2020 Chrysler Pacifica: engine failure

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 Mar 20, 2026 · Steering · 90,000 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that force was needed to maneuver the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted and became a worsening failure. The steering wheel seized while turning to the right or the left. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. Upon further investigation, the contact became aware that the failure was most common with similar vehicles between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000.

Filed Feb 23, 2026 · Engine · AZ

While driving in suburban traffic vehicle engine began running rough and lost most power with about 58000 mi on the vehicle. Received check engine light and vehicle entered 'limp mode' with Turtle Icon displayed on screen. Brought to dealer and it was diagnosed with a P0304 Cylinder #4 Misfire and leaking head gasket causing coolant contamination to engine oil. Dealer repaired the head gasket under warranty. About 2 months after the head gasket was repair at 60,098 miles while drive on the Interstate the engine began running rough. Check Engine Light came on and then Oil Pressure Light came on. We were able to exit the highway, had the vehicle towed to the same dealer where the head gasket was repaired under warranty. This time the engine was diagnosed with a failed #4 Cylinder connecting rod. Chrysler and Dealer refused to repair or replace the engine even though both leak and failure occurred on same cylinder.

Filed Jan 15, 2026 · Electrical, Engine · 52,000 miles · VA

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that there was no power to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred close to the residence, and there was not a lot of traffic. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and get to a safe area. The contact's brother-in-law was contacted for assistance; however, the driver became impatient waiting for assistance. The driver attempted to restart the vehicle, and the vehicle started. The help arrived, disconnected and reconnected the battery cables, and the vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer; however, the dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact was informed that a recall was issued, but for Hybrid vehicles. In addition, the contact referenced an open investigation for the failure. The contact stated that the failure had occurred twice within two weeks. Additionally, the warning light that the “Auto START/STOP Unavailable” had remained illuminated since August 2025. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000. The VIN was unavailable.

Filed Jun 7, 2025 · Engine · PA

The head gasket failed. The check engine light came on and I took it to the dealer before the engine seized thankfully but it could have caused safety issues such as coolant leaks, engine breakdown potentially on the highway which could have caused an accident and risked people’s lives. If there was oil contamination, the engine could have locked up which def can cause an accident. Engine fire is even possible. The problem has been confirmed by an independent dealer. I know of many others who have experienced the same issue.

Filed Apr 8, 2025 · Engine, Suspension · 161,500 miles · IL

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to respond. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the shock absorbers, radiator, and brake discs needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure persisted. On another occasion, the vehicle seized to function as needed. The contact took the vehicle to the independent mechanic and the vehicle was diagnosed with timing chain failure. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 161,500.

Filed Aug 9, 2024 · Engine · MD

July 21, 2024 On June 1, 2024, while driving at normal speed under normal conditions, 2020 Chrysler Pacifica (with 14,600 miles) engine seized up, serpentine belt tore, power steering lost, and all lights went on within seconds. I immediately pulled to side of busy 495 Beltway. Dealership concludes that mounting bolts holding alternator in place simply sheared off, broke off causing alternator to drop into engine, tearing belt, breaking AC hose and chain of other breakages. As it turns out, this exact incident has been reported by others on the Chrysler Pacifica Forum online with pictures. Without obvious explanation, vehicle engine shuts down resulting in a very dangerous situation with loss of all control of the vehicle, including steering. One possible explanation is that the bolts are made from a mixed alloy and are very weak or that the bolts holding alternator as well as other engine components are over-torqued resulting in sudden snap breaking of multiple bolts. It is a very dangerous as well as helpless situation. Our vehicle has been at the dealership for over 6 weeks as they negotiate with Stellantis. The warranty expired in March 2024. Estimated cost of replacing alternator (the screws sheared off in such a clean manner that they cannot be extracted from the alternator), AC hose, serpentine belt, battery and more is at $6500 now. The mini-van has 14,600 miles and is used primarily for my 100% disabled veteran husband and his medical appointments. In summary, I am alerting the federal safety agency as others hopefully have. This exact same experience of an engine seizing up due to over-torqued engine mounting bolts cleaning shearing off while driving at highway speed is extremely dangerous and cannot be due to normal owner driving/vehicle wear and tear. I recommend that the federal safety agency do a further inquiry to this matter to ensure that responsibility is taken with Chrysler to prevent more serious accidents in the future. I will try to enclose photos. Thank you -

Filed Nov 30, 2023 · Brakes, Engine · CA

Our car was fixed for a recall 5 months ago for engine failure on the highway because of an electrical issue. On Saturday morning driving on the highway, the car's dashboard gave a warning when we driving on the highway, 70 mph, and then immediately started breaking. This caused us to be slowing in the middle lane to 45 mph and cars swerving around us. We were very lucky to be able to maneuver around traffic and safely make it to the shoulder to catch our breath. This could of been a really bad accident involving 3-8 cars. We had the car towed to a dealership and after a diagnosis, the car needed a whole new transmission. The recall was an electrical update to control wiring in the transmission but then the transmission only after 32k miles completely shut down and needs to be replaced. We are hoping this gets looked into. After reading on forums, this issue has happened multiple times. We did have the recall fixed but it seems like the recall is 100% effective. Since this is a major issue and can cause fatality or serious body injury, FCA should have a more effective update to fix this issue with the transmisson.