What 1,475 owners told NHTSA about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Awd

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

NHTSA ODI 11738441

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the steering wheel seized with no warning. warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated failure, and during the inspection, the mechanic diagnosed the vehicle with a failed rack and pinion steering assembly that needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11738099

While driving at highway speeds, steering wheel sticks at 11 and 1 o'clock position requiring extra input from the driver to return to zero or 12 o'clock position. This causes a jerky motion when the wheel finally unsticks or an oversteer condition which is unsafe when driving in busy windy roads with opposing traffic.

NHTSA ODI 11736962

Steering wheel binds up wile making right truns around the 1 o'clock position.

NHTSA ODI 11736851

The steering system is malfunctioning and doesn't return to center naturally while driving at certain speeds and degrees of turns. It can be available for inspection if someone wants to look at it. When operating the vehicle on average between 30-50 miles per hour and making a slight left or slight right turn, the steering wheel gets locked into the turn position and doesn't return to center. Force has to be applied in order to return the vehicle's steering wheel to center and continue driving. No accidents have happened, but I it puts our safety at risk in turning and overcorrecting into another vehicle. No steering components appeared to be damaged when inspected by Firestone and PepBoys. Tires were showing normal wear and within alignment that didn't indicate another issue ongoing. There are no warning lights, symptoms and shown problems indicating something electrical. This does happen often and it's one incident

NHTSA ODI 11734881

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 60 MPH, the vehicle intermittently started jerking. The vehicle shifted into another gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,090.

NHTSA ODI 11733231

The power steering will intermittently go out when traveling down the roadway and when making right and left hand turns. Once the power steering goes out there is an alert triggered and the alerts the driver the power steering assist is malfunctioning and the steering wheel is very difficult to control or turn and jerks the steering wheel. Also, the power steering will re-engage and return to normal function without warning and then go back out again.

NHTSA ODI 11732928

I keep getting check engine lights and they have repaired serval of the items and I did get a letter in the mail saying the battery would now have a lifetime warranty if it threw a certain code and I had two codes come up and some people told me to replace my 12v battery and it would probably clear up. so reset the codes and put new battery in and ran fine for a week or so (I don't drive much) then when I got in the other day and had it fully charged and it showed on screen only 69% and I thought that was strange then the check engine light came on again showing code P0A0A high voltage system interlock circuit so I am really worried the battery is having a problem and needs replaced. Will it be covered under the lifetime warranty? I see on safety recalls that these vehicles were recalled??

NHTSA ODI 11731935

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica experienced repeated engine timing and oil system failures. The vehicle first developed a check engine light and engine timing code (P000D – camshaft position slow response). The vehicle was inspected by a dealership service department. Shortly after, a major engine oil leak was discovered from the oil cooler / oil filter adapter assembly. The vehicle required repair of the oil cooler assembly and associated seals. After that repair, the vehicle continued to experience engine timing issues. The dealership later confirmed failure of the cam phaser components associated with the engine timing system and performed a repair. Within days of the repair, the check engine light and engine timing code returned again. The failure involves the engine valve timing system and oil pressure dependent components based on Autozone code check. Improper camshaft timing can affect engine operation, cause loss of power, rough running, or possible engine stall while driving, which creates a safety risk in traffic. The issue has been inspected and confirmed by a dealership service department. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11731657

The auto start/stop malfunctioned and then the engine sounded like it was going to die. It is available to look at. I thought it was going to stop in the middle of the road. Unknown Unknown The auto start stop light came on and said it was unavailable. They just first appeared today. And the engine light is on.

NHTSA ODI 11731214

Check engine light came on at 87K miles, took to dealership and code was P0303. Dealer had to replace 6 spark plugs, warped head, head gasket and oil change. Dealership knew of this problem with faulty heads from the manufacturer and no recall has been started from Chrysler. Car has never overheated or shown any other symptoms. It has been 2 years, 3 months and less than 27K miles and I have another check engine light with the same code. Dealerships says I have another blown head gasket, and it needs to be replaced. Vehicle cannot be driven until it is replaced.

NHTSA ODI 11730753

I experienced a check engine light and intermittent starting issues with my vehicle (Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2017). [XXX] At times, the vehicle would not start, but after some time it could start again. After researching the issue online, I found that there are active safety recalls for this vehicle related to the hybrid system (including battery and inverter/PIM). I immediately contacted the dealer: [XXX] An appointment was scheduled for April 1, 2026 at 4:00 PM. I dropped off the vehicle at approximately 3:50 PM and handed over the keys. Prior to visiting the dealer, I purchased a diagnostic subscription tool to better understand the issue, as many owners report dealers misdiagnosing these problems. The diagnostic results indicated issues related to the PIM (Power Inverter Module), including required updates and possible internal diode failure. This matches the symptoms I experienced, where the vehicle would intermittently fail to start. I have attached photos showing error messages related to PIM update and hybrid system faults. On the next day, the dealer informed me that they would only perform a diagnostic for $180 instead of processing the issue under recall. I believe this is incorrect, as the symptoms match known recall conditions (loss of power / hybrid system failure), and recall-related diagnostics should not be charged to the customer. The dealer is refusing to proceed under recall and is attempting to charge for diagnosis. This is a safety issue and should be handled under recall. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11728737

The steering wheel sticks in a slight right and left turns (from about the 11:00 or 1:00 position) when I straighten out the wheel. It does it on highway on and exit ramps, during passing maneuvers and any slight right or left bends in the road. There are no unusual noises associated with this. During these gradual curves the wheel will not self-center to return to straight ahead. Extra force is required to force the steering to respond resulting in the car jerking right or left. This is unexpected and very scary when it first happens because I feel I've temporarily lost control of the steering. My passengers are alarmed as the car is jerked to the side at highway speeds wondering why I'm jerking the car so violently while performing a gradual turn or passing another vehicle. It seems to happen more on long drives (2 to 3 hours) and not so much on short drives. It almost feels temperature related as I don't notice this behavior on short drives around town but mostly at higher speeds on expressways. This has been occurring over the last several years but only noticeable on long road trips.

NHTSA ODI 11728746

Intermittent power steering issues with steering wheel becoming “stuck” in one position. Also steering wheel gives resistance while turning at slow speeds, becoming jerky at times.

NHTSA ODI 11727410

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)

NHTSA ODI 11727269

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

NHTSA ODI 11727352

The check engine light is on my Chrysler Pacifica 2017 Limited with error codes P0302 and P0306, indicating misfires in the second and sixth cylinders. The vehicle was purchased brand new in 2017 from a Chrysler dealership in Olathe, Kansas and currently has approximately 97,000 miles. So far, the spark plugs and valve cover gasket have been replaced, but the same error codes persist. The mechanic is now recommending head gasket replacement, with an estimated repair cost of up to $5,000, which is extremely high. After researching this issue online, I found that thousands of Chrysler owners have experienced the same problem, yet no recall or corrective action has been issued by Chrysler. I contacted Chrysler customer support directly, but was informed that no assistance could be provided because the vehicle is out of warranty. We chose to purchase this vehicle based on the trust, reliability, and customer service reputation of Chrysler, but unfortunately, this experience has not reflected those values. An engine failure of this magnitude at this mileage is unacceptable, especially when it appears to be a known and widespread issue. I strongly believe Chrysler should take responsibility and provide assistance for this engine defect.

NHTSA ODI 11727357

My 2017, Chrysler Pacifica van just stopped for no reason whatsoever scaring me to death, I was just driving with no issues then all of a sudden as, drove into a Restaurant parking lot my van just turned off on its own before I could get in parking spot. It would not restart so I had to get it tolled. Ended up spending over $3000 two different Mechanics, one being the Hawk Chrysler dealer, in Forest Park, Illinois, the other one a private mechanic Abes Auto Repair in both cases I had lots of work done it was one issue after another, First I was told it could be the starter, than the, battery, after returning (engine light back on within 24 hours or less of work completion) then injectors, spark plus, gasket, cylinder all replaced and still continues to have engine issues. Every time engine the Engine light turned back on shortly or a day after, the engine being serviced. Whats worst is each time the engine light comes on it is new issue. So far no resolution to date. This last time the Mechanic had my Pacifica for exactly a month and one day got it back light was off drove it 30 minutes light came back on new service issue. I have paid more into the Chrysler that I owe. At this point I have no choice but to park it and continue to pay my van payments for a van which seems to have several issues one after another. Now my engine light is blinking so I cant not even take it to a repair shoppe. There is something going on that service people are not able to fix.

NHTSA ODI 11727085

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.

NHTSA ODI 11725086

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.

NHTSA ODI 11723172

After a curb impact, the vehicle immediately experienced a no‑start condition. The failure appears to be collision‑related electrical damage in wiring routed through the lowered‑floor mobility‑conversion area installed by BraunAbility. The vehicle was fully operational before the impact and became completely inoperable immediately afterward, with no warning lights or prior symptoms, creating a safety risk for mobility access. United Access (BraunAbility dealer) performed no diagnostic scan, no wiring inspection, and produced no documentation. They stated they could not identify the cause or access the wiring. Houston Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram produced no diagnostic findings. Their only record, a Multi‑Point Inspection, showed no codes, no scan results, and no wiring notes, and incorrectly marked the visibly damaged left front tire as “OK.” The technician who completed the MPI left shortly afterward, and no further diagnostic work was done. The General Manager, Ben Nash, confirmed in writing that no repairs were performed and the diagnostic fee was waived. United Access reported that the dealership told them there were “two shorts in the wiring harness,” but this was only a verbal statement with no documentation, scan report, or technician notes, and no facility has been able to confirm it. An independent repair facility replaced the battery, but the vehicle still would not start. They reported that the wiring is extensive and non‑standard due to the BraunAbility conversion and reached a wiring‑complexity impasse. BraunAbility stated they conducted a “thorough review,” but provided no diagnostic evidence and relied entirely on undocumented verbal statements. The precise failure point cannot be confirmed because no facility could access or trace the conversion‑zone wiring, but the sequence of events clearly indicates collision‑related electrical damage. The vehicle remains in a no‑start condition.

NHTSA ODI 11722383

we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.

NHTSA ODI 11722346

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

NHTSA ODI 11721632

Around October/November 2025, the vehicle began having intermittent steering issues that have progressively worsened. The steering wheel becomes stiff or feels stuck, and at times it jerks on its own before correcting. Other times I must pull harder to get it to respond, causing over‑correction and difficulty maintaining my lane. This has happened at various speeds, including 65–70 mph on the interstate, and I nearly collided with another vehicle due to sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle also has ongoing electrical malfunctions. The center screen glitches, causing the heat/air settings to scroll on their own, the radio to constantly scan, and the touchscreen and knobs to stop responding. The navigation system shows incorrect locations, sometimes placing the vehicle in another state or in the ocean. The system has also made random phone calls on its own and has added a second call during an active call without input. During one incident while turning at an intersection, the vehicle lost power and shut off mid‑turn. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted. At the same time, the screen blacked out and flickered, and the ignition button malfunctioned. No warning lights appeared. The battery has died multiple times and has been replaced several times, and software resets have not resolved the issues. These problems were intermittent at first, making it difficult to take the vehicle to a dealer, but they have recently become more frequent and severe. While researching possible causes, I discovered that NHTSA has an open investigation involving similar steering and electrical failures in this model. The combination of steering malfunction, electrical instability, uncommanded inputs, and an engine shutdown presents a significant safety risk.

NHTSA ODI 11720987

Description of Incident: On February 15, 2026, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid experienced three distinct and severe safety system failures involving the electrical system, power seats, and the power sliding door. Power Sliding Door Sensor Failure: While my minor son was entering the vehicle, the power sliding door closed on his leg. The pinch sensor failed to detect the obstruction and did not reverse. This resulted in physical bruising and marks on the limb (photographic evidence maintained). Unintended Passenger Seat Motion: While the vehicle was stationary, the front passenger power seat moved forward to its maximum limit without user input. I was seated in the chair at the time and was pinned against the dashboard before I could intervene. Electrical Shock: My minor daughter received a perceptible electric shock upon touching the exterior door-handle button to open the sliding door. Components Involved: Electrical System Seats (Power) Sliding Door (Power) Injuries: Yes (Soft tissue bruising/marks to minor’s leg). Risk to Safety: Had the driver's seat moved forward without input while the vehicle was in motion, this absolutely could result in loss of control of the vehicle and an accident. Had the sliding side door continued to close on my son's leg, it could have caused severe injury. Had the electrical shock been worse, it could have resulted in burn or injury. The vehicle is available for inspection. It has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance. The issues have not repeated at this point, although the vehicle was not used the last 12 days. I do not have confidence in its electrical components. There were no warning lamps, messages, or other indications of any problem with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11720695