2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA Recalls, Complaints & Safety

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle started losing motive power. The vehicle stalled with the check engine light and several other unknown warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was restarted; however, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that there was an electrical failure in the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that prior to the failure, the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System); and associated the failure with the recall. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 113,000.

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.

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.

Many times over the past 6 months the power steering assist goes away while driving at highway speeds. The steering wheel sort of locks up and it becomes difficult to turn. After much effort the wheel will turn and the steering returns to normal. It has happened at speeds as low as 40 mph and as high as 50 mph. This has occurred in heavy traffic situations. I have never had a dealer look at the problem. No warnings or messages from vehicle.

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.

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.

This submission supplements my prior NHTSA ODI complaint regarding the same vehicle and loss-of-motive-power condition. On Nov 8, 2025, the vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion at highway speed, creating an immediate safety risk. The vehicle could not maintain speed and required evasive action with no propulsion to avoid traffic hazards. Following the incident, the vehicle was inspected and stored diagnostic trouble codes P0A3F-00 and P0A43-00 were retrieved, relating to drive motor position sensor / resolver signal loss or degradation. These fault codes are associated with loss of propulsion and indicate a propulsion control signal-path fault, rather than a condition resolved by software calibration alone. The vehicle remains available for inspection and is out of service at a dealership due to unresolved safety concerns. Since my prior ODI complaint, I provided formal written notice to the manufacturer describing the incident, the retrieved fault codes, and the safety implications, and requested a written response. Receipt was confirmed by USPS certified mail on January 6, 2026. No written response was provided, and repeated attempts to contact the manufacturer through customer service channels were not returned. The manufacturer authorized only a recall firmware update and declined to authorize or perform the intermittent wiring and resolver diagnostics identified in its diagnostic procedures for these fault codes. The firmware update does not inspect, repair, or replace the resolver, wiring, or related hardware indicated by the stored codes, and does not determine whether the underlying propulsion fault has been corrected. As a result, the vehicle has been out of service for more than two months, and the risk of another loss-of-propulsion event remains unresolved. This update documents the manufacturer’s non-response after notice and reliance on a software-only remedy that does not address the indicated propulsion system fault.

WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT ON. IMMIDIATELY MY POWER STEERING SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT TURN WHEEL AT ALL. HIGHWAY WAS 55 SPEED LIMIT AND I COULD NOT EVEN PULL OVER. HAD VAN TOWED TO DAYTON ANDREWS CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS GOING TO BE $4,500.00. THIS VAN HAS 14,400 MILES ON IT. AFTER LOOKING ON LINE IF OTHER PACIFICA OWNERS HAD THE SAME PROBLEM, IT SEEMED THIS IS A GLOBAL PROBLEM. I OBVIOUSLY CANNOT AFFORD TO FIX THIS ALMOST BRAND NEW VEHICLE AND THE SALESPERSON INDICATED THAT EVEN IF I DID WANT TO FIX THE PART IS ON BACKORDER AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THEY COULD GET THEIR HANDS ON THE PART. THE FACT THAT THIS PART IS ON SUCH AN EXTREME BACKORDER TELLS ME THIS PART IS IN DEMAND BECAUSE MANY PEOPLE ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. PLEASE HELP ! i AM GOING TO CONTACT MY ATTORNEY TO SEE MY OPTIONS. THIS VEHICLE IS BASICALLY NEW AND FOR SAFETY REASONS, BEYOND ANY FAULT OF MY OWN, IS UNOPERABLE.

Transmission shifts very hard from 2nd to 3rd gear and 4th to 5th gear at random times and at random speeds. Sometimes it occurs in parking lots at less than 15mph and other times at highway speed above 65 mph while cruising. This has caused the engine and transmission mounts to fail prematurely. When it was taken to the dealership multiple times, the service department said they could not replicate the issue but opted to reset the computer anyways. This fixed it for about 2 weeks before the issues came back. A computer reset will wipe the transmission shift learning but with normal daily driving it comes back. This should not be considered "normal" or expected behavior.

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.

The vehicle is unsafe to operate and presents an immediate highway safety risk. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures. Headlights were inoperable from the time of delivery, requiring use of high beams at night to see the roadway. This created visibility and traffic safety issues from day one. Within the first month of ownership, the vehicle required towing. The vehicle is a hybrid and could not be shifted into neutral, yet it was dragged with the wheels locked during towing rather than transported on a flatbed. This caused damage to multiple systems. Following the tow, all four tires developed visible bulges consistent with being dragged while immobilized, creating a significant risk of tire blowout at highway speeds. Steering and alignment became unstable, with grinding noises and loss of predictable control. The hybrid underbody shielding was also damaged, leaving components exposed. These conditions have persisted despite repeated notice to the seller and service administrator. A repair facility has confirmed the vehicle is not safe for long-distance or highway travel. The vehicle must regularly be driven at interstate speeds, and continued operation poses a serious risk of crash or injury. The vehicle remains in service only due to lack of alternatives, despite known safety defects affecting steering, lighting, and tires.

The windshield fogging up is insanely unsafe. Had to pull over multiple times in rain no matter what the setting are. Recirc, hi low hot cold. Nothing makes it better. I’ve read several complaints online with the same issue

I purchased this van in March 2025, it was used about 62000 miles, but dealer said it was in good condition, no issues. In September 2025, a battery light came on, that also activated the Start/Stop could not be used and needed service as well as Service Shifter. I brought the vehicle in and they simply replaced the auxiliary battery and sent me on my way. On November 13th, I was driving and a battery light came on as well as the Stop/Start not available error, and then moments later said "Stop Safely Vehicle will shut off soon". Thankfully I was only moments from home, and made it safely with my 5 children who were also in the van. Obviously this is dangerous as the vehicle stopping while driving can kill myself, my children, anyone in my vehicle, as well as cars around me as I live in a busy area, Tampa, FL. This car had just been given a review in March when put up for sale, and I had brought it in for an oil change, as well as a motor mount replacement, and the aux battery change, before this. My car has been serviced multiple times and this should have been checked or errors/updates reviewed. This auto/stop start seems to be a key in the safety issues as well since that light comes on every time there is an issue. Now the dealer states they are going to replace my PDC, main fuse box, and see if that fixes the error, but I have read that this is an error in many Chrysler Pacificas and mine is another.

Component/System: The propulsion system of my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, specifically a suspected internal transmission wiring-connector short—the exact hardware defect identified in Recall 23V-010 as capable of causing sudden loss of motive power. In my case, both propulsion sources (gas and electric) simultaneously ceased providing power, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. The vehicle, its transmission, and all hybrid-system components are available for inspection upon request. When inspected at the Chrysler dealership, technicians retrieved a diagnostic trouble code they acknowledged corresponds to the known wiring-connector short condition. This code was present before any recall procedures were performed. Safety Risk: I was traveling at highway speed with my family, the vehicle abruptly lost all motive power and began decelerating without my ability to maintain speed. I was forced to coast to the shoulder while surrounded by faster-moving traffic, exposing me and other motorists to the danger of a high-speed rear-end collision. Dealer Confirmation: The Chrysler dealer confirmed the presence of the wiring-connector-related fault code and agreed that it aligned with the recall defect pattern. However, they performed only the software update required under Recall 23V-010 and informed me that they would not undertake further inspection or physical diagnosis unless I paid out-of-pocket, despite the safety-critical nature of the failure. They are ignoring the fact that the physical underlying defect is not fixed by the software update, much to my frustration. With this unfixed, the car is not safe to drive IMO. Inspection: The vehicle has been inspected by an authorized Chrysler dealer. No additional parties have inspected it. The dealer did not examine or repair the wiring harness or connector itself, refusing my request to do so. Warnings/Symptoms: A hybrid/electrical-system warning message appeared moments before the shutdown. No prior symptoms

My 12v battery failed and damaged other system components. This is a description of the flaw from a mechanic that had the same problem: There is a major flaw in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The BPCM (high-voltage battery control unit) has no protection against high-voltage pulses on the 12-volt network. Moreover, the connection diagram of the high-voltage contactors does not contain any elements that could extinguish the counter-induction EMF pulses when the contactors are turned off. That is, when turned off, the contactors in the 12-volt network create high-voltage surges that can burn anything, any block that is connected to the 12-volt network. In my case, the power supply module of the high-voltage battery control unit BPCM was burned. The LG chem battery modules themselves were in perfect order during this malfunction. The circuit of this module is quite complex, the board is multilayered and it was difficult for me to repair it. I have a sloped driveway, and the failure led to my car starting to roll uncontrollably forward into my house. I was luckily able to stop it by throwing blocks under the tires while my wife held down the breaks. When I (or my wife) let go of the powerless vehicle's breaks, it would continue to roll as the power failure prevented the vehicle from either entering park or engaging the emergency break. We barely avoided significant property damage.

At low speeds while turning the wheel there is a severe shudder originating from the steering system resulting in a feeling of loss of control. Possible it’s happening at higher speeds and not as easily detectable. Countless users in online forums report the same exact problem with the solution from the dealer being that the rack and pinion system must be replaced. The volume of complaints seems like this is a defective part. This began when the car had under 30k miles but dealer would not fix under warranty as they “could not reproduce the problem”.

Engine Shutdowns randomly While driving and it almost caused me to crash once on the highway and the other was while in my neighborhood to take my daughter to school

I have a power problem and could not get my wheelchair ramp down. The manual said to push it manually. this would not work, and my wife and I were trapped in this vehicle where we could possibly burn to death. This is a Braun Ability modified vehicle.2 men tried to get it down and couldn't. We called the factory, and they said to pull a fuse at the battery. How can we do this if we are in wheelchairs and beside, we can't get the ramp down to get out.

The batteries died and we didn't know that there was an IBS(internal battery sensor). The van started to take over its own system. It would put itself in park, open the hood, self holding temporarily unavailable, start/stop unavailable, emergency break engaged, and turned it self off while driving!

Power steering light came on immediately lost the ability to steer vehicle had to be towed in was told it was a battery issue and that was replaced picked the vehicle up the next day. It left me stranded yet again, took it back to the shop and now being told that the five year-old vehicle Needs an entire power steering rack not safe to drive.

I own a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 60,000 miles. In October 2024, corrosion began appearing on the sliding doors. Despite proper care (garage kept, washed and waxed monthly), the bubbling and corrosion worsened significantly over 11 months. Photos are timestamped and show clear progression. Two independent body shops confirmed this is premature aluminum corrosion and suggested I request goodwill coverage. On September 8, 2025, I brought the vehicle to Preston Jeep of Newark, DE, only 19 days after my factory warranty expired. Chrysler offered 58% coverage, but this defect appeared long before warranty expiration and is now more widespread than a single door. I am filing this complaint because I believe this represents a broader defect affecting Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. NHTSA has issued service alerts on aluminum corrosion for Chrysler body panels, which supports that this is not an isolated incident. This corrosion threatens the durability of the doors and could compromise safety if left untreated. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

On multiple occasions, from 2023-2025 our vehicle has had issues where all the gauges and warning lights go off and vehicle stops and turns off regardless of driving conditions. Recently happened yesterday. The culprit is the can c bus connectors that Chrysler is using. They short out causing the issue and because so many systems codes get tripped after nearly a year of back and forth with dealerships unable to diagnose issue I went to a pacifica forum where there are 1000s same reported issue. The issue is caused by the cancam bus connectors - specifically under the dashboard in our case, due to Chrysler using zinc based soldering that cannot handle the heatand elements. These solders use to be made out of lead that can handle the elements. We are replacing them for the 2nd time in less than a year after,as mentioned before, my wife and daughter had van completely stop and shutoff in the middle of traffic. This has happened recently every couple days for the last 3 weeks - previous time happened off and on while waiting for answers from dealership for over a year, they cannot recreate issue because it's random and therefore will not chae the issues or listen when I asked to specifically check item. (Files uploaded are from video my wife captured)

The steering wheel sticks in a slight right turn around the 1 o'clock position. I have not felt it on left turns. There is no noise, scraping, or grinding. There is one slight right bend in the road on my way home and it consistently does the stick thing as I straighten out the wheel. I've searched and found many references to the same problem. I know NHTSA has started an investigation on this for Pacificas made in other yrs.

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to make a left or right turn, the steering wheel was sticking and failed to return to center. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the failure was not duplicated, and there was no fault found with the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.

During gradual turns, steering will experience a sticking sensation requiring extra effort when trying to return to straight line center while exiting the turn.

I was driving and all of a sudden I got a warning to stop that the engine was going to shut off. I got off to the side of the road and it shut down. I had it towed to the garage. The next day they ran tests. The batteries were both new and they tested fine. Alternator tested fine. Since then it’s happened two more times and the dealer is telling me that all the tests are fine. That Chrysler won’t help me because they can’t prove anything is wrong. Even with the pictures of all the codes and alerts. I don’t feel safe driving my kids in this van at all now. But nobody will help me.

Steering wheel gets stuck in place when making wide turns and especially curves on winding roads. You have to jerk steering wheel out of what feels like a locked/stuck position. Power steering light (lamp) comes on with noise but immediately turns off. Power steering light has been coming on and off inconsistently starting in 2023. I have many videos/pictures of light on. It has never stayed on for long enough time to get it to dealer still lit and I do not have money for the diagnostic testing that dealer says they require just to have said dealer look at it and tell me they can't replicate the problem therefore there is no problem. I've been terrified of it overcorrecting itself when coming out of the stuck position while at high speeds or on narrow high elevation roads resulting in a serious accident injuring or killing myself and my family or someone else on the roadways. Back seat (3rd row) driver side half folds itself down at random times without indication. It has trapped my kids several times, which makes me worry for their safety/suffication when we have to use that seat. It tends to happen more when the temperature is cold outside. This began before 65k miles. I took it to dealer for inspection and they called it a user error. This is not a user error and has happened more than 50 times in 4 years. Nothing is stored under the seat and no buttons were within access to children any of the times the seat malfunctioned and closed on my children. My 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is a true safety hazard. It is available for inspection at anytime.

1) A/C in the dash has loud non-stop clicking noise. Was replaced and has started up again. 2) Auto start/stop sensor in the cam went out. 3) Power steering rack went out when driving. Bought the car used from a Ford/Chrysler dealership with 65,000 miles. We have had the car for 3 months and they have had it in the shop for about 2 months

The hybrid battery overheated and started burning the interior of the vehicle while it sat turned off charging in the garage. Smoke filled the house which had to be evacuated. Emergency services were called and the fire department brought the incident under control. An incident report was completed by the fire department and the vehicle is currently in the possession of insurance who is doing their own evaluation. There were no warning indicators or other problems prior to this happening.

Fire

Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery that registered 350 degrees using a thermal imaging camera. No flames were present. National Fire Reporting Incident Number: 25-2040031

Fire

The start/stop warning light came on randomly. Then shortly after when driving the van the power steering randomly goes out and then comes back on.

Cable system inside 2nd row seat broke so that it can no longer anchor in place. The back of the seat folds back/forth and unable to secure in place, the seat slides forward/backward freely on the track. Seems to be a known issue (multiple forums online).

The vehicle was purchased 8/5/2023. 8/23/2023 the vehicle stalled while at the bus stop with kids. Would not start again. 10/26/2025 the vehicle again stalled but at a red light during rush hour. During this event I attempted to use the hazards so the traffic approaching was aware it was not working. The hazard lights would not work. The vehicle was not even allowing the neutral position to allow it to be pushed out of the way. I was on the side of the road waving down card watching about 20 cars (fairly assuming with no lights indicating otherwise that it was moving) I was flagging traffic on my way home from a night shift at a hospital in town. I had it towed home was able to charge the battery enough for taking it to the dealership. The axillary and main batteries both were replaced more than 3 times. I had the vehicle for three years and this was an ongoing issue the dealership never disclosed there was a battery cable recall and turned me away from discussing they also did not disclose this year make and model had a class action lawsuit and recalls for the stop/start system failure. They refused to help or report my VIN number. In March of this year it did it again. To allow this vehicle to be on the road is dangerous. I voluntarily surrendered it with that being said and the lender (Flagship Credit Acceptance) Is attempting to sell the vehicle and also refused to acknowledge any calls out of many calls I made to report the vehicle is dangerous. Both businesses did not disclose the recall and the vehicle is currently in storage I believe and I'm worried a family will end up very hurt if not multiple as that day where I witnessed about 15-20 cars come very close to ramming the back of it head on because it was not able to be moved.

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.