Service Brakes Problems of Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? the vehicle speed control and braking systems malfunctioned. The vehicle experienced sudden unintended acceleration while the driver was actively applying the brakes. The vehicle has been parked, remains unrepaired, and is fully available for physical inspection and event data recorder (edr) extraction upon request. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? the vehicle accelerated uncontrollably despite the driver applying the brakes, resulting in a collision with a parked vehicle. This total loss of speed control and braking effectiveness put the driver and surrounding pedestrians at risk of severe injury or death. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? no. The vehicle has been intentionally withheld from dealership diagnostics and collision repair to prevent technicians from inadvertently clearing the vehicle's computer history, thereby preserving the digital evidence of the malfunction. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? the insurance carrier has processed an initial digital claim for the collision damage, but no physical diagnostic inspections or teardowns have been performed by the manufacturer, collision shops, or insurance representatives at this time. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? unknown. The sudden acceleration occurred without warning while the driver was braking. We have dash camera video footage that captured the incident live and corroborates the sudden acceleration event.

See all problems of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Made a right hand turn onto residential street and van immediately parked itself mid turn which would have resulted in accident had someone been behind me. Vehicle was able to restart and reach destination but now p1b14 code is thrown. This is unacceptable for a car to shift into park while in motion. Code is related to known earlier issue with van that was supposedly repaired. 2 weeks ago while inching into a parking spot the van seemed to have lost power for a split second but resumed as I finished parking. I feel very unsafe in vehicle.

See all problems of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

The vehicle was left in parking on a Saturday afternoon in costco. When we came back and we put everything in the trunk, the vehicle turn on automatically, not by remote start, on its own. When we saw the dashboard it said: "put on in parking to prevent rolling", but the vehicle didn't take any gears and it was not able to be turn off. We try to turn it off several times but it came back on, on its own with the same message: "put on in parking to prevent rolling", after towing we dropped in the dealer and the dealer couldn't find anything not even a computer code. This could have happened on a semaphore waiting for a light and maybe the car would have rolled on its own? that's something that it is concerning.

See all problems of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

There were no warnings prior to the event. I was driving the vehicle and parked at a car wash to clean the interior. After cleaning, I started the car. I checked and the indicator light on the epb (parking brake) button was off. I tried to move the vehicle but the parking brake was clearly engaged. I pressed the button several times. Nothing changed. The indicator light would not go on. I tried turning the car off/on. I tried to enter maintenance mode which failed without explanation - just a generic error. Finally, I got out, locked the car and waited ten minutes. When I got back in and started it, the indicator finally went on and I was able to disengage the brake. It is a severe design flaw that there is not a lever or pedal to operate this brake. The electronics were evidently not tested sufficiently. The parking brake should not be stuck with no way to release it and my understanding is that other owners have reported this problem. This is a safety issue that should be covered by Chrysler. I was told they would cover the diagnostic and then told they would not. Then I was told to ask the dealer about assistance to cover the diagnostic cost. The dealer had no idea what that was. If we can't rely on the brake to release, that teaches us to never use the parking brake. That is a safety hazard. There is no reliable way for the owner to control the braking system. It is furthermore unreasonable for the owner to be held responsible financially for this defect.

See all problems of the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

Car completely powered off , abs replaced, transmission shifter , replaced batteries once and now the aux battery again, car not even 3 years old. Safety issue when vehicle is just dying while in motion.

In may 2026, I was coming down my driveway. It is a long, sloped driveway. As I came around the corner, the brakes went right to the floor; it wasn't just a loss of power; there were no brakes of any kind. The car almost went off the road on the other side. As soon as I turned the car off and back on, the brakes worked perfectly. A few months later, I was coming down another driveway off a dangerous, busy highway, and the brakes stopped working again. My 17-year-old daughter was with me, and if we went out into the road, a fatal accident was a high possibility. I wrecked the car into the ditch and stopped on top of a log. My brother, son, and nephew had to come and rescue us. Again, as soon as I turned the car off and back on, the brakes worked perfectly. My dad and brother are both mechanics. Nothing seemed fundamentally wrong with the brakes. The fact that they worked for months after that was also very concerning. We thought it was the start/stop system. I began turning the system off manually before each trip. The last incident, several weeks later, was also on my driveway, coming down the hill. The brakes went to the floor; my mom and two daughters were in the car, everyone was screaming, and I had to run over my automatic gatepost and gate to stop it; the car almost rolled. As with the other times, I refuse to drive this car; it could kill someone. I live by a freeway with a mountain pass; I have gone down this pass several times. If I had an incident like this on this pass, it would without any doubt cause a fatal accident for myself or potentially others as well. I haven't had the car inspected because I cannot drive it anywhere. I drove the car almost every day between these incidents with no problem with the brakes whatsoever. There were no warnings or dash lights with any of these incidents.

The brake booster has failed, a hissing noise is audible coming from the brake pedal when depressed. I have also noticed reducing stopping power in certain situations. It appears this issues is referenced by Chrysler in an extended warranty, covered under mopar warranty bulletin d-22-15, however this car has now been in service for 6 years.

See all problems of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

The vehicle’s braking system is not working properly. The brake pedal pumps and does not always respond correctly when pressure is applied. When backing up, the brakes pump and do not stop the vehicle as expected. While driving forward, the vehicle may continue moving even after the brake pedal is pressed. Because of this, I have to begin braking much earlier than normal and stop farther back from stoplights and other vehicles to allow enough distance for the van to finally come to a complete stop. This issue puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk because the vehicle may not stop when expected. It has been extremely scary, we stopped driving the van. The exact cause is unknown but the breaks for sure.

Almost got in 2 separate accidents because of a failed brake booster. No symptoms before hand to let me know anything was wrong. Came to a red light and the brakes became very hard to push and the vehicle proceeded to continue moving even though I hit the brake. It came to a stop in the middle of the intersection and I almost got hit. Also almost rear-ended someone because of the same issue. It has been confirmed at the Chrysler dealer that the brake booster failed. I have children and almost got into an accident twice because of it. Now I have to pay out of pocket because it got denied due to it being over the date of expiration. My vehicle has under 85,000 miles and now I'm out $700 because it won't get covered. It's a safety risk for me and my family.

I have a big problem with this van’s brakes I couldn’t brake when I was driving on the freeway it didn’t brake properly and so dangerous and I was terrified luckily didn’t get into accident I complained about this issue to the NHTSA about this Chrysler Pacifica.

The contact rented a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The contact stated that several days later, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that while the husband was driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact's husband depressed the brake pedal to the floorboard while attempting to stop the vehicle. The rented vehicle crashed into the rear of the vehicle that was in front of the rented vehicle before coming to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. No injuries were sustained. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 26,000.

See all problems of the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

While stopped at a traffic light on a downhill slope, my 2023 Chrysler Pacifica suddenly applied the brakes by itself and shifted into park as I began to accelerate through the intersection. I did not touch the shifter. The vehicle locked up abruptly in the middle of the intersection. There were no warning lights, alerts, or messages before or after the incident. I had no idea as to what was happening. I was scared the car behind me was going to run into me. I was fortunate that she didn't this behavior is extremely dangerous and could have caused a collision. I have since learned that the 2023 Pacifica has numerous electrical?system technical service bulletins, and this appears to be an unintended auto?park activation caused by an electrical or sensor fault. Vehicle details: 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, VIN [xxx]. I am submitting this complaint so this issue can be investigated as a potential safety defect affecting other vehicles as well. This incident scared me badly, and I no longer feel confident that the vehicle will behave predictably in traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

I was traveling on the DC beltway (interstate), it was raining and the temp was in the low 50s. The vehicle in front of me hit their brakes pretty hard. I started braking firmly myself. I heard an alarm sound and I believe the anti-lock braking activated, and the van began automatically braking itself. I was brought to a complete stop on the interstate by the van. The vehicle ahead of me accelerated again and I stepped on the gas to get going again and it wouldn't move. At all. I kept pressing on the gas to get going and the van wouldn't move. Meanwhile traffic behind me is gaining on me and I was rear-ended. After being hit I tried to move it out of the travel lane and it still wouldn't move. After all that I looked at the dash and it said to move forward, release the electronic parking brake (or something to that effect). I pushed the button to turn it off, and was able to get onto the shoulder. I believe the root cause of the crash was that the van automatically turned on the parking brake on it's own, and I did not want it on. If it hadn't, I could've accelerated away and not gotten rear-ended.

1. Most emergency lights come on while the vehicle's brake engages automatically. The brake then pumps up and down on its own if any pressure is applied. Shortly after, the vehicle goes into "limp mode". The vehicle is currently at a Chrysler dealership service department and available for inspection. 2. This has occurred 8 times since the vehicle was purchased in October 2024. All but one time, it has happened while driving. Once it happened while on a major highway. I had to quickly veer into a turn lane so our vehicle was not rearended by another car. Another time, I was driving my children to school and it happened about 10 seconds before crossing the worst intersection in our city. That could have resulted in a major crash based on the history of that intersection. A third time, I was traveling at about 40 miles an hour when warnings came on and the brake started to engage. Luckily, I had just gotten off a major highway and I was able to get to the side of the road. 3. The problem has been confirmed by a dealer, since it happened while I was in their service parking lot. However, they have been unable to recreate, find the source of, or fix the issue after 7 times of servicing it. 4. I am unsure whether the manufacturer has sent anyone outside of the dealer's service department to inspect the vehicle. We have been in contact with the manufacturer directly since December 26, 2025 in relation to this issue. Our extended warranty company may have had an inspector out on the first visit to the dealership for the issue, but no one since that I am aware of. 5. Emergency messages have included: service electronic stability control, service charging system, service hybrid electronic vehicle system, auto emergency braking unavailable service required. Multiple emergency lights come on including: check engine, electronic throttle control, electronic stability control active, service forward collision warning. The first incident was January 22, 2025.

We were at a complete stop waiting for traffic to go, I had my foot on the brake pedal and the car lunge/revved up and hit the car in front of me. This is the 3rd time this has happened. The first time we were advised it was probably the front-end sensor that were probably covered with ice. We were advised they are very sensitive. The 2nd time it was winter still, so we took the car through the car wash to make sure no ice was built up. We did not get in an accident because traffic started to move. We took the vehicle to the dealership, and they could not find anything wrong with it. Chrysler corp got involved and they sent a 3rd party to check the van and black box. They advised nothing was found on the black box (not even an accident) and their investigators found nothing wrong with the vehicle. No warning messages were reported after the crash. Police were called to the scene and insurance was notified. Our insurance company advised that we should file this on here. There were 3 people in the van besides myself. We had a loaner vehicle for almost 3 months and we cannot get any information or paper work from Chrysler corp regarding the investigation. We were advised the investigation was confidential and proprietary.

I have had an issue with my brakes for a couple years. I have taken my van to a couple of different mechanics to express my concerns and they have changed brakes but the issues continue. The brakes do not always work effectively. They make a hissing sound. When my foot is on the brake, sometimes my van will still roll forward or backwards - this has happened often when leaving parking lots. I cannot stop quickly when animals or unexpected moments happen while driving on the highway. I have not yet had an accident due to this but this condition is very serious. There was an extended warranty issued due to this issue (brake booster) but it was issued prior to these issues occurring in my vehile and has expired. The issues are still very dangerous. I encourage this warranty coverage to be extended further.

My 2022 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid has developed a dangerous rear brake system malfunction. During a dealer inspection on 4/27/26, the certified technician confirmed that the rear brake pads are only contacting approximately 50% of the rotor surface, leaving the remaining half completely unused and heavily corroded. This is not normal corrosion or wear. It is a mechanical failure in which the pads are not engaging the rotor correctly. The technician also stated that the pads were sticking in the caliper slides, which prevented full engagement. This is a functional defect in the brake hardware, not environmental corrosion. Corrosion does not selectively prevent half of a brake pad from engaging the rotor unless the caliper mechanism is not operating properly. This defect results reduced rear braking force increased stopping distance excessive load on the front brakes potential loss of stability during emergency braking possible degradation of the parking brake the vehicle was serviced on 9/23/25 (tire rotation + nys inspection) and 12/10/24 (four new tires + nys inspection). No rear brake issues were identified at either visit. If this were normal corrosion, it would have been visible during those inspections. The sudden onset of severe partial engagement by 4/27/26 indicates a latent mechanical defect, not gradual wear. Chrysler/stellantis has refused to classify this as a defect and instead labels it “corrosion,” despite the technician’s findings of pad binding in the slides and improper brake engagement. The manufacturer’s internal system blocks any warranty or engineering review because it incorrectly categorizes the failure as routine maintenance. This is a premature and unsafe brake system failure at only 33,000 miles. The braking system is not operating as designed, and the defect could lead to reduced braking performance or loss of control. I am requesting NHTSA’s review of this issue as a potential safety defect affecting the rear brake system.

I started to brake on peck road. I turned into my driveway and as I started to come to a complete stop, the brake pedal went to the floor and the brakes did not engage and I went over a landscape wall. I have a video of the event from my ring camera. I went on-line and noticed that other Pacifica owners have had an issue similar to this one.

Vehicle lost power, steering, and breaks on the george washington bridge in nyc causing it to roll into the back of another vehicle.

I am experiencing a serious brake safety issue involving the brake booster on my Chrysler Pacifica. When braking, the pedal becomes extremely hard, pushes back against my foot, and requires excessive force to stop the vehicle. In some instances, when I am at a complete stop, the brake pedal pushes upward and the vehicle begins to move forward on its own. This issue causes a loss of braking assist and significantly increases stopping distance, creating an unsafe driving condition and risk of collision. The problem occurs intermittently but has worsened over time. Chrysler/stellantis has acknowledged this brake booster defect by issuing a warranty extension; however, they have not issued a safety recall. I was denied repair coverage solely because my vehicle is now outside the extended warranty period, despite the fact that the defect is known and directly affects braking performance and vehicle control. This is not normal wear and tear. It is a failure of the brake assist system that compromises safe operation of the vehicle, whether driving at speed or stopped in traffic. The condition presents a clear safety risk to occupants and others on the road. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can investigate whether this defect warrants a formal safety recall.

See all problems of the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica 🔎.

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.

While driving the indicator light for forward collision warning (fcw or pedestrian emergency braking (peb) illuminated. This is an intermittent issue and has appeared during snowy or wet road conditions. The owner's manual states description states: warning light indicates a fault in the fcw/peb warning system. Contact an authorized dealer for service.

Car rolls forward when in reverse and takes a dangerously long time to slip into gear. Car rolls back when foot is taken off brake, especially on hills.

Brakes have a skip feeling horribly. We took to garage after changing brakes and rotors 2x to be sure it wasnt the issue. But doesnt even feel safe to drive the garage took the whole front end apart down to the calipers and didnt find any issues so they questioned if maybe it wasnt a similar recall to the hybrid braking issue to do with the caliper? the van only has 45,000 miles and feels so unsafe to drive anywhere with 5 kids and a newer vehicle you shouldn't not feel safe driving. Ive seen more than my complaint on brake issues just by looking around on internet and the brake light will come on I have to turn off and crank vehicle again for the red brake dot to go away and engine light comes on.

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel soon after the vehicle was purchased. An independent mechanic replaced the evap purge valve, but after the repair, the power steering assist failed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A mobile mechanic attempted to clear the codes, but the power steering failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed back to the independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test provided several fault codes, including electrical, abs, brakes, traction control, rack and pinion, and the check engine warning light was displayed. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

The contact owns a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 7 mph and slowing to park his vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle kept moving forward. The contact stated he crashed into the front end of a vehicle parked in front of his vehicle. The contact stated that there was damage to his hood and grill. The contact stated that the police arrived and wrote a report. The contact stated that his vehicle was towed to a collision repair shop. The contact stated that no one was injured. The contact was not sure of any warning lights. The contact stated that the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that several days ago, the vehicle again did not brake or slow as he was making a left-hand turn onto a side street. The contact stated that he drove the vehicle back to his residence and had not driven since. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.

The contact owns a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 5-10 mph, the brakes locked up. The contact stated that the parking brake unexpectedly engaged and failed to release. The driver’s side rear wheel locked up. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the brake actuator needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. While driving in the driveway, the brakes locked up. The vehicle was taken to the dealer again, where the abs module was replaced. Additionally, there was an engine malfunction, and the battery was recharged. The manufacturer was contacted and opened a case. The contact requested a vehicle buyback. The failure mileage was approximately 5,000.

As I began driving errors popped up engine failure, electrical system and hybrid system errors, the gas pedal would not move beyond 10 miles per hour, the brakes made a weird noise as if were trying to start the car. This happened with no warning.

Brake booster and vacuum failing due to cracked diaphragm.

When trying making a sudden stop at a red light the or to stop the van it will not stop it keeps going.

Well driving down the interstate my van slammed on brakes stated safety mode engine will. Shut off soon. Now it will not start. It could have caused us to get in a serious wreck.

The rear brake at 4mm at 32k miles at the time of oil change at dealer and front brake still have 7mm, as a mechanical engineer, I know this should not happen. Also while driving, there is high freq metal sound, I have notified the dealer every time I went to oil change, they confirmed it is fine but I do not feel safe. 2nd issue is the powertrain system feels no power while climbing hills and the car almost stops and sliding back even I put on gas pedal and almost hit the car behind me one time. 3rd issue is that gas door seal is broken within first year of use, it could cause gas leaking.

At a stoplight the fcw ( forward, collision), warning dash light went on and engaged the brakes, thankfully, no movement was taking place. I had to put the car in park and then drive to be able to resume. This indicates that it could have occurred at high speeds, potentially causing a collision.

During normal driving from office to home car suddenly started stuttering and I was apply break but speeded up and showed engine light on, I was about to hit front car due to additional speed. During that time I saw few quick messages on the dashboard, the one that I can remember was related with acc. That's the dangerous situation. I looked d from obd and found that code was u0412 and reported that code to huntington beach Chrysler service station. Please keep an eye out for some similarities between others reports.

Component failute: first the cruse control would stop working while driving. Then the engine would rive way up while trying to accelerate and not gain much speed, gas mpg dropped. When breaking to stop I had to push the break pedal harder. When the cruse had stopped and I shut the engine off, it was hard to start, and would bump and shake as if it was hitting on 2 cylinders, cruse still would not work. After I made it home, the next time I started it, it was ok, then the last time I parked it the brake will not depress and it will not start. Battery has 12 volts, jumped it anyway break still want depress. Took battery cables off shorted them together , did not help. Break pedal still will not depress.