Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2006 Chrysler PacificaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 1 safety recall and 726 owner complaints for the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. Most complaints involve structure (198) and engine (146). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
1campaigns
Latest Nov 2006
Owner complaints
726
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

1 NHTSA campaign · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SOFTWARE MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Power trainReported Nov 9, 2006NHTSA 06V432000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

726 complaints filed with NHTSA · Feb 2006 – Aug 2025
  1. Structure198
  2. Engine146
  3. Power train109
  4. Engine and engine cooling101
  5. Suspension86
  6. Fuel/propulsion system58
  7. Electrical system57
  8. Vehicle speed control49
  9. Steering36

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Pacifica model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2004896
20051,244
2006726
2007380
2008102
20171,546
2018895
2019363
2020175
2021381
2022221
2023156
202449
202531
202611
20271
Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
7
Injuries reported
24
Deaths reported
10
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

198 reports1 crash2 fires
“A few weeks ago we took our car to a mechanic to have the brakes worked on as a part of routine maintenance. When we picked it up, he noted that when he had it up on the lift, he saw that the engine cradle was very badly rusted. He said that we shouldn't drive it anymore because of the risks involved. I tried to crawl under the car when we got home (there isn't a ton of clearance) but I saw what he was talking about. At that point we looked online and found hundreds and hundreds of similar experiences and complaints. We were left dumbfounded at the risks this introduces...thinking about what would happen if this mechanic hadn't noticed the issue and we'd been driving down the interstate with our kids when the thing decided to give way. And the fact that the manufacturer knows of this issue and has done nothing is beyond disgusting. Fortunately we found out from the mechanic, not from the engine falling out. Even still, this means that we're left with a worthless car. While our car is abandoned in the driveway hoping for Chrysler to right their wrong, we still see lots of similar vehicles on the road. I'm guessing that their owners don't know that they're…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 30, 2021StructureODI 11435073

Engine

146 reports3 crashes2 fires
“The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off independently but was able to be restarted. Additionally, the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, where the PCM was reprogrammed and an unknown fuel injector repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle shut off independently but was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V432000 (Power Train), the dealer informed the contact that the equipment and parts to do the recall repair were not available after the vehicle had remained at the dealer for two days. The contact stated that several other dealers were contacted and provided the same information. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 94,791.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 11, 2025Fuel system, gasoline, Power train, EngineODI 11679922

Power train

109 reports2 crashes
“I got in the car started it as usual, shifted it in (D), pulled out of my church parking lot, got about 5 miles away from my church stopped at a red light. The light turned green I accelerated as usual. At this light is a slight incline about 15% ways up the incline it just stopped pulling. I pressed the gas heat the engine Rev but no power to the wheels. So I shifted it in auto stick mode and it wouldn’t change out of second gear I left it on the highway for about 3 days.I went back trying to reset the trans by turning the switch on and holding the gas pedal for 30sec as seen in Chryslers forum and YouTube yet still no power had the car towed back to Alabama when I go to church in Tennessee which was about 50 miles away or so. Get it home after paying a huge towing bill. Because my insurance only covered like 15miles. I got it home try to shift it in R, D, and The Autostick. however, it finally started going back to 1st gear. Unfortunately it still wouldn’t pull. I’ve looked up the problem and there is a recall for this, However when I call Chrysler it doesn’t cover my vehicle”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 18, 2022Power trainODI 11465112
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pacifica 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162318$3,450494
Pacifica 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
152117$3,650523
Pacifica AWD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152017$3,650523
  • Pacifica 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Pacifica 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Pacifica AWD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 1816
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2006 Pacifica questions

How many recalls does the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica have?

1 safety recall as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2006 Chrysler Pacifica problems?

Owners filed 726 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (198), engine (146), power train (109). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica get?

The EPA rates the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026