranty coverage to be extended further.
NHTSA complaint #11735816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I have had an issue with my brakes for a couple years. I have taken my van to a couple of different mechanics to express my concerns and they have changed brakes but the issues continue. The brakes do not always work effectively. They make a hissing sound. When my foot is on the brake, sometimes my van will still roll forward or backwards - this has happened often when leaving parking lots. I cannot stop quickly when animals or unexpected moments happen while driving on the highway. I have not yet had an accident due to this but this condition is very serious. There was an extended warranty issued due to this issue (brake booster) but it was issued prior to these issues occurring in my vehile and has expired. The issues are still very dangerous. I encourage this warranty coverage to be extended further.
NHTSA complaint #11735816 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 MPH and slowing to park his vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle kept moving forward. The contact stated he crashed into the front end of a vehicle parked in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that there was damage to his hood and grill. The contact stated that the police arrived and wrote a report. The contact stated that his vehicle was towed to a collision repair shop. The contact stated that no one was injured. The contact was not sure of any warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that several days ago, the vehicle again did not brake or slow as he was making a left-hand turn onto a side street. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle back to his residence and had not driven since. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.
NHTSA complaint #11731206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
At Random, the dashboard will light up with a red brake light, the check engine light, front end collision warning, and the ABS warning light. IT gives me several messages as well. Service electronic stability control, Auto emergency Braking Active Braking off, Auto emergency Braking unavailable Service Required. When this happens the brake pedal is impossible to push and it takes every ounce of power to get the vehicle to stop. This is no warning that this is coming and it happens most often when you are driving. This puts myself and my family at risk as well as everyone that is driving near me when this happens. It has been repaired 6 times by 2 different dealerships, and it still isn't fixed.
NHTSA complaint #11729139 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I started to brake on Peck Road. I turned into my driveway and as I started to come to a complete stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and the brakes did not engage and I went over a landscape wall. I have a video of the event from my ring camera. I went on-line and noticed that other Pacifica owners have had an issue similar to this one.
NHTSA complaint #11727174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections, creating a significant safety hazard for both the driver and surrounding traffic. These symptoms were first reported on February 4, 2026. Shortly afterward the vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealership, which documented a brake vacuum leak in the braking system. Despite that inspection and documentation, the braking condition has continued to worsen and the vehicle no longer feels safe to operate. The braking performance is inconsistent and stopping distance appears to be increasing. In addition to the braking failure, the vehicle experiences powertrain issues including transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, and loss of power during acceleration and when driving uphill. The vehicle also has severe vibration and instability originating from the front driver-side wheel or steering area while driving, which affects vehicle stability and control. These combined mechanical failures involving braking, drivetrain operation, and steering/wheel stability create a serious safety risk during normal operation, particularly while braking in traffic or attempting to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently feels unsafe to operate due to these worsening conditions and unresolved mechanical defects.
NHTSA complaint #11723172 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Brakes have a skip feeling horribly. We took to garage after changing brakes and rotors 2x to be sure it wasnt the issue. But doesnt even feel safe to drive the garage took the whole front end apart down to the calipers and didnt find any issues so they questioned if maybe it wasnt a similar recall to the hybrid braking issue to do with the caliper? The van only has 45,000 miles and feels so unsafe to drive anywhere with 5 kids and a newer vehicle you shouldn't not feel safe driving. Ive seen more than my complaint on brake issues just by looking around on internet and the brake light will come on I have to turn off and crank vehicle again for the red brake dot to go away and engine light comes on.
NHTSA complaint #11716936 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am experiencing a serious brake safety issue involving the brake booster on my Chrysler Pacifica. When braking, the pedal becomes extremely hard, pushes back against my foot, and requires excessive force to stop the vehicle. In some instances, when I am at a complete stop, the brake pedal pushes upward and the vehicle begins to move forward on its own. This issue causes a loss of braking assist and significantly increases stopping distance, creating an unsafe driving condition and risk of collision. The problem occurs intermittently but has worsened over time. Chrysler/Stellantis has acknowledged this brake booster defect by issuing a warranty extension; however, they have not issued a safety recall. I was denied repair coverage solely because my vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the fact that the defect is known and directly affects braking performance and vehicle control. This is not normal wear and tear. It is a failure of the brake assist system that compromises safe operation of the vehicle, whether driving at speed or stopped in traffic. The condition presents a clear safety risk to occupants and others on the road. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this defect warrants a formal safety recall.
NHTSA complaint #11716680 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.