2019 Chrysler Pacifica: engine overheating

Filed Sep 15, 2026 · Transmission · MN

The transmission has a very abrupt slamming or violent jerk around 45 mph. This has been since we bought the vehicle. Even with consistent routine maintenance this slamming has gotten worse. I believe this to be a manufacturer defect in the transmission that will cause premature failure. We have reported this to every dealer service center and private mechanic shop we have visited and were told that either they couldn't work on it or that it would require thousands of dollars to tear apart and inspect and even then we would more than likely need to foot the bill even if it was a defect and then try to get reimbursement from Chrysler/Stellantis. This transmission defect along with the coolant leaking into the engine issue that was submitted a year or more ago that has gone unanswered is making me lose faith in the manufacturer and the government agency set to protect consumers and investigate these issues.

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 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 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 Oct 29, 2024 · Engine, Transmission · NY

Head gasket failure at 68500 miles. It causes a misfire in the engine and could cause an accident from the car bucking once it consumes the engine coolant and also causes overheating and a lot of smoke to come out of the tailpipe making it less visible for others on the road to see, if behind a car like mine

Filed Jul 15, 2024 · Transmission · OH

Vehicle was found to be overheating, with low coolant. Initial concern for possible hose leak, but nothing visualized on inspection...testing demonstrated a blown head gasket and possible warped cylinder. This is a recurring problem for Chrysler Pacifica's that Chrysler refuses to address. There were no warning signs before hand.

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 Feb 29, 2024 · Airbags, Electrical · CA

I am writing to express my deep dissatisfaction with the ongoing issues plaguing my car. This dissatisfaction is compounded by the fact that this car was brand new when I picked it up from the dealership, with no miles on it. Since then, I have encountered a series of concerning problems. At around 30,000 miles, the batteries required replacement, followed shortly by a transmission replacement at 40,000 miles. Additionally, the TV screens throughout the car began shutting off autonomously, a persistent issue that remains unresolved. Subsequently, at 60,000 miles, both the engine and batteries needed replacement once again. Despite repeated efforts to address these issues under warranty, the car continues to experience persistent troubles. It often stalls every two days, and despite addressing these issues under warranty, the TV malfunctions persist. Furthermore, the situation has escalated with the engine now overheating and malfunctions occurring in critical safety features such as airbags, lights, and ACC. These concerns have created a myriad of safety issues within the vehicle, particularly during driving, with multiple safety concerns arising regarding the navigation and various electronic components.It is evident that these safety hazards are all mechanically related and have persisted since the car reached 30,000 miles. Additionally, amidst these significant safety concerns, one of the main safety components of the vehicle is compromised. Intermediately and on a consistent basis, the car doors open on their own, posing a serious risk. There have been instances where my son has inadvertently pressed the door to open from the outside, and the doors open without any form of key input. The key is not present, yet the door opens on its own, triggering the alarm. This ongoing issue has left me emotionally and monetarily drained over the past few years.

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.