Electrical System Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

The power steering will intermittently go out when traveling down the roadway and when making right and left hand turns. Once the power steering goes out there is an alert triggered and the alerts the driver the power steering assist is malfunctioning and the steering wheel is very difficult to control or turn and jerks the steering wheel. Also, the power steering will re-engage and return to normal function without warning and then go back out again.

See all problems of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

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 acceleration or same speed on highway! I got a video of second event as I was a passenger and my husband was driving. But as can see in video the car has a charge so the incident is not related to the switch from electric to gas power. Now we are very concerned whether Chrysler has the means to fix this at all and or whether the dealership will be actually able to identify the issue given the car was literally being driven home from the dealer. Attaching photos but have a full video. First time happened on April 4, 2026. Second on April 16, 2026.

See all problems of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

I was traveling on the freeway at approximately 65 miles per hour. I slowed to approximately 50 miles per hour to pass a disabled vehicle and began accelerating again when the dash displayed a message that said "stop safely- vehicle will shut off soon" the check engine light, a red turtle light also lit up. I had to make a quick maneuver to the far right lane putting myself and other vehicles at risk to avoid the car shutting down in the middle of the freeway. I wanted to get closer to an exit so I continued driving slowly on the shoulder. The wouldn’t accelerate, so whatever speed I let it get down to was the fastest it would go. At the exit I was concerned I wouldn’t have enough power to make it up the hill so I shut off the car. I let it sit for a couple of minutes and then turned it back on. It turned on with the check engine light still on . I then drove it straight to the dealership using surface streets and keeping my speed around 40-45 miles per hour. This was the second time this vehicle has experience this kind of loss of power. The first time happened in July 2024 and resulted in a full transmission replacement. This incident constitutes a dangerous loss of motive power at highway speeds. The failure mode appears identical to the issues described in NHTSA safety recall 23v-010 (Chrysler recall 03a), yet this vehicle has already had a full transmission replacement for this exact issue in the past.

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The auto start/stop malfunctioned and then the engine sounded like it was going to die. It is available to look at. I thought it was going to stop in the middle of the road. Unknown unknown the auto start stop light came on and said it was unavailable. They just first appeared today. And the engine light is on.

While driving on the highway, the vehicle unexpectedly entered “limp mode”. Approximately 10 seconds before the vehicle reduced power, a warning message appeared indicating the vehicle was about to shut down. This created a dangerous situation because we were traveling in the middle lane of a highway with vehicles moving at significantly higher speeds on both sides. We were able to carefully move to the side of the road and eventually exit the highway; however, the vehicle was limited to approximately 15–20 mph and could not safely travel at normal speeds due to limp mode. There is an existing recall related to this issue. The vehicle had already received the software update that provides advance warning before shutdown. While the warning is helpful, it does not address the underlying safety issue, which appears to be related to a hardware problem involving faulty transmission wiring rather than software alone.

2018 Chrysler Pacifica phev subject to safety recall 73b (NHTSA 24v-536) for hv battery fire risk. Following the recall repair at fremont cdjr (newark, CA) in January-February 2025, this vehicle has experienced systematic cascading hybrid drivetrain failures across 5 repair visits totaling 57 days out of service: (1) can bus star connector failure — 10 modules with fault codes u0103/u0001; (2) hybrid control processor failure — required 14 flash attempts to program; (3) $1,786. 67 repair failed within 23 miles — cel and brake warning light appeared simultaneously; (4) complete transmission removal required to replace auxiliary transmission fluid pump (dtc p2797-00); (5) power inverter module replacement still pending. Vehicle also disabled itself completely while driving prior to March 2026, requiring 30 minutes rest before it could be driven. All failed components are part of the integrated hybrid drivetrain disturbed during the recall repair. Request investigation into whether recall 73b repairs are being performed correctly at authorized fca dealers and whether other owners are experiencing similar post-recall failures.

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The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. Additionally, several other unknown warning lights were intermittently illuminated. The contact stated that the hybrid system was inoperable and failed to function properly, and the charging system failed to fully charge the vehicle. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 25v302000 (air bags). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with several electrical failures. The side curtain air bags failed to operate as needed, and the contact was informed that the side curtain air bags needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 51,416.

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I experienced a check engine light and intermittent starting issues with my vehicle (Chrysler Pacifica hybrid 2017). [xxx] at times, the vehicle would not start, but after some time it could start again. After researching the issue online, I found that there are active safety recalls for this vehicle related to the hybrid system (including battery and inverter/pim). I immediately contacted the dealer: [xxx] an appointment was scheduled for April 1, 2026 at 4:00 pm. I dropped off the vehicle at approximately 3:50 pm and handed over the keys. Prior to visiting the dealer, I purchased a diagnostic subscription tool to better understand the issue, as many owners report dealers misdiagnosing these problems. The diagnostic results indicated issues related to the pim (power inverter module), including required updates and possible internal diode failure. This matches the symptoms I experienced, where the vehicle would intermittently fail to start. I have attached photos showing error messages related to pim update and hybrid system faults. On the next day, the dealer informed me that they would only perform a diagnostic for $180 instead of processing the issue under recall. I believe this is incorrect, as the symptoms match known recall conditions (loss of power / hybrid system failure), and recall-related diagnostics should not be charged to the customer. The dealer is refusing to proceed under recall and is attempting to charge for diagnosis. This is a safety issue and should be handled under recall. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While traveling 350 miles from my home with my family of five, the vehicle experienced a sudden 'loss of motive power' event. The dashboard displayed the message: 'stop safely - vehicle will shut off soon. ' I lost the ability to accelerate and had to navigate to the shoulder in high-speed traffic. The vehicle is currently inoperable and the 12v battery has since died because the power inverter module (pim) has stopped maintaining system voltage. This vehicle had recall 03a (NHTSA 23v-010) performed on July 7, 2023, and the more recent recall y40 update performed on March 11, 2026. Despite having the 'latest software remedy' installed less than 30 days ago, the vehicle suffered the exact safety failure the recalls were meant to address. This proves that the software-only remedy is insufficient to prevent the hardware failure (internal transmission wiring short). A formal vehicle scan report performed at lake norman Chrysler (dealer 60945) on 3/30/26 explicitly shows 'distance travelled with light 146 miles' (page 14), documenting a sustained failure of the motive power system. Furthermore, the dealer’s own certified technician (j. Olmstead) provided a written action plan (page 9) recommending a full transmission and power inverter module (pim) replacement. Despite the documented 146-mile failure history and the technician's recommendation for hardware replacement under the xe1 warranty extension, the dealership service management is refusing to perform the repair, claiming they cannot 'replicate' the code as an active fault. I am currently stranded out-of-state with an unsafe vehicle that Chrysler is refusing to repair under the established safety warranty.

For several months I have been having problems off and on with my vehicle not shifting into drive, neutral, or reverse. It runs fine but becomes undrivable. Until this last time, I was always able to keep trying, let it sit overnight, etc. . . And it would eventually shift into gear. Currently it does not, I had to have it towed to a shop to be repaired. This is a problem, the vehicle has left me stranded on several occasions. My daughter was recently home from collage and I could not let her use my car for fear she would get stranded somewhere. It was towed to a local shop, who was able to confirm that the transmission has an internal short. This is a very common occurrence with this vehicle. The transmission can not be repaired and it needs a new one. Each time the transmission would fail a dash light would come on with a p in a circle with an explanation mark next to it and an engine light. This happened several times, in the past I was able to clear the light and drive the car, but this time it would not clear. The transmission is shoot and needs to be replaced. I purchased the car new in February of 2017, and have always properly maintained the vehicle. It has approximately 79,800 miles on it. I have researched this issue and it is very common, this is a known problem with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. I have attached a warranty bulletin that seems like it should cover my vehicle, but I called the Chrysler customer hotline and they are telling me my vehicle is not covered. I have taken care of this vehicle, I drive it very gentle, there is no way this transmission should have gone bad. I am going to get this repaired at the shop, they have ordered me a new transmission. The Chrysler case id # is [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While I was driving the car started beeping and all dashboard lights started flickering. Transmission started stuttering and engine rpm fluctuating wildly. Fortunately I was in my neighborhood and was only going about 15 mph and was able to pull to a stop. The issue is with a faulty star bus connection near the glove box. After watching a you tube on the same issue, I learned to hit the area near the glove box to reset the star bus connection. This has happened before but usually on startup. Dealer not able to repair after $1600 charge. This is the first time it happened while in motion. Again. Seems to be a common enough issue that there are several you tube videos with thousands of views.

Have lost power steering intermittently while driving.

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

See all problems of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

As I was entering [xxx] between [xxx] and [xxx] the check engine light came on and a warning about finding a service charging station. The accelerator then stopped working, the car stalled out and I was unable to drive the vehicle. Thankfully, I was able to navigate the car to the breakdown lane as it decelerated. I then had to get a tow to the dealership. The engine light came on several times over the last few months prior to this incident but the dealership at shoreline Chrysler Jeep Dodge were not able to fit in the car to diagnose the issue. Their negligence led to this dangerous situation. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.

Had two different electric coolant heaters fail in just over 2 years. One at 36,000 miles and one at 72,000 miles. Each time it has failed it results in a loss of cabin heat which prevents me from being able to use the defrost capability and heat my minivan that I bought to drive my 4 young children around.

See all problems of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

This is an intermittent issue that has been happening for a while now and the car was sent to the dealership twice but the issue still persists. The engine would shuts down or partially loses torque all of a sudden and the steering becomes very stiff. At the same time you would see all kinds of alarms, error messages, and check lights on the dashboard. I would then have to pull over to the side of the road, turn off the car, then try to start it back up. Usually after several attempts (one time that took nearly 30 minutes), the car works properly again with no error messages but sometimes I'd still have some persistent check lights on the dashboard. Error messages and check lights that I see include the following: -service electronic stability control -autopark engaged -shifter autocorrect active -park brake temporarily unavailable -awd system temporarily unavailable -automatic emergency braking off check light -forward collision warning off check light -check engine light the dealership has been unable to properly diagnose and fix this issue so far. On the first visit, they replaced the main battery, auxiliary battery, some wire harnesses that I was told had some corrosion, and the adaptive cruise control module. On the second visit, they replaced the can bus star connector. The same issue still persists after replacing all above components.

The car randomly gives a warning on the dashboard in red, with red turtle symbol, to pull over and stop safely. A lot of the time we will be on the highway and can't pull over safely. It happens at any speed. 25, 80, 65, etc. It's been happening since we got the vehicle in 2023 and no dealership understands what the issue is even though there are clearly recall repairs for other same make and model of other years surrounding this 2022 model. They keep saying its keysense but its not locked for speed and that doesnt make sense because it doesnt happen at a high speed only, it happens randomly even in town going slow. They've done the "software update" a fee times, but it's clearly the same problem as the others with the wiring harness. That part needs to be replaced because the patch software fix isn't a solution and its definitely not a safe solution at that.

Description of incident: on February 15, 2026, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid experienced three distinct and severe safety system failures involving the electrical system, power seats, and the power sliding door. Power sliding door sensor failure: while my minor son was entering the vehicle, the power sliding door closed on his leg. The pinch sensor failed to detect the obstruction and did not reverse. This resulted in physical bruising and marks on the limb (photographic evidence maintained). Unintended passenger seat motion: while the vehicle was stationary, the front passenger power seat moved forward to its maximum limit without user input. I was seated in the chair at the time and was pinned against the dashboard before I could intervene. Electrical shock: my minor daughter received a perceptible electric shock upon touching the exterior door-handle button to open the sliding door. Components involved: electrical system seats (power) sliding door (power) injuries: yes (soft tissue bruising/marks to minor’s leg). Risk to safety: had the driver's seat moved forward without input while the vehicle was in motion, this absolutely could result in loss of control of the vehicle and an accident. Had the sliding side door continued to close on my son's leg, it could have caused severe injury. Had the electrical shock been worse, it could have resulted in burn or injury. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The issues have not repeated at this point, although the vehicle was not used the last 12 days. I do not have confidence in its electrical components. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other indications of any problem with the vehicle.

The contact owned a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(r) and reversing into a parking spot, it was difficult to accelerate over a patch of ice. The contact depressed the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle accelerated quickly and failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal and the vehicle drove through a fence and crashed into a brick building and stopped. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the u-connect phone feature disconnected independently. The failure had never occurred before. The contact stated that the u-connect failure might have been linked to the unintended acceleration failure. No injuries were sustained. A police report was not filed. The fence and a side of the brick building were damaged during the crash. The vehicle was initially towed to the residence before being towed to a collision center, where the vehicle was deemed a total loss by the insurance provider. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 159,000.

Vehicle went into limp mode twice. 1st time on 10/28/24, technician found fault for hybrid battery pack, Chrysler technical service bulletin said to clear fault then drive, if fault did not come back release the vehicle work order stated, bring vehicle back if it happens again and replace hybrid battery. 2nd time, 2/06/2026 vehicle went into limp mode again while driving. My safety and the safety of others was put at risk as I was driving on a highway at 65 mph and suddenly without warning and no braking involved went down to 20 mph. A very unsafe maneuver as the following vehicles had no indication I was braking or slowing down. The dealer has confirmed the limp mode incident but so far has been unable reproduce it. The vehicle and components have only been inspected by the dealer. The warning lamps and messages only came on as the event unfolded. A sudden and uncontrollable loss of power. The dealer states that they believe the hybrid battery pack is failing, but Chrysler, stellantis will not replace the hybrid battery pack unless the dealer can reproduce the incident. Extremely dangerous thing to try and recreate.

As prior reported I am the owner of a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica that has a known safety defect in the rear sliding doors that is impossible to disable. This issue also cases parasitic draw strain on the battery that can completely disable the vehicle. The affected system can not be isolated and triggers even without the vehicle in use even effecting the way that the engine runs when in use due to voltage issues that the door issue causes with the battery system in the vehicle. This is not an isolated issue enterprise rent a car in rome, new york also stated to me that they had the same issue with a Pacifica that they use for rentals when I mentioned why mine was in the show this was on 2/2/2026 at 4:00pm. Something should be done to fix this issue or at the very least they should have a way to completely turn off the effected system. Nye Dodge in oneida, new york is doing the repair on my vehicle and can be reached at 315-277-8955 for more information about the cause, and the fix for this issue. I want to reiterate that this is not a one off issue it is a known issue with the Chrysler Pacifica series that should be investigated.

See all problems of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

The electric coolant heater (ech) failed (error code p0e15), which is a critical component of the high voltage battery thermal management system. This failure disabled the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system and prevented the vehicle from operating in electric mode. This is a documented systemic issue (ref: TSB s2208000203) that affects the driveability and safety of the vehicle's hybrid powertrain.

After purchasing a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica from massey Cadillac of orlando, a warning light appeared during the initial drive indicating a malfunction in the auto start/stop system (capital letter “a” inside a circle with an exclamation point). The system was disabled and indicated service was required. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler dealership, which confirmed that the auxiliary ess (engine stop/start) battery was missing, not failed. Installation of the auxiliary battery and associated mounting hardware was required, indicating the component was not present in the vehicle at the time of inspection. The auxiliary ess battery is part of a safety-related system. The servicing dealership advised that operating the vehicle without this battery can result in intermittent loss of power steering assist and potential loss of motive power without warning, increasing the risk of a crash. The condition was confirmed by an authorized dealer and is available for inspection upon request. The warning indicator appeared immediately upon operation of the vehicle following purchase. No collision occurred, but vehicle occupants, including children, were placed at risk due to the missing safety component.

Battery drains between starts and has to be jumped in order to start. Takes several attempts before vehicle will start when jumping after battery dies. Often have to reset dash display or media hub as screens go blank after jumping. Has fairly new batteries. Certified mechanics confirmed parasitic drain. Possbly connected to media hub system.

Rear sliding doors have an electrical issue that can cause a warning that the door is open to be displayed on the drivers information screen while the vehicle is in gear, and being driven. After a moment you will hear a relay click, the error message goes away, and after a while the error message shows up again this repeats in cycles. Attempts to disable the sliding door system for safety removing fuses do not work the system will continue to indicate that the door is open even when it has been closed manually. I just had the vehicle serviced at nye Dodge in oneida, new york so they have better information on what caused the issue, and the fix they can be reached at (315) 277-8955 for information on the issue. The issue I would like to bring to light is that in the event of a defect it is impossible to fully disable the sliding door, and it's sensors I have attempted to pull fuses to shut the system down, and can't find anyway to totally isolate the effected door for safety. I have been reassured the door will not open however I will not be using this vehicle to transport my children until this issue is corrected. You should be able to turn the system off in the event of a failure with one of the sliding doors.

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

The vehicle experienced a failure of the hybrid battery thermal management system. A diagnostic trouble code (p0e15 – hybrid/ev battery pack coolant heater “a” control performance) was set and the check engine light illuminated. This component is responsible for regulating high-voltage battery temperature and is part of the hybrid cooling/heating system required for safe operation and emissions readiness. The failure occurred at approximately 100,700 miles on a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. The battery coolant heater is a sealed, high-voltage electronic component with no maintenance or wear interval and is not a consumable part. Loss of proper battery temperature control can affect hybrid system operation, charging, regenerative braking, and power availability, and can potentially result in reduced power or limp-mode operation as the vehicle attempts to protect the high-voltage battery and inverter. The problem was confirmed by a Chrysler dealership and an area service manager using factory diagnostic equipment. The fault code is stored and permanent. The vehicle was inspected by the dealer, and the component was diagnosed as failed and requiring replacement. No accident, misuse, or maintenance neglect was involved. The manufacturer declined warranty or goodwill coverage based on internal policy, despite the failure occurring immediately beyond the hybrid warranty mileage threshold and involving a non-wear, safety-critical hybrid thermal management component. The repair estimate is approximately $1,900 out of pocket. The warning indicator (check engine light) first appeared at the time of failure. The component remains available for inspection and replacement by the dealer. Also the dealership did not provide is with a written justification for the denial and corporate (stellantis) stated that they were not able to provide justification either other than what the automated prompt was giving them (that the part was not covered under goodwill).

Van is only 2 years old, maybe 30k miles on it, and it dies while in motion from "electrical issues" of some sort, that are not even battery related. Never seen this in a vehicle ever. Happened to my wife twice in one week while transporting children. They are very lucky to be alive still. This model should not be allowed on the market in this condition.

Went to start vehicle and it was possessed. Would not turn over. Wipers lights everything was going off. Could not get it out of a/c mode. When hooked to a computer at mechanics it can only read two modules. Ecm is malfunctioning.

I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. The vehicle experiences repeated hybrid system failures, including “system charging” errors, rapid battery depletion from full to zero within minutes, and vehicle stalling. These failures have occurred multiple times, even after dealership repair attempts. The vehicle has stalled and been towed more than once, most recently on September 26, 2025. Now, today, January 20, 2026, the vehicle has once again stalled and will have to be towed for the third time since purchasing in August 2024. This has left us stranded once again. This is a serious safety concern, especially given the risk of stalling while driving. I transport elderly family members and depend on this vehicle for medical appointments. I am requesting NHTSA document this issue and review whether this represents a broader safety defect.

We purchased the vehicle in 2020 with appx 33,000 miles. In fall 2023- winter 2024 it began having electrical glitches when the weather was cold. The car will start, but will not shift into gear. It throws alarms such as service parking brake, shifter, engine, traction control and that you must put it in park. Although it obviously is in park or it wouldn't have started. The dealership kept it for a month Nov-Dec 2023 and could not get it to recreate the problem, but replaced the battery since it "failed". We went on vacation for christmas and had issues with it not shifting after it sat all night in the cold. However, the problem is intermittent. But the cold seems to be the consistent factor. Once the weather warms up, it does fine. Although 1 time in sumer 2024 with very high temps 100+ it threw the same alarms and would not shift into gear upon starting the car. We continued to have issues in fall 2024/winter 2025. It did great throughout spring and summer, began issues again in fall 2025 into this winter 2026. It has left us stranded, unable to get the car to shift sometimes for 10-15 minutes while we "warm up the car" but sometimes it takes 30-60 minutes. We've began putting a space heater nearby it for a couple of hours each morning before we need to drive it, but that doesn't always work either. While extremely frustrating, it hasn't been considered dangerous until a week ago. We came out of church and it was chilly, so I expected it would not shift into gear. It surprised me when it started and shifted. However, as soon as I got on the main road up to 40mph, the engine completely lost power and threw all the same alarms. The stretch of county road had no shoulders and deep ditches, so barely made it coasting to a neighborhood to pull over. Searching on the internet, we narrowed it down to the can bus star connector, replaced it, and it drove better than ever! until it was cold that night! likely needs soldered, can't reach it behind glovebox.

Red turtle symbol, vehicle going to shut down, indicates issue sensing power from the hybrid drivetrain.

The vehicle completely stopped and shut off while driving on the roadway. Luckily no one was behind me. The check engine light did come on right before but it wasn’t on long enough for me to get somewhere to stop and check it out. There had not been any issues prior to this. The vehicle is still being serviced but they said it was the 12v battery and electric coolant heater that needs replacing so far.

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that there was no power to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred close to the residence, and there was not a lot of traffic. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and get to a safe area. The contact's brother-in-law was contacted for assistance; however, the driver became impatient waiting for assistance. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The help arrived, disconnected and reconnected the battery cables, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer; however, the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a recall was issued, but for hybrid vehicles. In addition, the contact referenced an open investigation for the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice within two weeks. Additionally, the warning light that the “auto start/stop unavailable” had remained illuminated since August 2025. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was unavailable.