Owner complaint record
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Problems and Recalls: What Owners Report
This page shows the problems 2017 Chrysler Pacifica owners reported to NHTSA, the federal agency that tracks car safety: 1,499 complaints sorted by system, the mileage they started at, the check engine codes owners named, and the recalls to check before you buy.
NHTSA owner complaintsChecked Oct 2, 20261,499 complaintsFederal file of Aug 25, 2026
Model year2017
- 202526No page yet
- 202440No page yet
- 2023149No page yet
- 2022203No page yet
- 2021361No page yet
- 2020164No page yet
- 2019302No page yet
- 2018849No page yet
- 20171,499
, most of any Pacifica year
520 complaints, 35% of the total
half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before this
22 mention an injury, 9 a fire
The engine leads the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica record at 35%, with powertrain close behind. Of the engine reports that give a mileage, half came before 18,000 miles.
It's a count of reports, not a failure rate. Use it to decide what to inspect before buying, not to grade the car.
Stalling is the thread here: about four in ten engine and electrical complaints describe the van shutting off, often at low speed or at a stop.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica overview
The 2017 Pacifica came with one gas engine, a 3.6-liter six-cylinder with a nine-speed automatic and front-wheel drive.
The 2018 drew 849, with engine named most.
- Power
- 287 hp
- Torque
- 262 lb-ft
- Gearbox
- 9-speed automatic
- Fuel
- Regular gasoline
- Injection
- Not direct
city / highway / combined mpg, EPA
Fuel economy from EPA fueleconomy.gov; power and torque from Chrysler's 2017 Pacifica release.
Is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
Owners filed more complaints about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica than about any other Pacifica year, and the engine draws the largest share. The four checks below are what the federal record can say; none of them is a reliability score.
- 1stCompared with other Pacifica years1,499 complaints, the most of 9 model years (next is 2018 with 849).By model year
- 35%The system named mostEngine, in 520 complaints. Half of the engine reports that give a mileage came before 18,000 miles.Problems by system
- 11Recalls11 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica.Recalls
- 46Crashes, injuries, fires46 complaints mention a crash, 22 an injury and 9 a fire.
A complaint count is not a failure rate: the record doesn't say how many were sold, so a popular year draws more reports.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica problems by system
Every complaint to NHTSA names the part of the car that gave the owner trouble, such as the engine or the steering. The cards below sort the 1,499 complaints about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica that way, largest first: open one to read what owners wrote, when it usually starts, and what to check.
Engine35%520 complaintsShutting off at a stop or while driving, warning lights
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What owners describe
Minivan was at a stoplight and turned off without warnings. This just happened 30 mins ago. Vehicle asked to be put in park and hit brake to start engine. Engine started parked at nearest parking lot and called dealer. Dealer 2 miles away no codes came up on scan that was done. ..updated 11/07/17 *bf updated 11/09/2017
We purchased a pacifica on 12/21/2017. Not even an hour after leaving the dealership the vehicle stalled, losing all power, and had to be restarted to regain power and driving ability at a stop light. We were not hit, but it is very dangerous to have a vehicle that stalls randomly.
CAMICANJRead 4 more owner reports+4
Car unexpectedly cut out and engine stalled whilst making a turn on to a busy 4 lane street. Took to the dealership and no issues found. I've redently discovered this happening to other vehicles of the same make, model and and year.
Brand new car lost power while on freeway. When restarted would not allow me to move out of "park." turned engine off for five minutes and turned back on. Was able to move into "drive". 2 days later car also lurched, lost power, jumped into "park"then stalled. Was able to restart but car would not accelerate properly. Took to dealer. Have not heard back.
On 12/13/17, the car engine shut off and the car stalled while idle at an intersection. The lights were still on, but the car could not be shifted out of great and the breaks locked up. The car was essentially frozen. We called aaa and the mechanic was able to get the car to start. We took it to the dealership but they have not been able to locate the problem.
My entire car vibrates like shaking and auto shutoff sign that we use while red light comes ups / engine light comes ups. I have to park my car on the side turn off for 2 minutes and turn on back to get back to normal. I believe if I don't do that I might hit with the other car as car vibrates and not controllable. It happened almost 10 times & dealer just ignores as I am making this up.
When it starts
Usually starts around 18,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 6,862 and 41,750.
What to do
Drive in stop-and-go traffic and watch for a stall or a restart message.
Our guideCar Shuts Off While Idling or Driving? Causes and What to DoPowertrain31%464 complaintsHesitation then a lurch, clunks, rough shifts
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What owners describe
Hesitation then lurching when initiating acceleration at low speeds. Loud cranking/scraping noise when releasing accelerator at speeds greater than 40mph. Transmission was replaced by dealership for "burnt fluid" twice, but problem remains. Vehicle's tachometer at times shows rpms going up to 6000 when decelerating.
When driving an turning makes clanking noise under car, car get stuck in cars an then jerks when changes, been telling chrysler dealer where I get my repairs an tune ups I'm told it all part of the electrical system been telling them this since I got the car new 2017
CAMTFLCARead 4 more owner reports+4
Vehicle stalled on freeway, gradual lost of power and came to a stop. Tried to inch vehicle to the side shoulder to avoid traffic. Called assist and was able to re-start van after a few times trying the push start button. Drove straight to dealer but they gave no explanation. Bought vehicle less than 30 days before incident occurred.
Vehicle shut off while driving down the road. Happened twice since owning the vehicle 7/15/17 & 9/9/17. Vehicle dashboard said "stop and shift to park". We took to dealership and they said they couldn't replicate program.
Vehicle shuts off while driving and cannot be restarted until it comes to a complete stop. Vehicle has stopped running while slowing down for a light, it has stopped after getting off expressway and while driving through a parking lot. In the last two months it has stalled at least 10 times.
Exited interstate 215 and made a left turn, traffic was a bit backed up so we slowed down to almost a standstill, when the speed picked up I started accelerating and felt a huge thump as if I had been rear ended, then the vehicle shifted and drove normal thereafter.
When it starts
Usually starts around 27,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 13,367 and 45,000.
What to do
Pull away gently from a stop several times and feel for a lurch.
Our guideCar Jerks When Accelerating: Causes, Costs and FixesElectrical system25%381 complaintsPower cutting out, dead batteries, warning lights
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What owners describe
We purchased a pacifica on 12/21/2017. Not even an hour after leaving the dealership the vehicle stalled, losing all power, and had to be restarted to regain power and driving ability at a stop light. We were not hit, but it is very dangerous to have a vehicle that stalls randomly.
While the car was in motion at approximately 20 mph on a city street I lost all power and car turned off, steering locked and was able to coast half off the road. Car still said it was on and in drive but was completely off. Screen said "car must be in park to place in drive". Dealer has been unable to locate issue and released car to me. I feel extremely unsafe driving this vehicle. ..updated 11/06/17 *bf
CANJNCNYRead 4 more owner reports+4
Vehicle stalled on freeway, gradual lost of power and came to a stop. Tried to inch vehicle to the side shoulder to avoid traffic. Called assist and was able to re-start van after a few times trying the push start button. Drove straight to dealer but they gave no explanation. Bought vehicle less than 30 days before incident occurred.
My entire car vibrates like shaking and auto shutoff sign that we use while red light comes ups / engine light comes ups. I have to park my car on the side turn off for 2 minutes and turn on back to get back to normal. I believe if I don't do that I might hit with the other car as car vibrates and not controllable. It happened almost 10 times & dealer just ignores as I am making this up.
Vehicle stalling due to dead battery according to dealership. Vehicle stalled while driving. I was able to start it again after coming to a stop, but it took 3 times pushing the start button before it turned over. Had the vehicle towed to the dealership to run diagnostic and they concluded the battery was dead and no other malfunction was reported.
Issue with horn, lights, coolent, engine gaskets, park brakes sticking, turning signal,, electrical al connected some how but 4 chrysler dealers and they can't duplicate it even with pics and video I've shown.paying for car I can't use. Any other similar issues or am I the only one driving the ghost car.
When it starts
Usually starts around 25,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 9,342 and 45,000.
What to do
Watch the dash at startup and ask whether the battery was replaced.
Our guideBad Alternator or Battery? How to Tell Before You BuySteering18%263 complaintsWarning lights and stalling while steering, assist loss
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What owners describe
We purchased a pacifica on 12/21/2017. Not even an hour after leaving the dealership the vehicle stalled, losing all power, and had to be restarted to regain power and driving ability at a stop light. We were not hit, but it is very dangerous to have a vehicle that stalls randomly.
Vehicle stalled on freeway, gradual lost of power and came to a stop. Tried to inch vehicle to the side shoulder to avoid traffic. Called assist and was able to re-start van after a few times trying the push start button. Drove straight to dealer but they gave no explanation. Bought vehicle less than 30 days before incident occurred.
FLNJRead 2 more owner reports+2
Vehicle shuts off while driving and cannot be restarted until it comes to a complete stop. Vehicle has stopped running while slowing down for a light, it has stopped after getting off expressway and while driving through a parking lot. In the last two months it has stalled at least 10 times.
Code pcm p258b electric vacuum pump = press on brakes and van does not stop must keep trying to press on brakes to stop this is not safe. Code abs c1252-92 vacuum pump control circuit code sccm b2225-00 (scm) steering column module internal
When it starts
Usually starts around 39,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 11,186 and 69,000.
What to do
Turn the wheel at parking speed and watch the dash for a warning.
Throttle and speed control6%88 complaintsLurching forward while parking, jerky take-off
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What owners describe
On 11-15-17 my wife was driving our 2017 pacifica, when she was parking (pulling in) it suddenly accelerated and hit a pole. I had the dealership do a scan code and there were no error codes. I just want to let you know in case there are others reporting the same problem.
Date of incident 11/29/2017: we have a 2017 chrysler pacific with 17,000 miles. While pulling into a parking spot the vehicle accelerated on its own, causing a minor collision. Chrysler dealership did a scan and found no error codes. *bf updated 8/16/18
FLTXRead 2 more owner reports+2
Speedometer not reporting correct vehicle speed. While barely touching accelerator vehicle reported me driving 67 mph. I was driving according to speedometer 47 mph, I was pulled over by an officer who stated I was clocked at 67 mph.
We have a 2017 chrysler pacifica tourling l-plus that had a recent software update, all recalls have been completed. The van fully stalled while accelerated in the highway between 30-40 miles per hour, for about 5 seconds before re-engaging into gear. It did not feel like it was in between gears when it stalled- as far as we could tell, the engine still had power but temporarily stopped accelerating.
When it starts
Usually starts around 17,000 miles. Half of owners reported it between 5,216 and 32,750.
What to do
Creep into a parking space and feel for a sudden push forward.
Check engine codes owners report
14 owners name P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire) in their complaints, the code named most for this car.
Complaints whose text names the code, one count per complaint. Tap a code to read our guide; grey codes have no guide yet.
When problems show up on the odometer
Throttle and speed control complaints start earliest, typically around 17,000 miles. Steering complaints start latest, around 39,000 miles.
Dot: typical mileage. Bar: the middle half of reports. From the mileage owners wrote on the form.
Chrysler Pacifica complaints by model year
2017 has the most complaints of any Pacifica year. The engine is named most in 2 other Pacifica years.
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2017 has the most complaints of any Pacifica year. The engine is named most in 2 other Pacifica years.
When owners filed
Complaints about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have kept arriving since 2016, with peaks in 2018 and 2019. A peak often follows a recall or a news story, not a new fault.
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2017 Chrysler Pacifica recalls
11 recall campaigns cover the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. A recall list is by model year; whether one car had the work done is in its VIN record.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica crash tests and investigations
NHTSA crash tests rate the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica five stars overall. Its defect office has opened three investigations that cover this model year.
Ratings run from 1 to 5 stars: 5 is the safest result, 1 the least safe.
Frontal stars compare cars of about the same weight; side stars compare every vehicle. Rollover stars show how top-heavy the car is: NHTSA puts the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica’s chance of rolling over in a single-car crash at 12%.
Safety equipment NHTSA recommends
Optional means some trims have it and some don’t. Check the car you are looking at.
Federal investigations
Before you buy a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
These checks follow what 2017 Pacifica owners reported most: a van that shuts off, then jerky shifts and electrical faults. Ask for the service history by VIN, because it shows software updates and whether the recall repairs were done.
- 1Drive in stop-and-go traffic
A van that shuts off at a stop is the most repeated complaint.
- 2Pull away gently from a stop
Hesitation followed by a lurch shows up in the powertrain complaints.
- 3Turn the wheel and watch the dash
Steering complaints describe warning lights and stalls while steering.
- 4Ask about the battery
Dead batteries and power cutting out come up in the electrical complaints.
- 5Run the VIN for open recalls
Only the VIN says if this car got the recall repairs.
Common questions
What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
Owners name the engine most (520 complaints), then powertrain (464) and electrical system (381).
Is 2017 a good year for the Chrysler Pacifica?
The complaint record can't grade a car, but it shows what to check: the engine complaints that lead this year, the mileage they start at, and whether the recall repairs were done.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
Yes. NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica: electrical system (6), seat belts (2), power train, brakes, equipment adaptive/mobility. A dealer can tell from the VIN whether one car got the repairs.
At what mileage do 2017 Chrysler Pacifica problems start?
Throttle and speed control complaints start earliest, around 17,000 miles. Steering complaints come later, around 39,000 miles.
Which Pacifica years have the most and fewest complaints?
The 2017 and 2018 model years have the most in the file, and the 2025 and 2024 the fewest, though newer cars have had less time to collect complaints.
What the complaint record can't tell you
Sources
Show all 6 sources
Owner quotes are changed from all capitals to normal case only. Counts by system and year cover vehicles with at least 10 complaints.