What 334 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

Over a year ago I noticed several paint bubbles along the front edge of the hood above the grille. This is widely reported issue with the 2017–2020 Chrysler Pacifica. I brought the vehicle to a dealer in Cleveland, Ohio for an estimate in February 2025 and requested that a warranty/goodwill claim be submitted to Stellantis/Chrysler. Since then, I've followed up several times by phone but haven't received any updates. Unfortunately, the paint issue has continued to worsen. Could you please let me know if you're able to assist with this matter? Thank you!

NHTSA ODI 11748999

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

NHTSA ODI 11748610

Powertrain: harsh, jerky shifting, violent, lurching gear changes, pause before engaging and high revving and lack of acceleration, mostly noticed at 50-60mph Steering PE25009 - catching or sticking when making minor or gradual turns in either direction when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock positions. It requires extra force to break free and jerks the steering

NHTSA ODI 11745504

When driving around curves the electric steering is malfunctioning. Making it unsafe to drive almost like it is sticking then when you correct it, it frees up and over corrects. This has been going on for some time now and keeps getting worse and worse. After a little research it seems a lot of other people are having this problem

NHTSA ODI 11743874

The entire electrical system is messed up. There will be times it works fine but all of a sudden while driving the odometer will switch between mph and kilometers, it'll change the screen, heated seats/steering wheel will turn on or off, it'll change the air system, the stop/start frequently goes out, we've had to replace both batteries and within a few months are having to replace both again. The transmission has a lot of issues as well and it's not safe while driving it'll "jump" or stall while shifting gears.

NHTSA ODI 11742577

2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle has ongoing steering, electrical, and power steering/EPS failures. The steering wheel intermittently jerks/pulls while driving, the vehicle has experienced random loss of steering assist, and the electrical system cuts out or malfunctions during normal use. The steering wheel lights and backup camera guidelines also disappear during driving sessions and only return after fully restarting the vehicle. The exact root cause is UNKNOWN, but the affected systems appear to include the EPS/power steering system, steering/suspension components, battery/electrical system, and possibly related control modules. My safety and others’ safety were put at risk because the vehicle has lost steering assist and had electrical failure while being driven, including a prior failure in an intersection. When the steering assist drops or the wheel jerks, the vehicle becomes difficult to control. This is especially dangerous because I transport my family in this vehicle. The issue has been reported repeatedly since purchase. The vehicle was inspected/repaired through Carvana/SilverRock’s repair process at Brockman Automotive, including rack and pinion/steering-related work. After that repair, the vehicle continued to drift and handle improperly. A later independent inspection at Davidson Automotive identified a loose/not properly secured tie rod, alignment problems, and a failed auxiliary battery. The shop could not complete deeper diagnostics until those prerequisite issues were corrected. The vehicle has also suffered abnormal front tire wear after the steering/alignment problems. Warning/symptoms before or during failures include steering wheel jerking/pulling, clunking/clanking/grinding/groaning noises, vehicle drift, service start/stop warning, electrical malfunctions, intermittent steering wheel control/light issues, loss of backup camera guidelines, and loss of steering assist. The vehicle/component is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11741016

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked in a parking lot, the contact noticed that the lower passenger's side of the windshield, underneath the windshield wiper had cracked without impact. The insurance company was contacted and informed the contact that the repair would not be covered because the failure was a known factory defect. The dealer and the manufacturer were not yet contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

NHTSA ODI 11740796

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid experienced a serious charging system failure during routine overnight charging using a standard Level 2 home charger that had previously worked without issue. In the morning, the charging connector was physically trapped in the vehicle charge port and could not be removed despite repeated normal troubleshooting attempts, including repeated unlock cycles, charger power cycling, breaker reset, and reseating attempts. Because the Pacifica Hybrid disables operation while a charging connector is detected, the vehicle became completely undrivable and required towing. Multiple AAA tow operators were unable to move the vehicle normally. We ultimately had to personally research and guide the tow operators through the manual neutral override procedure in order to get the vehicle into neutral and onto the tow truck. The dealership has suggested that the connector may have fused or arced together during charging and is attempting to characterize the situation as “not the vehicle’s fault.” Regardless of the precise electrical mechanism, this event occurred during ordinary intended use of the vehicle’s charging system. The end result was that the vehicle trapped the connector, immobilized itself, and stranded the owner without any meaningful owner-accessible recovery method. This is not ordinary wear and tear or a cosmetic inconvenience. This was a charging-system immobilization event involving a vehicle platform that already has a documented history of charging-system recalls and software-related charging concerns. The vehicle was being used exactly as intended. No misuse, modification, or improper operation occurred. A vehicle shouldn't become completely inoperable during routine charging. I am requesting review of this matter as a significant charging-system failure and requesting goodwill assistance regarding the substantial diagnostic and repair costs now being imposed on the customer for an event that occurred during normal operation.

NHTSA ODI 11739553

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed, however the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact noticed an unusual hissing sound. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed to the floor. In addition, the contact stated that after the vehicle came to a complete stop, the vehicle rolled forward. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with a failed vacuum pump and a failed brake booster. The contact was informed that the vacuum pump and the brake booster needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The vehicle was scheduled for diagnostic testing within the next couple of days. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. In addition, the contact stated that the failure was a known failure of the vehicle. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that the failure was not covered under any unknown recall or warranty program. The failure mileage was approximately 58,000.

NHTSA ODI 11739038

There was a clicking noise coming from under the dash. This flapping may have been going on for years. I only took in the car after a passenger noted that this noise was something abnormal. Others have noted that this will drain the secondary battery and I have had to have that battery replaced. The dealership said it would be five hundred dollars to replace the recirc door actuator (98258 B105D). They charged me $99.95 in labor to diagnose it. I bought a replacement part myself and replaced it myself. I disassembled what was supposed to be the faulty part, but found all gears perfectly fine. I noticed there were no issues related to the recirc door itself. The replacement part worked fine until the next day, when I pushed the passenger door lock button and the flapping noise resumed. I ran the old recirc motor disconnected from the recirc door and noticed that it exhibited a flapping behavior independent of whether or not it was actually attached to the door. This indicates a programming issue, not a physical issue.

NHTSA ODI 11738070

The steering is tight/sticking when I back out of my driveway or drive slowly around turns. It does seem stiff on highway speeds as well. Also my auto stop start check light is on about 2 months after replacing both batteries and I did have the recall somewhat associated with this completed

NHTSA ODI 11738219

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.

NHTSA ODI 11735816

While driving the steering will lock up and force a jerk when trying to get the steering wheel to move. At times there is a shudder while turning at slow speeds. Originally it was only present while turning as you are on an on ramp. It now appears also while driving straight.

NHTSA ODI 11735407

The steering wheel locks up partially when you turn the wheel making it super dangerous when driving. It’s done it for as long as I have had the vehicle. There was never any warning messages prior to the problem. I have not had it inspected by anyone. Unknown if it’s been reproduced by dealer.

NHTSA ODI 11733639

There is bubbling all along the hood of the van and now it is chipping. We inquired about this when we were getting oil changes at the dealer and no one said anything. I have a friend who said hers was recalled but I never received anything. We inquired a couple times and was brushed off. I now know that there was a recall and that this is a known defect. I only have 43k miles on this van it’s always I. A garage and I would like mine fixed since this is a well known defect.

NHTSA ODI 11732632

We bought our van new in 2019. It has always made a grinding noise when making hard turns. The dealer said it was normal. Flash forward to a few weeks ago when we hit 105k miles. We started noticing more grinding noises and sensations when turning the wheel. Additionally, we noticed a tugging sensation on the wheel when going over 60 mph. It felt like the lane assist was turned on, but it wasn’t. We took our van to our trusted auto repair garage. They did a series of tests which included isolating the sound of clicking and grinding to the electronic steering gear. We were told that this part would cost $5400 to replace. We believe that this part is going bad too early in the life of our van and would like the NHTSA to investigate.

NHTSA ODI 11731710

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.

NHTSA ODI 11727901

Electrical power steering assistance system. The steering wheel starts becoming difficult to smoothly turn in corners over 30-miles per hour. Steering wheel required excessive force to overcome the resistance caused by the steering system (almost like having a non-power system steering system in turns). No issues on straight roadways. No warning lamps light. Getting worse (only used for local travel). It requires a physical effort to turn the steering to remain on track within a curve. It has yet to be confirmed by a dealer: Williamsburg Chrysler sold me this vehicle 3-months ago as perfect (but as-is). If YOU suggest a dealership trustworthy enough to evaluate the system I will go there, otherwise I know of no dealership in my area who knows (or cares) to troubleshoot issues that are not so obvious parts are not falling off. NOTE: I noticed a Safety Recall V53/NHTSA 19V-348 Power Steering Assist exists but not specified for my 2019 Pacifica. The description is exactly what I'm referring to.

NHTSA ODI 11725865

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.

NHTSA ODI 11724582

While driving the car is unable to switch gears from D to L gear and has no power to accerlerate up hill.

NHTSA ODI 11724661

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

NHTSA ODI 11723248

This has been ever since I got my van. Sometime when I drive my lights come on and it goes into limp mode. Most of the time. When I start my van my lights will turn on. I have to turn my car off . Then start again to get my van riding correctly. The other day I was making a U-turn and my engine stalled and I was almost hit by a truck.

NHTSA ODI 11713341

Power steering failure October 11, 2024. Car battery malfunction. Thankfully I was in the slow lane and was able to drift to the shoulder of the highway. My safety of my entire family was put at risk. This includes me, my wife and 2 kids. The problem was confirmed by a dealership and I was able to replace the battery. The problem has not been reproduced, and no there were no warning lamps.

NHTSA ODI 11709647

A slow coolant leak is draining the coolant from the reservoir into the engine. This has happened twice now and no external leaks can be found. The first instance in June 2021 was on a trip from Goldsboro, NC to Antigo, WI. We made it to Chicago and noticed the engine temp climbing. We thought it was due to the trip and heat but had just stopped in Ohio the day prior. We took the vehicle to a local shop and they told us the coolant was nearly gone. The second time happened just [XXX] when I took my Pacifica in for an oil change. The shop stated my coolant was very low and they had to fill it up. They again found no visible external leak. I had noticed that it was low as well the day prior after getting home and knowing the shop is less than 2 miles away I knew I could get the van there safely. I did notice the temperature going up quickly even though it has been bitterly cold the last few days. I've been doing research and found many Pacifica and other online forums stating this issue had led to engine failures totaling repair costs in excess of $5,000 as of 2023 before continued inflation. This poses a huge safety risk for motorists if the engine fails while in transit as well as during extreme weather both cold and hot. Please hold the manufacturer accountable to fix this common defect for those of us who cannot afford a new vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11704873

Steering wheel sticks when attempting to return to straight position after a curve. Usually occurs when turning right but sometimes left. Only occurs at highway speeds, not on city streets. Chrysler dealer inspected vehicle, said no problem was found, recommended having tire alignment checked. Front tires did not need alignment but rear tires did and were aligned. Unfortunately, this did not correct the problem. This appears to be the same steering problem reported to affect 2017 and 2018 Pacifica per NHTSA investigation. Note: incident date, below, is date problem was first noticed. Problem is ongoing.

NHTSA ODI 11703318