Power Train Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 2

Engine shut down warning while on the highway stating to pull over as the engine was going to shut down. No power to accelerate during this time. This is the second time this has happened and the first time the transmission needed to be replaced under warranty. The problem persists despite Chrysler’s attempts to fix.

See all problems of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

After driving 15miles home from work, stopped at a traffic light to turn left. When attempting to proceed forward van stopped with an error code that indicated "stop safely vehicle will shut off soon". The van shut down, and could not move even though it was blocking the intersection. Law enforcement had to be called as it was a safety hazard, and a tow truck had to be dispatched to remove the van from the intersection and tow to dealership for warranty service. The dealer provided warranty service as per Chrysler direction, which was a software update and reseating electrical connections. However, as per the notes from the dealer, "possible a loose connection was issue but still could be internal to power inverter module. " as the repair was not a definite resolution for the issue, I contact Chrysler corporate to request a more definite repair. Their stance was that they considered the car repaired under warranty, and that they would not authorize any further work. Chrysler stated that they will not do anymore work until the issue happens again. The issue is that the condition that results is that the van shuts down - and it can happen anywhere, the middle of an intersection or on the freeway at highway speeds. Basically Chrysler has told me that even though they are not sure that the fix applied may not have remedied the issue that caused the van to shut off, they will not do what is required to ensure that it does not happen again. Chrysler has put the safety of my family second to their bottom line - by refusing to authorize the expensive work that it would take to remedy the problem, and ensure that my faily does not face a dangerous situation when driving our van.

See all problems of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

On June 3, 2025, my 2023 Chrysler pacific hybrid gave me a warning message that it was about to shut down. This included a "red turtle" icon that I later learned is called "limp home mode. " I was traveling on the interstate at highway speed at the time. I was able to pull over to the shoulder and turn the vehicle off. The risk of a car shutting down on the highway is a huge a safety risk to myself and other vehicles. Stopping on the shoulder of a highway, particularly given that it was early morning and not yet fully light out also felt very risky with other cars passing by. After turning the car back on, the limp home mode turned off, but the engine warning light was still on. I was able to re-enter traffic, which was also a safety issue having to deal with. When the dealership opened, I contacted them. They were familiar with the problem and were able to state over the phone that it was likely a transmission issue. After inspecting it that afternoon, they determined it would need a transmission rebuild. As of June 27, 2025, they still have the vehicle and have not yet made the repairs.

When I put van in park ,shut off,it moves a little even on flat surface. When I back up in grass or out of a sloped driveway the van acts like something is preventing it from going backwards. The van,when going from the right lane to the left will act like it pulls to the right,hard to explain. Also when going down a road with slight bumps it makes a noise like something is loose,a rattle like.

[xxx] first “red turtle” breakdown on freeway after about an hour of freeway driving, car went into “red turtle mode” (“limp mode”) on the freeway, alerting us that the engine would shut down shortly and that we needed to get to a safe place to stop. The car wouldn’t accelerate fully, putting us in danger on the freeway, where cars were speeding all around us. June 2025: dealership’s first attempt to fix the dealership showed stored error codes p0a43 drive mode code a position sensor intermittent. But, the tech said they were unable to replicate the error. They kept it in the shop for a couple days, then sent the car home with us with no fix. They told us to restart the car a few times and it should go away. [xxx]: second breakdown on freeway on [xxx], with all three kids in the car, we drove the car from sacramento to san rafael. On the way there–the first long car trip with the van since the [xxx] incident, the red turtle alert appeared again. We were going uphill and unable to fully accelerate on the freeway, again putting our entire family in danger. We were luckily able to pull off of the freeway, restart the car several times, and continue driving–wondering the entire time whether the vehicle would again lose power, and sure enough it did. [xxx]: third breakdown on freeway later that same day, on our way home, the red turtle alert appeared again, the vehicle was unable to fully accelerate, and the message warned us that the car was about to shut itself down. This time, we were on the freeway with no exit available to us. We had to pull over onto an unprotected shoulder, with cars speeding by us on both sides. It would have been unsafe for any of us–but especially my toddlers–to exit the vehicle. We sat on the side of the freeway, restarting the car repeatedly, waiting to see if the alert would clear and the vehicle would become drivable again. Eventually, it did. We brought the car to the dealership again. Spent over a week there information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia).

Although no active recalls are on the now. While driving the transmission changes hard. It makes a loud noise and jerks randomly. I’m concerned it wasn’t fixed during recall. I recently purchased this vehicle used. Do I have any recourse?.

See all problems of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

While I was driving this vehicle on the highway, the vehicle shut off and the engine light came on.

See all problems of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Stop safely vehicle will shut off soon sign came while I was driver in 3rd lane on [xxx] in virginia it shut off before I could pull to safety. Vehicle behind me slightly hit me on back. I got checked for dealer its fault in transmission. But I don't feel safe driving again since it shuts off while doing 65 mph. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

"stop safely vehicle will shut off soon" message and vehicle stopped in the middle of the highway.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shifted into gear very hard. In addition, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact referenced an unknown recall however, the VIN was not under recall. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

See all problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Symptoms exactly as described in safety recall 03a / NHTSA 23v-010. Warning came onto dash with very little time to get to side of road from highway driving before engine fully shut down. Picture of dash after warning attached. Extremely dangerous situation, particularly for a known issue as described in the recall and NHTSA notices above. Currently vehicle is at dealer pending confirmation / diagnostics.

See all problems of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

While traveling at highway speeds, vehicle enters into "limp" mode with an in-dash warning "stop safely. Vehicle will shut off soon" warning and a red turtle warning symbol above the drive indicator. The vehicle immediately stops sending power to the wheels and it must be safely pulled over to the side. This was brought into the dealership for service and the car was returned as "repaired. " but this has not been fixed. After the initial occurrence, this has re-occurred multiple times, most recently on 06/19/2025 and 06/21/2025.

Driving at highway speed (70 mph) the vehicle repeatedly has flashed a warning : stop safely vehicle will shut off soon the engine cuts power and the vehicle must be pulled over and turned off and cannot keep driving. It leads to very unsafe conditions at highway speed. The vehicle was repaired once for the defect by Chrysler but it still continues to occur and is now being repaired again.

On three separate days, 2021 Pacifica lost power at 70 mph. After second incident transmission was replaced. The third loss of power occurred after the new transmission was installed. All of these incidents occurred on freeways with heavy semi-truck traffic.

Power steering module malfunctioned when taking kids to school. Auto repair shop confirmed.

Hi! this vehicle stopped twice in the middle of a road on its own. Vehicle was driving fine and the next second it slowed down and wouldn’t accelerate as I would push the gas pedal. It’s as if the engine shut down due to the car signals not transmitting correctly. The screen started blinking on and off giving me warnings and one of them said “service shifter!” my safety and my children’s safety was put at risk because anyone could’ve hit us from behind as the car started decelerating on the road with oncoming traffic. I towed the car to a mechanic as the car does not run properly while being driven, and the mechanic said it has multiple electrical issues and multiple leaks. The vehicle was inspected by my own mechanic, as the dealer also inspected it and they tried to connect the scanner to turn off the engine light and get me to drive off. They have refused help and I truly believe they knew this car was a safety hazard. After leaving the dealer, 4 minutes into driving the car started slowing down and I was able to make it into the parking lot, but got stranded in the middle of the street where opposite traffic comes into. I bought the car 03/01/2025. The check engine light turned on 2 weeks in. The battery seemed to be drained 2 weeks in but it did not need cables or recharge, it’s as if the battery loses connection. Then at the one month mark it started having those issues, no warning until it completely stopped on the road. When it stopped on the road, that’s when the screen started going off with multiple warnings.

The vehicle experienced multiple incidents of sudden power loss while driving.

Driving on freeway at 70 mph clear conditions 65degree weather. Warning light said to stop safely engine would shut down soon. Pulled over safely, waited, restarted. Drove another 10 miles, same error message, car lost power.

In 2024, our vehicle displayed a critical warning stating: “stop safely. Vehicle will shut off soon. ” while driving on the highway, the vehicle began losing engine power—a terrifying and dangerous experience. We immediately took it to the dealership, where they diagnosed a transmission failure and proceeded to replace the transmission. Unfortunately, we are now experiencing the same issue again this year. The vehicle continues to lose power and shut off while in motion on the highway, creating an extremely hazardous situation that nearly resulted in a serious accident. This ongoing malfunction poses a significant risk to the safety of drivers and passengers. Chrysler must take immediate responsibility by recalling these vehicles and replacing them with safer alternatives to prevent further danger to human life.

We are the original owners of this vehicle, which has been consistently and properly maintained. Recently, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly in the middle of the highway and would not restart, creating a significant safety hazard. The check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral, preventing it from being safely moved out of traffic. After the vehicle was towed to the dealership, we were informed that the starter had failed due to coolant leakage from a compromised head gasket. This coolant intrusion damaged the starter, rendering it inoperable. The dealership advised that while the starter could be replaced, it would likely fail again unless the underlying head gasket issue is addressed. We have since learned that this is a known and recurring issue with certain Chrysler models. Unfortunately, Chrysler has not issued a recall, nor have they provided vehicle owners with any formal notification or long-term solution to this potentially dangerous defect.

My wife was driving our 2022 pacific phev limited with 4 kids on board suddenly went into limp mode while driving northbound south of [xxx] on [xxx]. Turtle signal was on dash with just seconds to get off freeway on limp mode. Pacifica had to be towed to woodhouse Chrysler in sioux city where it remains to this day. Changed pcim and remains in limp mode. Chrysler approved hybrid transmission repair under hybrid warranty but dealer found not repairable and needs new transmission. Now Chrysler refusing to have transmission replaced under warranty. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2022 Pacifica hybrid is experiencing a known transmission issue as identified in TSB 21-042-24 my VIN falls squarely within the build date window. The bulletin instructs dealers to replace the transmission—not rebuild it. I am refusing an inferior repair that contradicts the manufacturer’s own instructions. I am requesting immediate escalation, in writing, confirming that my vehicle will receive a factory-new transmission in accordance with the TSB.

While driving at highway speed the vehicle flashed a vehicle and I’ll shut down sign. A red turtle flashed and the vehicle began to decelerate. Had to pull over to a less than safe sand shoulder. Had highway speed traffic directly behind me. Dealership pulled codes related to the transmission. No previous issues or sign thereof. 25k miles.

[xxx]- bought new 2025 Chrysler Pacifica w/ 29 mi at troncalli Chrysler Dodge Jeep (tcdj). [xxx]- 1st time -I was driving the car when it made a “clunk” sound when turning left. All the lights on the dashboard came on and the abs system turned off. The car safety features disabled and it did not recognize we were in the seats (seat belt lights came on). I was able to drive into a parking lot. Turned the car off and then restarted it after a few min and the lights on the dash were gone. Decided to cont driving, figured it was a computer error. Went 2 mi and had to turn left again. All dash lights came on including engine, abs. Pulled over and lights turned off after car was turned off/on again. Tried to get the car home. Turned it on and no alerts. Drove <1mi and the car began to stutter and dash lit up. Lost the ability to accelerate, and the steering seemed stiff and hard to control. Lost abs system. Pulled over into parking lot barely moving. Had to leave the car in the lot and have it towed to tcdj 3/29- towed to tcdj service depart. . Total miles on car:283. 3/31- tcdj states it's the batteries that caused the malfxn. Explained I did't think the batteries were the issue. They replaced both batteries. [xxx]-serious safety issue. Picked up car @ tcdj. We did not make it home from tcdj. Trip from tcdj to home is ~27 mi. At mile 22, turned left and ~0. 5 mi later, while driving ~ 15-20mph, the car shifted on its own, throwing itself into park at a major intersection. All of the dash lights came on. The emergency vas, abs system and shifter disabled displayed on the dash. The windshield wipers turned on at high speed. The head and tail lights began to flash. The car shifted so abruptly w/o warning we were almost hit from behind. It did not slow to a stop or brake it just threw itself into park. Police were called. Car wouldn't turn off or move. Could not put in neutral manually. Still @ tcdj now >30days. Alternator and abs replaced. Continues to break and need a tow when tcdj test drive it. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom.

May car has started repeatedly flashed check engine lights and warning signs that the vehicle is about to shut off soon and to stop safely while traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle becomes unresponsive and I have to coast to the shoulder of the highway. After turning off the vehicle I am able to restart and continue driving with the check engine light on for next 2 to 3 starts. The dealer has already attempted to repair this last year by replacing the transmission, but the problem still remains and has not been fixed. The dealer was not able to replicate the issue as there was no active codes when it was brought into the shop. Since that visit in early March 2025, it has happened again. I believe this is related to NHTSA campaign 23v010 and Chrysler recall 03a.

As I'm driving down the road my mil comes on and tells me to pull over the engine will shut off. My vehicle has had the recall completed. This happened to me on the interstate with my family in the van. This is our only vehicle for the family and need it everyday. Now my dealership is telling me that it isn't a recall issue and I might have to pay for the repairs. This light started coming on about a week ago, and doesn't always come on. But it started to happen more frequently.

The vehicle randomly went into limp mode. The check engine light came on with error code p0a3f. The vehicle was restarted and drove normally with the check engine light (cel) still on. We immediately made an appointment with the dealership to get it looked at. As we were driving into the dealership parking lot the cel cleared itself. There is an existing TSB for this exact scenario and symptoms. The dealership and Chrysler corporate (stellantis) are refusing to fix this issue because there isn’t an “active code. ” the code is in the history. Since then the cel has come on multiple times but cleared itself too quickly to get it to the dealer in time. We took it a second dealership this time with an active code, but the code cleared itself upon restarting the car after leaving it there. This vehicle is not safe to drive since it randomly goes into limp mode with no power. This poses a very dangerous and unsafe situation that can endanger me, my family, and other drivers around me.

We were driving down the freeway at 70 mph and the vehicle displayed "vehicle will shut off soon, pull over safely" and immediately lost power and the gas pedal would do nothing.

See all problems of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Driving on the highway at 70 mph. Car stated "stop safely. Vehicle will shut off. " check engine light came on. Dash light of a turtle with an exclamation point displayed. Pulled over and turned car off. Was able to turn vehicle back on and get back on the road. However, issue would recur every 5-7 miles. Eventually stopped at a hotel for the night and left car at a dealership. Car is currently being looked at. No contact from the dealership yet.

Had to have plastic oil filter housing and oil cooler replaced due to warping from the engine heat and leaking into engine bay causing a burning oil smell throughout the entire vehicle. Was replaced by meineke car care with an aftermarket aluminum constructed part. Constantly having transmission issues since the vehicle hit 70,000 miles. Now at 139,000. Fluid flush and fill done and transmission fluid was ridiculously thin and dirty despite it being known as a sealed transmission and being told by Chrysler that no fluid changes should ever need to be done for the transmission. Seems as though the transmission may be slipping, and is shifting very hard after having the fluid changed.

On our daily commute the car came to a stop at a light and then the car then turned off and would not start again. We tried everything but the engine would turnover. After 3 hours, the car then started and we drove it to dealership and they detected no faults or codes.

The entertainment system when super cold outside the screen goes black and does not work. The issue has made it difficult then to change heating and cooling settings and utilize the rear view camera and other safety features of the car. The dealership was able to update it to fix it once then the other two times it came back on before the appointment for the dealership. The auto/stop start malfunctioned while waiting at light. Putting my whole car in park and locked up until I turned it off and back on. This occurred twice and put me at risk with being on busy roads in the day. Dealership was able to fix with a new battery. In the past and currently the car has shifted with a jerk or lunge type movement making the driver worried and concerned about hitting cars around them due to this. The dealership replaced a transmission gasket but still does this and have not been able to find the issue on 3 other occasions. The car also is now not shifting properly creating a low humming grind type sound when driving on the highway and the brake pedal feeling weird. This has delayed speeding up and slowing down creating major safety concerns when driving on the highway. The dealership has not been able to replicate yet due to only driving on town roads and not the highway at this time.

Unknown.

-stalled while driving -loud clanking upon start -no diagnostic info was accessible -replaced Cadillac converter, was glowing red -once replaced still hot, 10,000-20,000 degrees -.

Our Pacifica has repeatedly stalled on freeways. The engine will just stop running and will not start for 15 minutes to several hours. If it does start, it often will sputter and stall again if you try to put it in ear or press the accelerator. After some time, the problem will resolve itself and the vehicle will drive normally. This problem is infrequent which is what makes it so vexing. Each incident was more than 6 months apart so you never know when it will just stall out. Because our van was converted to a rear entry wheelchair van by braunability we've had the conversion components/connections thoroughly inspected by the conversion company dealer. I can see online that this is a known issue with multiple vehicles equipped with the pentastar v6 engine with stop-start and that there have been recalls but many people on the forum, the recall work didn't resolve the issue. We've had the vehicle to Chrysler dealers several times (four or five) to address the issue without permanent resolution. We've replaced the primary and secondary batteries several times. We've recently installed an aftermarket stop-start eliminator recently in the hope that it will resolve the problem. Additionally, because our Pacifica was converted for our disabled child, we will probably need to sell the vehicle at a significant loss because we can't risk having the vehicle stall on the interstate highway or freeway as we have no way to remove him from it safely. This issue seems so widespread that Chrysler/stellantis should have continued responsibility to resolve it permanently.