2020 Chrysler Pacifica Complaints

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/31/2026

I took my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (VIN: [XXX]) to Sames Bastrop Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in [XXX], to have Safety Recall 52D performed on the high-voltage battery. Prior to bringing the van in, the vehicle was driving and charging completely normally with no charging errors. Sames performed the recall software update to the Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) under Recall 52D, but their diagnostic scan logged an active high-voltage fault code (DTC P0E15-00 for the battery pack coolant heater) and a stored bypass valve code (DTC P0E7C-00). Despite these active thermal management codes showing up in their system, the technician marked the vehicle as passed and returned it to me. After driving the van home the vehicle completely refused to charge on my very first attempt at home. The dashboard displayed a "Service Battery" warning message, and the charging system has been completely locked out ever since. This is a serious safety concern because the high-voltage battery recall was issued specifically to prevent battery fires and thermal runaway caused by internal cell defects. Returning a hybrid vehicle with an active thermal management failure during a fire-related recall leaves the battery vulnerable to overheating and disables the charging safety systems. The van was returned to [XXX], where it has sat for over a month. Sames initially stated that Stellantis was refusing to cover the battery replacement even though federal law requires safety recall remedies to be completed free of charge regardless of mileage. The charging failure and trouble codes have been confirmed by the dealership under Repair Order #XXX. I have also opened an active corporate case directly with the manufacturer under Stellantis Case #XXX, and Sames has provided a temporary rental vehicle through Enterprise while this is investigated. The van and all of its original high-voltage components are currently in the service bay at [XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

STEERING — Filed 09/12/2026

I was about to pull out into a main road with my 3 kids in the car, and my steering wheel locked up and became impossible to drive, had to quickly reverse and could not make it home. I then received an error message on my dash saying power steering unavailable, service requested. The car only has 118,000 miles on it.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 08/15/2026

I experienced a sudden loss of power and steering while driving my vehicle. The screen advised me to pull over because the engine would shut off soon, but I already had lost steering and power. I turned the car off and was able to restart it and drive it 1 mile home, and the check engine light was on. I had it towed to the dealer. After 2 weeks of testing, the dealer reported, “When your vehicle was initially checked in, the following trouble codes were present: 5 BPCM FAULT CODES P1A21-00, P1D43-00, P1C01-00, P1A2A-00, and P1A29-00. We have completed Recall Y40.” The repair tech said they expected the engine to lose power again at some point and I would need to have it towed in again to be repaired then. The repairs made so far are only software updates, no hardware has been repaired because the dealer said the errors didn’t recur after they reset the system. I have elevated the issue with the dealer and am awaiting a response. I am concerned based on the error codes and technician information that my vehicle is still at risk of catching fire at any time or experiencing another catastrophic loss of power if the faulty hardware is not replaced.

SEAT BELTS,SEATS — Filed 09/06/2026

Our family was driving and our teen in the third row said his seatbelt came apart. We pulled over to inspect. He was in the third row driver side seat. The stitching for the seatbelt and the seat had disintegrated. There is a sticky residue but no stitching. The leather is in pieces and the seatbelt is unusable. This vehicle is used for family transport so there is no known cause as to why this would have happened. The middle seatbelt stitching is also disintegrating

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/29/2026

We own a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid that had been operating without any significant issues for approximately six years. Recently, the vehicle was subject to a recall involving the charging system, and we brought it to the dealership to have the recall work completed. Nine days after the recall service, the vehicle would not start and displayed a “Service Charging System” error message. The dealership arranged to have the vehicle towed back for evaluation. They kept the vehicle for approximately a week and a half but ultimately stated that they were unable to identify any problem. We were charged $200 for the diagnostic evaluation, and our insurance covered the cost of the tow. Approximately 10 days after receiving the vehicle back from the dealership, it again failed to start and displayed the same “Service Charging System” error. Given that we had no significant issues with the vehicle for approximately six years and that this problem began only nine days after the recall work was performed—and has now occurred twice—we are very concerned that the issue may be related to the recall service or that the underlying problem was not identified during the dealership’s initial evaluation.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 05/27/2026

Vehicle has suffered from electrical issues since 2023 with effects to front windows causing window to reverse down when trying to roll up, radio malfunctions that is a known Chrysler issue that removes the ability to control rear entertainment center from front screen leaving the feature unusable with small children in the rear for long periods of time, rear cross traffic warning detection malfunctioning and not making audible alarms or warning with vehicles and pedestrians behind vehicle, loud noises when braking that according to Chrysler TA is potentially the ABS system wanting to engage but didn't, electrical shorts causing intermittent surging of interior lights - slower functioning of sliding doors - shorted out multiple window washer pump systems leading to replacement - lane departure system malfunctioning causing vehicle to drastically steer vehicle towards a curbed center island in which I as the driver had to manipulate the wheel to avoid crashing - passenger slider door at time malfunctions causing the door to repeatedly open and close on it's own and also open on its own while vehicle was underway in reverse - blind spot monitoring system malfunctioning at times to not warn of vehicles in blind spot - vehicle stalled twice with check engine light on but no recorded data in computer of the events ever occurring. All of these issues have been inspected under both factory warranty and extended Mopar warranty with service department stating they could not replicate the error and no further investigation or diagnosing was completed. After "repair attempts" were made the malfunctions reoccurred with another service appointment being needed and more electrical errors happening over time. Per service department there were no DTC or check engine lights for our malfunctions, however years later they finally admitted there had been DTC logs but were ignored and not diagnosed. We feel the safety of our family and public are at great safety risk from the failures.

BACK OVER PREVENTION — Filed 06/19/2026

Backup camera goes in and out and then blue.

STEERING — Filed 05/15/2026

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at higher speeds and attempting to veer over to the left or right, the steering wheel failed to return to center. There were no warning lights illuminated. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/28/2026

Intermittent power steering loss, when I turn van off and back on and go in reverse it stops sometimes.

ENGINE — Filed 06/07/2026

Head gasket is cracked causing cylinder 5 to misfire and burned up coolant in the engine causing the engine to overheat while driving and put safety of driver and passengers in danger while vehicle was traveling at high speeds.

STEERING — Filed 06/08/2026

Driving down a road, Power Steering warning light came on, and the power steering went completely out. My wife was driving, and is not strong enough to steer manually. She was able to partially get off the road to stop. Needed other drivers to help get it off the road. We had it towed to a repair shop, and they said the electronic components replaced and only the dealerships do it. Made an appointment and will have to pay to have it towed to the dealership

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 04/01/2021

I purchased my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica in January 2020. By April 2021, I began experiencing ongoing issues that have never been fully resolved. In the six years I have owned this vehicle, I have gone through six batteries. The vehicle has stalled in the middle of the road and, at other times, has failed to start altogether. The vehicle also does some jolting randomly which can be very harsh to the passengers inside. I specifically purchased this vehicle because of its safety features, as I have young children. Unfortunately, these repeated failures have left me feeling unsafe and concerned about the reliability of the vehicle. Each time I have brought the Pacifica to the dealership, the battery has been replaced or recharged and I have been told the issue was fixed. However, within six months to a year, the same problem returns and the vehicle is back in the shop. The issue has occurred again, and I am at a loss as to what to do next. It is clear that there is an underlying problem that has not been properly diagnosed or repaired. After six years of recurring breakdowns and unsuccessful repair attempts, I have been unable to fully enjoy or rely on this vehicle. I am requesting that this matter be taken seriously and that a thorough investigation be conducted to permanently resolve this ongoing issue. Given the repeated repair history and the safety concerns involved, I believe this situation warrants immediate attention.

POWER TRAIN,WHEELS — Filed 05/17/2026

On October 7, 2024, my vehicle was serviced at Coastal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a front-end rubbing/scrubbing noise that increased with speed. The dealer diagnosed both front hub assemblies as failed and replaced both front hub assemblies. I was charged a total of $2184.41 for the repairs, including parts and labor. In less than two years, I again experienced significant front-end noise and safety concerns. On May 19, 2026, because I urgently needed the vehicle and was unable to obtain a timely appointment with the dealership, I took the vehicle to a well-regarded independent repair facility, Koala Automotive Repair LLC. Their findings were extremely concerning. The mechanic documented that: The front wheel bearing was completely worn out. The axle had ripped due to contact with the strut assembly. Bolts on the hub bearing assembly were “very loose” and reportedly “finger loose” The vehicle owner stated that the hubs had recently been replaced by the dealership The independent mechanic further advised that the components replaced in October 2024 should still have been under dealer warranty, and that the second repair involved the same components and directly related failures. I am deeply concerned that: Components replaced by the dealer failed again prematurely; The loose hub bearing assembly bolts may indicate improper installation or insufficient torque procedures during the prior dealer repair; and The subsequent failure created additional damage to the CV axle and related front-end components. This situation caused: Significant unexpected repair expenses: I had to spend a total of $1,932.71 for the second repair. Loss of use of the vehicle. Safety concerns for myself and my passengers. Additiona

ENGINE — Filed 05/04/2026

car goes into park while driving

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/20/2026

Driver side air bags did NOT deploy resulting in injury

ENGINE — Filed 03/02/2026

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with the handling of repairs on my Chrysler Pacifica and the significant financial and personal impact this situation has caused my family. The issue began when the engine suddenly stopped, leaving us stranded. The vehicle was first taken to an insurance-recommended shop that could not diagnose the issue, then transferred to Wischsnewsky Dodge in Baytown, TX. There, we were told the problem was the starter and fuse box. Based on their professional assessment, we approved costly repairs, which required financing. However, just one day after picking up the vehicle, it failed to start again. This not only showed a lack of proper diagnosis, but also placed my wife and children in an unsafe situation. We were also forced to cancel a prepaid family trip due to lack of transportation. The dealership retrieved the vehicle and promised a loaner, but none has been provided after more than two weeks. We have since incurred additional expenses for rentals and rideshare services. We are now being told the issue may be a head gasket failure—something that could have been identified earlier with a basic test and is reportedly a known issue with this model. The estimated cost to replace the engine per the dealership is $16,000. At this point, we have taken on debt for ineffective repairs and continue to face mounting costs without a clear resolution. I am requesting immediate assistance from Chrysler to address this situation and provide a fair outcome.

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/20/2026

Driver side airbags failed to deploy during total loss head on collision.

SEATS — Filed 04/20/2026

Third row randomly closes on my kids who are buckled in them. I've reported this to the dealer shortly after getting my van in 2021. Brought it back to them twice where they found "no problem", then I made an additional report here last year after it closed on them an excessive amount of times and I felt helpless. I was forced to move the child who was sitting in the back to front seat after it closed on them multiple times in one ride. A head on collision occurred a few miles down the road with my child in front seat. He was injured more than he should have ever been, due to needing to be moved from the rear of the van. Furious Chrysler did not take my previous complaints more seriously.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM — Filed 07/23/2025

The hybrid battery overheated and started burning the interior of the vehicle while it sat turned off charging in the garage. Smoke filled the house which had to be evacuated. Emergency services were called and the fire department brought the incident under control. An incident report was completed by the fire department and the vehicle is currently in the possession of insurance who is doing their own evaluation. There were no warning indicators or other problems prior to this happening.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 07/23/2025

Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery that registered 350 degrees using a thermal imaging camera. No flames were present. National Fire Reporting Incident Number: 25-2040031

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 12/02/2024

Our Chrysler Pacifica caught fire in the passenger cabin, appearing to start near the 2nd row drivers side passenger seat. The fire department said it was an electrical fire.

STEERING — Filed 01/03/2024

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

SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 01/05/2023

Exiting I-75, vehicle initially slowed but then accelerated while braking. Result was a collision with vehicle on exit ramp. Vehicle is still at collision shop. There was no forward collision warning. Air bags did not deploy despite impact that resulted in radiator being punctured by hitch of pick-up truck.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS — Filed 10/27/2020

MY WIFE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE SECOND ROW. A CAR APPROACHED THE LIGHT AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF HER CAR II DON'T THINK THEY WERE SLOWING DOWN). SHE THEN HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND THE SEATBELT DID NOT FULLY ENGAGE. AS A RESULT, SHE HIT THE STEERING WHEEL CAUSING FRACTURES, A CONCUSSION AND A MINOR BRAIN BLEED.*DT*DT*DT*JB*JB *TR*TR

AIR BAGS — Filed 05/07/2020

TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH CRASHED INTO TWO DEERS. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DALLAS FT WORTH AIRPORT. THE LOCAL DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,100. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.