Transmission will have a very severe jerk when starting out, usually at low speeds, causing the driver to temporarily lose control and distract them from driving. This appears to be a very common issue on the recent model Pacifica that uses the ZF transmission. There is a serious disagreement about the servicing interval of the oil in the transmissions. Chrysler states that it is a "Lifetime" oil and does not require changing. The transmission manufacturer ZF, states on their website that it must be changed at 100,000 Km. Some Chrysler dealers say it needs periodic changing, while others say it never needs changing. The impact of this is that a significant number of transmissions are failing. When these are in warranty, they are replaced by the dealer, but those out of warranty result in a major expense to the owners, even though the owners are following the auto manufacturer's recommendations. Owners need clarification of this, and if the servicing recommendations for the ZF transmissions are in error and result in a transmission failure, the auto manufacturer should bear some responsibility. A quick scan of the Chrysler Pacifica online groups will show numerous cases such as this,
2017 Chrysler Pacifica transmission complaints
Page 3 of 17: complaints 41 to 70 of 474, newest first, as owners wrote them.
When driving van will jerk or bang like slipping in gear, feels like possible being hit from behind, we have tried the adaptive learning reset several times, we had just purchased this less than 2 months ago with about 4800 miles in it. Feels dangerous to drive, especially with kids. We are scared to even try the cruise control. We heard and read online many whey same issues, with warranty and having there vans in dealership on several events, having reset in software upgrades, transmission replacement with only the problem to return. Please fix this, this one of my vehicles that unfortunately I have to drive because it's my only vehicle. This problem happens at lest everytime I'm driving daily, it started maybe a few weeks ago from the time this has been written.
Engine lost power and shut down and would not restart. Engine has had continued issues for close to a year.
Although no active recalls are on the now. While driving the transmission changes hard. It makes a loud noise and jerks randomly. I’m concerned it wasn’t fixed during recall. I recently purchased this vehicle used. Do I have any recourse?
My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid has been at the Chrysler dealership since December 5th of 2024 for recall 73b and dtc p0c78 The dealership attempted to perform recall 73B but unfortunately were not able to because the hybrid battery would not accept a charge.(During the recall you have to fully charge the battery and then discharge it to test the battery) The dealership has gone back and forth with the recall team and a Chrysler engineer they finally gave me the news today that they will not be covering the battery, even though the battery is to be replaced if the battery is seen to be faulty they want to charge me $24,000 to replace the battery, I truly feel like Chrysler is not wanting to honor the recall and do what they should by replacing the battery I have spent thousands of dollars on this vehicle with parts that Chrysler had said the vehicle needed and Bill Luke Chrysler dealership installed. The last contact I had with the bill Luke was they said that the regional rep will not approve a battery replacement, I feel the vehicle should get a hybrid battery replaced under the recall due to the circumstances. The vehicle does not run or drive or start. I have attached all the emails that I have and receipts are in the emails for the module that they told me I needed to replace before they could complete the recall.
Hi! This vehicle stopped twice in the middle of a road on its own. Vehicle was driving fine and the next second it slowed down and wouldn’t accelerate as I would push the gas pedal. It’s as if the engine shut down due to the car signals not transmitting correctly. The screen started blinking on and off giving me warnings and one of them said “Service Shifter!” My safety and my children’s safety was put at risk because anyone could’ve hit us from behind as the car started decelerating on the road with oncoming traffic. I towed the car to a mechanic as the car does not run properly while being driven, and the mechanic said it has multiple electrical issues and multiple leaks. The vehicle was inspected by my own mechanic, as the dealer also inspected it and they tried to connect the scanner to turn off the engine light and get me to drive off. They have refused help and I truly believe they knew this car was a safety hazard. After leaving the dealer, 4 minutes into driving the car started slowing down and I was able to make it into the parking lot, but got stranded in the middle of the street where opposite traffic comes into. I bought the car 03/01/2025. The check engine light turned on 2 weeks in. The battery seemed to be drained 2 weeks in but it did not need cables or recharge, it’s as if the battery loses connection. Then at the one month mark it started having those issues, no warning until it completely stopped on the road. When it stopped on the road, that’s when the screen started going off with multiple warnings.
Power steering module malfunctioned when taking kids to school. Auto repair shop confirmed.
-Stalled while driving -Loud clanking upon start -No diagnostic info was accessible -Replaced Cadillac converter, was glowing red -Once replaced still hot, 10,000-20,000 degrees -
We are the original owners of this vehicle, which has been consistently and properly maintained. Recently, the vehicle stalled unexpectedly in the middle of the highway and would not restart, creating a significant safety hazard. The check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle could not be shifted into neutral, preventing it from being safely moved out of traffic. After the vehicle was towed to the dealership, we were informed that the starter had failed due to coolant leakage from a compromised head gasket. This coolant intrusion damaged the starter, rendering it inoperable. The dealership advised that while the starter could be replaced, it would likely fail again unless the underlying head gasket issue is addressed. We have since learned that this is a known and recurring issue with certain Chrysler models. Unfortunately, Chrysler has not issued a recall, nor have they provided vehicle owners with any formal notification or long-term solution to this potentially dangerous defect.
Had to have PLASTIC oil filter housing and Oil cooler replaced due to warping from the engine heat and leaking into engine bay causing a burning oil smell throughout the entire vehicle. Was replaced by Meineke car care with an aftermarket Aluminum constructed part. Constantly having transmission issues since the vehicle hit 70,000 miles. Now at 139,000. Fluid flush and fill done and transmission fluid was ridiculously thin and dirty despite it being known as a SEALED transmission and being told by Chrysler that no fluid changes should ever need to be done for the transmission. Seems as though the transmission may be slipping, and is shifting very hard after having the fluid changed.
Unknown
The transmission shifts very hard, it causes the vehicle to jump forward and feels like you have been hit by another car. There is not one specific incident it happens frequently
Misfire cylinder 3 caused by head gasket failure. Known issue in Chrysler Penstar engines and they are not taking responsibility. Could have been stranded in middle of highway if I didn't get off the road
Check engine light. Cylinoid misfire reported, #3. Replaced. Check engine light reappeared. Coolant leak. Coolant checked with die solution to check combustion mixture. Tested positive. Head gasket leaks diagnosed. Possible head gasket crack. Vehicle was unsafe to family driving as failure could occur on highway. Family member had to pull over on side of road to prevent overheating.
The incident first occurred in our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica while my wife was driving our Kindergartener to school. The vehicle stalled in high flow traffic almost causing her to get rear ended. Dash said to shift to park and turn van off. Was unable to get it restarted and had traffic blocked in the left lane for almost an hour waiting on a tow truck. Took it to the dealership and they told her it was a bad battery. Paid almost $400 to replace the battery, and today (11/16/2024) it just did it again while pulling into a gas station, still halfway in the road. Van said “shift to park to start engine.” Shifted and engine shut off but was able to restart it this time. Was unable to move shifter dial and sudden loss of power almost caused 2 wrecks so far within 2 months of each incident. Each time we were told there’s nothing wrong and that the recall that was causing this issue was already fixed. This needs to get dealt with before someone gets seriously injured.
44,000 miles- engine shake and check engine light on. Dealership changed spark plugs as the issue. Spark plugs not even recommended to change till 100K miles Spring 2024- Active shutter grill replaced Fall 2024 92,000 miles- code Misfire Cyl 3 replaced spark plug and coil. Code came back a few days later. took to Dealership and head (Cyl 1,3,5) replaced. Dealership advised that they repair many engine heads
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated the gear shift was in reverse however the vehicle went forward independently. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Shifter assembly. Turned on Pacifica engine. The battery was also reading 14.2 and normally it's at 13. The steering wheel button light was on, and it turned on by itself. The shifter assembly light was off and wouldn't allow to go into gear. The check engine light turned on and the service shifter was on the screen. When I pushed the button to turn off the steering wheel button the engine started to vigorously rattle and the rpms were jumping all around. Towed it to dealership and they said the shifter assembly is failing but hasn't completely failed. This issue has happened 3 times.
Minivan was performing normally, then at a signal light after 14 min of driving on the hwy, the car stalled at a major intersection. Multiple attempts were made to restart but gear selector was locked in drive. The knob would not turn (locked). Multiple Error messages were displayed on central gauges and tow truck had to be called, since car was blocking freeway lane crossing. The car did restart eventually but gear selector still locked and minivan is not operational.
Our 2017 Pacifica has been in for diagnostic review/repair several times. While traveling between speeds of 50-70 miles per hour after a period of anywhere between 35-90 minutes when making easy right corners the steering sticks in place between 11 & 1 positions. Has been noticed on shorter distances in hotter weather than and on longer trips farther into the drive. We recently had the electronic power steering computer replaced which did not fix the problem. Currently the dealership is advising that the rack and pinion need replacing but the warranty company will not pay as they are not able to replicate the error in the presence of the warranty company inspector. Since replacing the electronic power steering was unsuccessful in correcting the problem, the warranty company is requiring the dealership to provide proof of part failure before they pay. My son turned [XXX] on [XXX] and got his drivers license. At this time we do not have $4,000 to replace the rack and pinion and the warranty company won't cover it due to dealership errors. It is my understanding there are hundreds of reported cases of this same exact issue without any recalls. We refuse to allow our [XXX] son to drive a literal death trap with known and reported steering issues to the government and manufacturer but that may not be an option for everyone. May god or whomever forgive the souls of those who wait for the death of a child or other before taking action. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
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!!
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the transmission position indicator started blinking while in drive(D), after which the vehicle lost motive power and was unable to accelerate above 40 MPH. The contact pulled over to the shoulder of the roadway and turned off the vehicle however, the failed to restart. The contact stated that the gear shifter was stuck in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not yet to diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on the second attempt to start the vehicle, the brake pedal was stuck on the floorboard and failed to return to its normal position. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be jumpstarted. An independent mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to depress the brake pedal harder to start the vehicle. The contact stated that a friend assisted in depressing the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle started; however, the windshield wipers engaged independently, Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and became difficult to turn. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle on another occasion, the rotary gear shift dial lights failed to illuminate, and the message "Service Shifter" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact related the failure to the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 19V348000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,270.
Cylinder head damage at 101,000 miles. Valve guides and seals degraded to where it misfires. Problem confirmed via code scanner and leak-down test with a local mechanic.
I was pulling into a parking lot and had my foot on the gas. The gas pedal suddenly stopped allowing me to accelerate. The dashboard read "place car in park" I lost power of the vehicle. I was able to pull safely into a parking space and then I put the van in park and turned it off. I started it up and it started without issue. This was a very scary situation as I almost hit a shopping cart where I was forced to pull in as I had no power and was coasting in a parking lot full of cars.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle would not immediately accelerate, and the transmission experienced hard shifting. The check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that later while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine misfired. The vehicle was diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission was faulty and engine coolant was present inside cylinders number 1,3 and 5. The vehicle was not yet repaired. Additionally, the driver’s and passenger’s side sliding doors malfunctioned and erroneously opened after being closed. The doors were reprogrammed, and the vehicle was repaired. The contact stated that after a cold start the brake pedal extended to the floor. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Blown head gasket at 64000 miles. Leaking coolant into the cylinders. Mechanic says the gasket has been repaired before.
Multiple events (over 5) have occured from December 2023 thru March 2024 involving the transmission clunk/jerk/bang with near total loss of speed when accelerating from a stop or low speed. Also several events with loss of acceleration (no reponse from the gas pedel). This happened with me turning left at a light and trying to clear an intersection. Van is available for inspection. Safety was put at risk by van stopping in moving traffic, and with being nearly rear ended several times. Also nearly being hit head on by not being able to complete the left hand turn thru the interesction timely. Vehicle has not been inspected by any dealer or law enforcement. There have never been any warning light given during these events. Dealer said by phone that without warning lights they would have nothing to trace the problem with. I have listed only the last event time below in Additional Details.
44110 miles. NO leaks, oil change every 2500 miles, all fluids are full and well maintained. Hard shift sometimes while in drive and accelerating. Engine light just came on yesterday with wife and 4 kids in vehicle, then engine light flashing. Pacifica felt sluggish and engine was rough. This happened driving on busy FREEWAY! Quickly pulled over at off ramp. Called tow and Mechanic neighbor pulled trouble code from ODB port using scanner P0306 which is engine misfire in cylinder 6. Car runs like crap and is unsafe to drive. Now need to tow to dealer for very expensive repair, just outside of 5 year warranty.
I purchased this Chrysler Pacifica from advantage auto sales in new Kensington pa. Making payments obviously but I have had nothing but issues since we got it. Now it’s up at #1 Cochran and they did a exam and they sent me a video and the transmission is bad, (which when I got the vehicle I been saying something is wrong with the transmission, took it to the garage they kept telling me to take to for now 3rd gear to be grinded out. Head gaskets went in it as well they kept it for over 2 months to not even put parts back together properly, axle is bad. Leaking oil somewhere where still , this fan flapper thingy in the front is bad and been since day 1 there is a bad sensor on it which they told me they fixed and clearly didn’t. I have had nothing but issues on this vehicle since I got it. It sees more garages than it does outside. I have 4 kids. Making a lot of trips to doctor appointments and such.. so I need a vehicle, they don’t care. I went to the dealer yesterday and they just told me to take it to another place to get the transmission rebuild or whatever but I feel that isn’t going to fix it and I’m just gonna have more issues in the long run. Can you guys help me at all ?! I need something done. My warrenty is up soon and they only cover 8,000 of the tranny and it’s a 10,000 tranny.
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