Problems · by component

2017 Chrysler Pacifica service brakes problems

83 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica cite service brakes, 5% of all 1,546 complaints for this model year.

Complaints
83
5% of all complaints
Crashes
12
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
5
Reported by owners
01 —Owner reports

What owners say about the service brakes

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“Made a right hand turn onto residential street and van immediately parked itself mid turn which would have resulted in accident had someone been behind me. Vehicle was able to restart and reach destination but now P1B14 code is thrown. This is unacceptable for a car to shift into park while in motion. Code is related to known earlier issue with van that was supposedly repaired. 2 weeks ago while inching into a parking spot the van seemed to have lost power for a split second but resumed as I finished parking. I feel very unsafe in vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026Power train, Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11772083
“I have a big problem with this van’s brakes I couldn’t brake when I was driving on the freeway it didn’t brake properly and so dangerous and I was terrified luckily didn’t get into accident I complained about this issue to the nhtsa about this Chrysler Pacifica”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 10, 2026Service brakesODI 11749664
“The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections, creating a significant safety hazard for both the driver and surrounding traffic. These symptoms were first reported on February 4, 2026. Shortly afterward the vehicle was inspected by a Chrysler dealership, which documented a brake vacuum leak in the braking system. Despite that inspection and documentation, the braking condition has continued to worsen and the vehicle no longer feels safe to operate. The braking performance is inconsistent and stopping distance appears to be increasing. In addition to the braking failure, the vehicle experiences powertrain issues including transmission hesitation, delayed shifting, and loss of power during acceleration and when driving uphill. The vehicle also has severe vibration and instability originating from the front…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 9, 2026Steering, Power train, Service brakesODI 11723172
“Brake pedal loses assist, vehicle continues rolling while pedal fully depressed. Known issue in newer Pacifica models but 2017 excluded despite same symptoms and parts.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 26, 2025Service brakesODI 11676325
“I am writing to report another incident related to my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Today, while driving on a major highway, my vehicle unexpectedly shut off and braked violently multiple times without warning, creating a serious safety hazard. Fortunately, there was no accident, but due to the sudden and forceful braking, I am now experiencing pain in my head, neck, upper back, and shoulders. I previously reported electrical issues with this vehicle on January 22, 2024. Given the recurring nature of these problems, I am extremely concerned about the ongoing safety risks. Please advise on the next steps to formally document this incident and any updates regarding similar reports or investigations into this issue. I appreciate your prompt attention to this matter and look forward to your response.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 1, 2025Electrical system, Service brakesODI 11652115
“In December 2018 a recall on the shifter was issued for Pacificas 2017 and 2018. The emergency brake would engage when ignition was turned on and van would not go forward or reverse. We purchased our 2017 Pacifica van on November 24, 2020. We started having this issue again last year in September 2024. The van’s emergency brake engaged when husband stopped at a red light and couldn’t start the van until after four light changes. Drivers behind us were not happy. He finally got the car to the Chrysler dealership. They had it for 6 weeks without much communication with us and what the problem was. They put a diagnostic device on it and it drove fine from December 2024 until yesterday, March 9, 2025, when the same brake issue came up again and we couldn’t get van started. We left it in the parking lot and our son came and gave us a ride home. Around 10pm last night our son and my husband went back to see if they could get it started to at least get it home. Many tries were unsuccessful until the last try when our son had the driver side door open and turned on the ignition. On the screen it said “Shifter needs service”. My husband had been unable to reach a…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Mar 10, 2025Unknown or other, Service brakesODI 11647473

Showing 6 of 83 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page

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