Engine experienced premature valvetrain failure (camshaft/lifter issue) at approximately 145,000. Vehicle developed ticking noise, misfire, and loss of power. Diagnosis confirmed camshaft/lifter damage requiring major repair. This appears to be a known issue with the 3.6L Pentastar engine and is documented in Chrysler STAR case S2309000013. Failure creates potential safety concern due to loss of power while driving. Vehicle is out of warranty, and manufacturer has not provided consistent support for repair despite known pattern failures.
Chrysler Pacifica knocking problems
88 of the 7,082 owner complaints about the Chrysler Pacifica describe engine knocking or ticking, most of them for the 2005 model year.
- owner complaints
- 88
- worst model year
- 2005
- typical repair cost reported
- $4,500
- typical mileage
- 75,000
Is there a fix? No recall or service bulletin covers this area of the car yet.
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 11Stalling 8Jerking 8Engine failure 8Misfire 6Harsh shifting 5Ball joint 5Steering noise 4
Trouble codes mentioned
P0461 1P0305 1P0303 1
What owners say
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking, with a knocking and jerking feeling coming from the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the same failure list in the federal safety agency Action Number: PE25009 (STEERING). The contact stated that the vehicle experienced the failure listed in the federal safety agency Action Number. The failure mileage was 120,000.
The vehicle was running fine when it suddenly shut down while driving. It was started back up 3 times before it would not start again.it was towed. We were told the two batteries needed to be replaced so we had it towed to midas because they had recently changed the auxiliary battery so it was under warranty. They replaced they replaced thr batteries but when they went to started up, thr engine started knocking and wouldn't start up again. Tr engine needs to be replaced.
I had the power steering or from their repair journal (68525334-AB GEAR RACK 19075120) replaced at 7062 miles from new as it was making knocking noise from the front of the driver-side. now at 29,650 miles the exact same noise and sound is coming from the same side. Unfortunately for me it just got out of basic warranty now in May. from their journal at: CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A CLICKING NOISE COMING FROM THE FR ONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL WHENEVER HE MAKES A TURN OR TURNS THE WHEEL BACK AND FORTH WHEN SITTING STILL (TireWheels Concern) steering rack has a internal popping noise when turning wheel. steering rack is making a internal pop noise then turning wheel back and forth. replace steering rack and set toe.
Engine ticking,blind spot not working
Brought Pacifica into the dealer because of "check engine" light. Car had some shaking too upon startup. There was also some "ticking" sounds in the dashboard. Dealership told me that the head gasket of the first (and likely third) needed to be replaced. There was an engine 3 misfire per diagnostics. I was quoted at $4,600 for the repair. This appears to be a known issue, as the dealer said "we don't know if this will turn into a recall." There seems to significantly similar issues all over the Pacifica message boards.
Vehicle engine is stalling, smells like burnt makes a lot of knocking sound and has a lot of white smoke coming out the muffler. My safety of my family and me is put at risk because this is a safety hazard that can cause an accident or a fire.
[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] the federal safety agency Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Complaint Regarding Recurrent Mechanical Issues and Potential Safety Concerns with 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report repeated mechanical issues with my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN [XXX] ), which have raised significant concerns regarding the vehicle’s reliability and safety. In 2023, my vehicle initially experienced a persistent ticking noise in the engine, leading to extensive repairs. These included replacing the tappets, rockers, and timing chain tensioner on the right bank of the engine. Following these repairs, the vehicle exhibited low oil pressure, ultimately requiring a complete long block replacement. These issues left the vehicle out of service for nearly two months, significantly disrupting our daily lives. Despite these major repairs, my Pacifica has recently developed overheating issues, necessitating the replacement of the radiator at an estimated cost of over $2,000. The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles, and I find it deeply concerning that such critical mechanical issues are occurring at such low mileage. These repeated failures suggest a potential underlying defect in the design or manufacturing of this vehicle, which could present a safety risk. An overheating engine, for instance, poses a potential hazard both to the occupants and to other road users. As a police officer and parent of three young children, I rely on this vehicle for my family’s safety and transportation. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency investigate whether these issues are indicative of a broader defect in 2018 Chrysler Pacifica models. I believe an investigation could help identify potential safety risks to other owners and encourage Chrysler to address these problems proactively INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that since 2019, the "Auto START/STOP feature unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle intermittently failed to start, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle also shut-off unintendedly while driving at various speeds. The vehicle had been towed to a dealer on several occasions and the auxiliary and the main batteries replaced; however, the failure returned approximately a year and a half later. To prevent the failure from recurring, the contact disabled the Auto START/STOP feature to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The contact stated that numerous repairs had been performed on the vehicle and that the only other solutions would be to replace the transmission, perform a software update or replace a possible unknown sensor. Additionally, the contact stated that while turning off the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
I’m experiencing persistent issues with my 2020 Chrysler engine. While driving, the engine frequently shuts down unexpectedly, often resembling a start-stop feature. When I come to a stop, the engine and lights go out, and the vehicle won’t restart, which is particularly concerning while in traffic. Additionally, when accelerating, I notice a jolt in the engine followed by a loud knocking sound. These problems significantly affect the vehicle's performance and pose a serious safety risk. I would appreciate any guidance on diagnosing and resolving these issues.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
Questions about the Chrysler Pacifica knocking
Which Chrysler Pacifica years have engine knocking or ticking problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2005 (17 complaints), 2006 (17 complaints) and 2004 (14 complaints).
How much does it cost to fix engine knocking or ticking on the Chrysler Pacifica?
Owners who mentioned a price put the repair at about $4,500 (median of 13 complaints that include a dollar amount). Costs vary with mileage, warranty and where the work is done.
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