Owners have reported 7 crashes, 3 fires and 4 injuries to NHTSA for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints60
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report that the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica frequently experiences electrical system issues, including sudden engine shutdowns while driving, difficulties with the start/stop system, and battery failures. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle shutting off unexpectedly at stoplights or while in motion, with some instances occurring at highway speeds. Many reports involve problems with the vehicle's batteries, such as failure to hold a charge and the need for multiple replacements. Several owners describe incidents where the vehicle's electrical faults led to complete loss of power, preventing the vehicle from being moved to safety, and two reports involve fires originating from electrical components. These issues are reported across various mileage ranges, often occurring repeatedly over time, which could present safety risks for potential buyers.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 2 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints49
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent issues with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica's power train, particularly involving sudden loss of motive power and unexpected shifting. Complaints often describe the vehicle shutting down unexpectedly, sometimes at highway speeds, leading to safety risks such as potential rear-end collisions. Transmission problems, including hard shifting and vehicles entering "limp mode," are also noted, with some issues occurring around or after 60,000 miles. Affected vehicles often display warning messages like "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon," and multiple owners mention unresolved issues despite dealership visits. These patterns suggest potential safety concerns for used car buyers, especially at higher mileages.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints28
STEERING
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the power steering system, often describing intermittent loss of power steering assistance. Symptoms include the steering wheel sticking during turns, shuddering at low speeds, and complete power steering failure, sometimes accompanied by warning lights. These issues are noted at various mileage points, with some occurring as early as 14,400 miles and others around 65,000 miles. One complaint involves a crash with minor injuries, underscoring potential safety risks associated with sudden loss of steering control. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these reported steering issues and the associated safety implications.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
Owner complaints18
ENGINE
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report engine-related issues, particularly involving head gasket failures and misfiring cylinders, often accompanied by check engine lights and rough idling. Multiple complaints describe coolant leaks leading to engine oil contamination and subsequent mechanical failures, such as connecting rod damage, typically around 58,000 to 60,000 miles. Additionally, several owners mention sudden engine stalls and loss of power while driving, sometimes linked to alternator mounting bolt failures and software issues in hybrid models, posing potential safety risks due to unexpected vehicle shutdowns at highway speeds. These patterns suggest prospective buyers should be cautious of potential engine reliability concerns and the associated repair costs, especially as some issues arise shortly after warranty expiration.
Owner complaints7
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the braking system, with multiple complaints describing a lack of braking response and delays in brake engagement. Common symptoms include the brake pedal sinking to the floor without providing additional deceleration, hissing sounds, and a sensation of the vehicle lunging forward unexpectedly. These issues are often linked to potential malfunctions in the transition between regenerative and traditional braking systems, as well as faulty brake boosters. Complaints commonly arise at various mileage points, with at least two incidents occurring around 17,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as three complaints involve crashes, with two reporting injuries. Buyers considering a used 2020 Chrysler Pacifica should be aware of these reported braking issues and the potential safety risks associated with them.
Severity signals: 3 crash, 0 fire, 2 injury reports
Owner complaints4
SUSPENSION
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report suspension-related issues, with symptoms including vehicle swaying and rough rides, particularly post-modification for wheelchair accessibility. Complaints also note illuminated warning lights such as sway, electric stabilizer, and crash warnings, often occurring around 300 miles. Additionally, squeaking noises leading to lower control arm malfunctions are mentioned, with some owners noting potential steering loss. Safety implications are flagged, as these issues could affect vehicle control, posing a risk of accidents. These patterns suggest potential concerns for used car buyers, especially those considering modified vehicles or those with higher mileage.
Owner complaints2
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report two distinct issues with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica's fuel/propulsion system. One complaint describes a hybrid battery overheating and causing a fire while the vehicle was turned off and charging, with no prior warning indicators. This incident required evacuation and fire department intervention. Another complaint involves a recurring failure of the inverter coolant pump, indicated by a Check Engine Light with code P0E7C, and notes that replacement parts are on back order and continue to fail. These issues suggest potential safety implications, particularly the risk of fire, and highlight challenges with part availability for repairs.
Severity signals: 0 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica report issues related to the engine and engine cooling system, with frequent symptoms including the check engine warning light illuminating and rough start-ups. One complaint describes coolant intrusion into cylinder #3, leading to a recommendation for engine replacement at 88,000 miles. Another report involves a malfunctioning wiring harness controlling coolant and radiator flaps, requiring replacement at approximately 35,000 miles. No crashes, fires, or loss of control are reported in these complaints. Buyers should be aware of these potential issues, particularly at higher mileages, and consider inspection of the engine cooling system when evaluating used models.
Owner complaints2
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica report incidents related to unexpected vehicle acceleration. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently while stationary, such as in a parking lot or stopped at a traffic light, with no warning lights illuminated. One owner notes the issue occurring at approximately 1,348 miles, and another describes the vehicle revving to 3,000 RPM for a brief period while the brake is applied. These reports indicate potential safety implications due to the unexpected nature of the acceleration, although no crashes or injuries are mentioned. Buyers should be aware of these complaints when considering this vehicle.
Owner complaints2
AIR BAGS
Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica report issues with air bags failing to deploy during crashes. One complaint describes a rear-end collision at a red light, leading to a secondary impact with the vehicle in front, where the air bags did not deploy, and the seatbelt did not fully engage, resulting in injuries. Another report involves a collision with two deer at 70 mph, again noting that the driver's and passenger side air bags did not deploy, although no injuries were reported. Both incidents involve relatively low mileage, with one vehicle at approximately 3,100 miles. These reports highlight potential safety implications for air bag performance in collision scenarios.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 1 injury reports
