2017 Chrysler Pacifica: won't start

Filed Oct 1, 2026 · Fuel system · MI

On 8/16/26, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid would not start after being parked for several hours in an underground parking structure in downtown Detroit during a baseball game. There were no warnings before the failure. The vehicle was towed to Serra Lake Orion at a cost of about $700. The dealer found diagnostic trouble code P0AA1 (hybrid/EV battery positive contactor circuit). The high-voltage system is locked down and the vehicle cannot be started or driven. The vehicle has been at the dealer since August 18, 2026, and as of 10/1/26 has been out of service for about 6 weeks. The dealer has an open Chrysler STAR technical support case (102974656) seeking approval to replace the high-voltage battery, and the process has involved repeated requests for additional testing. I have been given loaner vehicles during this time but am approaching the mileage limit on the second. The vehicle has about 220,000 miles and I have owned it since August 2017. It has no open recalls. It previously received recall repair work on the hybrid system, including the power inverter module recall (Chrysler T34 / the federal safety agency 17V‑371), which included reprogramming of the battery pack control module. I understand this model has also been subject to other high-voltage battery recalls. I am reporting this because a high-voltage contactor failure that leaves the vehicle unable to start or move can strand occupants, in this case in an underground parking structure, and because the repair has been delayed for more than 6 weeks. The root cause has not yet been determined by the dealer or manufacturer. I would appreciate the federal safety agency tracking this failure alongside other Pacifica Hybrid high-voltage battery complaints.

Filed Apr 2, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · MI

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)

Filed Mar 6, 2026 · Electrical · TX

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.

Filed Feb 19, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · TX

The CAN BUS connector (found in the glove box area) fails periodically and without warning. It affects everything on the vehicle; it stops the car from shifting, car won't start up, windows stop working, all of the warning lights turn on, etc. The issue seems to be a manufacturing defect; the soldering cracks after a while, so the low voltage applications malfunction. Many people have noticed the problem, but the dealerships refuse to do a recall or address the issue properly. The vehicle has been in and out of the dealership probably 10 times in the last 7 months or so. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This problem is unsafe because it can occur while driving on a freeway which can cause an accident. Every warning light comes on when the malfunction happens.

Filed Nov 29, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · CA

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring-L has suffered repeated and dangerous electrical failures since purchase. Shortly after buying it from AutoNation Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM in Valencia, CA, I had to return it twice for electrical repairs that kept it in service several weeks under warranty. About two years later, while still under extended warranty, the engine underwent a complete rebuild for multiple-cylinder misfire codes that were likely caused by intermittent CAN-bus voltage loss rather than a mechanical defect. Over the past nine months, the vehicle has again developed severe electrical faults while driving: sudden loss of power steering assist, all dashboard lights illuminating, windshield wipers activating spontaneously, and the engine failing to shut off using the Start/Stop button. The vehicle has also stalled without warning while driving in traffic or idling at red lights, restarting only after 5–10 minutes and blocking traffic lanes, placing me and surrounding drivers at significant risk. Two major repairs in the last two weeks failed to resolve the defects: (1) repair of the CAN-bus system after the vehicle would not start and acted erratically while driving, and a week later (2) replacement of the brake-booster vacuum pump, which was shorted internally and caused CAN-bus shutdown, complete steering loss, sudden braking, and no engine power. The vehicle is currently at Dependable Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Canoga Park, CA, awaiting further diagnosis despite repeated repair attempts. These symptoms match Chrysler TSBs 08-007-17 and 08-033-21 concerning Body Control Module water intrusion and communication faults. This ongoing electrical defect has caused steering loss, random stalling, ignition failure, and unpredictable vehicle behavior—issues widely reported by Pacifica owners. It poses a serious safety hazard and warrants immediate investigation and recall.

Filed Sep 9, 2025 · Fuel system · NY

The vehicle had a recall a few years ago to install updates on the PCM computer for a stalling issue but it was never corrected. The vehicle still stalls on turns and on the highway and inside the Chrysler Dealership but the dealer was not able to identify the issue. It seems that the computer tries to correct the issue but it does not work. This is very dangerous when the vehicle stalls on the highway and the car does not start. Eventually it does start after the vehicle stops but my family and I are risking our lives when we drive the vehicle. In addition when going up a steep roadway, the vehicle is not able to drive up the hill easily and I have to pull over, the vehicle computer seems to make adjustments which take 30-60 seconds and then the vehicle is able to drive up the hill. Please contact me to look at the vehicle and identify the issue with it stalling. Thank you.

Filed Aug 8, 2025 · Engine · WA

The check engine would blink and the engine would shutter for a few minutes when the van would start. It would drive around normal. A few days later the van would not start at all. We checked both batteries and they were not the issue. We then towed the van to a Chrysler dealer who checked the starter and alternator, those were both good. They stated the engine was seized and quoted $15,000 for a new motor.. the van has 120,000 miles on it. The van is worth less than the quote we received.

Filed Jun 1, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · PA

On Thursday May 30th was the first incident of the vehicle shutting down we were able to start it back up almost immediately within seconds on the 2nd occasion I was on a street with cars behind me going down to make a turn the stop start did not engage but we were still a ways away from the stoplight and suddenly the engine stopped no signs other than just stopping I could not start it back up I look down there was no indication of any issue other than a stalling so put it in part turned it off turn it back on no start try it again didn't work could not turn it over to neutral to get off the road police came while I had somebody disconnect battery and reconnect it to try to get it started again there was no less battery power on the engine it took 15 minutes or more to get it started once able to get started we brought it back home it was Sunday the 1st of June 2025 so there were no mechanics available still unknown as to what caused the malfunction no indicator lights other than during the issue with a lightning bolt and during the outage the check engine light was on no lights currently on. The Danger was to myself and two children in the vehicle and too many other vehicles behind me that could have crashed into me or cause incident being in the road working on the vehicle having to go around us waiting for green lights or a miss trying to get around us and avoid other traffic

Filed Oct 3, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · CA

We bought the van on 03/31/2022. On 08/31/2023 we went to get into the van, while it was parked outside of our home, and I tried to start it up but it wouldn't start. I had my mechanic look at it and he said it would need a new engine. I"m so glad that it happened in front of my house or else I would have been stranded somewhere with my kids- which would have been very dangerous. There were no symptoms or indicators of the problem before it happened. It happened out of nowhere. Our warranty on the vehicle expired 5 months prior to it breaking down so we haven't taken it to the dealer. We can't afford it. Before it broke down it went to every single service appointment and was up to date on every oil change/ service it needed.

Filed Jul 18, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · FL

I purchased my 2017 in 2023. Within a few months, problems began. When we brought the van back to the Chrysler dealer to have it checked with their OBD2 code reader, multiple codes pulled up… First thing “needing” to be replaced was the hood sensor because the display said the hood was open (even though I was simply stopped at a red light). The auto start/stop light was also coming on and staying on. The dealer said that would go away after replacing the sensor. That repair was done (I believe) in April of 2024 at the Chrysler dealer (and the auto start/stop light came back on a week later, both batteries testing fine independently of one another). Next thing “needing” to be replaced was the accelerator pedal module because my van would start shaking, not accelerate, and go into (what I now know is) limp mode with all warning lights displaying on almost every right hand turn. This absolutely puts my safety and the safety of my four children at risk when it suddenly decides to not accelerate!! That repair was done in June 2024 at the Chrysler dealer. Next thing to happen is the check engine light illuminating. We checked the coolant and it was almost empty! This should NOT be happening! We filled with coolant, but have to do this every few days now. The check engine light has come back on and is still producing many codes, the worst of which is p0303. This code has pulled up every single time we’ve had the van scanned at the dealer. The dealer has had my vehicle on MULTIPLE occasions for MULTIPLE days each time and NEVER ONCE told me the severity of this problem. Their words: We just go down the list, starting at the top. P0303 was not at the top, and now I have to pay the price for their incompetency! My van would not start and had to be towed to the dealer yesterday, 7.17.2024. I’m waiting to hear from them, but I can guarantee this is a head gasket/engine failure issue. Who can afford to just replace an engine?! This is infuriating and beyond frustrating!!

Filed May 17, 2024 · Engine · OH

2017 Chrysler Pacifica with roughly 134,000 miles recently started have idling issues. The vehicle has had regular maintenance and always taken into shop when issues arise. When vehicle started idling rough we found out the spark plugs (all 6) needed replaced and should fix the issue. Replaced all 6 plugs within the same week of finding out they needed replacement. Then within a week while driving the engine starts over heating. Heating to upwards of 270 degrees F. As soon as we were able to get off the road and to a safe location to view the engine it was apparent the coolant was empty. Please keep in mind this is checked on a regular basis as is the oil in the vehicle. We replaced the coolant and drove back home. All seemed well. Then the very next day the engine would not start or even turn over. We looked again and the coolant was almost non existent. Had the vehicle towed to repair shop. The coolant had been leaking into the engine causing it to burn up. In the process the engine was seized come to find out and also the head gasket needed replacement. Doing more research once the coolant starts burning in the engine the engine will more than likely need replacement. We are being told to be prepared for the whole engine to need replacement due to coolant issues. If this would have been recalled we would not be in the position to have to replace our entire engine. It would be greatly appreciated if this can be looked into further as we have missed the deadline for the class action lawsuit for this issue.

Filed Oct 9, 2023 · Electrical, Transmission · MI

While driving vehicle, car shifted to neutral then park then neutral, while in drive moving down road. Numerous warning came on including "service shifter", check engine, front end collision sensor, abs brake sensor, along with a message to put car in park before shifting . The day before a warning of service shifter came on and the car was unable for a few minutes to shift out of park. Then the codes suddenly went off. Took it to auto zone to check codes and it said no codes were found or stored. First time was September 25, 2023. The next time when it shifted itself out of drive while driving was September 28. Drove home from getting checked for codes with nothing showing up. Drove 5 minutes on October 2, and a bunch of random codes flashed. Took to shop and they found no codes. All warnings went off. Said nothing anyone could find wrong. Said nothing showing up and was fine to drive. October 5 was driving home, 526 miles later with no warnings , and suddenly stopped driving while in motion on road. Same codes flashed. Shifter stopped working. Car wouldnt start or shift. Completely broke down. Had to be towed to dealership. They say transmission needs to be replaced and it is only 500 miles out of warranty. The same 500 miles we had to drive to get it to throw codes. Had previously taken in when I thought transmission was problem when it was dropping gears. They said software update. Continued dropping gears after they "fixed it" and when I called they said it had to relearn how I drove. Almost had 2 major accidents now when it stopped completely on its own while driving.