Power Train Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

I encountered two incidents of the same type. One was on Friday, March 27, 2026, the same day I picked up the vehicle from a local Chrysler dealership, where software updates and issues related to recalls were supposedly completed. The vehicle was at 38% battery level at the time of pick up from the dealership parking lot. After driving it for about 14 miles, the battery level depleted to <1% and that's when the "stop safety. Vehicle will shut off soon" displayed on the dashboard. I slowly drove for less than a minute and parked the vehicle and turned it off. Then restarted and drove for less than two minutes, but again the same warning ("stop safety. Vehicle will shut off soon") displayed; I turned it off again. After taking a few minutes break, I restarted it and it was showing 1% battery; it gave me a little distance to travel until unfortunately the same warning displays. Fortunately, this time I was close to a place where I can charge the battery. The battery got charged to 100%, partly on the night of March 27th and the remaining in the morning on March 28th. The second incident was on March 29, 2026, on Sunday afternoon. As soon as the battery level reached <1%, the exact the same warning ("stop safety. Vehicle will shut off soon") was displayed. I slowly drove the vehicle to the side of the road and called my insurance company; I reported the issue and requested them to tow the vehicle to a nearby Chrysler dealership. As of now, the vehicle is at the dealership parking waiting for diagnosis. Based on my initial conversation with the customer service person, they don't know if this is considered part of any recall or not. Not only was I stranded on the road because of the above incidents, not having the vehicle at the moment is straining me a lot - trying to handle personal and work schedules.

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Incident: while driving at highway speeds (65–75 mph), the vehicle issues imminent-shutdown warnings, the reduced-power (‘turtle’) light and check engine light illuminate, and the vehicle loses motive power. The driver must pull over to the freeway shoulder immediately and restart the vehicle. The condition is intermittent, occurs after cold starts, and sometimes with cruise control engaged. Safety risk: sudden loss of motive power at 65–75 mph without warning creates extreme crash risk. This is the exact risk stated in the recall notice. The software-only remedy appears insufficient. Fca’s own warranty extension campaign xe1 — covering transmission replacement at unlimited years/unlimited mileage — suggests fca is aware the software fix may not be adequate. Requested action: please investigate whether the recall remedy is adequate or whether physical transmission replacement is required. This vehicle has been documented experiencing the recalled defect seven times after the recall repair was completed.

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).

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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.

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Vehicle “slams” into gear and goes into “limp” mode. Rpm’s increase dramatically and speed accelerate ration is very low. Check engine light on and several u codes show. And p0301.

Have lost power steering intermittently while driving.

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.

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.

Bad engine at 67,000 miles for a blown head gasket. Service records up to date,.

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.

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Engine experienced premature valvetrain failure (camshaft/lifter issue) at approximately 145,000. Vehicle developed ticking noise, misfire, and loss of power. Diagnosis confirmed camshaft/lifter damage requiring major repair. This appears to be a known issue with the 3. 6l pentastar engine and is documented in Chrysler star case s2309000013. Failure creates potential safety concern due to loss of power while driving. Vehicle is out of warranty, and manufacturer has not provided consistent support for repair despite known pattern failures.

I was driving on the highway when an alarm sounded and warning message displayed: "stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon" at the same time, a turtle icon came on, along with the check engine light. I lost all power in the gas pedal. I pulled over, and after shutting my van down for a few minutes, I was able to turn it back on and get to my destination. However, the same exact issue happened on my way home. That time, I had to pull over -- still on the highway -- during rush hour and I did not feel safe as other cars zoomed by me. I often travel with my show dogs, which was my main reason for purchasing a new van. Naturally, I am concerned about their safety and well-being too. After this happened, I took my van -- which has less than 36,000 miles on it -- to my local dealership. They performed a software update and sent me home. I took my van on a "test ride" and the same alarm sounded and warning message displayed. I brought it back to the dealership and they investigated the problem further. I now have to replace the transmission -- a $7,000 repair -- on a van that is less than five years old with very low milage. I had no prior issues, odd noises, or warnings indicated by my van.

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Chrysler Pacifica 2018 about 56000 miles. Transmission seal is leaking that’s manufacturing defect. Chrysler is denying the warranty as this vehicle in not in recall for repair. Please advice thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

As I was leaving the gas station the check engine light flashed on and off then the car was like turning on and off fast and a loud clunk sound and the fuel pump module exploded gas sprayed all over the gas station. Huge fire hazard and the car began to smoke vehicle experienced a sudden catastrophic fuel system failure involving fire risk and loss of propulsion. The incident occurred without warning and created a serious safety hazard to occupants and surrounding traffic. This vehicle is a Chrysler Pacifica hybrid. Similar failures involving fuel system and hybrid control logic have been widely reported. The manufacturer was contacted but declined to properly document the safety incident. This failure is not consistent with normal wear and tear and represents a potential safety defect. Key details to include when submitting online: - sudden loss of propulsion - fire risk / fuel involvement - hybrid system interaction - manufacturer declined to document incident.

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.

The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections, creating a significant safety hazard for both the driver and surrounding traffic. These symptoms were first reported on February 4, 2026. Shortly afterward the vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealership, which documented a brake vacuum leak in the braking system. Despite that inspection and documentation, the braking condition has continued to worsen and the vehicle no longer feels safe to operate. The braking performance is inconsistent and stopping distance appears to be increasing. In addition to the braking failure, the vehicle experiences powertrain issues including transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, and loss of power during acceleration and when driving uphill. The vehicle also has severe vibration and instability originating from the front driver-side wheel or steering area while driving, which affects vehicle stability and control. These combined mechanical failures involving braking, drivetrain operation, and steering/wheel stability create a serious safety risk during normal operation, particularly while braking in traffic or attempting to maintain control of the vehicle. The vehicle currently feels unsafe to operate due to these worsening conditions and unresolved mechanical defects.

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was stopped at a red light, the vehicle made an abnormal sound and the transmission unexpectedly shifted from drive(d) to park(p) and the vehicle shut off. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was able to be restarted. The contact stated that the failure occurred once a week. The contact also stated that the battery had previously been replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that no cause of failure was found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that there was no recall associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 41,000.

I was driving my Pacifica, got the warning light telling me to pull over. The van lost power 3/4 way up a hill blocking traffic and had to get towed to the dealer, where it now awaiting a transmission rebuild. This is the 4th time this same van has died like this, including twice on the highway. Previous times when I brought to the dealer, they only updated software or told me there was nothing they could do.

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.

Several times (6) received a "pull over safely" message while on interstate at 60-75 mph. In addition check engine light comes on. Have taken to dealership for service and after 7 weeks they still have not be able to fix. Vehicle is completely inoperable at this point and am getting no support from Chrysler.

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Driving on the freeway vehicle suddenly enters limp mode with stop safely vehicle will shut off soon displayed. Transmission was replaced once already for this issue, a year later and I am experiencing the same thing. Very dangerous to lose all power while going 80mph in the third lane of a three row freeway and have to attempt to get all the way across lanes of traffic to safely stop while losing all power. Family vehicle loaded with kids. Has entered turtle mode 3x on the freeway after transmission was already replaced once. If I drive under 65mph it goes fine, but who wants to drive behind semis all the time on the freeway? untrustworthy vehicle.

At 48,445 miles, the vehicle's engine experienced a catastrophic internal failure involving cylinders 4 and 6. The failure resulted in a sudden loss of motive power and engine misfires while the vehicle was in operation, creating a severe safety hazard and risk of stalling in active traffic. A certified mechanic performed a cylinder leak-down and compression test, confirming internal engine failure consistent with the known 3. 6l pentastar cylinder head/gasket manufacturing defects. The vehicle is now unsafe to operate. This failure occurred well before the expected useful life of the powertrain and appears consistent with the defects alleged in the class action maugain et al. V. Fca us llc. No warning lights illuminated prior to the immediate failure.

This car has had so many issues in the 2 years that I have had it. Blown head gaskets, hard shifting, cruise control getting stuck in a high gear and not shifting. When fixing the head gasket it was apparent that it wasnt the first time being fixed. For such a nice vehicle it has way too many problems for the amount I purchased it for. There needs to be some sort of compensation for this. Upon looking into these issues there are thousands among thousands of people with the same head gasket issues and transmission issues as well.

I keep getting the same codes every few weeks. P0732.

Vehicle went into limp mode three times while driving on the highway, forcing us to pull over to the shoulder. Luckily there was a safe place to pull over but created a major safety concern. It triggered code p0a43-00. The dealer initially couldn't recreate the code on 12/18/25 at which point they cleared the code and returned the car to us. It happened again on 12/30/25 at which point the dealer followed Chrysler instructions to conduct pin drag test but no problem was found. Dealer drove 60 mile test and didn't recreate the fault and returned car to us. The same issue again occurred on 1/9/26 at which point Chrysler authorized invasive transmission repairs. This issue directly aligns with recall 23v-010 and NHTSA odi investigation rq24004.

Reversing onto roadway and shifted from reverse to drive via rotary dial and vehicle went into park and would not move causing me to block the roadway. In addition and even more concerning was that the vehicle could not be turned off and any and all actions to do so just left the car "on" and the hybrid system running. Eventually we pulled the battery cable on the main 12v in the trunk and the reset allowed us to move the vehicle again. I sat across a busy section for twenty minutes with no way to move, turn off, or overide the system with three kids with me in a busy traffic area. The vehicle has not reproduced the issue as of yet. The dash had multiple warnings for park system and service various items needed. This occurred 12/17/2025 with 70,000 miles.

While driving at approximately 65 mph on I-35 in moderate traffic, my vehicle experienced a sudden and complete loss of motive power. I was positioned in the far-left passing lane at the time of the incident. A vague notification message appeared on the dashboard screen; however, there was no accompanying audible warning tone to alert me to the severity of the issue before power was lost. The failure was identified as a malfunction in the hybrid drive motor system, specifically triggering diagnostic trouble code p0a43 (drive motor "a" position sensor circuit intermittent). This sensor circuit failure caused the high-voltage system to shut down unexpectedly. This created a severe safety hazard, as the vehicle was rendered unable to accelerate. I was forced to navigate from the far-left lane across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the exit while the vehicle was effectively crippled, moving at speeds under 10 mph amidst highway-speed traffic. The problem has been confirmed via the retrieval of the p0a43 code. There were no warning lamps, messages, or drivability symptoms prior to the immediate failure; the visual notification appeared simultaneously with the loss of power.

The charging system light came on. My wife went to charge at public charging station due to being close to one. After plugging in the van, it said charging failed. She unplugged the charged went to back up and the van died. Had to have it towed to dealer. Dealer states even though the van is in the warranty period, the idcm which is up under the van is scuffed and therefore isn’t warrantied. They said there is a big dent in the muffler also so we must have ran over something and caused the damage even though we live in a city with paved streets, a subdivision with paved streets, and have a concrete driveway at our home. They said they have sent me emails with the pictures which I have yet to recieve. I went to the dealer and asked them to jack up my van so I can see the damage personally and they don’t have a lift available at the time, so I told them I would be back in town at a certain time from work and to call me so I could see it and they have yet to show me the scuffed idcm module or the dented muffler. We haven’t run over anything to cause this kind of damage to a module like this because all the hybrid batteries are under the van. If the Chrysler Pacifica hybrid is so cheaply made for a $62,000 vehicle that something can “scuff” a module housing and shut a vehicle down, this is potentially very dangerous if someone were driving on the highway if it were to shutdown and someone (including myself or any of my family) were driving and lose all propulsion and steering (because it’s electric steering) or worse braking! it could be catastrophic with people dying. This needs to be investigated to see how fragile this component is and if they need to “toughen” it up or re-locate it. Versus trying to get by and get around paying warranty claims or hoping nothing happens until the units break down after the warranty period not knowing of the safety hazard they have created for their vehicle owners and the driving public.

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It loses power alot especially uphill. It smells like burnt oil all the time. Smokes out exhaust. Hesitates anytime you put the gas down. And then clunks around sometimes too.

Car turns off suddenly while driving on the freeway at freeway speeds.

When driving the car with not shift for a long time and then shifts hard into gear. I can also smell an odor some times. I have kids I don’t want to be driving and it cause me to wreck or catch fire. Other people I know had the same problem. This needs to be addressed.

Head gasket blew at 102,000 miles which caused windows to fog up on freeway.

While driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour ater driving 2. 5 hours our 2021 Pacifica hybrid minivan flashed a warning on the vehicles display saying approximately "warning engine shutting down". The engine immediately shut down in the middle of the highway and we were forced to coast off the highway to the shoulder. The engine warning light came on. We turned the car off for a few minutes and proceeded to start the engine. The engine warning light was still on, but the other message was gone. We attempted to drive towards our destination and approximately 30 minutes later the same thing happened again. We tried one more time since we were several hours from home and within 30 minutes the vehicle had the same issue. At that point we decided to try to get home. We drove the vehicle 15-20 mins at a time and then exited the highway over and over giving the vehicle time turned off. After returning home with no additional events the engine warning light went off the next warning. This was on a Sunday so we were unable to get it to a dealer. The next day we dropped off the vehicle at nappletom Chrysler dealership. The called us the next day and told us they could not cause the event to happen again. They could see a set of error codes showing the problem occurred, but told us there was nothing they could do and it was up to us to cause the problem and then return the vehicle. Now I have a minivan with 70k miles on it that my wife primarily uses my with to get my daughter from place to place and I have no idea when this vehicle will shut the engine down at any time potentially causing a dangerous accident. I believe Chrysler has the responsibility to determine what the issue is. Researching on the internet show this is a common problem for my vehicle and typically requires a new transmission or and engine wiring short.