2020 Chrysler Pacifica Problems & Owner Complaints

Electrical System 60 2 fire

“Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery that registered 350 degrees using a thermal imaging camera. No flames were present. National Fire Reporting Incident Number: 25-2040031”
NHTSA complaint #11676890, 2025 · fire

“Our Chrysler Pacifica caught fire in the passenger cabin, appearing to start near the 2nd row drivers side passenger seat. The fire department said it was an electrical fire.”
NHTSA complaint #11628722, 2024 · fire

“Intermittent power steering loss, when I turn van off and back on and go in reverse it stops sometimes.”
NHTSA complaint #11748384, 2026

Engine 51

“Head gasket is cracked causing cylinder 5 to misfire and burned up coolant in the engine causing the engine to overheat while driving and put safety of driver and passengers in danger while vehicle was traveling at high speeds.”
NHTSA complaint #11744283, 2026

“I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with the handling of repairs on my Chrysler Pacifica and the significant financial and personal impact this situation has caused my family. The issue began when the engine suddenly stopped, leaving us stranded. The vehicle was first taken to an insurance-recommended shop that could not diagnose the issue, then transferred to Wischsnewsky Dodge in Baytown, TX. There, we were told the problem was the starter and fuse box. Based on their professional assessment, we approved costly repairs, which required financing. However, just one day after pi…”
NHTSA complaint #11736724, 2026

“I have a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. There was a recall last year and I brought it in to the dealership. At that time, I wasn't even sure what the recall was for. This year, about a month ago, I was driving (I take XXX to work everyday) and the display had a notice that said "Stop safely, the engine will turn off". I pulled over and turned the car off and turned it back on. The check engine light came back on but it drove fine. The check engine light eventually went off but the same thing happened again a few days later. I brought it into my mechanic who couldn't read the diagnostics. I brought it…”
NHTSA complaint #11735452, 2026

Power Train 38

“On October 7, 2024, my vehicle was serviced at Coastal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a front-end rubbing/scrubbing noise that increased with speed. The dealer diagnosed both front hub assemblies as failed and replaced both front hub assemblies. I was charged a total of $2184.41 for the repairs, including parts and labor. In less than two years, I again experienced significant front-end noise and safety concerns. On May 19, 2026, because I urgently needed the vehicle and was unable to obtain a timely appointment with the dealership, I took the vehicle to a well-regarded independent repair facili…”
NHTSA complaint #11739575, 2026

“The start/stop system fails while car is running. Power not delivered appropriately resulting in check engine light coming on and entire car shaking. Only 62k miles. Started at 58k.”
NHTSA complaint #11724371, 2026

“The hybrid propulsion system on my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid has repeatedly failed, resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle enters full limp mode, displays a red turtle warning light, and the motor cuts out entirely, creating a serious collision risk. The failure occurs without warning and has happened on multiple occasions. The root cause has been traced through escalating component failures: first the Power Inverter Module (PIM) was found to have an internal failure disabling regenerative braking and causing the motor to cut out…”
NHTSA complaint #11721939, 2025

Steering 31 1 crash 1 injury

“Possible control arm failure, been reading online that this has been a known issue with these and nothing has been done about it. My wife was driving with our 3 small children when the vehicle went left on its own with no steering causing her to lose control jumping the west bound lanes of traffic. Luckily no traffic was coming or this would have ended badly. My wife has minor injury’s and my children were unharmed”
NHTSA complaint #11564274, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and attempting to veer over to the left or right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11752426, 2026

“Driving down a road, Power Steering warning light came on, and the power steering went completely out. My wife was driving, and is not strong enough to steer manually. She was able to partially get off the road to stop. Needed other drivers to help get it off the road. We had it towed to a repair shop, and they said the electronic components replaced and only the dealerships do it. Made an appointment and will have to pay to have it towed to the dealership”
NHTSA complaint #11743035, 2026

Unknown Or Other 18

“Intermittent power steering loss, when I turn van off and back on and go in reverse it stops sometimes.”
NHTSA complaint #11748384, 2026

“I have a power problem and could not get my wheelchair ramp down. The manual said to push it manually. this would not work, and my wife and I were trapped in this vehicle where we could possibly burn to death. This is a Braun Ability modified vehicle.2 men tried to get it down and couldn't. We called the factory, and they said to pull a fuse at the battery. How can we do this if we are in wheelchairs and beside, we can't get the ramp down to get out.”
NHTSA complaint #11692034, 2025

“1) A/C in the dash has loud non-stop clicking noise. Was replaced and has started up again. 2) Auto start/stop sensor in the cam went out. 3) Power steering rack went out when driving. Bought the car used from a Ford/Chrysler dealership with 65,000 miles. We have had the car for 3 months and they have had it in the shop for about 2 months”
NHTSA complaint #11682561, 2025

Fuel/Propulsion System 8 1 fire

“The hybrid battery overheated and started burning the interior of the vehicle while it sat turned off charging in the garage. Smoke filled the house which had to be evacuated. Emergency services were called and the fire department brought the incident under control. An incident report was completed by the fire department and the vehicle is currently in the possession of insurance who is doing their own evaluation. There were no warning indicators or other problems prior to this happening.”
NHTSA complaint #11677911, 2025 · fire

“When driving on highway, electrical system started beeping and showing various signals, could no longer keep speed or accelerate. Had to put on warning lights and coast to side of road with four small kids in car. Was able to pull off to side and slowly get to safe location by resting vehicle in between events. When fully charged, didn’t seem to have issue so was able to drive to dealer. Thought was related to engine switching from electric to gas power. Dealer checked and performed two software updates. On way home from dealer, same problem occurred on highway. Super dangerous to loose all ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11731725, 2026

“The hybrid propulsion system on my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid has repeatedly failed, resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle enters full limp mode, displays a red turtle warning light, and the motor cuts out entirely, creating a serious collision risk. The failure occurs without warning and has happened on multiple occasions. The root cause has been traced through escalating component failures: first the Power Inverter Module (PIM) was found to have an internal failure disabling regenerative braking and causing the motor to cut out…”
NHTSA complaint #11721939, 2025

Forward Collision Avoidance 5 1 crash 1 injury

“Exiting I-75, vehicle initially slowed but then accelerated while braking. Result was a collision with vehicle on exit ramp. Vehicle is still at collision shop. There was no forward collision warning. Air bags did not deploy despite impact that resulted in radiator being punctured by hitch of pick-up truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11503498, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“It’s the same issue that the hybrid pacificas were recalled for. It pops up the random stop safely on the dash & then you’re halting to a dead stop & the vehicle shuts off. This has happened several times.”
NHTSA complaint #11577364, 2024

“Driving the car and the engine shut off on me. Brakes didn’t work. Steering didn’t work. Just coasted on a busy highway to safety. I’m lucky I’m not dead. No warning it would happen.”
NHTSA complaint #11508158, 2023

Seats 5 1 crash 1 injury

“Third row randomly closes on my kids who are buckled in them. I've reported this to the dealer shortly after getting my van in 2021. Brought it back to them twice where they found "no problem", then I made an additional report here last year after it closed on them an excessive amount of times and I felt helpless. I was forced to move the child who was sitting in the back to front seat after it closed on them multiple times in one ride. A head on collision occurred a few miles down the road with my child in front seat. He was injured more than he should have ever been, due to needing to be mov…”
NHTSA complaint #11733112, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“Cable system inside 2nd row seat broke so that it can no longer anchor in place. The back of the seat folds back/forth and unable to secure in place, the seat slides forward/backward freely on the track. Seems to be a known issue (multiple forums online).”
NHTSA complaint #11674886, 2025

“Both middle seats have failed. The cable that allows the seat to slide tilt forward has a Very strong spring and a very weak plastic housing. The replacement cable is unavailable because they’ve had so many issues with this happening. There are Years of complaints on Reddit regarding this problem. The seat won’t lock upright or lock in place. I built a workaround to make the seat usable again”
NHTSA complaint #11652462, 2025

Service Brakes 5 1 crash 1 injury

“Exiting I-75, vehicle initially slowed but then accelerated while braking. Result was a collision with vehicle on exit ramp. Vehicle is still at collision shop. There was no forward collision warning. Air bags did not deploy despite impact that resulted in radiator being punctured by hitch of pick-up truck.”
NHTSA complaint #11503498, 2023 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

“My problem started about a year ago with the auto start/stop light coming on- said it needed serviced. They replaced my auxiliary battery. Mind you, my van was only about 2.5 years old at this point (bought it brand new). So then about a month ago, same warnings. Stop/start isn’t working. I get it inspected at the dealership, they say everything is fine. Well yesterday, my van stopped emergently in the middle of an intersection. The brake engaged, couldn’t use any pedals, steering or switch gears. I had to shut my vehicle off and restart. In the middle of a busy intersection at 4pm. The auto…”
NHTSA complaint #11607355, 2024

“Our car was fixed for a recall 5 months ago for engine failure on the highway because of an electrical issue. On Saturday morning driving on the highway, the car's dashboard gave a warning when we driving on the highway, 70 mph, and then immediately started breaking. This caused us to be slowing in the middle lane to 45 mph and cars swerving around us. We were very lucky to be able to maneuver around traffic and safely make it to the shoulder to catch our breath. This could of been a really bad accident involving 3-8 cars. We had the car towed to a dealership and after a diagnosis, the car…”
NHTSA complaint #11557658, 2023

Vehicle Speed Control 5

“When driving on highway, electrical system started beeping and showing various signals, could no longer keep speed or accelerate. Had to put on warning lights and coast to side of road with four small kids in car. Was able to pull off to side and slowly get to safe location by resting vehicle in between events. When fully charged, didn’t seem to have issue so was able to drive to dealer. Thought was related to engine switching from electric to gas power. Dealer checked and performed two software updates. On way home from dealer, same problem occurred on highway. Super dangerous to loose all ac…”
NHTSA complaint #11731725, 2026

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds with the Auto Start/Stop, and electronic throttle control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and no error codes were retrieved. The dealer replaced the battery; however, the failure recurred with the brake warning light illuminated. Additionally, while the vehicle was being taken back to the dealer, the vehicle unexpectedly rolled backward while the transmission was shifted in…”
NHTSA complaint #11496464, 2022

“While stopped at a red light, the vehicle automatically put itself into park, activated the parking break, and turned off. Had to power the vehicle back on while still at the red light, turn off the parking break and put it back into drive.”
NHTSA complaint #11481934, 2022

Air Bags 4 4 crash 7 injury

“Driver side air bags did NOT deploy resulting in injury”
NHTSA complaint #11738242, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“Driver side airbags failed to deploy during total loss head on collision.”
NHTSA complaint #11733109, 2026 · crash · 3 injury(ies)

“MY WIFE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE SECOND ROW. A CAR APPROACHED THE LIGHT AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF HER CAR II DON'T THINK THEY WERE SLOWING DOWN). SHE THEN HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, SHE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING FRACTURES, A CONCUSSION AND A MINOR BRAIN BLEED.*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB *TR*TR”
NHTSA complaint #11367081, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Suspension 4

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the shock absorbers, radiator, and brake discs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, the vehicle seized to function as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The local dealer was contacted; however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11653534, 2024

“FIRST COMPONENT FAILURES - Passenger sliding door: a) WHILE DRIVING, the passenger sliding door mechanism engages and attempts to open the door - the driver then sees a notification "to operate the sliding door, put the vehicle in park"; b) when parked, if the door is open and we want to close it, we can engage the closing mechanism with button or fob, but then it will not stop and re-open even if there is an obstruction; it has closed on my wife's arm and almost hurt one of the kids. One can even try to stop the door from closing with their full body weight, or the use of the door handle, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11418155, 2021

“VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT TO DEALERSHIP 3/9/21 FOR NOCKING ON L/F. DEALER DIAGNOSED STRUT AS PROBLEM. PART IS ON B/O. CHRYSLER MFG. HAS BEEN CONTACTED FOR ASSISTANCE TO SECURE PART AND ATTACHING PARTS TO REMEDY THE SITUATION. CURRENTLY THEY HAVE NOT DONE ANYTHING BUT PROMISE DATES THAT PARTS WILL BE AVAILABLE.(THEY ARE STILL MISSING TWO PARTS). THEY HAVE NOT ANSWERED MY REQUEST TO PROVIDE SOLUTION OR A RENTAL SO I CAN DRIVE A SAFE VEHICLE. ALL OF THIS IS STRANGE SINCE CHRYSLER IS ACTIVELY BUILDING THE CAR. ONE WOULD THINK THEY HAVE THE PARTS ON THE ASSEMBLY LINE! ............THANK YOU CARL / GALAXY…”
NHTSA complaint #11413385, 2021

Visibility/Wiper 4

“Back up camera works intermittently and freezes or shows incorrect image. Wife almost backed into another car/family because the camera froze showing a clear driveway when there actually was a car there. We have an appoint with the dealership next week to investigate. Has not been inspected by police or insurance. No warning lights or messages came.”
NHTSA complaint #11736162, 2026

“The windshield fogging up is insanely unsafe. Had to pull over multiple times in rain no matter what the setting are. Recirc, hi low hot cold. Nothing makes it better. I’ve read several complaints online with the same issue”
NHTSA complaint #11702145, 2025

“The windshield fogs up when it is raining. I will drive for about 30 minutes before it fogs up. Usually the cabin air is blowing through the vents and when the windshield begins to fog I turn on the defroster. It will only work if the heat is turned way up, and the blower is set at the highest setting. When I stop at a traffic light the defroster sounds like it is still blowing but the windows fog up until I cannot see out. I have used my hand to clear a spot in front of my face and I have had to pull over to the side of the road and wait for the windshield to clear. yesterday all of the…”
NHTSA complaint #11601265, 2024

Engine And Engine Cooling 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the shock absorbers, radiator, and brake discs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, the vehicle seized to function as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The local dealer was contacted; however,…”
NHTSA complaint #11653534, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated, and the vehicle experienced a rough start-up. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed the vehicle and determined that coolant had intruded into cylinder #3 and recommended that the engine be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was 88,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11614043, 2024

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the wiring harness that controlled the flaps for the coolant and the radiator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that the failure was a known issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11596509, 2024

Hybrid Propulsion System 3

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The vehicle stalled with the check engine light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was an electrical failure in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number…”
NHTSA complaint #11728627, 2025

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled upon the depression of the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer where the relay sense circuit was replaced. The contact stated that one year after the repair, the failure returned with the check engine warning light illuminated. While driving to the dealer, the vehicle stalled; however, the vehicle failed to restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the electrical wiring harness was replaced. The manufact…”
NHTSA complaint #11611810, 2022

Structure 3

“I own a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 60,000 miles. In October 2024, corrosion began appearing on the sliding doors. Despite proper care (garage kept, washed and waxed monthly), the bubbling and corrosion worsened significantly over 11 months. Photos are timestamped and show clear progression. Two independent body shops confirmed this is premature aluminum corrosion and suggested I request goodwill coverage. On September 8, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Preston Jeep of Newark, DE, only 19 days after my factory warranty expired. Chrysler offered 58% coverage, but thi…”
NHTSA complaint #11689947, 2024

“Rear passenger sliding door power lock failed. The door does not lock, leaving the door accessible even with the vehicle alarm armed.”
NHTSA complaint #11597847, 2024

“FIRST COMPONENT FAILURES - Passenger sliding door: a) WHILE DRIVING, the passenger sliding door mechanism engages and attempts to open the door - the driver then sees a notification "to operate the sliding door, put the vehicle in park"; b) when parked, if the door is open and we want to close it, we can engage the closing mechanism with button or fob, but then it will not stop and re-open even if there is an obstruction; it has closed on my wife's arm and almost hurt one of the kids. One can even try to stop the door from closing with their full body weight, or the use of the door handle, an…”
NHTSA complaint #11418155, 2021

Wheels 3

“On October 7, 2024, my vehicle was serviced at Coastal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a front-end rubbing/scrubbing noise that increased with speed. The dealer diagnosed both front hub assemblies as failed and replaced both front hub assemblies. I was charged a total of $2184.41 for the repairs, including parts and labor. In less than two years, I again experienced significant front-end noise and safety concerns. On May 19, 2026, because I urgently needed the vehicle and was unable to obtain a timely appointment with the dealership, I took the vehicle to a well-regarded independent repair facili…”
NHTSA complaint #11739575, 2026

“The vehicle is unsafe to operate and presents an immediate highway safety risk. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures. Headlights were inoperable from the time of delivery, requiring use of high beams at night to see the roadway. This created visibility and traffic safety issues from day one. Within the first month of ownership, the vehicle required towing. The vehicle is a hybrid and could not be shifted into neutral, yet it was dragged with the wheels locked during towing rather than transported on a flatbed. This caused damage to multiple systems…”
NHTSA complaint #11706885, 2025

“Ice buildup in the fender well to the tire which effects turning and steering. It happened all last winter and twice this year.”
NHTSA complaint #11449602, 2022

Back Over Prevention 2

“Backup camera goes in and out and then blue.”
NHTSA complaint #11753734, 2026

“Back up camera works intermittently and freezes or shows incorrect image. Wife almost backed into another car/family because the camera froze showing a clear driveway when there actually was a car there. We have an appoint with the dealership next week to investigate. Has not been inspected by police or insurance. No warning lights or messages came.”
NHTSA complaint #11736162, 2026

Exterior Lighting 1

“The vehicle is unsafe to operate and presents an immediate highway safety risk. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures. Headlights were inoperable from the time of delivery, requiring use of high beams at night to see the roadway. This created visibility and traffic safety issues from day one. Within the first month of ownership, the vehicle required towing. The vehicle is a hybrid and could not be shifted into neutral, yet it was dragged with the wheels locked during towing rather than transported on a flatbed. This caused damage to multiple systems…”
NHTSA complaint #11706885, 2025

Latches/Locks/Linkages 1

Seat Belts 1 1 crash 1 injury

“MY WIFE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE SECOND ROW. A CAR APPROACHED THE LIGHT AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF HER CAR II DON'T THINK THEY WERE SLOWING DOWN). SHE THEN HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, SHE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING FRACTURES, A CONCUSSION AND A MINOR BRAIN BLEED.*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB *TR*TR”
NHTSA complaint #11367081, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)

Tires 1

“My tire size is 245/50 R 20. At 39,106 miles I had a bulge in the side of my front passenger tire. I had the tire replaced at the dealership. The cost was covered by my extended warranty with road hazard. A month later at 40,468, I had a bulge in the rear passenger tire. I went immediately to the dealership. They did not have the Falken tires in stock or available from their suppliers. My remaining 2 tires were showing some normal wear for 40,000 miles. I made the decision to go with a different brand which would be available sooner. My warranty covered the cost of my second bulging tire. I of…”
NHTSA complaint #11467968, 2022

Visibility 1

“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to reverse, the rear-view camera image display screen was not working as intended, increasing the risk of crashing into an object behind the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or local dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11596467, 2023