2017 Chrysler Pacifica transmission problems

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Electrical, Transmission · TX

safety complaint regarding a severe CAN bus communication failure in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (gas model, base trim, no Engine Stop-Start) resulting in a sudden loss of transmission control while driving. The defect manifests as an intermittent loss of communication between the Electronic Shifter Module (ESM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Without warning, the rotary shifter (PRNDL) indicator lights go dark and a "Service Shifter" message appears. This triggers a cascade of safety system failures, disabling Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Alerts. Most critically, the loss of network data causes the vehicle to enter "limp mode," locking the transmission in its current gear and refusing to upshift or downshift, creating a severe crash hazard in active traffic. The root cause is a physical hardware defect in the CAN-C Star Connector junction block (Part No. 68321746AA) located behind the passenger-side glovebox. The pin receptacles inside this distribution block degrade and lose tension, allowing data wires to vibrate loose. Striking the passenger-side dashboard physically reseats the pins, instantly restoring network communication, shifter lights, and transmission function. Dealerships are misdiagnosing this defect by following factory diagnostic trees that mandate replacing the functional Electronic Shifter Module (an ineffective $1,400 repair) instead of addressing the faulty Star Connector. My vehicle has been at the Chrysler dealership since initial diagnosis with no resolution, as the dealer refuses to repair the known wiring defect without first replacing the functional shifter. The sudden loss of transmission control and active safety systems due to this faulty communication block is an extreme safety hazard. Chrysler must issue a mandatory recall to replace these degraded Star Connectors.

Filed Oct 22, 2026 · Driver assistance, Engine · 128,000 miles · SC

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a black or distorted image. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally shut off while driving at various speeds. The "Check Engine" and "Shift to Park" messages were displayed with an audible chime. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to pull over and restart the vehicle to resume normal driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a code for an unknown sensor was retrieved. The contact reset the computer; however, the failure returned several days later. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Transmission · WA

My Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic high-voltage system failure, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and undrivable. In addition, there is an open recall that has not been addressed that means the vehicle should not be parked next a a building due to fire risk. The vehicle has been sitting at the dealer for a month, and the dealer has confirmed that the high voltage battery has failed. The dealer has informed me that Stellantis engineers will not release a new hybrid battery because it is not covered under the warranty. There are two manufacture warranties that should apply here, but Stellantis will still not approve the release of the batter. Chrysler is using software-level diagnostic constraints to evade a safety-related powertrain warranty extension. In the meantime, I am left without a vehicle.

Filed Oct 19, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · TN

Made a right hand turn onto residential street and van immediately parked itself mid turn which would have resulted in accident had someone been behind me. Vehicle was able to restart and reach destination but now P1B14 code is thrown. This is unacceptable for a car to shift into park while in motion. Code is related to known earlier issue with van that was supposedly repaired. 2 weeks ago while inching into a parking spot the van seemed to have lost power for a split second but resumed as I finished parking. I feel very unsafe in vehicle.

Filed Oct 16, 2026 · Transmission · IN

When driving vehicle it would severely buck and not accelerate. Have almost had cars rear end me as a result. There are no warning lights regarding this. Car is at an auto repair shop and they are saying it has no transmission fault codes but it needs a new transmission. I have barely been able to drive this car since about a month after I purchased in november 2025. When purchasing the car it ran completely fine and had no issues until december of 2025 which was a coolant leak. I discontinued driving the vehicle until may of 2026 when I was able to pay a mechanic to replace water pump and radiator. with in a week of replacing the water pump and radiator the vehicle began severely jerking and bucking particularly when accelerating from a full stop. then while driving down the road it intermittently starts bucking. I attempted to contact a local dealer however they do not have any sufficient financing programs to cover the cost of repairs and diagnosis charge. I spend 8000 on a vehicle that has barely ran and showed no symptoms or warning lights of a catastrophic failure.

Filed Oct 12, 2026 · Electrical, Steering · PA

This occurred on [XXX]. I was driving with two passengers heading west bound on [XXX] in Ohio and starting to go off an exit ramp. The passenger side power window went down without anyone pressing a button. I pulled up on the driver-controlled passenger window switch to correct the window, and it went up. But, either immediately upon going up or shortly after (I don't remember), the van experienced a series of electrical faults. The CEL came on, I start hearing warning chimes, the infotainment screen rebooted. I heard a clicking noise from under the hood, which I later learned was the parking pawl trying to engage. Dash screen said something about "speed too high to shift to park." Momentarily the wheel jerked hard - I think I lost power steering (if the car fully shut off I think that's what happened). I gained control and directed the car to the side of the road. I don't know what state the car was in at this point - either fully off or electrically on but no engine power. In any case, I shifted to park, pressed the on/off button and the car fully shut down. After a couple of minutes I attempted to start the car again, and it started right up with no issues. The CEL was lit, but the car drove fine. When I got to my destination about 20 miles away, I checked the battery terminals. I found that the negative terminal could be turned about a quarter turn if I used some force, but it was not what I would consider 'loose'. I still tightened the connection as much as I could, to the point that the connection was now immovable. The CEL cleared after a few cycles of turning the car on and off. A scan later showed that code P1B14 was stored. I called multiple Chrysler dealerships and each told me that they could not diagnose the problem unless it was actively acting up. The car has not malfunctioned since the incident four days ago. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 26, 2026 · Transmission · FL

Head gasket leaking and may cause engine to lock up while driving

Filed Aug 18, 2026 · Transmission · 145,000 miles · GA

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a red light, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road, shifted into park, and shifted back into drive, and the vehicle returned to normal operation. The message "Shift into Park" was displayed on the instrument panel. The failure had occurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken back to the residence. The contact researched and became aware of a recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · FL

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power and creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This vehicle previously received the Safety Recall U01 repair in January 2018, but the same engine stall condition has returned. The recall remedy does not appear to have permanently corrected the problem.

Filed Jul 13, 2026 · Electrical, Fuel system · SC

While driving at highway speed, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica PHEV suddenly entered limp mode, displaying a red turtle warning light and red battery icon, and lost propulsion. My family was forced to pull onto the shoulder of a busy expressway, creating an immediate safety risk to occupants and other drivers. The vehicle was towed to an authorized Chrysler dealership where it has remained for nearly four weeks. A wiTECH scan confirmed the Battery Pack Control Module is showing as unprogrammed. A second scan three weeks later confirmed the BPCM remains unprogrammed and three active DTCs are present. The dealership has confirmed these findings but is attempting to release the vehicle in this condition. Records show Recall 03A for loss of motive power was previously performed on this vehicle. The same symptoms have recurred, suggesting the recall remedy may not have been effective. The dealership is denying warranty coverage while refusing to program the BPCM that would confirm or deny that coverage. Stellantis customer care has closed my case twice without resolution. I have formally refused pickup on safety grounds.