2019 Chrysler Pacifica: sudden loss of power

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · MD

Loss of power steering while driving

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · WV

On 7/16/26 vehicle would not start; high-pitched noise heard near engine during no-start diagnosis. Towed to Goldy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Huntington WV. Per dealer invoice #27136: blown 500-amp main battery fuse found; after jumping past fuse, white smoke from exhaust and no coolant in system, diagnosed as blown head gasket. Repair: both-side head gasket replacement plus fuse assembly. Vehicle in shop 7+ weeks, returned 9/4/26 with new unresolved issue: strong smell of burned electronics and antifreeze in cabin. All failed components available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: head gasket failure/coolant intrusion caused engine hydrolock, a sudden uncommanded loss of engine power that can occur without warning, including while driving in traffic. Burned-electronics smell raises electrical/fire risk; antifreeze odor raises cabin fume exposure and window-fogging visibility concerns. Confirmed by dealer: Yes. Goldy diagnosed and documented the fuse failure, coolant loss, and head gasket failure in writing, and performed the repair. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: Not by police or insurance. Spoke by phone with a Chrysler HQ rep 5 times (8/13-9/1/26) who was informed; no confirmed independent physical inspection by manufacturer beyond dealer's own diagnosis. Warning signs: P0304 misfire on cylinder 3 appeared first, progressing to complete no-start with high-pitched noise, prompting the tow-in and hydrolock diagnosis.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MA

My 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus is experiencing coolant leaking into a cylinder, diagnosed by. This has rendered the vehicle undrivable. The Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine used in this vehicle has a well-documented pattern of coolant intrusion into cylinders due to head gasket failure across the 2017–2019 Chrysler Pacifica model years, based on extensive owner complaints already on file with the federal safety agency and reported by consumer advocacy organizations. Despite this known pattern, no recall currently exists covering this specific defect for 2019 model year vehicles. This is a safety concern because coolant intrusion into a cylinder can cause sudden misfires, rough running, loss of power, and potential stalling while driving — creating a hazard in traffic, particularly at highway speeds or during turns/merges. I contacted Chrysler Case Management regarding this issue. The manufacturer has attempted to attribute responsibility to the dealership rather than acknowledging this as a manufacturer defect in the engine design/manufacturing, despite the well-documented pattern across multiple model years of the same engine. I have also not been provided a rental vehicle despite my vehicle being undrivable.

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Engine · VA

While driving, the vehicle began to sputter and the check engine light illuminated. A scan at a franchised dealership showed a stored code for a cylinder 4 misfire. Further diagnosis found coolant intrusion into cylinder 4, indicating internal failure of the left cylinder head and/or head gasket, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. Upon removing the left valve cover and camshafts, the technician found a broken head gasket and a warped left cylinder head. The dealership replaced the left cylinder head, head gasket, cylinder head cover gasket, and oxygen sensor, refilled coolant, and replaced the PCV valve as a maintenance item. After repair, the vehicle was test driven and no further misfire was detected. This failure occurred at approximately 72,000 miles, low mileage for a major internal engine component, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired, leaving the owner responsible for the full repair cost. A misfire caused by coolant entering a cylinder can cause sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and rough running while driving, a safety concern in traffic, on highways, or when merging and passing, since reduced power can make it hard to maintain speed or accelerate out of a hazardous situation. Continued driving with undiagnosed coolant intrusion can also cause secondary engine damage, including hydrolock. The failed cylinder head and gasket were not retained by the owner; the dealership performed the repair as part of the invoiced order. The manufacturer has not independently inspected the vehicle beyond the dealership's diagnosis, photographs, and repair documentation, available on request. This appears to be a recurring issue on this engine platform, as similar cylinder head/gasket coolant intrusion failures, with matching misfire codes, have been reported by other owners of similar model-year minivans with the same engine, typically presenting in the 60,000-85,000 mile range, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expires.

Filed Aug 22, 2025 · Electrical, Steering · KY

Loss of power steering, power cut out while driving. Batteries have to be replaced in less than a years time.

Filed Aug 14, 2025 · Electrical · VA

06AUG25: At a stop light vehicle lost all power. Accessories worked. Vehicle stated to press on break and press start to turn on car. Did not start. Towed to dealership. Dealership stated was software update needed. Car did start. With no additional errors presented at diagnostic. 12AUG25: On highway during rush hour vehicle lost all power with no warning no time to pull off to the side of the highway. Towed to dealership. Vehicle had Battery and Auxiliary Battery replaced (Under warranty). Vehicle still would not start. Starter was replaced. Safety issue: Vehicle will lose power w/no warning/lights puts vehicle, passengers at risk from getting rear-ended and having to push the vehicle to the side of the road. ------------------------------------------------ Related incidents: 12DEC24: Vehicle lost all power on highway during rush-hour traffic. Towed to dealership. Auxiliary Battery was replaced (under warranty). 08AUG24: Vehicle lost all power. Auxiliary battery replaced at dealer ship(under warranty) 12DEC22: Vehicle would not start. Battery and Auxiliary battery replaced.

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 Jan 23, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · KY

My vehicle suddenly lost power driving down the road at approximately 20MPH. I rolled to the side and the vehicle engaged the electronic parking brake. It's been at Chrysler dealership for over a week and is now a STARS case according to my service rep. .

Filed Oct 31, 2024 · FL

We have had the Auxiliary battery replaced 3 times so far and the light for just came on again, the 4th time. Here are the dates and receipts for the replacements. Clearly there’s a flaw somewhere And Chrysler is not addressing is with all the affected vehicles. I’ve seen a recall on them but apparently my van is not part of it … even though they replaced that battery 3 times so far on average every 1 year 3 months. “Chrysler has announced that 198731 vehicles have been affected by a Battery recall. Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.” 7/24/23 Atlantic Dodge Ram - replaced Auxiliary battery under warranty (3rd time) and regular battery (see receipt below) Case #[XXX] 7/17/23 7/21/22 Atlantic Dodge Dealer Battery replaced 3/3/21 Purchased new battery at Garber Dealer & Atlantic Dodge dealer replaced regular battery and installed auxiliary battery I bought from Garber (see attached receipt) Please help I have a child that requires frequent doctor/hospital visits who almost died and we can’t be dealing with this issue over and over again. Sincerely, [XXX] & [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 11, 2024 · Engine · MA

I have a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica that has had several issues since I purchased it. The Start Stop System warning lamp comes on and off, and my check engine light is on. The van is barely driveable, it shudders, stalls, and is a major safety concern for my family. I use this van to transport my 3 young children around, and I never know when it is going to stall. It has completely lost power on the highway, resulting in a near catastrophic accident. I have reached out to Chrysler directly, as well as the dealer. There is indeed many recalls on this year and model car, but I am told my VIN number is not included. Chrysler, and the dealership, Imperial Chrysler in Mendon Ma, refuse to address the issue because my VIN is not included, but yet my car is experiencing the same exact symptoms and issues that have already been recalled. Chrysler has announced a recall on approximately 198,000 model-year 2017-19 Pacifica minivans equipped with stop-start due to battery issues. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist or a stall, increasing the risk of a crash. When I reached out directly to Chrysler, I was directed to a call center where the woman was extremely rude and short with me. She continuously repeated that my VIN is not affected and would not offer any further assistance. In the mean while, this car is unsafe.

Filed Dec 12, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · FL

On two different occasions and in two different places my vehicle stalled.Once on a highway in a traffic jam and once coming off a highway exit on my way home. In both cases the vehicle simply lost power. It is a 2019 Pacifica Touring L. I looked it up and saw similar complaints concerning the hybrid model but none for a non-hybrid. The vehicle is available for inspection. It is an extreme safety issue as both happened on or just leaving a major highway with lots of traffic. I am taking it into the local dealer hopefully tomorrow. The vehicle has not been inspected by anyone as of this date. No warning lights or messages flashed prior to the events. The vehicle has been serviced by the local Chrysler dealer up until the last oil change at 48,000 miles. On each occasion I instinctively stabbed the "start" button and it fired right up. Dates were 12/01 and 12/09.

Filed Jul 21, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · PA

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Electronic Shifter, No Can Bus, All safety features. Yes still available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Car becomes inoperable and left stranded. Fear of losing power or crash. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, Reedman Toll Chrysler dealer in Langhorne, PA from 4/18/23- 5/31/23 replaced parts ) could not fix. Yes, Towed to independent mechanic (Artie's Automotive Ambler, PA) on 5/31/23 - currently there to date. Replaced parts and can not fix. (electronic Shifter replaced, transmission module replacd, inspected grounds, replaced both batteries) Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Yes, Manufacturer Chrysler and independent mechanic. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Service shifter message which deactivates shifter, no can bus, all safety controls flash on /off, fuel gauge goes up and down, warning lights flash. First appeared right after radio tried to do a software update. I have pictures and videos of the issue. Leased car 2019 until Feb 2023. Purchased car from lease Feb 2023 and car has been inoperative since April 2023. There are multiple concerns from people experiencing similar issues as well on internet as well as videos on YouTube. I have videos and pictures of the issue.