2020 Chrysler Pacifica Powertrain (other) Problems

On October 7, 2024, my vehicle was serviced at Coastal Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram for a front-end rubbing/scrubbing noise that increased with speed. The dealer diagnosed both front hub assemblies as failed and replaced both front hub assemblies. I was charged a total of $2184.41 for the repairs, including parts and labor. In less than two years, I again experienced significant front-end noise and safety concerns. On May 19, 2026, because I urgently needed the vehicle and was unable to obtain a timely appointment with the dealership, I took the vehicle to a well-regarded independent repair facility, Koala Automotive Repair LLC. Their findings were extremely concerning. The mechanic documented that: The front wheel bearing was completely worn out. The axle had ripped due to contact with the strut assembly. Bolts on the hub bearing assembly were “very loose” and reportedly “finger loose” The vehicle owner stated that the hubs had recently been replaced by the dealership The independent mechanic further advised that the components replaced in October 2024 should still have been under dealer warranty, and that the second repair involved the same components and directly related failures. I am deeply concerned that: Components replaced by the dealer failed again prematurely; The loose hub bearing assembly bolts may indicate improper installation or insufficient torque procedures during the prior dealer repair; and The subsequent failure created additional damage to the CV axle and related front-end components. This situation caused: Significant unexpected repair expenses: I had to spend a total of $1,932.71 for the second repair. Loss of use of the vehicle. Safety concerns for myself and my passengers. Additiona

NHTSA ID

11739575

Incident

May 17, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11724371

Incident

Mar 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11721939

Incident

May 25, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11714584

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11712272

Incident

Jan 1, 2021

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.

NHTSA ID

11700412

Incident

Nov 13, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11699686

Incident

Nov 8, 2025

The entertainment system when super cold outside the screen goes black and does not work. The issue has made it difficult then to change heating and cooling settings and utilize the rear view camera and other safety features of the car. The dealership was able to update it to fix it once then the other two times it came back on before the appointment for the dealership. The auto/stop start malfunctioned while waiting at light.putting my whole car in park and locked up until I turned it off and back on. This occurred twice and put me at risk with being on busy roads in the day. Dealership was able to fix with a new battery. In the past and currently the car has shifted with a Jerk or lunge type movement making the driver worried and concerned about hitting cars around them due to this. The dealership replaced a transmission gasket but still does this and have not been able to find the issue on 3 other occasions. The car also is now not shifting properly creating a low humming grind type sound when driving on the highway and the brake pedal feeling weird. This has delayed speeding up and slowing down creating major safety concerns when driving on the highway. The dealership has not been able to replicate yet due to only driving on town roads and not the highway at this time.

NHTSA ID

11652653

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

2020 Pacifica keeps stalling. From a stop light or stop sign the vehicle will lurch forward without warning. Recently, from a strip mall I stopped before pulling out into traffic and the vehicle lunged forward peeling rubber and shot onto the main road and I had to slam on the brakes to get the vehicle under control. At the next stop light, it stalled and I couldn't get it started. I'm handicapped and I had to exit the vehicle with my canes and advised the driver behind me of the problem. I've made 5 trips to the dealer with this problem. The dealer replaced a crankshaft postion on one trip and the fuel pump on another visit. If you leave the vehicle set for about an hour everything goes back to normal until the next time it stall, which is the next time I use the vehicle. More recently I picked up my vehicle from the dealer on February 14th, put 24 miles on it. I didn't use the vehicle on [XXX]. I then drove six miles on [XXX] for a total of 30 miles and it stalled again. The dealer South Hills Chrysler Jeep keeps telling me they can't duplicate what I'm telling them are the problems with the vehicle. I don't know if it is a transmission or what. I called Chrysler customer service and spoke with a man named Sahil. I explained the issues with the vehicle and he contacted the dealer and parroted what the dealer said to me, they can't duplicate what I am saying is wrong with the vehicle. This was on February 28th. My van has been setting at the dealer since February 18th and I haven't boo from the dealer since. Sahil is to call me tomorrow the 5th of March , but I don't expect any information from him that will resolve the issue. I am [XXX] and [XXX], I need this van for hauling [XXX} for doctor's appointments and other issues that surface. This problem of stalling started back on the middle of November, 2024, again the middle of December, 2024 and again the middle of January, 2025. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11646248

Incident

Jan 20, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the gear shifter independently shifted from drive to park. The contact stated that an unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact drove the vehicle to the shoulder of the road. The vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle eventually restarted. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission solenoid shift sensor failure. The contact was informed that the transmission solenoid shift sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11639301

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

I came to a stop at a stop sign yet again & the emergency brake engaged & put the car in park & shut itself off. I’ve lost count of how many of these forms I’ve filled out & how many times it’s happened and NOTHING IS GETTING SOLVED!!

NHTSA ID

11631143

Incident

Dec 17, 2024

See attached document for complaint.

NHTSA ID

11621548

Incident

Oct 2, 2024

My van once again gave the stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon & stopped right in the middle of the intersection. I’ve lost count on how many times this has happened!!

NHTSA ID

11621435

Incident

Oct 22, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11618454

Incident

Oct 7, 2024

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.

NHTSA ID

11615170

Incident

Sep 14, 2024

Vehicle sudden loss of power 3x in 3 months. Van has known recall for loss of power/possible transmission problem. Traveling 30-50mph for 20 minutes, start of morning temps 70 degrees, recall warranty (update was software to warn driver of power loss on screen) done and 1 month later began power loss. Screen reads "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon", engine light on, red turtle light on. Loss of power would not warn drivers to rear of slow down since brakes are not pressed promoting rear end collision, highway speeds slow down causes traffic and collision with limited place to exit safely, loss of power would not allow driver to exit traffic thus causing danger , obstacle for other drivers to avoid. Vehicle at dealer for software update: May 2024 , 3x power losses after, 9/2024 returned to dealer, currently in service at dealer Data Source: Recall 23V010, Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV

NHTSA ID

11614752

Incident

Aug 22, 2024

Power steering has failed on 2 occasions while driving. Fault code was set and dealer confirmed fault codes using scan tool. Power steering returned after a few seconds of driving. This vehicle has an electric power steering pump. Fault code listed a communication failure between the power steering controller and body ecu. Dealer service department could not duplicate the problem and returned the vehicle to us saying there was nothing further they could accomplish. It is a dangerous situation losing power steering while driving. Warning icon did appear on our on screen driver display.

NHTSA ID

11602889

Incident

Jul 5, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while making a sharp left turn at slow speeds, the vehicle shuddered. There was no warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle jerked forward upon releasing the brake pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact called JT’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM of Lexington (4838 Sunset Blvd, Lexington, SC 29072) and JT’s Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Columbia (190 Greystone Blvd, Columbia, SC 29210) and was informed that there were no recalls on the VIN for the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.

NHTSA ID

11600092

Incident

Jul 1, 2023

Mileage

40,000 mi

It’s the same issue that the hybrid pacificas were recalled for. It pops up the random stop safely on the dash & then you’re halting to a dead stop & the vehicle shuts off. This has happened several times.

NHTSA ID

11577364

Incident

Mar 6, 2024

In August 2022, while traveling on the interstate I received a warning that the vehicle was experiencing a power failure. It subsequently shut down while traveling at highway speeds. I was able to navigate off an exit that happened to be immediate and coasted downhill off the exit ramp to a safe spot. I was unable to power the vehicle off for approximately 10 minutes. Once able to power the vehicle off and keeping it off for a few minutes, I restarted it. The check engine light was lit but drivable. The dealer replaced the entire transmission. In January 2023, the dealer completed the recall associated with the vehicle. On 1 January 2024, while driving approximately 60mph, I received notice that the vehicle would shut down and to pull over safely. Upon turning the vehicle off and back on, the check engine was lit but drivable. The vehicle is currently with the dealer again.

NHTSA ID

11562992

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

Since performing the latest recall (03A/NHTSA 23V-010) this car has gone into a "limp home mode" a half dozen times -often with a car full of children and at least once in a long construction zone on the Washington DC beltway! The recall "fix" for the faulty transmission wiring was apparently to program the electronic control to recognize faulty wiring and put the car in "limp home mode" - supposedly this makes it safe! Really? on DC beltway at night in a construction zone! The dealership told me that Chrysler would replace the transmission - 5/25/23. I have been in contact with the dealer numerous times and also Chrysler customer care. No one can give me a delivery estimate for the transmission and in the meantime, we continue to experience the total loss of power in the most horrible of circumstances. Neither Chrysler nor the dealer has offered a rental car or a loaner vehicle. This recall was totally inadequate to address the wiring and safety issue due to the lack of response from Chrysler to fix the actual problem.

NHTSA ID

11559467

Incident

May 15, 2023

On 11/05/2023 at approximately 12 pm while getting onto the highway of 183 in Austin Texas @ Lamar increasing speeds from 45 to 65mph the engine shifted hard 3x. The engine surged then a hard shift. This occurred 3x. I’m certain you understand the complexities of austin Texas traffic. No matter the time of day. Imagine those complexities with a car that was poorly made by a company that has never been held accountable.

NHTSA ID

11553670

Incident

Nov 5, 2023

Exceedingly jarring transmission shifts at both low and higher speeds that are startling to the driver and could cause an accident. This has been a chronic issue that happens frequently but not in every use of the vehicle. Below is a date in which this recently occured.

NHTSA ID

11548822

Incident

Oct 7, 2023

The issue is the Pentastar V6 engine defect. It has caused engine misfires resulting in bucking and surging, decreased engine performance, hesitation, loss of power, premature wear on internal components. The potentially dangerous issues on the “defective design” of the engine’s needle bearings within the rocker arms, the use of sub-standard materials and procedures during manufacture, “defective or miscalibrated” ECM software, and poor quality controls.  The Defect causes unsafe driving conditions because the Class Vehicles, that includes 2020 chrysler pacifica, have a significant chance of failing while being driven. Further, even the lesser symptoms of the Defect affect vehicle performance and safety, making it harder for a driver to control the vehicle as it loses power, hesitates, or misfires. the vehicle has only been inspected by the mechanic at the dealership we leased the vehicle from.

NHTSA ID

11544421

Incident

Jul 7, 2023

Three times now while driving the car just turns its self off with no warning. One incident was car wouldn’t start after just driving 20 minutes before with no problems. Steering wheel and brake were stuck in place so unplugged the battery and waited a few minutes. Hooked back up started the car with some struggling and the security light stayed on. Second incident was while driving car just turned off with no warning. Was told battery was dead so replaced the battery. Same day after thinking the car was fine we went somewhere and when turning on the car the security light was on again. Drove and the car turned off again while driving. Was able to restart and drive when the car shut off again with no warning. Had the car jumped and had someone check alternater and batteries again and they are all fine. Diagnostics talks about power train and faulty wire when everything checks out fine. Very scary when your family is in the car and not knowing if the person behind you is paying attention so you can get over safely. Taking car to a dealership on 9/11/2023.

NHTSA ID

11543685

Incident

Sep 8, 2023