Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

This report is for a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with 90,100 miles. The check engine light came on in July 2026. It was a cylinder 5 misfire. The spark plugs and ignition coil were replaced. The check engine light came on again about 2 weeks later (cylinder 5 misfire again), was dismissed and reset by the shop, and came on again about 2 weeks later. This time, the shop diagnosed cylinder 5 misfire due to "cylinder 5 is leaking coolant into the cylinders. " they quoted $12,000 for engine replacement. Went for 2nd opinion at a Chrysler dealership. They confirmed cylinder 5 misfire due to coolant leaking into cylinder 5. Cylinder 5 had low compression. Tech recommended replacing cylinder head for $6200. My research shows that this issue is common for the Pacificas, so I reached out to both Chrysler and the dealer for goodwill assistance with the repair. It was declined due to the van being older than 2019. I cannot continue to drive it with this issue, due to the safety risk of engine failure while operating.

See all problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

I experienced a sudden loss of power and steering while driving my vehicle. The screen advised me to pull over because the engine would shut off soon, but I already had lost steering and power. I turned the car off and was able to restart it and drive it 1 mile home, and the check engine light was on. I had it towed to the dealer. After 2 weeks of testing, the dealer reported, “when your vehicle was initially checked in, the following trouble codes were present: 5 bpcm fault codes p1a21-00, p1d43-00, p1c01-00, p1a2a-00, and p1a29-00. We have completed recall y40. ” the repair tech said they expected the engine to lose power again at some point and I would need to have it towed in again to be repaired then. The repairs made so far are only software updates, no hardware has been repaired because the dealer said the errors didn’t recur after they reset the system. I have elevated the issue with the dealer and am awaiting a response. I am concerned based on the error codes and technician information that my vehicle is still at risk of catching fire at any time or experiencing another catastrophic loss of power if the faulty hardware is not replaced.

See all problems of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

My 2019 Chrysler Pacifica touring l plus is experiencing coolant leaking into a cylinder, diagnosed by. This has rendered the vehicle undrivable. The pentastar 3. 6l v6 engine used in this vehicle has a well-documented pattern of coolant intrusion into cylinders due to head gasket failure across the 2017–2019 Chrysler Pacifica model years, based on extensive owner complaints already on file with NHTSA and reported by consumer advocacy organizations. Despite this known pattern, no recall currently exists covering this specific defect for 2019 model year vehicles. This is a safety concern because coolant intrusion into a cylinder can cause sudden misfires, rough running, loss of power, and potential stalling while driving — creating a hazard in traffic, particularly at highway speeds or during turns/merges. I contacted Chrysler case management regarding this issue. The manufacturer has attempted to attribute responsibility to the dealership rather than acknowledging this as a manufacturer defect in the engine design/manufacturing, despite the well-documented pattern across multiple model years of the same engine. I have also not been provided a rental vehicle despite my vehicle being undrivable.

See all problems of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Failed head gasket that put vehicle in compromised working condition on the roadway - check engine light flash, poor and inconsistent engine running. First indications were 5-10 seconds of rough idle after startup when sitting overnight, then p0303 check engine code for cylinder three misfire as well as loss of coolant. Independent shop confirmed issue and replaced head gasket. Problem appears to have re-occurred after 2 years and 20000 miles with similar indications. Same shop advised likely engine block or cylinder head defect or damage and would not do any tear down or repair short of engine replacement.

As I pulled up to stop, in electric mode, at a stop light, the display screen pulled up a message to pull over safely because the engine would stop soon, within about 10 seconds the screen showed the engine stopped. I was still at the light. I tried restarting the vehicle, moving the shifter from drive to park and back, pressing the park button several times with no success. With cars honking behind me, I got out of the car, told them my car had died and asked them to drive around me. I got back in the car, repeated the actions a few times and the car started in electric mode. I drove home (about 5 miles) without incident. Check engine light was on. I pulled 2 codes u0412 and u029a. I have had the u0412 code a few times before with only the check engine light coming on. It would go away in a day or two (no check engine light and no code). U029a is new.

I was driving to the dealership and stopped at a light and the start stop button turned off completely. Brake locked and wouldn’t start back.

When driving on freeway the vehicle overheated and engine warning light flashed and had to come to stop at side of freeway. The vehicle had lost its coolant from a rear heater hose connection. The car was towed to dealer and the repair comment was that a part was deformed from mis-assembly (or words to that effect) - rear heater core fitting clip distorted causing hose come of the core. This was an early life failure.

My vehicle is currently being recalled for the recall 52d, I have reached out twice in a thirty day span asking about a fix and been told both times there are no parts for this fix. The risk of this recall includes fire, while charging or while parked and off.

See all problems of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

Lots of power going up steep hills. Especially while ac is on. Almost complete loss of power yesterday with vehicle behind me.

Blown head gasket.

The head gasket failed at 89,000 miles. The engine gave p0305 cylinder 5 misfire codes and would run rough causing difficult to drive in standard traffic flow. There are borescope pictures of coolant in cylinder 5. We stopped using the vehicle until the repair can be completed. This appear to be a widespread problem for 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica which are numerous on the road and could be hazardous if these vehicles failed on regular roads and highways. See [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

This is what I wrote to stellantis. Dear stellantis customer care, my vehicle has now stalled five separate times while I was making a left turn through an intersection. When this happens, the engine shuts off unexpectedly, the vehicle shifts into park and I must attempt to restart it while sitting in the roadway. During the most recent incident, the vehicle would not restart on the first attempt and required a second attempt before it would run again. This creates an extremely dangerous situation. Losing power in the middle of a left turn places me, my passengers and other motorist at risk of a serious accident. The vehicle has approximately 43,000 miles and has been taken to my Chrysler dealership for diagnosis. Unfortunately, I have repeatedly been told that they cannot duplicate the problem and therefore cannot repair it. Despite those visits, the dangerous condition continues to occur. I am requesting that stellantis immediately: • open a formal case regarding the safety issue. • assign a regional field engineer, or star technical specialist to inspect and diagnose my vehicle. • work directly with my dealership to determine the cause of this intermittent stalling condition. • advise me whether the vehicle is safe to drive while this issue remains unresolved. I have been a responsible owner and have sought assistance through the dealership, but I cannot continue driving a vehicle that unexpectedly shuts off in the middle of an intersection. I am asking stellantis to take this matter seriously, and provide a timely resolution before someone is seriously injured. Please contact me as soon as possible regarding the next steps. I would appreciate receiving a case number and the name of the representative assigned to assist with this matter. I intend to file a safety complaint with NHTSA regarding this matter. Thank you for your prompt attention to this urgent safety concern.

See all problems of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power and creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This vehicle previously received the safety recall u01 repair in January 2018, but the same engine stall condition has returned. The recall remedy does not appear to have permanently corrected the problem.

See all problems of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power. This created a serious safety hazard in traffic. The issue is consistent with the condition described in safety recall u01 for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles involving the powertrain control module (pcm). However, this vehicle's VIN is not included in the recall despite exhibiting the same symptoms.

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.

See all problems of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

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.

While driving, the engine stalled and produced a cranking noise. Subsequently, the display screen turned black. Currently, I am experiencing a problem where I cannot turn off the vehicle or shift gears, rendering it immobilized. I have taken the vehicle to a Chrysler dealership, and they have been unable to identify any faults. However, I believe the vehicle is not safe to drive.

On 7/16/26 vehicle would not start; high-pitched noise heard near engine during no-start diagnosis. Towed to goldy Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram, huntington wv. Per dealer invoice #27136: blown 500-amp main battery fuse found; after jumping past fuse, white smoke from exhaust and no coolant in system, diagnosed as blown head gasket. Repair: both-side head gasket replacement plus fuse assembly. Vehicle in shop 7+ weeks, returned 9/4/26 with new unresolved issue: strong smell of burned electronics and antifreeze in cabin. All failed components available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: head gasket failure/coolant intrusion caused engine hydrolock, a sudden uncommanded loss of engine power that can occur without warning, including while driving in traffic. Burned-electronics smell raises electrical/fire risk; antifreeze odor raises cabin fume exposure and window-fogging visibility concerns. Confirmed by dealer: yes. Goldy diagnosed and documented the fuse failure, coolant loss, and head gasket failure in writing, and performed the repair. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: not by police or insurance. Spoke by phone with a Chrysler hq rep 5 times (8/13-9/1/26) who was informed; no confirmed independent physical inspection by manufacturer beyond dealer's own diagnosis. Warning signs: p0304 misfire on cylinder 3 appeared first, progressing to complete no-start with high-pitched noise, prompting the tow-in and hydrolock diagnosis.

2024 Chrysler Pacifica completely shutdown during a left turn. Engine died all electrical stopped functioning. Had to restart the vehicle to move the vehicle. This condition happened twice last week, but has not happened since. Fortunately it was a low speed situation rather than at highway speeds. Highway speed could have been a very serious situation with the potential of being rear-ended from high speed traffic. Vehicle has 27,500 miles on the odometer and was driving normally prior to the shutdowns. Chrysler dealer has been notified of the situation, but an appointment is 7-10 days out. No warning lights or messages were noticed.

See all problems of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

I had my cylinder heads, valves and head gasket replaced over a year ago and drove 15k miles and I am having the same issues again. The dealer is trying there very best not to honor my valid powertrain parts warranty like saying the head gasket is only covered for 12 months and denying my claim but my cylinder heads and top end have a 3 year 100k mile warranty since they were installed not to long ago and they are trying to deny my claim using the head gasket. I have seen and read online that these engines all have similar problems with the head gaskets.

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 mph, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced power and hard shifting. Additionally, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

A misfire code came up. Had plugs done. . Didn’t solve problem now blowing white smoke burning antifreeze. Head gaskets bad. We just bought this 2019 7 months ago. And it only had 68,000 miles on it now 71000 miles on it. We thought we would get the newer better vehicle and having engine problem in a car that we paid 22000 dollars for. Going to be an expensive fix on a problem that shouldn’t be occurring on a car with that mileage.

Blown head gasket cylinder #3. Same as reported by many on other forms. 108000 miles well maintain. Started throwing a code 2 weeks ago.

The vehicle intermittently displays a "stop safely – vehicle will shut off soon" warning message accompanied by a turtle icon while driving, most often at highway speeds above approximately 50 mph. There is no consistent pattern or condition that triggers the warning. When the warning appears, I must immediately attempt to pull off the roadway because the vehicle indicates it will shut down. This creates a significant safety hazard, especially on interstate highways or roads without a safe shoulder. If the vehicle is turned off and restarted, the warning message disappears, but the check engine light remains illuminated. After the next ignition cycle, the check engine light also disappears, leaving no visible indication of the problem. The issue began occurring approximately once per year but has become progressively more frequent. It now occurs almost daily. During a recent 300-mile trip, the warning appeared four separate times. It also commonly occurs twice during a 60-mile drive. The increasing frequency has made the vehicle unreliable and unsafe to operate on highways. The vehicle has been taken to an authorized Chrysler dealership. However, the dealer stated they cannot diagnose or repair the problem unless the warning is actively displayed when the vehicle arrives. Because the warning clears after restarting the vehicle, the dealer has been unable or unwilling to identify the cause or perform a repair. I also contacted Chrysler customer service. I was informed that because there is no recall related to this issue, they could only refer me back to the dealership for diagnosis under any applicable warranty coverage. This defect poses a serious safety risk because the vehicle may lose propulsion while traveling at highway speeds, requiring an emergency maneuver to reach the shoulder while surrounded by fast-moving traffic. I am concerned that this could result in a rear-end collision or other serious crash if the warning occurs where there is no safe place.

While I was driving to drop my kids to school my Chrysler Pacifica phev dashboard chimed, the check engine light made an appearance, and the screen in my gauge cluster showed a large warning message. “stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon. ” I kept my foot in it and guided the Pacifica hybrid through the off-ramp and into the rest stop’s parking lot and turned off the ignition and engine for 5 minutes and I started the engine and car allowed me to drive back home . The power tram warning got away that evening when I started my engine . The same problem came back again many times since then. I googled it and found that this is very serious problem which may lead fire . I would like to report this issue now.

I purchased a used 2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 3. 6l v6 f dohc 24v engine in October 2025. The van had 97,000 miles. Shortly after I purchased it I noticed the engine had a rough idled. It now has 107,000 miles and the rough engine has continued to get worse. What I noticed is when I first started it the engine was rough and vibrated. Once I started driving it was not as noticeable. I decided to take it to a mechanic to see what the issue was. I thought it could be electrical. Before I could get it to the mechanic it would not start. I had it towed to the dealership I bought it from and the y confirmed that it is the head gasket. They told me they would approach Chrysler to see if they would help with the repairs, they said no. The dealer did offer to bear part of the cost of the $4,000+ cost for the repairs. I do not understand how reputable company can manufacture a product that obviously has a flaw and deny support. I understand that their warranty is limited by time and distance. But from what I have read from the many complaints on the particular engine from 2018 it appears the issue arrises at 90,000 to 110,000 miles.

I am writing about a mechanical failure on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. Recently, I took my vehicle in for 2 recalls associated with this model. Recall #: 66b, pertaining to the rearview camera & 52d, which corresponds to the high voltage battery. Recall #: 52d could not be completed at the certified Chrysler dealership due to the failure of the electric coolant heater, throwing diagnostic trouble code, (p0e15-00). Due to my vehicle being past its warranty period, at the time of service, by 9,190 miles, I had to pay $1356. 70 for the electric coolant heater to be replaced, before my no-charge recall #52d could be completed. While my vehicle is technically past its warranty period by 10,387 miles], I am reaching out because this specific component, the electric coolant heater, is a well-documented failure point across the Pacifica hybrid community. The breakdown of this heater directly impacts the vehicle's cabin climate control and the proper thermal management of the hybrid battery system, creating a significant inconvenience and safety concern during cold weather. Section 6 of the NHTSA 26v362 manufacturer filing states that the required remedy includes a software flash to track the battery pack's thermal performance. Because the high-voltage coolant heater core regulates that thermal loop, it is functionally impossible to safely execute the software parameter updates while the module is malfunctioning or failing the dealership's "soak test".

I own a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica equipped with the 3. 6l pentastar v6 engine. At approximately 81,600 miles, the vehicle developed a check engine light and a cylinder 5 misfire (p0305). The vehicle began exhibiting hard starts, rough engine operation during cold starts, white smoke from the exhaust, and coolant loss with no obvious external leak. An independent repair facility initially diagnosed the vehicle and found evidence suggesting coolant intrusion into cylinder 5. The vehicle was then inspected by a Chrysler dealership. The dealership confirmed that coolant was present inside cylinder 5 using a borescope inspection. The dealership recommended replacement of the cylinder head gasket. The safety concern is that the failure developed with little warning other than a check engine light and intermittent rough operation. The engine misfires on startup and can run rough, which could result in reduced power, hesitation, stalling, or loss of acceleration while operating the vehicle. The vehicle also consumes coolant internally, which may lead to engine overheating or further engine damage if not detected quickly. During my research, I found numerous reports from other owners describing similar coolant intrusion, head gasket failures, and cylinder 5 misfires in Chrysler vehicles equipped with the 3. 6l pentastar engine. Despite the apparent frequency of these complaints, I am not aware of any recall addressing this issue. In my case, the repair estimate is approximately $5,000 for head gasket replacement. I am submitting this report because coolant intrusion into a combustion cylinder can create a significant safety concern due to engine misfires, loss of performance, and the potential for engine failure while driving. I believe this issue warrants investigation to determine whether a defect exists affecting other vehicles with this engine.

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.

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.

Engine only stalls out when stopped on roadway while driving. Vehicle also does not start up after it has been driven and is parked. It takes 10 minutes or longer to get the vehicle to start again. Check engine light comes on every time when these two situations happen, which it happens periodically. Sometimes it's 2-3 times a day, sometimes, once every two days. Once it starts back up the engine light turns off. I've taken it to 2 reputable shops and neither of them found any issues as they could not replicate the issue, the engine light is not on, and there are no codes displayed. I now have a date for a inspection which includes a test drive with the dealership.

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.

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.

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.