Model research hub

Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica has been a minivan since 2016, and its 2017 launch year is the worst by every measure here: 1,507 complaints and 11 recalls, tied to severe transmission and electrical problems. Motor & Wheels calls the 2020 the most reliable Pacifica, and the 2026 Pacifica starts at $46,440 with a plug-in hybrid option.

What the Chrysler Pacifica is and who buys it

Wikipedia (opens in a new tab) says the Pacifica nameplate has been used by Chrysler since 1999, first on a minivan concept, then a 2002 crossover concept, a 2004 to 2008 mid-size crossover, and since 2016 a minivan. The 2026 Pacifica has a 3.6L V6 and a 3.6L V6 plug-in hybrid, front-wheel drive, rated 22 to 30 mpg combined by the EPA, about $2,100 to $2,850 a year in fuel. Kelley Blue Book base prices are $46,440 for the Select, $51,600 for the Limited and $58,090 for the Pinnacle.

Best and worst Pacifica model years

Federal data makes the 2017 Pacifica the clear outlier, with 1,507 complaints, the most of any year, and 11 recalls covering the electrical system, seat belts, powertrain and brakes. The 2018 has 12 recalls and 858 complaints, the 2019 has 7 and 350, and the 2020 has 5 recalls and 166 complaints, the lowest complaint count of the minivan era. From 2021 recalls climb again, to 10 on the 2022 and 14 on the 2023, the most of any year, while complaints keep falling, to 41 on the 2024 and 27 on the 2025.

CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) recommends avoiding the 2017 model year entirely due to severe transmission and electrical complaints. Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) says the worst years are 2017, 2018 and 2019, and calls the 2020 Pacifica the most reliable compared with the other model years it explored. Engine Patrol (opens in a new tab) lists the worst model years as 2017, 2005, 2004, 2018 and 2021.

Choosing a year

The 2020 has the fewest complaints of any minivan-era year, matching Motor & Wheels' pick, while the 2017 to 2019 launch years need the most VIN checking for transmission and electrical campaigns. Recent years show fewer complaints but more recalls, which reflects proactive campaigns rather than worse cars.

Questions buyers ask

Which Chrysler Pacifica year should I avoid?

CarsCounsel (opens in a new tab) recommends avoiding the 2017 entirely for severe transmission and electrical complaints, and Motor & Wheels adds 2018 and 2019.

What is the most reliable Chrysler Pacifica year?

Motor & Wheels (opens in a new tab) calls the 2020 Pacifica the most reliable of the years it compared.

Research map

Every major decision path.

Current model year

2027 Chrysler Pacifica

LX joins as the new entry trim for 2027, taking over the discontinued Voyager's budget-minivan role at a near-identical starting price. Select, Limited and Pinnacle get a redesigned front fascia with vertical LED headlamps, an adjustable-height power liftgate standard across the lineup, and an upgraded Safety Sphere Package. A separate Plug-In Hybrid variant (260 hp combined, ~32 mi electric range) is offered on select trims.

Read specifications, trims, answers and sources

Model-year archive

4 indexed Chrysler Pacifica model years.

2027202620252017
Number of trims per model year for the Chrysler Pacifica (most: 1).
Model yearTrimsOpen record
2027 Chrysler Pacifica2027 record →
2026 Chrysler Pacifica2026 record →
2025 Chrysler Pacifica2025 record →
2017 Chrysler Pacifica2017 record →

Background and safety record

What public sources say about the Chrysler Pacifica.

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis since the 2017 model year. Replacing the Chrysler Town & Country, the Pacifica is the sixth generation of Chrysler minivans, taking its name from the namesake 2004–2008 product line. Along with serving as the first minivan with a plug-in hybrid drivetrain, the Pacifica has also served as a platform for autonomous vehicle development.

Awards
As of December 2020, the Pacifica has earned 140 honors and industry accolades.
Production
Production of the vehicle uses an all-new platform at the Windsor Plant in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.
Marketing
In April 2016, Chrysler launched a television advertising campaign for the Pacifica entitled "Dad Brand", featuring comedian Jim Gaffigan and his children. In October 2016, Chrysler launched a social media-oriented campaign known as "PacifiKids", featuring videos in which unsuspecting families shopped for the vehicle at a dealership staffed entirely by children.

Source: Chrysler Pacifica (minivan) (Wikipedia); safety and recall figures from NHTSA.

Chrysler Pacifica at a glance

Production
2016–present
Model years
2017–present
Assembly
Canada: Windsor, Ontario (Windsor Assembly)
Class
Minivan
Body style
5-door minivan
Platform
Fiat-Chrysler RU
Engine
3.6 L Chrysler Pentastar engine#3.6L, Pentastar V6 engine, V6 (gasoline)
Electric motor
2x electric motors (SiEVT main motor & motor generator; PHEV) (2017-2026)
Battery
lithium-ion
Electric range
33 mi (EPA)
Transmission
9-speed 948TE automatic, e-CVT
Drivetrain
PHEV (Pacifica Hybrid)
Wheelbase
3089 mm
Length
203.6 in
Width
79.6 in
Height
0 in
Curb weight
1964 kg, 2262 kg (hybrid)
Predecessor
Chrysler Town & Country/Dodge Caravan (RT)

NHTSA rated the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica overall 5 of 5 stars, front crash 5 of 5 stars, side crash 5 of 5 stars, rollover 4 of 5 stars.

Recent recalls (10 campaigns across the latest model years)

  • September 2026, Electronic Stability Control (Esc). Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2025-2026 Chrysler Voyager, Chrysler Pacifica, and 2026 Chrysler Voyager Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The brake pedal position sensor capacitor may be cracked, which can cause a loss of electronic stability control. As such, these… Consequence: A loss of electronic stability control increases the risk of a crash.
  • August 2026, Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera. Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2026 Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Compass, Jeep Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer L, Ram Promaster, Ram Promaster EV, Ram 1500, Ram 2500, Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In… Consequence: A rearview camera image that fails to display reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
  • June 2026, Air Bags:Frontal. Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2023-2026 Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The spring inside the front seat harness connector may contact electrical terminals. Consequence: The unintended connection may prevent the air bags from deploying, increasing the risk of injury during a crash.

Owners filed 28 complaints with NHTSA for the 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, most often about air bags (9), vehicle speed control (5), forward collision avoidance (5).

Year by year

The Chrysler Pacifica across 11 model years.

Model yearCombined MPG/MPGeEPA annual fuel costEPA recordsNHTSA recallsNHTSA complaintsNHTSA overall rating
2027 Chrysler Pacifica20–22$2,950–$3,2502
2026 Chrysler Pacifica22–30$2,100–$2,850255 stars
2025 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,10039275 stars
2024 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,100311415 stars
2023 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,1003141515 stars
2022 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,1003102045 stars
2021 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,100373645 stars
2020 Chrysler Pacifica20–30$2,100–$3,100351665 stars
2019 Chrysler Pacifica22–30$2,100–$2,850373505 stars
2018 Chrysler Pacifica22–32$1,950–$2,8503128585 stars
2017 Chrysler Pacifica22–32$1,950–$2,8503111,5075 stars

Year-to-year changes

What changed in the Chrysler Pacifica, one model year at a time.

EPA certification record, change from the previous model year
StepEPA recordsCombined MPG/MPGe, midpointElectric range, milesAddedNo longer listed
2026 to 202726.0 to 21.0Labels: Pacifica AWD; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Minivan - 4WDLabels: Pacifica Hybrid; Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl PHEV; Transmissions: Automatic (variable gear ratios); Fuels: Regular Gas and Electricity
2025 to 20263 to 225.0 to 26.0Labels: Pacifica AWD; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Minivan - 4WD
2023 to 2024Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl PHEV
2022 to 2023Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl PHEV
2019 to 202026.0 to 25.0Labels: Pacifica AWD; Drives: All-Wheel Drive; Size classes: Minivan - 4WDEngines: 3.6L 6-cyl Stop-Start
2018 to 201927.0 to 26.033 to 32

Buying used

What the Chrysler Pacifica recalls and complaints are about.

NHTSA recall campaigns by model year
Model yearCampaignsSystems recalledWarnings
20265air bags (side/window); equipment adaptive/mobility (wheelchair restraints/securement); air bags (frontal); 2 moreNone
20259air bags (side/window); equipment (appliance); equipment adaptive/mobility (wheelchair restraints/securement); 2 moreNone
202411air bags (frontal); visibility (windshield); traction control system; 4 moreNone
202314electrical system (wiring); fuel system, gasoline (delivery); electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery); 4 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
202210seats (mid/rear assembly); visibility (windshield wiper/washer); electrical system (wiring); 4 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
20217seats (mid/rear assembly); electrical system (wiring); back over prevention (sensing system); 3 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
20205back over prevention (sensing system); electrical system (wiring); air bags (side/window); 2 more1 stop-driving or park-outside, 1 fixable over the air
20197electrical system (wiring); electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery); back over prevention (sensing system); 1 more1 fixable over the air
201812seat belts (rear/other); equipment; electrical system (wiring); 7 moreNone
201711seat belts (rear/other); service brakes, hydraulic (foundation components); power train (driveline); 5 moreNone

Recalls that told owners to stop driving or park outside

  • 2020, campaign 26V-362 (Jun 2026): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
  • 2021, campaign 26V-362 (Jun 2026): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
  • 2022, campaign 26V-362 (Jun 2026): electrical system (propulsion system). A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
  • 2023, campaign 23V-753 (Nov 2023): electrical system (12v/24v/48v battery). A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
What owners complain about most, all model years together
SystemComplaintsShare of all complaintsWorst model year
engine1,30835%2017 (522)
electrical system1,11630%2017 (389)
power train99327%2017 (468)
steering53815%2017 (276)
unknown or other51714%2017 (213)
fuel/propulsion system2607%2021 (75)
NHTSA crash-test stars by model year
Model yearOverallFrontalSideRollover
20265554
20255554
20245554
20235554
20225554
20215554
20205554
20195554
20185554
20175554

Trim by trim

Every 2027 Chrysler Pacifica trim side by side.

2027 Chrysler Pacifica trims: Kelley Blue Book specifications and base price
TrimDriveEngineHorsepowerTorque (lb-ft)Curb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Combined mpgBase price
LXFWD3.6-liter V62872624,5213,60022$43,490
SelectAWD3.6-liter V62872624,8833,60020$45,540
LimitedAWD3.6-liter V62872624,8833,60020$49,990
PinnacleAWD3.6-liter V62872624,8833,60020$56,905

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for the 2027 model year; base price is KBB's national base price where its list carries the trim by the same name. A dash means KBB lists no figure.

Specifications by year

Power, weight and towing for every Chrysler Pacifica model year.

Kelley Blue Book trim data by model year
Model yearTrimsEnginesHorsepowerCurb weight (lb)Max towing (lb)Fuel tank (gal)
202743.6-liter V62874,521–4,8833,60019
202633.6-liter V62874,883–19
202533.6-liter V62874,883–19
202443.6-liter V62874,521–4,883–19
202343.6-liter V62874,521–4,8833,60019
202243.6-liter V62874,521–4,8833,60019
202143.6-liter V62874,521–4,8833,60019
202093.6-liter V62874,3303,60019
2019103.6-liter V62874,3303,60019
201873.6-liter V62874,3303,60019
201763.6-liter V62874,3303,60019

Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications for each model year. A range covers every trim KBB lists that year; a dash means KBB lists no figure.

Owning it

Oil, fluid and wheel-nut figures for the Chrysler Pacifica.

Maintenance figures from the owner's manual of each model year
Model yearEngine oilBrake fluidWheel-nut torqueA/C refrigerantKey-fob battery
20270W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20260W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20250W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20240W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20230W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20220W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20210W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20200W-20DOT 3100 lb-ft–CR2032
20190W-20––––
20180W-20––––
20170W-20––––

Source: the manufacturer's owner's manual for each model year. A dash means that year's manual gave no single value for it, for instance one that lists two oil grades or two key types.

Model-year recall record

Chrysler Pacifica: which model years carry more or fewer federal safety recalls.

Model yearFederal recalls on fileComplaints on fileRecalls most commonly affected
20265not availableairbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, backup camera, stability control
2025927airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, equipment, stability control
20241141airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, visibility/wipers, Traction Control System
202314151airbags, backup camera, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, electrical system
202210204airbags, electrical system, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, seats
20217364electrical system, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, seats, backup camera
20205166electrical system, backup camera, airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
20197350electrical system, backup camera, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility
201812858electrical system, powertrain, suspension, equipment
2017111507electrical system, seat belts, powertrain, brakes
20162
2015not available

Method: recall counts and their affected components come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Recalls API, queried by exact make, model and model year. Complaint counts come from the NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation: Complaints API, same query pattern. Data pulled 2026-09-04.

Known gap: the NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Chrysler Pacifica model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream, not returning a genuine zero. Those years are marked "not available" above instead of shown as clean; recall counts for those years are unaffected and come from the separate recalls API, which returned data for every year listed.

Check open recalls by VIN for one particular vehicle.

Q01Is there a best year to buy a Chrysler Pacifica?

Federal recall records don't single out a best Chrysler Pacifica model year: recall counts across the 10 published model years checked here stay within a normal range of this nameplate's own average (about 9.1 recalls per year), with no year standing out as notably higher or lower. Recall count is one input, not a purchase verdict. It says nothing about a specific vehicle's price, mileage, accident history or maintenance record.

Q02What are common recall-related problems on the Chrysler Pacifica by model year?

2026: airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, backup camera, stability control. 2025: airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, equipment, stability control. 2024: airbags, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, visibility/wipers, Traction Control System. 2023: airbags, backup camera, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, electrical system. 2022: airbags, electrical system, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, seats. 2021: electrical system, Equipment Adaptive/Mobility, seats, backup camera.

Q03Why do some Chrysler Pacifica model years show "not available" for complaints?

The NHTSA complaints API did not return data for Chrysler Pacifica model year 2026 when queried for this page: the request itself failed upstream instead of the count genuinely being zero. Recall counts for those years are unaffected; they come from a separate NHTSA endpoint that returned data for every year listed.

Diagnosing one of these symptoms? The recalled systems above map to this site’s own ownership desks: general, evidence-first guidance that applies regardless of whether the specific vehicle in front of you was ever part of a recall campaign: Climate and electrical, Buying, records and recalls, Transmission and drivetrain, Brakes, tires and steering.

Compared with

Models this Chrysler Pacifica is most often compared with.

Nearest Chrysler models

Other Chrysler models.

Frequent questions

Answers with their conditions intact.

Browse the complete answer library
Q01How many trims does the 2027 Pacifica come in?

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica (minivan) comes in 4 trims: LX, Select, Limited, Pinnacle.

Source: Chrysler
Q02What are the 2027 Pacifica trims?

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica trims are LX, Select, Limited, Pinnacle, listed from the entry LX up to the top Pinnacle.

Source: Chrysler
Q03What engine or powertrain does the 2027 Pacifica use?

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica is built around 3.6L V6, rated at 287 horsepower across its minivan body style.

Source: Chrysler specifications
Q04How much horsepower does the 2027 Pacifica have?

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica is rated at 287 horsepower (3.6L V6).

Source: Chrysler specifications
Q05Is AWD or 4WD available on the 2027 Pacifica?

The 2027 Chrysler Pacifica is offered with FWD / AWD.

Source: Chrysler specifications