2020 Chrysler Pacifica: stuck in gear or won't shift

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.

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 Sep 18, 2024 · Transmission · VA

I have a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid that has had transmission issues since 2022. I have taken it to the dealer 8 times for repair for the same transmission issue. In August 2022, the vehicle shut down on the interstate while driving. It was determined that it needed a new transmission after just two years. The vehicle was with the dealer for over 30 days awaiting a new transmission. Once the transmission was replaced, there was a battery issue in February 2023. In January 2024, the vehicle went into limp mode again, for the first time after the transmission was replaced. Repairs were attempted at the dealer. I have continued to have issues throughout 2024. In July 2024, the transmission wiring harness was replaced. The vehicle has gone into limp mode three more times since then. On 14 September, the most recent time the vehicle went into limp mode on the interstate, I took it into the dealer, and it was determined a second transmission replacement was needed. Chrysler has now issued a lifetime warranty on the transmission. It's only a matter of time before significant injury or loss of life occurs because of the transmission issues, especially because they normally occur only at higher speeds on the highway. Clearly, installing a third (or fourth or fifth) transmission will not fix the issues in this faulty vehicle. When I contacted Chrysler Cares yesterday I was told that because the transmission will be replaced for only the second time, I do not qualify for a buyback. However, it has been to the dealer to be serviced 8 times and was there for over 30 days during the first transmission replacement.

Filed Apr 8, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · NC

While driving in normal conditions most, if not all, of the van's dash warning lights lit up, the van came to a stop on its own (without input from driver) in the middle of the street, put itself in park and would not shift into drive again. This happened in the middle of the street and before it could be moved onto the shoulder. The battery had to be disconnected to allow the computer/electrical system to reset, only then would it move. We are very lucky that this occurred within a 35 mph zone and not in interstate traffic. Even with this happening in a lower speed zone it is still very dangerous for the van to stop unpredictably in the middle of traffic. Again, had this been on interstate it could have been deadly. When attempting to put into reverse or drive, the shifter would shift itself back into park. If placed in neutral the van would engage the electronic parking brake and would not disengage until placed back in park. Given that the main purpose of these vehicles is to ferry children, it is especially concerning that the van is behaving the way it is.

Filed Jan 7, 2023 · Transmission · IL

The transmission lurches or stalls. A check engine light will come on and says to service the transmission. While moving it will automatically detect a problem them engage the parking brake. While the check engine light is on, it will not go into gear. It will put itself in park if i try and out it in drive or reverse it just wont move. Has been going on since 6,000 miles and Chrysler constantly tells me there's no problem and it's normal. Now at 50,000 miles and it's still a huge issue. Chrysler has failed to document every time I've complained about it. Refused to give service records.

Filed Sep 26, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · VA

Has stalled on freeway twice now. All check engine lights come on, car goes into limp mode then stalls. Will not allow moving from park into drive. Has left us stranded 3 times. Chrysler including dealers not helpful.

Filed Jun 27, 2022 · Electrical, Transmission · CA

While driving at freeway speed a check engine light came on follows by “service electrical system “ then limp mode which limits the vehicle to 40mph. Very dangerous on the freeway. Luckily we made it off the freeway but the vehicle locked itself in park gear and began to make loud grinding noises with wipers going on randomly. This happened in a busy intersection. Car was inoperable had to be towed. Would not roll so flat bed tow was not possible. Dealer says the 12v battery was bad and it also needs a new transmission. If a 12v battery caused this to happen, this is a serious problem that could lead to a bad accident. Many more accounts of this online and YouTube.