640 of the
10,659 complaints filed about the Chrysler Pacifica
are about the fuel system —
6% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2005.
Chrysler issued this safety recall 52D at the end of June and still no remedy is being reported as available from Chrysler. This is abysmal customer performance and and unacceptable turnaround time for what amounts to a serious safety risk. Chrysler has not and continues not to provide an estimated timelines for resolution. I am renting a vehicle in the meantime given the safety risk (both while driving and while parked), paying for the rental cost out of pocket and taking a risk that Chrysler will reimburse. In short, the manufacturer has failed or is unable to remedy this safety recall for this vehicle in a timely manner.
NHTSA complaint #11758897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle experienced a sudden, catastrophic loss of motive power while driving in active traffic due to a severe hybrid powertrain malfunction. Immediately prior to the failure, the dashboard displayed a critical warning message: "Stop Safely – Vehicle will shut off soon." The vehicle then lost all propulsion, leaving it completely disabled and forcing an emergency maneuver to the shoulder. This dangerous stalling event occurred twice. The safety of my family was put at extreme risk as we were trapped in a dead vehicle in active traffic lanes, creating a severe rear-end collision hazard. The malfunctioning system involves the hybrid propulsion system, specifically the Hybrid Control Module (HCPM) or internal transaxle wiring. This issue began immediately after a dealership performed the mandatory 44D Emissions Recall software flash repair. The vehicle is currently with Dealership for more than a week for diagnosis. The problem has not yet been permanently repaired by the manufacturer, but diagnostic trouble codes should be stored in the vehicle's computer modules.
NHTSA complaint #11755509 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The vehicle has experienced three separate incidents involving a sudden, unexpected loss of motive power at speed accompanied by a warning message ("Please pull off the road safely, vehicle will shut off soon") and a turtle icon ("Red Turtle of Death") on the instrument cluster. Two of these incidents occurred on major highways at speeds exceeding 60 mph. Incident History: February 2026 (Heavy Melting Snow, Boston, MA): Vehicle experienced complete loss of propulsion while driving on a city street. Dealership (McGovern Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram) held the vehicle for nearly a month under Diagnostic Trouble Code P167B ("Controlled System Shutdown"). Replaced occupant restraint module, which did not resolve the issue. Vehicle eventually resumed operating on its own. Recent Incident (Heavy Rain spray, Highway >60 MPH): Sudden loss of motive power on high-speed road. Instrument panel displayed turtle icon and forced an emergency pull-off. After cycling ignition, drive capability returned. OBD-II scanner returned code P0000 (generic placeholder concealing proprietary Chrysler hybrid/BPCM/PIM isolation fault codes). Two Days Later (Dry Conditions, Highway >60 MPH): Third sudden loss of motive power at 60+ mph, forcing an immediate pull-off into traffic shoulder. Check engine light remained on with code P0000. Safety Risk & Technical Context: Unexpected loss of motive power at highway speeds creates a critical safety hazard for vehicle occupants and surrounding traffic. These symptoms closely align with high-voltage isolation faults and internal short-circuiting documented in NHTSA Recall 23V-010 / PE22-008 (eFlite transmission internal connector wiring harness short). The vehicle presents a recurring hazard where moisture or intermittent electrical shorts trigger a high-voltage system shutoff, leaving the driver with limited or no propulsion without warning.
NHTSA complaint #11754273 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Yes, the problem has been reproduced by the technician. When you put the car in reverse, it would start to go in reverse and as soon as you let off the throttle or the gas pedal, it would go forward at 15 to 20 mile an hour as you slammed your other foot on the break that’s without you even touching the gas pedal. I was sitting in a stoplight and all of a sudden the car wanted to go 55 mile an hour. And I had to slam on the brakes to keep from hitting other cars. Right immediately after that when I was trying to find a place to pull off the highway the car by itself decided to slam on the brakes or at least that’s the feeling that it gave because while I was trying to go to the car come to an abrupt stop right in the middle of the highway. Through all these different scenarios the thing that happened happened while I was not touching the gas pedal. This is why I feel like it’s a major safety concern not only for me and my family but other families that are out there driving also for everyone else that has bought this car and has the potential for the same thing to happen to them and they may or may not know what to do in that situation . We had the vehicle towed to Shottenkirk Chrysler dealership, where between Chrysler and the dealership we have not been able to come to a resolution on this vehicle!
NHTSA complaint #11754197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On Saturday July 25th, while driving at 70 mph on the highway, my van lost the ability to accelerate or maintain velocity. There was no warning or indication that this was going to happen. There was a beep and the screen flashed to a screen that said to pull over immediately and safely. Surprised and scared, I had to cut across 3 lanes of traffic while losing velocity cutting off a tractor trailer because my velocity dropped quickly. After restarting, the vehicle ran normally. I drove in the slow lane for a mile an it happened again. I was able to get the vehicle off the highway and drive slowly and safely on backroads to get the van to a Ourisman Chrysler in Clarksville, MD. The check engine light was on when I arrived at the dealer. Immediately upon arrival I was told by a service representative that it will most likely need a new transmission. On Tuesday he told me a tech verified it needs a new transmission. He told me the vehicle was classified as VOR (Vehicle Off Road) meaning it was unsafe or unable to be driven on the road and that parts were ordered and expedited. I did not hear back from the dealership until Friday at which point they surprisingly told me my vehicle was ready to pick up. In an email I was told: "what was found was a stored fault code P0A43-00 Drive motor "A" position sensor circuit intermittent. There is a TSB 21-037-26 for that fault code and vehicle going into limp mode and the repair is a rebuild kit for the transmission. " Despite this they also said in an email: "cleared codes and perform test drive. Code never came back and it states in the procedure you must verify the problem meaning it happened or is happening via active fault code which it is not." They refuse to fix the problem, despite acknowledging it happened. I was told to take the vehicle back and drive it as normal until it happens again, which I refused due to safety concerns. The vehicle currently has a bumper-to-bumper warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11754164 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 minutes later, it happened again. The dealership serviced the vehicle. Found error code P0A78 for driver moteo "A" inverter performance. Used Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin 08-253-24 to diagnose (both modules were out of date) and complete the indicated updates. This is a known issue that has affected many vehicles (per internet forums and that Stellantis has created a TSB. It is an extremely dangerous situation causing the vehicle to enter "limp mode" and requiring the driver to stop in a matter of minutes. Stellantis should recall all potentially affected vehicles to update the modules proactively.
NHTSA complaint #11753704 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced multiple high-voltage component repairs, including software modules for the power inverter. The vehicle is currently experiencing a recurring failure and is displaying active diagnostic trouble code P0A78 (Drive Motor "A" Inverter Performance), indicating a critical fault in the high-voltage hybrid propulsion system. Prior to the current failure, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced propulsion system degradation. This failure mode risks a sudden shutdown of the hybrid drive system at highway speeds, creating a severe risk of rear-end collisions or being stranded in active traffic. The recurring nature of these transmission and inverter failures indicates a systemic safety defect in the hybrid propulsion system. The issue and the active P0A78 code have been pulled, reproduced, and confirmed by an authorized dealership (Diehl Automotive of Robinson), where the vehicle is currently held and available for inspection. The manufacturer has been notified via an open corporate case (#97399722).
NHTSA complaint #11753330 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
On July 19, 2026, I was driving my 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid on E-470 at approximately 75 mph. Without warning, the dashboard displayed "Stop Safely. Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon," and the amber check engine light illuminated. At the same time, the vehicle immediately lost all motor power, began slowing, and did not respond to accelerator input. There were six occupants in the vehicle, including four young children. I was traveling on a busy six-lane highway with little to no shoulder. I had to maneuver across traffic without motor power to reach the side of the road, placing all six occupants at immediate risk. After turning the vehicle off for about five minutes, I restarted it. Only the check engine light remained illuminated, and the vehicle appeared to have normal power. We continued driving at 55–65 mph to reach a safer location. About 10 minutes later, the same warning appeared and the vehicle again lost all motor power. This time we were on a steep, busy exit ramp and had to immediately pull off as the vehicle rapidly lost speed, again placing all six occupants at risk. After waiting about five minutes, we restarted the vehicle, drove it to a safe location, and had it towed to a dealership. The dealership was closed, so the cause of the failure has not yet been determined. This incident created an extremely dangerous situation, and we narrowly avoided a collision on the interstate. A sudden loss of propulsion at highway speeds without warning is a serious safety hazard that warrants investigation and consideration for a recall.
NHTSA complaint #11751440 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the dealer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
NHTSA complaint #11750924 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving at highway speed, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV suddenly entered limp mode, displaying a red turtle warning light and red battery icon, and lost propulsion. My family was forced to pull onto the shoulder of a busy expressway, creating an immediate safety risk to occupants and other drivers. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chrysler dealership where it has remained for nearly four weeks. A wiTECH scan confirmed the Battery Pack Control Module is showing as unprogrammed. A second scan three weeks later confirmed the BPCM remains unprogrammed and three active DTCs are present. The dealership has confirmed these findings but is attempting to release the vehicle in this condition. Records show Recall 03A for loss of motive power was previously performed on this vehicle. The same symptoms have recurred, suggesting the recall remedy may not have been effective. The dealership is denying warranty coverage while refusing to program the BPCM that would confirm or deny that coverage. Stellantis customer care has closed my case twice without resolution. I have formally refused pickup on safety grounds.
NHTSA complaint #11750023 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I am reporting an ongoing, catastrophic safety defect and corporate suppression regarding Chrysler Recall 03A (NHTSA Campaign 23V010) on my 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The official recall remedy has repeatedly failed to prevent total electrical system depletion and unexpected motive power shutdown in the field, leaving my family in extreme danger. On March 3, 2023, at 6,000 miles, the vehicle suffered a complete, un-warned motive power shutdown while I was driving my two young children on a rural highway. The vehicle stalled dead on an incline in the middle of a lane. The brakes failed to engage automatically, so I couldn’t evacuate my children because I had to keep my foot on the brake. Cars had to swerve around our vehicle at 55 MPH, as it was on a blind corner. My children were deeply traumatized; my autistic child was completely inconsolable and now suffers from an ongoing, severe psychological fear surrounding this vehicle stopping unexpectedly. We were only saved from a crash because a passerby stopped to help after about 15 minutes. The dealership subsequently applied the Recall 03A software update and replaced the 12V battery. This recall remedy has utterly failed. The replacement 12V battery died again in May 2025 and died a third time in June 2026, proving a chronic electrical defect exists. The dealership refused to perform parasitic draw testing, refused diagnostics, and simply charged the battery, stating 'it's fine.' Chrysler corporate support subjected me to a cycle of unresponsive case managers. One manager promised a buyback review within 3 days, but instead, a subsequent manager closed my file. Corporate explicitly refused to escalate the vehicle to their STAR technical team and flatly refused to provide copies of my warranty and service records. I explained to both corporate and the dealership that I don’t feel safe driving this car without further diagnostics but corporate refused to authorize, stating they stood by the dealer.
NHTSA complaint #11748250 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Upon attempting to charge the vehicle with factory supplied Level 1 charger, a dashboard message appeared stating "Service Charging System" and the vehicle would not charge. Took the vehicle to a service station and scanned the vehicle. Listed error code is p0d27-00. The code could not be cleared and the vehicle was unable to be charged. Vehicle had to be taken to a Chrysler dealer for the code to be cleared in order to charging capability to be restored. This was considered a "software" issue and not covered under the vehicles warranty - despite it directly affecting the fuel/hybrid propulsion system. This defect and inability to clear the code means the vehicle cannot be charged, reducing its range and fuel economy, and increasing emissions. This is a critical issue and should not incur customer expense to have the code cleared.
NHTSA complaint #11746134 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a recurring hybrid/electrical defect that causes the accelerator to lose all power while driving, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate or respond to throttle input. The vehicle remains “on,” but it cannot move under its own power and must be coasted or pulled over immediately. This has happened in traffic, including with children in the vehicle. The dealer confirmed fault code P1A21‑00 and documented that the high‑voltage system can lose its loop connection, which results in a no‑propulsion condition. They also found the HVIL high‑voltage connector loose and damaged. The vehicle was in the shop for 18 days for this issue. I picked it up on June 18, 2026, and within 24 hours the same loss‑of‑propulsion failure happened again. The vehicle is now back at the dealer. The dealer performed recall 52D and updated the BPCM software, but the failure still occurred immediately after pickup. This defect has been reproduced and confirmed by the dealership multiple times and remains unresolved. This is a serious safety hazard because the vehicle loses propulsion without warning and cannot accelerate in traffic.
NHTSA complaint #11745325 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid entered limp mode and was taken to Central Florida Chrysler Dodge on XXX. The service advisor, [XXX], identified three recalls, which needed to be completed, after claiming they had completed them, the issue persisted. I authorized a coolant flush without being informed it involved the battery cooling system. Further diagnostics revealed a failed hybrid battery. However, Chrysler denied the battery replacement claim, citing contamination from “incorrect” coolant. I dispute this reasoning, as I was not properly informed about the coolant issue and believe there is no proof that it caused the battery failure. Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, a warranty or recall claim cannot be denied without clear evidence linking the fluid to the failure. I have opened a case with Chrysler (Case #XXX) and am requesting that the battery replacement be honored under the recall, especially since recall guidelines indicate that unresolved issues after software updates may require component replacement. After a days of back and forth, not the dealership claims the PIM is not the original part of the vehicle and for that reason it would be covered under warranty. However the law is clear and Chrysler is obligated to replace it since this part is also part of the recall they claimed was completed. Now the dealer wants US$ 5K to replace the PIM. I need NHTSA to intervene please. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11744433 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to the dealer to complete a recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number 24V536000 (Hybrid Propulsion System). The contact was advised that the parts were not available and on back order with no estimated time of arrival. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 128,000.
NHTSA complaint #11741827 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While driving the vehicle, the accelerator will become inactive and result in the vehicle slowing to a stop. I will shut off the ignition and let vehicle rest for 10-20 mins before restarting. This does not resolve the issue and I end up towing the vehicle into the manufacturer’s service department. This often results in 100s of dollars in “diagnostic” fees. The service dept claims it’s bad battery, changes and issue arises again. Next they say it needed a software update, and a few days later it fails again. Next they said it was PCM module and replaced it, and finally they replaced the transmission. The 4th visit, change of transmission, lasted a little over a year and then the issue arose once again! After paying $259 in diagnostic fees, they said I used a bad “charger”
NHTSA complaint #11741712 — 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.
While driving on the highway, the dashboard alerted that the engine would lose power, then the engine cut off and I had to coast the van to the shoulder of the highway. I was able to avoid hitting other cars, but there was no power steering or engine during this time. The vehicle has since been towed to our driveway, but it does not run. There was no warning lamp or messaging more than a few seconds before the engine quit.
NHTSA complaint #11740045 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The manufacturer's mandatory 73B Safety Recall update (Vehicle Fires) creates a critical software-induced communication failure on the central vehicle network. Following the 73B flash, the vehicle developed an Active SGW U0001-00 CAN C Bus network fault, which permanently blocks data transmission and triggers an HCP U0412 hybrid battery fault. This network crash disables the hybrid propulsion systems, creating an unpredictable and hazardous driving condition. The manufacturer (Stellantis) and its authorized dealer (Seattle Jeep) are refusing to remedy this safety recall side effect under the vehicle's Hybrid Powertrain Warranty, instead forcing consumers to pay out-of-pocket diagnostic fees ($284.67) and multi-module software update fees ($812.50) to correct a defect injected by the recall software itself. This directly compromises vehicle safety and violates federal recall remedy mandates.
NHTSA complaint #11739052 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Auto stall at stop is not working safely on my vehicle there are two issues that can cause safety problems .A) when system restarts engine the vehicle has jumped forward several feet quickly causing very nearly hitting the car in front of me as a traffic light turned green . B) when I slow not quite to a stop making a left turn I have experience very low or no power and could be hit if a car is coming towards me . Both these issues do stop if I remember to turn off the auto stall system but I do not always remember ! I did make a compliant at a Chrysler Dealer they found no issues and did not reproduce the problem no warning lights come up when the problem happens . I have not had damage to the vehicle but have had two close calls one nearly rearending a vehicle at a intersection as my Pacicifca lurched forward and the other as an oncoming car needed to brake when I made a left turn in an intersection and had a loss of power .
NHTSA complaint #11738454 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.