2021 Chrysler Pacifica Problems
Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component
Data refreshed
What this page shows
Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Reports by component
Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category
- Electrical14624.4%
- Engine13923.2%
- Powertrain (other)11819.7%
- Fuel system7512.5%
- Driver assistance589.7%
- Steering152.5%
- Brakes111.8%
- Interior & seats111.8%
- Body & structure81.3%
- Visibility61.0%
- Airbags40.7%
- Other / unspecified30.5%
- Exterior lighting20.3%
- Suspension20.3%
- Tires & wheels10.2%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Each component in detail
What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words
Electrical
Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V362000 (Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted, and the vehicle remained at the dealer for over 5 weeks, and the battery was disconnected. The manufacturer had not yet provided a battery for the replacement. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.
We took our 2021 Pacifica Hybrid to the dealership for Recall 52D. The first charge at home after the recall melted one of the charging "pins" in the car, and on our home Level 2 charger. Our dealership now says it's the fault of our charger, and we'll have to pay $2000+ for a repair. Our charger handle is still fine, no damage, only the "pin" is melted. For safety reasons, we can't charge the vehicle, and aren't driving it, as it's still at the dealership.
Engine
Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the engine seized. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure was not duplicated. The contact was informed that several unknown software updates were completed. The failure reoccurred three months later. The contact stated that the failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 minutes later, it happened again. The dealership serviced the vehicle. Found error code P0A78 for driver moteo "A" inverter performance. Used Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin 08-253-24 to diagnose (both modules were out of date) and complete the indicated updates. This is a known issue that has affected many vehicles (per internet forums and that Stellantis has created a TSB. It is an extremely dangerous situation causing the vehicle to enter "limp mode" and requiring the driver to stop in a matter of minutes. Stellantis should recall all potentially affected vehicles to update the modules proactively.
Powertrain (other)
Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.
From owner reports, verbatim
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced multiple high-voltage component repairs, including software modules for the power inverter. The vehicle is currently experiencing a recurring failure and is displaying active diagnostic trouble code P0A78 (Drive Motor "A" Inverter Performance), indicating a critical fault in the high-voltage hybrid propulsion system. Prior to the current failure, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced propulsion system degradation. This failure mode risks a sudden shutdown of the hybrid drive system at highway speeds, creating a severe risk of rear-end collisions or being stranded in active traffic. The recurring nature of these transmission and inverter failures indicates a systemic safety defect in the hybrid propulsion system. The issue and the active P0A78 code have been pulled, reproduced, and confirmed by an authorized dealership (Diehl Automotive of Robinson), where the vehicle is currently held and available for inspection. The manufacturer has been notified via an open corporate case (#97399722).
While driving on interstate 15 and going 65-70mph the vehicle dashboard flashed “Charging Error, vehicle will shut down”. Before my wife could make it through traffic to the shoulder the vehicle lost all motive power including power steering. She was able to just coast the vehicle and get into the shoulder. Vehicle would not restart. The transmission had been previously replaced during recall to correct this issue. Chrysler had the vehicle for 5 weeks.
Fuel system
Reports naming fuel storage or delivery — tanks, pumps, lines, injectors and fuel leaks.
From owner reports, verbatim
Driving on the interstate at high speed, when check engine light comes on, warning message - Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off - and red turtle warning indicator (limp mode). After a short time, vehicle will no longer accelerate. I pulled over to the shoulder, stopped and shut off engine. Restarted after a few minutes and everything appeared to work fine, with check engine light on. About 15 minutes later, it happened again. The dealership serviced the vehicle. Found error code P0A78 for driver moteo "A" inverter performance. Used Stellantis Technical Service Bulletin 08-253-24 to diagnose (both modules were out of date) and complete the indicated updates. This is a known issue that has affected many vehicles (per internet forums and that Stellantis has created a TSB. It is an extremely dangerous situation causing the vehicle to enter "limp mode" and requiring the driver to stop in a matter of minutes. Stellantis should recall all potentially affected vehicles to update the modules proactively.
This 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has a severe and recurring history of catastrophic high-voltage hybrid powertrain and transmission failures that cause a sudden loss of motive power while driving, presenting an immediate safety hazard. The vehicle has already required two full automatic transmission (eFlite EVT) replacements under factory warranty due to internal failures. It has experienced multiple high-voltage component repairs, including software modules for the power inverter. The vehicle is currently experiencing a recurring failure and is displaying active diagnostic trouble code P0A78 (Drive Motor "A" Inverter Performance), indicating a critical fault in the high-voltage hybrid propulsion system. Prior to the current failure, the check engine light illuminated, and the vehicle experienced propulsion system degradation. This failure mode risks a sudden shutdown of the hybrid drive system at highway speeds, creating a severe risk of rear-end collisions or being stranded in active traffic. The recurring nature of these transmission and inverter failures indicates a systemic safety defect in the hybrid propulsion system. The issue and the active P0A78 code have been pulled, reproduced, and confirmed by an authorized dealership (Diehl Automotive of Robinson), where the vehicle is currently held and available for inspection. The manufacturer has been notified via an open corporate case (#97399722).
Driver assistance
Reports naming forward-collision avoidance, lane keeping, back-over prevention, cruise control and related electronic driver-assistance systems.
From owner reports, verbatim
I took the van to get the safety recall done in 2026, Feb 25. For the rear view back up camera. I took it to the same dealership that I bought the car from, Jones Junction. However, upon further complications with the back up camera, this issue has never been fixed or resolved. If anything, the issue has become worse. I am unable to use my camera 98% of the time. It freezes. It goes black or is unavailable to see anything out of. It's a safety recall for a reason. I want this issue fixed. As I have been driving like this with the issue for quite some time. What are my next steps? I prefer not to have to dealer hop if I can help it. But I might have to. Is there a patch they may have to do to re-install the software for the camera? Or would they have to go and flash it again and what ever else? My true gut tells me that I dont think this specific dealership ever did the recall, correctly.
While driving at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and entered limp mode. A turtle warning icon appeared along with multiple system fault messages. The vehicle began slowing down on it's own and was unable to accelerate. I pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle displayed an error "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". After sitting for a period of time, the vehicle restarted and was able to be driven again, but the failure occurred without warning and created a dangerous situation in traffic. Diagnostic trouble codes were present related to the hybrid system and high-voltage battery, including P1D43, P1A21, U029A, and U0412. These codes indicate faults in the hybrid control system and battery communication. A Chrysler service department inspected the vehicle, confirmed the trouble codes, and returned it to me without repair because the issue was not immediately reproducible at the dealership. The vehicle has a history of similar intermittent issues, including prior loss-of-power events and repeated service visits for hybrid system faults. The condition is not consistently reproducible, but when it occurs it results in a sudden loss of motive power while driving. This creates a significant safety risk due to unexpected loss of propulsion in active traffic.
Steering
Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has had a suspension problem since purchasing the dealership has not been able to determine the issue after replacing the axle,struts, low arm control,motor mount now the state the steering wheel rack
The power steering is intermittently losing power during turns. This just started to occur within the past week so it has not yet been taken to a shop. Yes it is available for inspection. Safety was put at risk due to it being a family car with children. A quick response was necessary to prevent oversteer during correction. Apparently this is a known issue on earlier models and seems to be continuing. No warnings.
Brakes
Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.
From owner reports, verbatim
Car rolls forward when in reverse and takes a dangerously long time to slip into gear. Car rolls back when foot is taken off brake, especially on hills.
The contact owned a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that occasionally, while driving at various speeds, upon depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle would surge forward 3 to 4 feet before proceeding to slow down or come to a complete stop. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed, and the contact was advised that the failure was not duplicatable and nothing was found to be wrong with the vehicle. The local dealer proceeded to replace the spark plugs, the brake fluid, field spark plug weld, and gasket cylinder head cover, however the contact stated that after the repair the failure increasingly persisted leading them to be involved in a crash where the contact stated that while driving on a highway at 55 MPH, there were two vehicles stopped ahead, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle proceeded to surge forward and crash into the vehicle Infront of them with the entire front end of their vehicle. The impact caused the vehicle in front of the contact to crash into the rear end of the vehicle in front. That vehicle sustained damage to the entire rear and front end of the vehicle as the impact caused that vehicle to crash into the rear end of the vehicle in front of it. No property damage was reported. The vehicles came to a stop upon rebound after the impact. The air bags were deployed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body center, and no warning lights were illuminated. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact was injured while seated in the driver's seat; the passenger in their vehicle was not injured. An individual in the vehicle in front of the contact was injured. The contact sustained injuries to their ribs and sternum. Medical treatment was needed for the injuries, and the other individual also required medical treatment for unknown injuries. The individual at the front of the line in this collision was not injured. The local dealer was contacted however, the vehicle was not diagnosed as it was decla
Interior & seats
Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the second-row seat failed to remain in the upright position, causing the seat to collapse forward or backward while the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was inspected by a dealer who confirmed the seat failure but stated that the vehicle was not covered under NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V181000 (Seats). The contact received an estimate for the part; however, the part was on backorder. An independent mechanic later inspected the vehicle and suggested that the vehicle should be covered under the recall; however, inquiries to other dealers and the manufacturer resulted in consistent confirmation that the VIN was not under recall. A temporary repair was performed on the vehicle by the initial dealer; however, a permanent repair was not performed. The failure mileage was approximately 74,000.
After deploying the second-row Stow 'n Go captain's chair seat from its stowed position in the floor, the integrated headrest fails to lock in the upright, passenger-safety position. The headrest remains folded forward or flops forward under normal conditions and cannot be secured in the upright position required for safe occupancy of the seat. The root cause, as identified by dealership technicians and documented by numerous owners across multiple model years (2017–2022), is failure of a small plastic component within the headrest actuator cable assembly. This cable mechanism is designed to automatically fold the headrest during stowing and return it to the locked upright position when the seat is deployed. When the plastic cable end or the locking mechanism fails, the headrest cannot return to or maintain the upright, locked position. The cable itself is not sold separately by Chrysler/Stellantis, with dealers quoting $500–$1,000+ for repair requiring full seat frame or headrest replacement. This constitutes a safety hazard because: (1) a headrest in the forward/folded position provides no rear-impact protection to an occupant, increasing the risk of whiplash or cervical spine injury in a collision; (2) the condition prevents safe installation of child booster seats in the affected seating position; and (3) the defect is a known, widespread, and persistent design flaw affecting multiple model years with no manufacturer recall or remediation issued. This issue has been reported by a large number of owners on owner forums and acknowledged by Chrysler customer care representatives, yet no recall, technical service bulletin fix, or goodwill repair program has been established. I am filing this complaint to support an investigation and potential recall.
Body & structure
Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.
From owner reports, verbatim
The passenger sliding door on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is stuck half way open and will not move. The vehicle was parked and we opened the automatic door and it opened fine. I pushed the close button and it closed half way and stopped. The cables that connect the door to the open/close motor are hanging out. I called the Chrysler dealership and they tried to schedule me an appointment next week. I asked how to get it to the dealership and they said to drive it in. I said the door is stuck half way open and its not safe. They said to either drive it in or tow it in. I asked if there was a recall or an extended warranty. They said there was not and that I would have to pay for all repairs out of pocket. The motor actuates but since the cables don't move it faults out. I have pushed and pulled as hard as I can and the cables will not move. This puts all passengers in danger as the door is part of the structural integrity especially in a side impact collision.
Dear Sir, I am submitting this formal complaint regarding severe misconduct, fraud, and reckless endangerment committed by Hyundai Escondido, Hyundai Motor America, and Ally Financial in connection with the sale and financing of a dangerously defective 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Touring AWD (VIN: [XXX] ). 1. Background of the Case On [XXX] I purchased the above-referenced vehicle from Hyundai Escondido under the representation that it was a Hyundai Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle that had passed rigorous manufacturer standards. The dealership provided me with a Carfax report showing no prior accidents or major repairs and falsely assured me that the car was in excellent condition. However, immediately after purchase, I discovered that the vehicle had severe hidden defects, including: •Extensive flood damage, which was concealed at the time of sale and significantly compromised the car’s electrical and safety systems. •Prior frame and structural damage from an accident that was never disclosed. •Critical electrical malfunctions causing the vehicle to swerve uncontrollably on its own, without any driver input. •Severe safety risks, which nearly resulted in an accident with another vehicle carrying a baby on board. •Substantial mechanical and structural issues requiring over $20,000 in repairs, making the car unsafe and unusable. Despite reporting these issues on the first day of ownership, Hyundai Escondido refused to acknowledge or rectify the matter. 2. Hyundai Escondido’s Role in Fraud and Misrepresentation •Knowingly sold a flood-damaged and structurally compromised vehicle without disclosure. •Misrepresented the vehicle as a Certified Pre owned. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Visibility
Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.
From owner reports, verbatim
The side back doors do not work all of a sudden when you push the button on the vehicle frame inside of the van. This is on both sides of the van. They will only shut by pushing buttons on the outside door handles. Also, the windshield wipers will only work on high. There is no intermittent, low, or medium speed working.
Since January 2024, the rearview camera on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has functioned inconsistently. I brought the vehicle to Glendale Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram for this problem, and they informed me it was a known issue with an open service bulletin for a software update, expected in Q3-Q4 2024. Despite this safety concern, I continued to drive the vehicle as no solution was available. Upon the release of the software update, I returned the vehicle, but the update did not resolve the issue. I was then told to await another software update. It is now June 2025, and there's another separate recall for this same issue, with a new software update that has also failed to address the safety problem. On July 25th, 2025, I contacted Chrysler because their branded service center is recommending $1,200 in parts and labor to fix an issue that was initially reported under warranty. I believe Chrysler is acting in bad faith and endangering the public by negligently addressing safety concerns and using protracted software updates as an excuse.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Airbags
Reports naming the air-bag system — deployment behaviour, inflators, sensors and warning lights.
From owner reports, verbatim
Another driver failed to yield to traffic and drove right into the side door, gas tank and rear wheel at about 35 mph. Not a single airbag was deployed within my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. I did sustain injury
The contact owned a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while stopped in congested traffic, the vehicle was rear-ended by another vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed. As a result, the vehicle was sent careening head-on into the vehicle ahead before coming to a complete stop. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact's daughter was transported to an area hospital by EMT and treated for nondescript injuries to her neck and shoulders. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 108,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Other / unspecified
Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.
From owner reports, verbatim
Vehicle is new and delivered on 08/27/21. Complaint: The front axle nuts on vehicle loosen over time. The first incident was reported to I-10 Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on 09/29/23 (see Invoice), with 24,832 miles as a noise coming from the front left suspension. This dealer replaced both front hubs at that time which resolved the noise. The second incident was reported to Chrystal Chrysler Jeep Dodge Center on 02/13/24 (see Invoice) with 27,952 miles as a noise coming from front left axle. Dealer mechanic went on test drive with me and found noise coming from front left axle shaft nut. RO states, "Found axle nut not torqued to specs. Tight down left front axle nut. Test drove vehicle. No noise found after repair.". The third incident was reported to Hemet Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram on 08/26/25, and I asked them to check the torque on the front axle nuts. They told me that the odds that they would be loose again was very small and they would need 2 days to diagnose the issue. Because I was leaving for a vacation road trip with the vehicle within a few days, I decided to take it to an independent automotive shop (Cam Stones Automotive Inc.) on 08/26/25 and reported that the vehicle has a history of the axle nuts loosening over time. I asked that they check the torque on the front axle nuts (see Invoice). The invoice states, "Retorque axle nuts and apply lock tight. Suggest contact dealer or NHTSA as to permanent fix. 120 Ft. Lbs.". As I'm sure you are aware of the danger in axle nuts that loosen over time. Is there a Recall on this issue? If not, are you investigating complaints of the axle nuts loosening time and time again?
Car would make a grinding noise over 5mph. We looked under the vehicle to find a loose bolt to the left of the left tire.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Exterior lighting
Reports naming headlights, tail lights, turn signals and other exterior lighting.
From owner reports, verbatim
Similar to the Ford recall, the LED Daytime Running Light Module is defective. This LED went out in under 3 years and Chrysler won’t fix it. This is a problem that many people are experiencing, and they want $2,000 to replace the entire head lamp system.
There are clearly many design flaws on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. One issue I am having with this car is the Daytime Running Lights. These are expensive LED lights that should function for the life of the vehicle. Unfortunately, I believe there is a problem with the control module on the LED lights, and part of the driver's side light does not function. This is a clear safety issue, and seems to be very common problem people are having with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. I notified Chrysler about the issue, and because the car was just over 36 months old, they would not repair the issue. They told me I would have to pay for a complete replacement of the headlight which would cost over $1000. Just today, I noticed Ford posted a recall for the same issue they are having with their Daytime Running Lights. I believe it is only fair for Chrylser to provide a voluntary recall on this same issue because of the clear safety hazard it can creates. What is the purpose of Daytime Running Lights if they don't function properly. This is a minivan I rely on to safely transport my family, and I do not want to risk a hazardous collision because Chrysler refuses to repair a faulty part in their vehicle.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Suspension
Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.
From owner reports, verbatim
The vehicle has had a suspension problem since purchasing the dealership has not been able to determine the issue after replacing the axle,struts, low arm control,motor mount now the state the steering wheel rack
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the wheel well or near the front underbody near the air dam, as if there was a piece of ice stuck in the air dam. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front wheel hub hardware was loose, affecting the wheel bearings, and causing the failure. The contact was informed that the wheel hub hardware and front wheel bearings needed to be replaced, and the front wheels needed to be rotated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
Tires & wheels
Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.
From owner reports, verbatim
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the wheel well or near the front underbody near the air dam, as if there was a piece of ice stuck in the air dam. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front wheel hub hardware was loose, affecting the wheel bearings, and causing the failure. The contact was informed that the wheel hub hardware and front wheel bearings needed to be replaced, and the front wheels needed to be rotated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.
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.
Elsewhere on this vehicle
Data sources
- NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation — owner-reported complaints and the components recorded on them
Data on this page last refreshed .