2019 Chrysler Pacifica: engine failure

Filed Dec 13, 2025 · Engine · MN

A slow coolant leak is draining the coolant from the reservoir into the engine. This has happened twice now and no external leaks can be found. The first instance in June 2021 was on a trip from Goldsboro, NC to Antigo, WI. We made it to Chicago and noticed the engine temp climbing. We thought it was due to the trip and heat but had just stopped in Ohio the day prior. We took the vehicle to a local shop and they told us the coolant was nearly gone. The second time happened just [XXX] when I took my Pacifica in for an oil change. The shop stated my coolant was very low and they had to fill it up. They again found no visible external leak. I had noticed that it was low as well the day prior after getting home and knowing the shop is less than 2 miles away I knew I could get the van there safely. I did notice the temperature going up quickly even though it has been bitterly cold the last few days. I've been doing research and found many Pacifica and other online forums stating this issue had led to engine failures totaling repair costs in excess of $5,000 as of 2023 before continued inflation. This poses a huge safety risk for motorists if the engine fails while in transit as well as during extreme weather both cold and hot. Please hold the manufacturer accountable to fix this common defect for those of us who cannot afford a new vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 15, 2025 · Engine · MI

Vehicle Incident Summary – 2019 Chrysler Pacifica [XXX] is the orginal owner Initial Incident – [XXX] At 50,779 miles, my 2022 Chrysler Pacifica lost all power while driving on Mound Road in Sterling Heights, MI. Officer Nathan Sears from the Sterling Heights Police Department assisted, and the vehicle had to be towed. The diagnosis at the time was complete battery failure—both batteries were replaced. Current Ongoing Issue – [XXX] At 86,000 miles, the vehicle once again became completely inoperable. It was towed to Jim Riehl’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram in Warren, MI. I was initially told the issue was the starter, and I paid $1,200 for the repair. However, the vehicle still does not start. I have now been told the issue may be a blown head gasket or engine failure. The dealership is requesting an additional $2,000–$3,000 just to disassemble the vehicle to determine the exact cause. If it is indeed an engine failure, I’ve been informed that repairs could cost up to $12,000. Concerns: I paid for a starter replacement and the car remains undrivable. There was no resolution or refund offered despite a misdiagnosis. Now I am being asked to pay thousands more just to identify the problem. If this is engine failure, it occurred at only 86,000 miles. I have since found many other Pacifica owners reporting similar failures—battery, engine, and complete loss of power—raising concerns of a potential manufacturing defect. Why I’m Reporting This: This vehicle has experienced major, potentially dangerous failures twice—first a complete power loss while driving, and now possible engine failure without warning. If this had happened at higher speeds or on the highway, it could have been catastrophic. I am requesting this issue be investigated for possible safety defects and design flaws. VIN: [XXX] 3.6 liter VG engine Location: Sterling Heights/Warren, MI Dealership: Jim Riehl’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Feb 5, 2025 · Engine · UT

The head gasket leaks, full engine replacement is recommended. No accidents, only 79k miles on the engine.

Filed Dec 12, 2024 · Engine · MI

Van has 55,000 miles on it. Not overheating but noticed coolant reservoir keeps needing to be topped off daily. Also, just received check engine light code for cylinder 5. Shop diagnosed as head gaskets and now need an engine replacement. Absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle with such low miles.

Filed Aug 5, 2024 · Engine · NC

Around 79,000 miles, my 2019 Pacifica experienced check engine error codes. Upon diagnostics by a repair shop, found that the engine coolant was leaking into the engine due to a bad head gasket and that the engine cylinders were damaged and the only repair is a full engine replacement. The car has been maintained and received regular oil changes and should not fail in this manner at less than 80,000 miles. Reading through various forums I see this is a known issue with the 2017+ model year Pacificas

Filed May 31, 2024 · Engine · KS

Engine was running low on coolant due to malfunction of heads Computer did not warn me or temperature senser gage showed normal Engine needs replaced now

Filed Apr 16, 2024 · Engine · CA

Engine failure; engine light P0306 error, cylinder 6 head gasket blown. Mileage 62k, Year 2019. Yes, vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The vehicle was a danger to my family and others, as it unexpectedly overheated on the freeway, and there were no known engine problems to that point. I drive a minivan for my family (2 parents and 3 children), and I am also a carpool parent for two other children, and regularly drive children to and from school, twice a day. An engine failure with no warning is a massive danger and a huge compromise to safety to the families involved and those on the road around us as it occurred unexpectedly on a freeway, at freeway speeds. Upon inspection by a mechanic, it was discovered that the vehicle had no coolant, the coolant had been leaking into the engine, causing mis-firing of cylinder 6, and the car overheated due to low coolant levels; the cylinder head gasket and exhaust manifold gasket was replaced. Additional engine components in poor condition and also replaced: all spark plugs, coolant housing, timing chain tensioner A and B, front crank shaft seal, timing cover gasket, oil filter housing, and rear engine mount. Additionally the cylinder head needed to be resurfaced. The vehicle/component has not been inspected by the manufacturer, police, or insurance reps.The vehicle and faulty components have been inspected by a mechanic. Leading up to the engine failure, there were no warnings of low coolant, as there is no coolant sensor; the engine light only turned on the day of engine failure; and a few days before engine failure, the only symptom observed was slightly stronger idling than normal, almost imperceptible.

Filed Aug 4, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · AZ

Van was idling rough and started to struggle to start in the morning, at times needing to try a few times before it would start up. Once driving the van is still idling roughly and at red lights feels as if it will not be able to drive at all. The check engine light came on so we had the error code read at AutoZone throwing the P0303 Cylinder 1 misfire. We first took it to our local mechanic where he was unable to fully diagnose the issue, he recommended we then take it to the dealership. Our van is currently at the dealership with coolant leaking into the head gasket. We have opened a case with the dealership and are independently pursuing them taking responsibility for the faulty parts. The car did not 'drive hot' at all and not temperature gauge change occurred at all. I cannot safely drive or count on this van to drive my four kids around at this time. This is a design/manufacturing flaw as I have recently found out that it is occurring in Chrysler Pacifica's at a high rate around 60k miles. We are at 63k in a 2019 and are now told we must pay 4,500k to replace the head gasket that the coolant has leaked into. This issue is common with this model and there is no guarantee that this will prevent the same issue with another cylinder or force us to buy a new engine on a 4 year old car.

Filed Aug 23, 2019 · Seat belts · 12,196 miles · MD

Tl* the contact rented a 2019 chrysler pacifica. While the contact's eight year old daughter was seat belted in the rear driver's side seat, the seat belt seized into the lock. The contact had to use scissors to cut the seat belt. Also, the rear passenger side seat belt failed to engage when the brake pedal was depressed abruptly. The contact was able to stand with the seat belt operating as intended. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The vehicle was returned to hertz (located at the orlando international airport, 1 airport blvd, orlando, fl 32812, (407) 859-8400) and the contact was informed that the seat belt would be replaced. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 12,196. The VIN was not available.