Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

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.

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On June 14, 2026, one day after purchase, while driving through the mojave desert on I-15 in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees fahrenheit, the check engine light illuminated and remained on through southern California. The vehicle required a jump start after being parked in a covered multi-level parking structure for 5 days in long beach California after which the check engine light cleared. On June 19, 2026, six days after purchase, during the return trip the high voltage hybrid traction battery failed completely without warning in active las vegas highway traffic. The vehicle lost all motive power and coasted to the roadside. Three minor passengers were aboard, the youngest age 13. The occupants were stranded in temperatures exceeding 100 degrees for approximately two hours awaiting a tow truck. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chrysler dealership where the high voltage traction battery was confirmed failed and replaced under warranty. A valley pan oil leak was also discovered and hybrid software update were also performed. An outstanding curtain airbag safety recall had never been remedied prior to the breakdown. The towing company reported they had been towing multiple Pacifica hybrids with similar failures during the same las vegas heat wave, suggesting a systemic issue with the high voltage battery thermal management system in extreme heat. The vehicle had been purchased six days prior with fewer than 1,000 miles of ownership at time of failure.

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6/11/2026 merged onto busy highway vehicle was going approximately 45 mph sudden red warning light popped up to pull the car over safely. Vehicle will shut off. There was nowhere for me to pull over and the vehicle immediately shut off attempted to restart several times over the next 15 minutes, unable to restart nothing no power whatsoever called for a tow truck 40 minutes later due to the children in the car tow truck was not able to tow asked me to try and start again which I did and it started right up. He followed me to the Chrysler service department where my vehicle has remained since they tell me they can’t duplicate it nor can they find a code that I will have to wait for it to happen again and hopefully a code will pop up that they can fix. Spoke to Chrysler corporatio customer service and then called the dealership. They told her the same thing they couldn’t duplicate nothing they can do. She had no options for me other than to ask them to keep having them drive it until they come up with something , customer service did look it up and states that there is a probable transmission electrical wire issue that caused that to happen. I have requested a full transmission scan as recommended bycomputer forum , but so far no response. I have 2 twelve month old babies and a disabled son that are with me in the vehicle. I cant be caught in that kind of a traffic incident that puts their life as well as other vehicles in danger from collision 06/17/2026.

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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.

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I am a full-time power wheelchair user with multiple sclerosis and rely on this 2024 Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair-accessible van as my primary means of transportation. Since purchase, the vehicle has repeatedly experienced dangerous loss-of-power events while being driven. Immediately before the failure occurs, warning beeps sound and multiple warning lights illuminate, including check engine, etc, park brake, fcw, esc, and mil. After these warnings appear, the vehicle loses acceleration and enters a reduced-power/limp-mode condition. Pressing the accelerator does not result in normal acceleration, creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. Most recently, on June 4, 2026, this occurred approximately six times during a single trip. During one incident, the warning lights illuminated, the vehicle lost acceleration, and we were forced to pull over with emergency flashers activated in a dangerous location. A police officer came upon us, stopped to assist, and advised that the location was extremely dangerous. Because I use a power wheelchair, I cannot safely transfer into a standard vehicle, taxi, rideshare, or other transportation. We explained to the officer that if the van were to be towed, I would effectively be stranded because there was no practical way to transport me in my power wheelchair. The condition later cleared and we were able to continue. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by Chrysler service departments and drivemaster, the local mobility provider working with freedom motors. The problem has been reported repeatedly but is intermittent and has not been reproduced during inspections. Despite multiple repair attempts, the problem persists. The vehicle is available for inspection. These recurring loss-of-power events create a serious safety risk for myself, my family, and other motorists.

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2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3. 6l v6 engine had a check engine light turn. At same time a vibration started, which was most noticable when the car was in idle. Also, a foggy exhaust started at the same time. No temperature or other warnings were occuring. After driving it to the repair facility the car was not able to be turned on. The findings are that there is a headgasket leak and radiator failure that resulted in coolant entering into the cylinder. That resulted in either hydrolock or engine overheating, causing engine failure. Again no temperature warning or other indication of a major issue was provided. The likely repair is a full engine and radiator replacement. It appears that many other Chrysler Pacifica vehicles have reported similar issues with the 3. 6l pentastar engine. No recall is currently available for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica for this issue, however, it looks like the older versions (~2011-2013) have had a recall for similar issues. I have reached out to Chrysler corporate and requested support on this repair.

Car has 110k on it with regular documented maintenance. The head gasket is blown and requires new engine.

The engine head gasket prematurely failed at 90,000 miles with excellent service / maintenance history.

I pulled into the dollar general and before I could get to my parking spot the vehicle made a beep sound and stalled and wouldn't move . There were no warning lights that came on. It wouldn't accelerate and I was nervous for the traffic that would be pulling in behind me. I put the vehicle in park and turned off the vehicle to see if it would start again. After restarting the vehicle I was able to drive to parking spot. This is the first time this has happened and we were trying to check for safety recalls in this vehicle but are nervous of any further occurrences that would cause engine failure for us and the cars around us.

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Driving down a busy section of highway on I-25 in colorado, without warning car lost all power and shutoff. Was able to veer off highway to shoulder without getting hit. Car will not restart. This was incredibly unsettling as my family and kids were all in the car on the way home and was a very dangerous situation. For a brand new vehicle to shut off on the highway without warning is unacceptable.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the alternator snap off while driving on the highway. The snap was clean all bolts are still in the engine block. While driving all kinds of dashboard lights and overheating indicators turned on. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? this happens with warning or actions prior to the alternator falling out of the while driving. This put me at-risk of crash and endangering anyone on board, leaving me and family stranded on yhe highway. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? similar post online with same issues found. Dealer want 80% of the car value to repair and wont help. They recommend changing a cylinder head. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Chryslerbdealer ship inspected. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no signs or symptoms. After the alternator drop off, many issues arise. None prior.

2017 Pacifica, 58,000 miles. Engine light comes on, error code is "00305 engine misfire on cylinder 5". Replaced sensor and ignition coil and spark plugs, but error keeps coming back. The mechanic found that the head gasket is leaking anti-freeze into the cylinder. Looking online this is a common problem with Pacifica 3. 6l engines, many people have had the same problem, there is a defect with the engine I checked for a recall, but there is nothing open for my VIN.

Driving down a highway at 70 mph and a notification popped up saying to pull over and turn off the vehicle because the engine would shut down soon. I lost the ability to accelerate and impeded traffic. Had to pull over on the side of the road with minimal shoulder. This has happened dozens of times; all at high rates of speed and often in heavy traffic.

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the front end I figured it was a strut took it in to have struts and all front end parts replaced to my surprise I get a call from the shop engine cradle and it bushings rusted out tried buying a replacement unavailable after doing some digging it’s a common problem among the Pacifica I’m afraid to drive it was told when it completely fails it’s going to be catastrophic incident. I understand it a 20 yo car but no rust anywhere on the body or the undercarriage but the engine cradle is almost completely rusted out to the point that the car is not safe to drive something is definitely wrong and reading others reporting the same issue I don’t know there car’s condition but like I said mine is rust free even the undercarriage but the engine cradle is totally rusted out something is wrong here Chrysler had to know something about this it should be recalled or at the very least make the engine cradle available for purchase and fix the rusting issue with it!! I have literally replaced the entire suspension front and back new shocks and struts tires brakes trying to fix the rattle to find out it’s the cradle bushings and cradle are the issue and it’s no longer offered and used ones are all damaged by rust it’s pretty bad the car is going to have to be junked unless I put another used damaged engine cradle on it ! what to do ?.

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Blown head gasket.

Purchased vehicle through carvana with approx. 21,504 miles on 4/1/2026. On 5/5/2026, with only 22,269 miles, the dashboard lights came on and informed us that vehicle will shut off soon and to stop safely. We were traveling 75 mph down the highway. We had it towed to a Chrysler dealer. They couldn’t find a problem after a week. The second time we experienced the same issue was on 5/19/2026 at 21,493 miles. Again, we had it towed to the Chrysler dealer. They told us the same thing and even implied it was the way we were driving that was the issue. The third time we experienced this problem was on 5/30/2026 with 22,636 miles on the odometer. We will be towing it back to a Chrysler dealer.

Car goes into park while driving.

I purchased my vehicle through carvana. My engine light is on. I received a notification that there’s a manufacturer recall on my vehicle which is code cdjr xd1 crankshaft position sensor - however it’s not listed on your website.

2018 pacifia developed a leak in the left bank head gasket. The vehicle only has 53,000 miles. From the forms it sounds like this maybe a common issue. So I am reporting the issue to hopefully help push the company to cover build or design issues. The gasket shouldn't break down a little past 53,000 miles. Thanks,.

Vehicle randomly shuts off in ev or ice mode usually when driving on highway at 60-70 mph; warning comes of “vehicle will shut off soon” check engine light and limp mode; eventually power goes off and steering also stiffens ; this happed multiple times, but the check engine like didn’t stay on long enough for the dealership to be able to read it! so I was give the vehicle back then the same thing happed over again! very unsafe to drive, not feeling comfortable to drive!.

Traveling on an interstate at 75 mph (posted speed limit) and a warning popped up telling us to pull over bc the engine will shut off. We lost acceleration and could not continue with the flow of traffic. Had to cross through multiple lanes of traffic without the ability to accelerate. This has happened several times in this vehicle. I feel unsafe driving.

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 back into the dealership and they said I just needed a software upgrade so they did that. Unfortunately, the engine died again on the road. I shut the car off and turned it back on. I brought it back to the dealership and said the issue wasn't fixed. They haven't taken the issue seriously so I started searching and found this issue. It sounds like Chrysler is aware of the issue but I'm nervous even a new transmission won't fix the issue. In the meantime, I've had to rent a car as the dealership doesn't do loaners. This is a pretty big safety issue as now my car has shut down on the middle of the highway multiple times! [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Lost power. System said to pull over immediately. Error code p0a43.

Vehicle steering locked up while driving causing driver to end up in oncoming traffic. Also, vehicles remote start turns on, but after a few seconds car shuts off.

The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and can c bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield wipers activated unexpectedly, headlights turned off, turn signals would not work, and steering locked or became difficult to control. The vehicle then completely shut off while still moving. After shutdown, the hazard lights would not work. One documented incident occurred on the interstate at about 70 mph. This puts occupants and others at risk because the vehicle can suddenly lose motive power and critical electrical/control functions at the same time, including lighting, signals, hazards, instrument display, and steering/control assistance. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a Chrysler dealership. Dealer records documented multiple modules losing communication on the can c bus. The dealer replaced the shifter module as a possible contributor, but the problem continued. The dealer later corrected loose pin tension at a communication/star connector, but the vehicle continued to shut down and later scan reports still showed widespread active/stored can and lost-communication faults across powertrain, hybrid control, body control, braking/abs, steering, and shifter-related systems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by dealer scan reports and repair records, but the root cause remains unresolved. The manufacturer has been contacted through customer care and repair/scan documentation was submitted. The exact root cause is unknown, but dealer findings indicate an unresolved major electrical/can communication problem possibly involving the harness, connector network, or communication system.

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.

Our 2018 Pacifica (3. 6l pentastar) has a blown head gasket at 160k miles. I didn’t realize this was a common problem until I researched youtube and Chrysler forums and found 100’ of conplaints and examples. I can’t believe how widespread the issue is and stellantis has done nothing to assist out of warranty customers with recalls or fixes.

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.

I have owned the car for years, and have always taken good care of vehicle with scheduled oil changes, tune ups, etc. And now I am being told I need a new head gasket because there is a leak. Being a 2017 with just over 100,000 miles and regular care this should not be happening. It caused issues with a fuse and now a new starter needs to be put in too. An awful smell was coming from the vehicle making me sick and my child while having to drive. What appeared to be heavy smoke started coming out. A light came on staying engine was hot so had to pull over on the side of the road and be towed. I had the mechanic who towed the Chrysler Pacifica tell me I had a head gasket leak and needed a new one but he does not repair them. I searched over 10 other repair shops and they would not touch due to the ongoing issues with the Pacifica's. I finally found a mechanic who stated the same as the prior mechanic that my head gasket needed to be replaced, and it was a big job that would be awhile before he could even get to. I am asking for assistance with this repair as this seems to be an ongoing issue with them.

Head gasket and engine failure at 61,000 miles.

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with approximately 79,000 miles. The check engine light illuminated, so I had the vehicle scanned at an auto parts store. The diagnostic code indicated a cylinder 3 misfire. After leaving the store, the vehicle quickly began displaying overheating warnings. The overheating occurred suddenly, and the vehicle had been driven very little after the check engine light first came on. Because of the overheating, I had the vehicle towed to a repair shop. The shop initially repaired the vehicle and tested for misfires but reported that they found no remaining issues. However, immediately after leaving the shop, the check engine light returned with the same cylinder 3 misfire code. The vehicle was returned to the repair shop for further diagnosis. After additional inspection, the shop determined that the engine had a blown head gasket. This resulted in major engine damage and the possibility of a complete engine replacement despite the vehicle having only 79,000 miles. I am submitting this complaint because the engine failure occurred unexpectedly and without warning other than the check engine light. The rapid progression from a misfire to severe overheating created a potential safety hazard due to the risk of sudden engine failure or loss of power while driving. I believe this premature engine failure may indicate a defect affecting other 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles.

Check engine light came on at 87k miles, took to dealership and code was p0303. Dealer had to replace 6 spark plugs, warped head, head gasket and oil change. Dealership knew of this problem with faulty heads from the manufacturer and no recall has been started from Chrysler. Car has never overheated or shown any other symptoms. It has been 2 years, 3 months and less than 27k miles and I have another check engine light with the same code. Dealerships says I have another blown head gasket, and it needs to be replaced. Vehicle cannot be driven until it is replaced.

While driving the car is unable to switch gears from d to l gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.

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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.

While driving vehicle suddenly, and randomly, has a loss of engine response whole pressing the accelerator. Engine randomly shuts off while parked or at a traffic light, and can be difficult to restart after causing a traffic hazard.