Reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers, shown in full
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Our database holds 318 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. Each one is a report filed by an owner or driver and published by NHTSA without most of them being verified. A complaint is not a confirmed defect, not a recall and not a manufacturer bulletin. Narratives are shown exactly as filed.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Showing 1–25 of 318 · page 1 of 13
When driving on the road and slight turning of the steering wheel from 11-1 o' clock position, the steering locks or gets stuck and I have to apply extra force to turn the steering wheel to get it to turn OK.
I am experiencing an issue with the steering in my vehicle, in which the steering wheel shutters and rattles/shakes when making turns. This happens mostly when turning left at slow speeds, but also sometimes when turning right. The shuttering and shaking typically happens around the 11 and 1 o'clock position. This issue is very worrisome, as I am afraid that the power steering will completely fail one day, leading to a crash. I am also having an issue in which the start/stop system shuts down in the middle of driving the vehicle around town. More than half of the time that I drive it, the start/stop system stops working, and a warning light appears. I have had a few times in which the engine will turn off completely at a stop light, which is very worrisome. The dealer has diagnosed the steering issue as needing a new steering rack, at the cost of $5000. Reading online, I am finding MANY other Pacifica owners who have these exact same issues. I believe that they are caused by manufacture defect, and a recall needs to be issued. I believe the problems with my vehicle are related to NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: PE25009.
At 105,000 miles the check engine light came on, at which point the vehicle experienced rough starts and a rough idle. Vehicle also began emitting white/gray smoke from the exhaust upon starting. Upon diagnosis it was determined that coolant was leaking into #4 cylinder requiring head gasket replacement. Total repair came to $4,287.07. This is a known issue commonly being experienced by other Pacifica owners. This major mechanical issue is a safety issue and could easily have stranded my family on the road. We were fortunate to have been home and located near a known and trusted mechanic when the issue presented.
The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while stopped at a traffic light, the vehicle lost motive power and the engine shut off. The contact was able to restart the vehicle. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving in Reverse (R), the rearview camera displayed a frozen image. The dealer was notified of the failures. The contact stated that the failures were known issues for the vehicle model. The manufacturer was notified of the failures and advised the contact to report the issues to the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 112,000.
I am reporting repeated electrical failures affecting my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring, including recurring auxiliary battery failures, stop/start warnings, dashboard malfunctions and electronic shifter faults. Despite multiple dealership repairs, the problem continues. August 22, 2023: Auxiliary stop/start battery replaced under Mopar warranty at Jim Shorkey Chrysler, as documented in subsequent service records. August 26–28, 2024: Following another stop/start warning, Ferman Chrysler tested both batteries and found both failed load testing. The main battery was replaced and auxiliary battery warranty work was documented. September 8–9, 2025: Stop/start warning followed by electronic shifter malfunction. Ferman Chrysler confirmed the auxiliary battery had failed and replaced it under warranty. July 7, 2026: Jim Shorkey Chrysler documented previous starting problems and reported battery health at 78%. October 13, 2026: On starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster flickered repeatedly, and multiple warning lights appeared. A Service Shifter warning followed, and the rotary gear selector indicator lights stopped illuminating. Gear selection remained functional, and the lights subsequently returned. Diagnostic codes included P00FD (Battery B state of charge), U145D-00 and U0402-00 (transmission control communication), U0432, U0418, C006A-54 and C2222-68, indicating faults involving multiple electronic systems. My concern is that repeated battery failures may be symptoms of an unresolved electrical defect affecting the electronic shifter, instrument cluster and communications between safety-critical control modules. This raises concerns about potential loss of gear selection or reliable vehicle information. The September 2025 dealership records document a similar combination of stop/start and shifter faults, demonstrating that this is a recurring problem. I request that NHTSA investigate this potential safety defect. I have retained dealership invoices.
Steering wheel sticks when slightly turning either direction and when you apply force to unstick over corrects making it very dangerous and a safety issue especially on highways. Researching shows this is pretty common in this year and model
We are on a 5th! Auxiliary battery since purchasing the vehicle new in 2019. It fails every 1-2 years and it causes the main battery to drain as a result of it which means replacing both batteries on average every 18 months.
My 2019 Chrysler Pacifica experienced repeated electrical/network communication failures. The first sign was erratic dashboard behavior and a check-engine light in our resort parking lot. We drove to Pep Boys, where it was evaluated and we were told it was okay to drive. We then drove to Chick-fil-A (.4 miles from Pep Boys). While stopped in the drive-thru in Drive with my foot on the brake, the vehicle began dinging, the engine revved, and multiple warning lights/messages appeared, including the check-engine light, red electronic throttle control warning, “Blind Spot Alert Temporarily Unavailable,” “Service Trans Stop Safely Shut Off Engine to Engage Park,” and “Stop/Start Not Ready.” After shutting it off, it would not reliably restart, and when it did, I could not shift it to move. The vehicle returned to Pep Boys, where DTCs U0001 (CAN C Bus) and U0401 (Implausible Data Received From ECM/PCM) were documented. It then went to a Chrysler dealership in Florida. They evaluated it and told us it checked out and was okay to drive. After leaving that dealership, the problem returned while my family and I were traveling at highway speed. The vehicle malfunctioned and began losing acceleration. I exited the highway. When I stopped at a stop sign, the vehicle died. It restarted but again would not shift. Eventually we were able to reach a nearby gas station. The problem continued intermittently as we tried to get home. Because we could not predict when it would happen again, we determined it was unsafe and had it towed. A Chrysler dealership in Georgia then documented numerous loss-of-communication codes and performed a PCM software update. The vehicle passed testing and was released, but the problem returned again after we returned to Ohio. The vehicle was ultimately towed to a Chrysler dealership in Ohio. The communication faults became active during diagnosis, and the dealer replaced both CAN-C and CAN-I splice-block connectors. The problem has not recurred since.
The transmission has a very abrupt slamming or violent jerk around 45 mph. This has been since we bought the vehicle. Even with consistent routine maintenance this slamming has gotten worse. I believe this to be a manufacturer defect in the transmission that will cause premature failure. We have reported this to every dealer service center and private mechanic shop we have visited and were told that either they couldn't work on it or that it would require thousands of dollars to tear apart and inspect and even then we would more than likely need to foot the bill even if it was a defect and then try to get reimbursement from Chrysler/Stellantis. This transmission defect along with the coolant leaking into the engine issue that was submitted a year or more ago that has gone unanswered is making me lose faith in the manufacturer and the government agency set to protect consumers and investigate these issues.
When in gentle right turns, the steering "sticks" at about 1:00 and I have to apply force to remove the steering wheel from that position. It results in oversteering, particularly at higher speeds.
On 7/16/26 vehicle would not start; high-pitched noise heard near engine during no-start diagnosis. Towed to Goldy Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Huntington WV. Per dealer invoice #27136: blown 500-amp main battery fuse found; after jumping past fuse, white smoke from exhaust and no coolant in system, diagnosed as blown head gasket. Repair: both-side head gasket replacement plus fuse assembly. Vehicle in shop 7+ weeks, returned 9/4/26 with new unresolved issue: strong smell of burned electronics and antifreeze in cabin. All failed components available for inspection upon request. Safety risk: head gasket failure/coolant intrusion caused engine hydrolock, a sudden uncommanded loss of engine power that can occur without warning, including while driving in traffic. Burned-electronics smell raises electrical/fire risk; antifreeze odor raises cabin fume exposure and window-fogging visibility concerns. Confirmed by dealer: Yes. Goldy diagnosed and documented the fuse failure, coolant loss, and head gasket failure in writing, and performed the repair. Manufacturer/police/insurance inspection: Not by police or insurance. Spoke by phone with a Chrysler HQ rep 5 times (8/13-9/1/26) who was informed; no confirmed independent physical inspection by manufacturer beyond dealer's own diagnosis. Warning signs: P0304 misfire on cylinder 3 appeared first, progressing to complete no-start with high-pitched noise, prompting the tow-in and hydrolock diagnosis.
Loss of power steering while driving
The van has a consistent steering catch when traveling most pronounced at 11 and 1. The steering hangs and then releases which causes the van to travel unexpectedly into the other lane of traffic. There are no faults or other indicators visible with the vehicle to warn the driver of an issue. The issue is more noticeable when the outside air temperature is above 85 deg F and the van has been drive 15 or so miles. Additionally, a visual inspection of all mechanical components of the van related to steering does not show any abnormal wear and tear. The van has 126K miles on it.
The steering sticks normally when slightly turned especially going highway speeds around bends. You have to “yank” the wheel from it being stuck and risk over steering off the road or into other lane. Huge safety risk.
Almost got in 2 separate accidents because of a failed brake booster. No symptoms before hand to let me know anything was wrong. Came to a red light and the brakes became very hard to push and the vehicle proceeded to continue moving even though I hit the brake. It came to a stop in the middle of the intersection and I almost got hit. Also almost rear-ended someone because of the same issue. It has been confirmed at the Chrysler dealer that the brake booster failed. I have children and almost got into an accident twice because of it. Now I have to pay out of pocket because it got denied due to it being over the date of expiration. My vehicle has under 85,000 miles and now I'm out $700 because it won't get covered. It's a safety risk for me and my family.
Power steering sticks at highway speed around curves. This problem is worsening and is dangerous. The car has been inspected with repair estimates around $5,000.
My 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring L Plus is experiencing coolant leaking into a cylinder, diagnosed by. This has rendered the vehicle undrivable. The Pentastar 3.6L V6 engine used in this vehicle has a well-documented pattern of coolant intrusion into cylinders due to head gasket failure across the 2017–2019 Chrysler Pacifica model years, based on extensive owner complaints already on file with NHTSA and reported by consumer advocacy organizations. Despite this known pattern, no recall currently exists covering this specific defect for 2019 model year vehicles. This is a safety concern because coolant intrusion into a cylinder can cause sudden misfires, rough running, loss of power, and potential stalling while driving — creating a hazard in traffic, particularly at highway speeds or during turns/merges. I contacted Chrysler Case Management regarding this issue. The manufacturer has attempted to attribute responsibility to the dealership rather than acknowledging this as a manufacturer defect in the engine design/manufacturing, despite the well-documented pattern across multiple model years of the same engine. I have also not been provided a rental vehicle despite my vehicle being undrivable.
The car rapidly came to a stop as I was starting to press the brake lightly. The check engine light came on, the car made a grinding noise, and the screen said it was turning off cruise control when it had not been engaged.
I am experiencing an intermittent steering problem with my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Limited. While driving, particularly when making slight turns or small steering corrections, the steering wheel sometimes feels as though it sticks or binds in the turned position instead of smoothly returning toward center. When this occurs, I have to apply additional force to the steering wheel to correct the vehicle’s direction. Once enough force is applied, the steering releases and moves, which can cause the vehicle to correct more abruptly than intended. This occurs at both lower and higher driving speeds and is especially noticeable during gradual turns and small steering corrections near the center position. The problem creates a safety concern because the vehicle can continue traveling in the direction of the slight turn until I deliberately apply additional steering force. This makes maintaining the intended direction of travel less predictable. There are currently no power-steering or other steering-related warning lights displayed on the dashboard. When the vehicle is stationary with the engine running, the steering wheel turns smoothly and I have not been able to reproduce the sticking sensation. The problem occurs while the vehicle is being driven. I took the vehicle to an authorized Chrysler dealership and reported the steering concern. The dealership test-drove the vehicle but stated that they could not reproduce the problem and considered the steering behavior normal. However, the problem continues to occur during normal driving. I have also been able to record video demonstrating the steering behavior. The vehicle remains available for further inspection. The exact component causing the problem is UNKNOWN. I am reporting the issue because the intermittent resistance in the steering and the additional force required to correct the vehicle’s direction could create a loss-of-control risk if the condition worsens or occurs unexpectedly during a turn.
The brake booster has failed, a hissing noise is audible coming from the brake pedal when depressed. I have also noticed reducing stopping power in certain situations. It appears this issues is referenced by Chrysler in an extended warranty, covered under Mopar Warranty Bulletin D-22-15, however this car has now been in service for 6 years.
As I pulled up to stop, in electric mode, at a stop light, the display screen pulled up a message to pull over safely because the engine would stop soon, within about 10 seconds the screen showed the engine stopped. I was still at the light. I tried restarting the vehicle, moving the shifter from drive to park and back, pressing the park button several times with no success. With cars honking behind me, I got out of the car, told them my car had died and asked them to drive around me. I got back in the car, repeated the actions a few times and the car started in electric mode. I drove home (about 5 miles) without incident. Check engine light was on. I pulled 2 codes U0412 and U029a. I have had the U0412 code a few times before with only the check engine light coming on. It would go away in a day or two (no check engine light and no code). U029a is new.
While driving, the vehicle began to sputter and the check engine light illuminated. A scan at a franchised dealership showed a stored code for a cylinder 4 misfire. Further diagnosis found coolant intrusion into cylinder 4, indicating internal failure of the left cylinder head and/or head gasket, allowing coolant into the combustion chamber. Upon removing the left valve cover and camshafts, the technician found a broken head gasket and a warped left cylinder head. The dealership replaced the left cylinder head, head gasket, cylinder head cover gasket, and oxygen sensor, refilled coolant, and replaced the PCV valve as a maintenance item. After repair, the vehicle was test driven and no further misfire was detected. This failure occurred at approximately 72,000 miles, low mileage for a major internal engine component, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expired, leaving the owner responsible for the full repair cost. A misfire caused by coolant entering a cylinder can cause sudden, unexpected loss of engine power and rough running while driving, a safety concern in traffic, on highways, or when merging and passing, since reduced power can make it hard to maintain speed or accelerate out of a hazardous situation. Continued driving with undiagnosed coolant intrusion can also cause secondary engine damage, including hydrolock. The failed cylinder head and gasket were not retained by the owner; the dealership performed the repair as part of the invoiced order. The manufacturer has not independently inspected the vehicle beyond the dealership's diagnosis, photographs, and repair documentation, available on request. This appears to be a recurring issue on this engine platform, as similar cylinder head/gasket coolant intrusion failures, with matching misfire codes, have been reported by other owners of similar model-year minivans with the same engine, typically presenting in the 60,000-85,000 mile range, shortly after the factory powertrain warranty expires.
Dash warning came on saying safely slown and pull over, car will shut off soon. Didn't have a safe place to pull over and eventually the whole car shut down and all electronics went out no steering, no gear shifting, No way to put in park. I was lucky to be on a somewhat sife road to pull over to side do safely get the car off the road so it would not get rear ended from other cars. The warning to shut down was like 1-2 minutes. Tried turning car back on but no power anywhere. Was able to jump car with portable battery power supply, but when trying to shift the into drive to move to a safe spot, even if just into nurtal and push, all the gears (R, N, D, L) were blinking and when you turned to any position it immediately went back to park. Wait waited 10 minutes, retried and was able to get into drive. There was now a check engine light on and a P! Light. Immediately drive to closest dealership (20 miles away) with no issues and they said there were like 120 codes and they couldn't assess them as their electrician was not working and there was no other dealer or shop around to do this. I drove back to my residence and there were no errors and the check engine light and P! Light went off. This pull over and stop warning has come on periodically over the past 2onths but the car never stopped. I was always able to pull over, stop the car and restart and the warnings went away and I would not have any issues for more than a week. All batteries (main and aux are both brand new).
The vehicle’s braking system is not working properly. The brake pedal pumps and does not always respond correctly when pressure is applied. When backing up, the brakes pump and do not stop the vehicle as expected. While driving forward, the vehicle may continue moving even after the brake pedal is pressed. Because of this, I have to begin braking much earlier than normal and stop farther back from stoplights and other vehicles to allow enough distance for the van to finally come to a complete stop. This issue puts the driver, passengers, and others on the road at risk because the vehicle may not stop when expected. It has been extremely scary, we stopped driving the van. The exact cause is UNKNOWN but the BREAKS for sure.
When trying making a sudden stop at a red light the or to stop the van it will not stop it keeps going
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.
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