2020 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

Filed Nov 2, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Over the past couple of years the auto start-stop system has progressively gotten worse with erratic issues. I've been to the dealership, and have replaced the main and aux batteries multiple times to reset the system and fix the problem. New batteries do not fix the problem. The vehicle's electrical system has turned off the engine and stalled multiple times in the middle of intersections. The vehicle has shut down twice while attempting left turns across lanes of oncoming traffic and three times pulling from a side street onto a major road. This has started to happen everyday and is posing a safety issue for my two young children, family, and other motorists. This electrical issue is a well known problem of this model and multiple calls to the manufacturer and the dealership leaves me in the middle where neither want to provide a path for assistance as the dealership explains my issue as a manufacturer problem. In the past 3 weeks the electrical issue has impacted the vehicles ability to consistently start, sometimes the engine won't turn over and I have to jump the vehicle on an increasing basis. The start-stop system has created further electrical problems where the start-stop dash signal is on constantly, the dashboard lights up sporadically, and today the vehicle would not unlock by using the key fobs and with no physical key I am not able to access the vehicle.

Filed Oct 23, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · PA

File an Immediate the federal safety agency Safety Complaint (Do This Tonight) The vehicle intermittently stalls completely while decelerating or braking at low speeds when the engine is warm. The dashboard flashes an ACC/FCW warning as the engine dies. This requires a full shift into Park to restart in active traffic, creating an imminent crash hazard. The vehicle has only 26,000 miles. Chrysler Case #98023933 is refusing to authorize diagnostic flight data logging or precautionary repairs because the dealer cannot immediately replicate it." •

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · MA

I experienced a sudden loss of power and steering while driving my vehicle. The screen advised me to pull over because the engine would shut off soon, but I already had lost steering and power. I turned the car off and was able to restart it and drive it 1 mile home, and the check engine light was on. I had it towed to the dealer. After 2 weeks of testing, the dealer reported, “When your vehicle was initially checked in, the following trouble codes were present: 5 BPCM FAULT CODES P1A21-00, P1D43-00, P1C01-00, P1A2A-00, and P1A29-00. We have completed Recall Y40.” The repair tech said they expected the engine to lose power again at some point and I would need to have it towed in again to be repaired then. The repairs made so far are only software updates, no hardware has been repaired because the dealer said the errors didn’t recur after they reset the system. I have elevated the issue with the dealer and am awaiting a response. I am concerned based on the error codes and technician information that my vehicle is still at risk of catching fire at any time or experiencing another catastrophic loss of power if the faulty hardware is not replaced.

Filed Jun 15, 2026 · Engine · IL

Head gasket is cracked causing cylinder 5 to misfire and burned up coolant in the engine causing the engine to overheat while driving and put safety of driver and passengers in danger while vehicle was traveling at high speeds.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Engine · CA

car goes into park while driving

Filed May 9, 2026 · Engine · TX

I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction with the handling of repairs on my Chrysler Pacifica and the significant financial and personal impact this situation has caused my family. The issue began when the engine suddenly stopped, leaving us stranded. The vehicle was first taken to an insurance-recommended shop that could not diagnose the issue, then transferred to Wischsnewsky Dodge in Baytown, TX. There, we were told the problem was the starter and fuse box. Based on their professional assessment, we approved costly repairs, which required financing. However, just one day after picking up the vehicle, it failed to start again. This not only showed a lack of proper diagnosis, but also placed my wife and children in an unsafe situation. We were also forced to cancel a prepaid family trip due to lack of transportation. The dealership retrieved the vehicle and promised a loaner, but none has been provided after more than two weeks. We have since incurred additional expenses for rentals and rideshare services. We are now being told the issue may be a head gasket failure—something that could have been identified earlier with a basic test and is reportedly a known issue with this model. The estimated cost to replace the engine per the dealership is $16,000. At this point, we have taken on debt for ineffective repairs and continue to face mounting costs without a clear resolution. I am requesting immediate assistance from Chrysler to address this situation and provide a fair outcome.

Filed May 4, 2026 · Engine · MD

I have a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. There was a recall last year and I brought it in to the dealership. At that time, I wasn't even sure what the recall was for. This year, about a month ago, I was driving (I take XXX to work everyday) and the display had a notice that said "Stop safely, the engine will turn off". I pulled over and turned the car off and turned it back on. The check engine light came back on but it drove fine. The check engine light eventually went off but the same thing happened again a few days later. I brought it into my mechanic who couldn't read the diagnostics. I brought it back into the dealership and they said I just needed a software upgrade so they did that. Unfortunately, the engine died again on the road. I shut the car off and turned it back on. I brought it back to the dealership and said the issue wasn't fixed. They haven't taken the issue seriously so I started searching and found this issue. It sounds like Chrysler is aware of the issue but I'm nervous even a new transmission won't fix the issue. In the meantime, I've had to rent a car as the dealership doesn't do loaners. This is a pretty big safety issue as now my car has shut down on the middle of the highway multiple times! [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 16, 2026 · Engine, Steering · CA

Vehicle steering locked up while driving causing driver to end up in oncoming traffic. Also, vehicles remote start turns on, but after a few seconds car shuts off.

Filed Mar 14, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · VA

The start/stop system fails while car is running. Power not delivered appropriately resulting in check engine light coming on and entire car shaking. Only 62k miles. Started at 58k.

Filed Mar 4, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · NC

The hybrid propulsion system on my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid has repeatedly failed, resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle enters full limp mode, displays a red turtle warning light, and the motor cuts out entirely, creating a serious collision risk. The failure occurs without warning and has happened on multiple occasions. The root cause has been traced through escalating component failures: first the Power Inverter Module (PIM) was found to have an internal failure disabling regenerative braking and causing the motor to cut out; subsequently the battery charging module was found to be failing, causing the high-voltage battery to drain to 0% and stall the vehicle. Both components were replaced by an authorized Stellantis dealership under warranty. Despite replacement of the PIM, the charging module, and ultimately the transmission, the defect has not been resolved. The vehicle has been confirmed defective by the authorized dealer on each visit and has been subject to a STAR (engineering escalation) case with Stellantis. Warning symptoms include the red turtle warning light, check engine light, and sudden power loss. The vehicle has been out of service for cumulative warranty repairs exceeding 130 days, including a continuous period exceeding 90 days. The vehicle remains unrepaired and in dealer custody as of the date of this filing. The dealer has confirmed the defect on each visit and has conducted multiple rounds of diagnostic testing and component replacement, none of which have restored safe and reliable operation. The component failures are available for inspection upon request.