2017 Chrysler Pacifica Engine Problems

Put the car in park car instantly cut off didn't come on. It was having electronic issues said service ABS system, service steering control and I had to get it towed. Had the whole car diagnosed brought a new battery the another was fried due to corrosion.(the issue was the wiring harness) One month later put the car in park car did not come back on stated ABS system and steering control needed to be serviced once again battery fried. Towed again once again got a new battery. Had a diagnostics.and it was the was wiring harness again. 3rd time in a year when the car shuts down, it’s impossible to use anything in the car. If the windows were rolled down, you can’t roll the windows up. If the door was left open, you can’t close the door. You can’t even shift the car to neutral even with the manual function, you can’t shift the car to neutral. Everything is locked.

NHTSA ID

11765443

Incident

Sep 12, 2026

One year ago (114k miles) I started having some rough idle, stumbling, etc. Then a cylinder 5 misfire code appeared. I swapped around coils and injectors, replaced the PCV valve, replaced lower intake manifold, coolant flush. Still no improvement. So I then replaced all the coils, plugs, and bench cleaned and tested all of the fuel injectors and reinstalled them with new o-rings. Misfire code kept returning. On Veteran's Day last year on our way back from a parade it would barely go over 35 mph with the CEL flashing. I limped it straight to the dealership. For context, I have never run the vehicle hot and have kept up on regular maintenance intervals. I gave them a detailed list of everything I did to the vehicle. They had it in the shop and did a compression test. Compression was good on the cylinder head for 1, 3, and 5. However, a leak down test was performed and showed a significant leak in cylinder 5, prompting the need to replace that cylinder head. Luckily, we still had our extended warranty and this $10k job was completely covered. Fast forward to a month ago (126k miles) I was getting a noise from the accessory drive area. After looking closer, I had to replace the serpentine belt. In order to do that I had to remove the lower radiator hoses and drain the coolant. Got everything back together and started it up. The noise I previously heard was louder and more like a chatter. Then a cylinder 4 misfire code appeared. I tore it down, looked at the plugs and coils. All checked out. Did a compression test and compression in all 3 cylinders was good at #2: 155 psi, #4: 151 psi, #6: 153 psi. Ibwent ahead and replaced fuel injector for that cylinder. Vehicle has been running for a few weeks and is still registering misfires for cylinder 4. Everything is pointing towards a cylinder head replacement, which will cost upwards of $10k, just as the previous cylinder head replacement did. This is a far too common problem on these engines.

NHTSA ID

11763261

Incident

Aug 6, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the check engine warning light was displayed on the instrument panel soon after the vehicle was purchased. An independent mechanic replaced the EVAP purge valve, but after the repair, the power steering assist failed, and several unknown warning lights were illuminated. A mobile mechanic attempted to clear the codes, but the power steering failure persisted. The vehicle was then towed back to the independent mechanic, where a diagnostic test provided several fault codes, including electrical, ABS, brakes, traction control, rack and pinion, and the check engine warning light was displayed. The vehicle remained with the mechanic unrepaired. The dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 107,000.

NHTSA ID

11759210

Incident

Jan 1, 2026

Mileage

107,000 mi

While driving, the vehicle unexpectedly shut off without warning. The engine stalled while the vehicle was in motion, causing an immediate loss of acceleration and power and creating a serious safety hazard in traffic. This vehicle previously received the Safety Recall U01 repair in January 2018, but the same engine stall condition has returned. The recall remedy does not appear to have permanently corrected the problem.

NHTSA ID

11753606

Incident

Jul 22, 2026

While driving, the engine stalled and produced a cranking noise. Subsequently, the display screen turned black. Currently, I am experiencing a problem where I cannot turn off the vehicle or shift gears, rendering it immobilized. I have taken the vehicle to a Chrysler dealership, and they have been unable to identify any faults. However, I believe the vehicle is not safe to drive.

NHTSA ID

11752093

Incident

Jul 17, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced power and hard shifting. Additionally, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failures, but no assistance was offered. The failure mileage was 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11748500

Incident

Jul 6, 2026

Mileage

50,000 mi

The vehicle has an unresolved electrical/propulsion failure involving sudden shutdowns while driving and CAN C bus/lost-communication faults. Since the high-voltage battery was replaced through a recall-related repair, the vehicle has had repeated shutdown/loss-of-communication events, occurring dozens of times. In the most serious incidents, while driving at speed, the dash flickered, windshield wipers activated unexpectedly, headlights turned off, turn signals would not work, and steering locked or became difficult to control. The vehicle then completely shut off while still moving. After shutdown, the hazard lights would not work. One documented incident occurred on the interstate at about 70 mph. This puts occupants and others at risk because the vehicle can suddenly lose motive power and critical electrical/control functions at the same time, including lighting, signals, hazards, instrument display, and steering/control assistance. The vehicle has been inspected multiple times by a Chrysler dealership. Dealer records documented multiple modules losing communication on the CAN C bus. The dealer replaced the shifter module as a possible contributor, but the problem continued. The dealer later corrected loose pin tension at a communication/star connector, but the vehicle continued to shut down and later scan reports still showed widespread active/stored CAN and lost-communication faults across powertrain, hybrid control, body control, braking/ABS, steering, and shifter-related systems. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. The problem has been confirmed by dealer scan reports and repair records, but the root cause remains unresolved. The manufacturer has been contacted through customer care and repair/scan documentation was submitted. The exact root cause is UNKNOWN, but dealer findings indicate an unresolved major electrical/CAN communication problem possibly involving the harness, connector network, or communication system.

NHTSA ID

11741658

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

2017 Pacifica, 58,000 miles. Engine light comes on, error code is "00305 Engine misfire on cylinder 5". Replaced sensor and ignition coil and spark plugs, but error keeps coming back. The mechanic found that the head gasket is leaking anti-freeze into the cylinder. Looking online this is a common problem with Pacifica 3.6L engines, many people have had the same problem, there is a defect with the engine I checked for a recall, but there is nothing open for my VIN.

NHTSA ID

11741625

Incident

May 20, 2026

I pulled into the Dollar General and before I could get to my parking spot the vehicle made a beep sound and stalled and wouldn't move . There were no warning lights that came on. It wouldn't accelerate and I was nervous for the traffic that would be pulling in behind me. I put the vehicle in park and turned off the vehicle to see if it would start again. After restarting the vehicle I was able to drive to parking spot. This is the first time this has happened and we were trying to check for safety recalls in this vehicle but are nervous of any further occurrences that would cause engine failure for us and the cars around us.

NHTSA ID

11739862

Incident

May 25, 2026

I have owned the car for years, and have always taken good care of vehicle with scheduled oil changes, tune ups, etc. and now I am being told I need a new head gasket because there is a leak. Being a 2017 with just over 100,000 miles and regular care this should not be happening. It caused issues with a fuse and now a new starter needs to be put in too. An awful smell was coming from the vehicle making me sick and my child while having to drive. What appeared to be heavy smoke started coming out. A light came on staying engine was hot so had to pull over on the side of the road and be towed. I had the mechanic who towed the chrysler pacifica tell me I had a head gasket leak and needed a new one but he does not repair them. I searched over 10 other repair shops and they would not touch due to the ongoing issues with the Pacifica's. I finally found a mechanic who stated the same as the prior mechanic that my head gasket needed to be replaced, and it was a big job that would be awhile before he could even get to. I am asking for assistance with this repair as this seems to be an ongoing issue with them.

NHTSA ID

11738441

Incident

Apr 2, 2026

My 2017 Chrysler Pacifica experienced repeated engine timing and oil system failures. The vehicle first developed a check engine light and engine timing code (P000D – camshaft position slow response). The vehicle was inspected by a dealership service department. Shortly after, a major engine oil leak was discovered from the oil cooler / oil filter adapter assembly. The vehicle required repair of the oil cooler assembly and associated seals. After that repair, the vehicle continued to experience engine timing issues. The dealership later confirmed failure of the cam phaser components associated with the engine timing system and performed a repair. Within days of the repair, the check engine light and engine timing code returned again. The failure involves the engine valve timing system and oil pressure dependent components based on Autozone code check. Improper camshaft timing can affect engine operation, cause loss of power, rough running, or possible engine stall while driving, which creates a safety risk in traffic. The issue has been inspected and confirmed by a dealership service department. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.

NHTSA ID

11731657

Incident

Mar 11, 2026

The auto start/stop malfunctioned and then the engine sounded like it was going to die. It is available to look at. I thought it was going to stop in the middle of the road. Unknown Unknown The auto start stop light came on and said it was unavailable. They just first appeared today. And the engine light is on.

NHTSA ID

11731214

Incident

Apr 14, 2026

Check engine light came on at 87K miles, took to dealership and code was P0303. Dealer had to replace 6 spark plugs, warped head, head gasket and oil change. Dealership knew of this problem with faulty heads from the manufacturer and no recall has been started from Chrysler. Car has never overheated or shown any other symptoms. It has been 2 years, 3 months and less than 27K miles and I have another check engine light with the same code. Dealerships says I have another blown head gasket, and it needs to be replaced. Vehicle cannot be driven until it is replaced.

NHTSA ID

11730753

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

The check engine light is on my Chrysler Pacifica 2017 Limited with error codes P0302 and P0306, indicating misfires in the second and sixth cylinders. The vehicle was purchased brand new in 2017 from a Chrysler dealership in Olathe, Kansas and currently has approximately 97,000 miles. So far, the spark plugs and valve cover gasket have been replaced, but the same error codes persist. The mechanic is now recommending head gasket replacement, with an estimated repair cost of up to $5,000, which is extremely high. After researching this issue online, I found that thousands of Chrysler owners have experienced the same problem, yet no recall or corrective action has been issued by Chrysler. I contacted Chrysler customer support directly, but was informed that no assistance could be provided because the vehicle is out of warranty. We chose to purchase this vehicle based on the trust, reliability, and customer service reputation of Chrysler, but unfortunately, this experience has not reflected those values. An engine failure of this magnitude at this mileage is unacceptable, especially when it appears to be a known and widespread issue. I strongly believe Chrysler should take responsibility and provide assistance for this engine defect.

NHTSA ID

11727357

Incident

Feb 1, 2026

My 2017, Chrysler Pacifica van just stopped for no reason whatsoever scaring me to death, I was just driving with no issues then all of a sudden as, drove into a Restaurant parking lot my van just turned off on its own before I could get in parking spot. It would not restart so I had to get it tolled. Ended up spending over $3000 two different Mechanics, one being the Hawk Chrysler dealer, in Forest Park, Illinois, the other one a private mechanic Abes Auto Repair in both cases I had lots of work done it was one issue after another, First I was told it could be the starter, than the, battery, after returning (engine light back on within 24 hours or less of work completion) then injectors, spark plus, gasket, cylinder all replaced and still continues to have engine issues. Every time engine the Engine light turned back on shortly or a day after, the engine being serviced. Whats worst is each time the engine light comes on it is new issue. So far no resolution to date. This last time the Mechanic had my Pacifica for exactly a month and one day got it back light was off drove it 30 minutes light came back on new service issue. I have paid more into the Chrysler that I owe. At this point I have no choice but to park it and continue to pay my van payments for a van which seems to have several issues one after another. Now my engine light is blinking so I cant not even take it to a repair shoppe. There is something going on that service people are not able to fix.

NHTSA ID

11727085

Incident

Sep 23, 2025

This car has had so many issues in the 2 years that i have had it. Blown head gaskets, hard shifting, cruise control getting stuck in a high gear and not shifting. When fixing the head gasket it was apparent that it wasnt the first time being fixed. For such a nice vehicle it has way too many problems for the amount i purchased it for. There needs to be some sort of compensation for this. Upon looking into these issues there are thousands among thousands of people with the same head gasket issues and transmission issues as well.

NHTSA ID

11725086

Incident

Dec 26, 2025

we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.

NHTSA ID

11722346

Incident

Feb 27, 2026

Vehicle lost power, steering, and breaks on the george washington bridge in NYC causing it to roll into the back of another vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11721632

Incident

Mar 3, 2026

Around October/November 2025, the vehicle began having intermittent steering issues that have progressively worsened. The steering wheel becomes stiff or feels stuck, and at times it jerks on its own before correcting. Other times I must pull harder to get it to respond, causing over‑correction and difficulty maintaining my lane. This has happened at various speeds, including 65–70 mph on the interstate, and I nearly collided with another vehicle due to sudden loss of steering control. The vehicle also has ongoing electrical malfunctions. The center screen glitches, causing the heat/air settings to scroll on their own, the radio to constantly scan, and the touchscreen and knobs to stop responding. The navigation system shows incorrect locations, sometimes placing the vehicle in another state or in the ocean. The system has also made random phone calls on its own and has added a second call during an active call without input. During one incident while turning at an intersection, the vehicle lost power and shut off mid‑turn. I coasted to the side of the road and restarted. At the same time, the screen blacked out and flickered, and the ignition button malfunctioned. No warning lights appeared. The battery has died multiple times and has been replaced several times, and software resets have not resolved the issues. These problems were intermittent at first, making it difficult to take the vehicle to a dealer, but they have recently become more frequent and severe. While researching possible causes, I discovered that NHTSA has an open investigation involving similar steering and electrical failures in this model. The combination of steering malfunction, electrical instability, uncommanded inputs, and an engine shutdown presents a significant safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11720987

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

The CAN BUS connector (found in the glove box area) fails periodically and without warning. It affects everything on the vehicle; it stops the car from shifting, car won't start up, windows stop working, all of the warning lights turn on, etc. The issue seems to be a manufacturing defect; the soldering cracks after a while, so the low voltage applications malfunction. Many people have noticed the problem, but the dealerships refuse to do a recall or address the issue properly. The vehicle has been in and out of the dealership probably 10 times in the last 7 months or so. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. This problem is unsafe because it can occur while driving on a freeway which can cause an accident. Every warning light comes on when the malfunction happens.

NHTSA ID

11719228

Incident

May 1, 2025

I keep getting the same codes every few weeks. P0732

NHTSA ID

11716601

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Oil leak from oil filter housing

NHTSA ID

11715581

Incident

Nov 12, 2025

2017 Chrysler Pacifica at 70k miles, check engine light came on. After engine warm up, engine starts to rough idle. Diagnosis is misfire on cylinder 2 (code P0302). In addition, vehicle voltage fluctuates in gage cluster between 12-14 volts. No issue until engine is warm and no issue above idle or with load. Injectors were checked and fine, coils and leads were replaced. Fix did not work. Took to Chrysler dealership for addition diagnosis. Dealership diagnosis is cylinder head warpage due to overheating. Single owner of vehicle, regularly maintained and with no “low coolant” engine light.

NHTSA ID

11708676

Incident

Nov 29, 2025

It loses power alot especially uphill. It smells like burnt oil all the time. Smokes out exhaust. Hesitates anytime you put the gas down. And then clunks around sometimes too

NHTSA ID

11705544

Incident

Dec 1, 2025

The van have issues with a head gasket, Chrysler is aware yet the dealers keep selling the van with this known problems, I reached out to Chrysler and they said they cannot help. I had the van less than a year and I had the van serviced multiple times. Im attaching this link to show you guys that there ia a lot of people having the same problem, everything starts with the smell of the coolant then the misfire PO201, po301, then after taking it it was po305 and po205, https://youtu.be/sUfTxNBkRLU?si=JoLL29t6YbHZIiVg they speak on the video how they replaced the apparently bad part then the codes come back. I had this vehicle less than a year and I had so many issues, in my search I found this happening to multiple pacifica owners. vehicle starts misfiring creating a real possibility of having an accident as the car speed had to be reduced, specially if we are on the highway.

NHTSA ID

11694432

Incident

Jun 20, 2025