Chrysler Pacifica Engine and Engine Cooling Problems

Source: NHTSA · Updated Oct 15, 2026 · 496 complaints analyzed

Owners have filed 496 complaints with NHTSA about engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Pacifica across 10 model years. The 2005 model year has the most (211). The words owners use most often: “engine cradle” (18% of reports).

What owners describe

Phrases that appear unusually often in these complaints compared with complaints about other cars.

  • Engine cradle: mentioned in 87 of 496 complaints (18%)
  • Motor mounts: mentioned in 66 of 496 complaints (13%)

How much does it cost to fix?

Owners who wrote down what they paid or were quoted put the typical engine and engine cooling repair on the Chrysler Pacifica at $2,000, and half of them between $770 and $4,800.

Based on 10 NHTSA complaints about this problem alone that state a repair bill or quote (2007–2011), converted to 2026 dollars with the U.S. consumer price index. These are owners' own figures, not a quote: they include dealer quotes, and owners who file complaints often faced larger repairs, so they can run higher than typical shop prices. Prices vary by shop, region and warranty coverage. How we calculate this.

At what mileage do engine and engine cooling problems happen?

Based on 433 complaints that reported the odometer reading.

Under 10k miles48 · 11%
10k–25k miles47 · 11%
25k–50k miles84 · 19%
50k–75k miles90 · 21%
75k–100k miles72 · 17%
100k–150k miles82 · 19%
150k+ miles10 · 2%

How serious are the reports?

Of 496 complaints, 5 mention a crash, 7 a fire, 3 an injury.

Chrysler Pacifica engine and engine cooling complaints by model year

Peak: 2005, with 211 complaints
2004: 11720041172005: 21120052112006: 10120061012007: 332007332008: 112008112017: 142017142018: 3201832019: 2201922020: 3202032022: 120221

n = 496 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Model yearEngine and Engine Cooling complaintsShare of that yearMedian miles
2022 Pacifica10%68,000
2020 Pacifica32%88,000
2019 Pacifica21%114,485
2018 Pacifica30%51,000
2017 Pacifica141%74,000
2008 Pacifica1111%33,710
2007 Pacifica3310%46,500
2006 Pacifica10114%54,000
2005 Pacifica21117%55,000
2004 Pacifica11713%79,000

When owners reported it

Peak: 2006, with 74 complaints
2003: 220032004: 82005: 3020052006: 74742007: 2120072008: 242009: 6020092010: 712011: 4720112012: 282013: 2520132014: 622015: 1620152016: 12017: 220172018: 32022: 220222023: 32024: 920242025: 62026: 22026

n = 496 complaints · Source: NHTSA

Related recalls (1)

Electrical system:software; engine and engine cooling:engineJan 11, 2018 · NHTSA campaign 18V049000 · 153,859 vehicles

Model years: 2017

Problem: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6l engine. The engine control software may become out of sync with the crankshaft position sensor, possibly resulting in an engine stall.

Risk: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U01.

What owners report

Short excerpts of recent complaints, with personal details removed. Full reports are on NHTSA.gov.

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that…

Received Aug 11, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11756330

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 70 MPH, the vehicle suddenly experienced reduced power and hard shifting. Additionally, the steering wheel suddenly became difficult to turn while driving. The cause of the failures was not determined…

Received Jul 6, 2026 · NHTSA complaint 11748500

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light remained illuminated. The contact stated that there was no coolant in the coolant reservoir. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who indicated that a coolant…

Received Oct 27, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11695869

The contact owns a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the message “Engine would Shutoff Soon” was displayed. The START/STOP, engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, and 4WD warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering functionality had become inoperable…

Received Sep 30, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11690589

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at slow speeds, the vehicle stalled with the message "Service Now” flashing on the instrument panel. After waiting for approximately 15-30 minutes, the vehicle was restarted and resumed normal operation. The vehicle…

Received Aug 12, 2025 · NHTSA complaint 11680115

Frequently asked questions

Do all Chrysler Pacificas have engine and engine cooling problems?

No. NHTSA has 496 owner complaints about engine and engine cooling for the Chrysler Pacifica. Complaint data shows that the problem is reported, not how many of all cars sold are affected.

Was there a recall on the Chrysler Pacifica engine and engine cooling?

Yes: 1 safety recall list engine and engine cooling. Check your VIN on NHTSA.gov to see whether the fix was done on your car.

How much does it cost to fix engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Pacifica?

Owners report a typical cost of $2,000 (half paid between $770 and $4,800), from 10 complaints that state a repair bill or quote, in 2026 dollars.

What do owners say about engine and engine cooling problems on the Chrysler Pacifica?

The most frequent phrase is “engine cradle”, in 87 of 496 complaints, followed by “motor mounts” (66).

Other Chrysler Pacifica problems

See all Chrysler Pacifica problems.