What 162 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Awd

Possible control arm failure, been reading online that this has been a known issue with these and nothing has been done about it. My wife was driving with our 3 small children when the vehicle went left on its own with no steering causing her to lose control jumping the west bound lanes of traffic. Luckily no traffic was coming or this would have ended badly. My wife has minor injury’s and my children were unharmed

NHTSA ODI 11564274

Unknown, I have Pacifica 2020, it’s reported to the dealer and to independent car repair company with electric issues. The electric issues put me and my children in danger, I have to call 911 to get them help me in the middle of the road. The car stopped suddenly putting on park and suddenly shutdown. Even did not allowed me to use the emergency light / hazard warning lights. I felt trapped and one of the toddler was inside the van with me , so it’s out his kid in danger too. I took it to the dealership and they was not able to fix or to know the root of this issue. Just cost me money for inspection for nothing. Last time is repeating the same problem wa last night, was stuck in the middle of the night in freezing weather. I called my insurance company which was full coverage to ask road assistance, the answer was I have to wait like 6 hours till business is open. The van has been doing this before for past six months one after one . This van have electrical problems put me in danger several times .

NHTSA ODI 11562958

In August 2022, while traveling on the interstate I received a warning that the vehicle was experiencing a power failure. It subsequently shut down while traveling at highway speeds. I was able to navigate off an exit that happened to be immediate and coasted downhill off the exit ramp to a safe spot. I was unable to power the vehicle off for approximately 10 minutes. Once able to power the vehicle off and keeping it off for a few minutes, I restarted it. The check engine light was lit but drivable. The dealer replaced the entire transmission. In January 2023, the dealer completed the recall associated with the vehicle. On 1 January 2024, while driving approximately 60mph, I received notice that the vehicle would shut down and to pull over safely. Upon turning the vehicle off and back on, the check engine was lit but drivable. The vehicle is currently with the dealer again.

NHTSA ODI 11562992

Since performing the latest recall (03A/NHTSA 23V-010) this car has gone into a "limp home mode" a half dozen times -often with a car full of children and at least once in a long construction zone on the Washington DC beltway! The recall "fix" for the faulty transmission wiring was apparently to program the electronic control to recognize faulty wiring and put the car in "limp home mode" - supposedly this makes it safe! Really? on DC beltway at night in a construction zone! The dealership told me that Chrysler would replace the transmission - 5/25/23. I have been in contact with the dealer numerous times and also Chrysler customer care. No one can give me a delivery estimate for the transmission and in the meantime, we continue to experience the total loss of power in the most horrible of circumstances. Neither Chrysler nor the dealer has offered a rental car or a loaner vehicle. This recall was totally inadequate to address the wiring and safety issue due to the lack of response from Chrysler to fix the actual problem.

NHTSA ODI 11559467

The seals on the oil filter housing and the valve covers go bad. I have been smiling a burning oil smell off an on for the last 8 months. I reported this to the dealership and was told that the seals on the PCV valve seep they all doit should be ok. As time rolled on the van went put of warranty and the smell got worse. I went back to the dealer and they finally looked the way they should have 8 months age and found the problems listed above.costing me 712.69 dollars. You look ant where on the web about this problem and find that Chrysler is fully aware and they are doing nothing about it . What happens when we are going down the road and enough oil leaks and runs down the manifold then starts a fire??? I contacted Chrysler and got no help at all.

NHTSA ODI 11558048

Our car was fixed for a recall 5 months ago for engine failure on the highway because of an electrical issue. On Saturday morning driving on the highway, the car's dashboard gave a warning when we driving on the highway, 70 mph, and then immediately started breaking. This caused us to be slowing in the middle lane to 45 mph and cars swerving around us. We were very lucky to be able to maneuver around traffic and safely make it to the shoulder to catch our breath. This could of been a really bad accident involving 3-8 cars. We had the car towed to a dealership and after a diagnosis, the car needed a whole new transmission. The recall was an electrical update to control wiring in the transmission but then the transmission only after 32k miles completely shut down and needs to be replaced. We are hoping this gets looked into. After reading on forums, this issue has happened multiple times. We did have the recall fixed but it seems like the recall is 100% effective. Since this is a major issue and can cause fatality or serious body injury, FCA should have a more effective update to fix this issue with the transmisson.

NHTSA ODI 11557658

On 11.03.2023 @ approximately 17:30 hrs I was stopped at a red light with my 9 year old in the car. A warning indicating the “hood popped”” appeared on my dash. It indicated the auto start/stop would not work. The van shifted into park mode on IT’S Own. I DIDN’T engage park mode. The PACIFICA did it on its own. Let me repeat this so you understand the severity of this matter. The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica made its own mind up and took action without a direct order from me or my hands. It engaged into park mode. It then told me I would have to restart the car in order for AUTO START/STOP to work. I live in Austin Texas. 5 o’clock traffic is a reality and in order to be efficient the commuter is only as good as there car. I must advise that this is not a game to me or my family. I understand the car industry in America cannot afford to fail which is why corners are cut. They are overlooked by government and the industry. NHTSA. You are aware this is a major problem. You are just as liable as the company who fails to accept responsibility due to the bottom line. This is not the first time nor will it be the last. Tell me what side of this issue do you want to be on. Does someone need to die or get hurt before you take this matter seriously. It seems to me that we’d rather watch folks suffer. What’s your price?

NHTSA ODI 11553666

On 11.04.2023 @ approximately 12:45 hrs while driving in Austin Texas, congress & 5th, the Auto Start:/stop warning light came on my dash. I was driving downtown. I will continue to file complaints until this matter is taken seriously. If my family is injured/killed please know that NHTSA & Chrysler will be collectively grouped & liable. I urge you to take this matter seriously before it’s too late.

NHTSA ODI 11553668

On 11/05/2023 at approximately 12 pm while getting onto the highway of 183 in Austin Texas @ Lamar increasing speeds from 45 to 65mph the engine shifted hard 3x. The engine surged then a hard shift. This occurred 3x. I’m certain you understand the complexities of austin Texas traffic. No matter the time of day. Imagine those complexities with a car that was poorly made by a company that has never been held accountable.

NHTSA ODI 11553670

Exceedingly jarring transmission shifts at both low and higher speeds that are startling to the driver and could cause an accident. This has been a chronic issue that happens frequently but not in every use of the vehicle. Below is a date in which this recently occured.

NHTSA ODI 11548822

While loading my van from the sliding door entrance on the passenger side, the door started closing. Instead of stopping when it hit me, it kept on closing, very hard and forecful. I had to put my full weight into it to stop it and it finally opened back up. Never had this happen before and it was quite concerning.

NHTSA ODI 11548289

The issue is the Pentastar V6 engine defect. It has caused engine misfires resulting in bucking and surging, decreased engine performance, hesitation, loss of power, premature wear on internal components. The potentially dangerous issues on the “defective design” of the engine’s needle bearings within the rocker arms, the use of sub-standard materials and procedures during manufacture, “defective or miscalibrated” ECM software, and poor quality controls.  The Defect causes unsafe driving conditions because the Class Vehicles, that includes 2020 chrysler pacifica, have a significant chance of failing while being driven. Further, even the lesser symptoms of the Defect affect vehicle performance and safety, making it harder for a driver to control the vehicle as it loses power, hesitates, or misfires. the vehicle has only been inspected by the mechanic at the dealership we leased the vehicle from.

NHTSA ODI 11544421

Three times now while driving the car just turns its self off with no warning. One incident was car wouldn’t start after just driving 20 minutes before with no problems. Steering wheel and brake were stuck in place so unplugged the battery and waited a few minutes. Hooked back up started the car with some struggling and the security light stayed on. Second incident was while driving car just turned off with no warning. Was told battery was dead so replaced the battery. Same day after thinking the car was fine we went somewhere and when turning on the car the security light was on again. Drove and the car turned off again while driving. Was able to restart and drive when the car shut off again with no warning. Had the car jumped and had someone check alternater and batteries again and they are all fine. Diagnostics talks about power train and faulty wire when everything checks out fine. Very scary when your family is in the car and not knowing if the person behind you is paying attention so you can get over safely. Taking car to a dealership on 9/11/2023.

NHTSA ODI 11543685

Vehicle shut off and locked up while driving. I was leaving my neighborhood and coming to a stop to turn right on to a major road. The vehicle powered down while in motion and the ignition locked. I could not restart it, I could not turn the wheel, I could not put it in neutral. The brake pedal was pushed down and would not release. I had children in the van. I turned hazards on and rolled the windows down but due to the sun shining, other motorists could not seem to see my hazards and we were nearly rear ended. I called 911 for assistance and AAA for a tow. At some point the entire vehicle was non operational and the windows would not roll back up and the hazard lights did not work. Police were there by that time. The vehicle was towed to Larry Miller Dodge where it now sits. I also independently had AAA battery service check the battery and have been told it needs replaced but that the vehicle should not just stop and lock up mid drive. We suspect an issue with the stop/start feature or multiple issues. Date of 8/4/2023. Vehicle has 3 months remaining on original warranty and approx 23k miles.

NHTSA ODI 11536656

Power steering will go out, therefore I have no power steering and have to pull over. The power steering light will come on the dash, and the power steering goes out. I did take the van to a Chrysler dealer in Warnes Robins, GA. Got on where with them, they made a list of things they suggested to be done. When ask will that fix the issue with the power steering, they stated could not guarantee that. Felt they were trying to take advantage of the situation. My van is a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica and 3 years old with 41,000. miles on it. The power steering should be the last thing that goes out, the light comes on and the power steering goes out making it hard the drive and steer. On top of all this the van isn't even paid for, still making monthly payments, can't afford 4,500.00 car repaid on top of car payment. Something is wrong with the power steering in 2020 Chrysler Pacifica power steering, like in the prior years.

NHTSA ODI 11534207

My 2000 Chrysler Pacifica has only 65,000 miles on it I heard a popping noise when I turned the steering wheel took to Chrysler dealer to have it checked they said my steering box and stabler bars are worn out to fix it $4,100. No way should they be worn out with only 65,000 miles

NHTSA ODI 11526270

When pulling up to a stop light the car shuttered and shifted into park and engaged the parking brake with no warning. Then it said safe hold temporarily disabled as well as the auto start stop light on the dash came on

NHTSA ODI 11525572

While driving at highway speeds a warning flashed on the dashboard "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". I was able to coast to safe stop off the highway and drive slowly on battery powered acceleration for a few miles until the vehicle completely died. The gas engine did not engage during this period. I shut the engine off with emergency lights on while on a two lane road. After restarting the engine, I drove for about 30 seconds before it completely failed again, and pulled off in a residential area. I waited about 5 minutes before restarting the engine and attempted to drive the vehicle again. The gas engine did not engage and the same warnings were displayed as we attempted to reach a charging station to get to safe place to stop. The vehicle lost all power again after about 20 seconds and we pulled over. I waiting about 10 minutes until restarting the vehicle and the gas engine engaged. We were able to drive the vehicle to a safe location to park and unload 2 kids and an infant. My family was absolutely at risk during this incident. I'm bringing the vehicle to a dealership immediately and considering a complete replacement. This is unacceptable. A family should not have to fear for their lives while driving a American made vehicle on American roads.

NHTSA ODI 11524349

I own a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica limited. This happened on04/15/2023 when I was sitting at a traffic light, an alarm went off. The message came up that read “Auto/start stop not available”, “Hood latch open”, “parking brake went on automatically vehicle went from drive into Park on its own”, the emergency brake came on and a warning light came on. I had to turn off the car and restart it. The main and auxiliary battery was replaced on November 2022 .The similar issue also happened on 04/07/2023.

NHTSA ODI 11517272

Problems with the entire dashboard electrical system going out and not coming back on for approx. 2 hrs. Until vehicle sits. Everything including the heat/AC, radio, nothing worked. Secondly the engine is and has been running rough even though oil changes performed every 4-5,000 miles full synthetic. Engine feels as if it needs an engine service or something. Vehicle has some jolting and stubborn acceleration at time as well.

NHTSA ODI 11516770

During the afternoon on April 10, 2023, I was merging onto I-12 in Baptist, LA. I was traveling on the roadway for no more than 20 seconds when a loud explosion happened. I nearly crashed my car as I had no idea what had just happened other than glass was everywhere. So I pulled to the shoulder of the road only to find that my sunroof had exploded. The metal piece that is part of the sliding part was hanging on my rubber clearly showing it had not been properly secured. I had my 3 young children in the vehicle and again glass everywhere. There was no indication that something was wrong with my sunroof. I called the dealership where I purchased this vehicle and they stated they have heard this is happening and I need to file a complaint. Chrysler this is absolutely uncalled for and needs to be rectified! My sunroof was closed, the temperature outside was 61, and no severe weather.

NHTSA ODI 11516434

While driving in normal conditions most, if not all, of the van's dash warning lights lit up, the van came to a stop on its own (without input from driver) in the middle of the street, put itself in park and would not shift into drive again. This happened in the middle of the street and before it could be moved onto the shoulder. The battery had to be disconnected to allow the computer/electrical system to reset, only then would it move. We are very lucky that this occurred within a 35 mph zone and not in interstate traffic. Even with this happening in a lower speed zone it is still very dangerous for the van to stop unpredictably in the middle of traffic. Again, had this been on interstate it could have been deadly. When attempting to put into reverse or drive, the shifter would shift itself back into park. If placed in neutral the van would engage the electronic parking brake and would not disengage until placed back in park. Given that the main purpose of these vehicles is to ferry children, it is especially concerning that the van is behaving the way it is.

NHTSA ODI 11516086

We've had issues with transmission since we purchased this vehicle in the brand new condition. The vehicle has a hard shifting problem and makes unusual noise. We've driven newer models of Pacifica that didn't have this problem. The issues are getting worse after numerous repairs made by Chrysler.

NHTSA ODI 11515313

When driving at high speeds the van doors will unlock. You cannot lock them. When you hit lock the unlock again. Then on Saturday driving down the road the doors the door flew open.

NHTSA ODI 11513928

Driving the car and the engine shut off on me. Brakes didn’t work. Steering didn’t work. Just coasted on a busy highway to safety. I’m lucky I’m not dead. No warning it would happen.

NHTSA ODI 11508158