Problems · NHTSA complaints

2019 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Owners filed 363 complaints about the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica with NHTSA between Oct 2018 and Nov 2026. The most-cited component is electrical system (120).

Complaints
363
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
11
Reported by owners
Fires
3
Reported by owners
Injuries
3
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Electrical system120
  2. Engine97
  3. Power train89
  4. Service brakes56
  5. Steering48
  6. Fuel/propulsion system14
  7. Vehicle speed control13
  8. Forward collision avoidance11
  9. Structure10
  10. Back over prevention9
  11. Hybrid propulsion system7
  12. Suspension5
  13. Lane departure4
  14. Service brakes, hydraulic4

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20181
201940
202022
202130
202246
202352
202460
202560
202652

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Electrical system

120 reports2 crashes3 fires3 related recalls
“I am reporting repeated electrical failures affecting my 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Touring, including recurring auxiliary battery failures, stop/start warnings, dashboard malfunctions and electronic shifter faults. Despite multiple dealership repairs, the problem continues. August 22, 2023: Auxiliary stop/start battery replaced under Mopar warranty at Jim Shorkey Chrysler, as documented in subsequent service records. August 26–28, 2024: Following another stop/start warning, Ferman Chrysler tested both batteries and found both failed load testing. The main battery was replaced and auxiliary battery warranty work was documented. September 8–9, 2025: Stop/start warning followed by electronic shifter malfunction. Ferman Chrysler confirmed the auxiliary battery had failed and replaced it under warranty. July 7, 2026: Jim Shorkey Chrysler documented previous starting problems and reported battery health at 78%. October 13, 2026: On starting the vehicle, the instrument cluster flickered repeatedly, and multiple warning lights appeared. A Service Shifter warning followed, and the rotary gear selector indicator lights stopped illuminating. Gear selection remained…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 13, 2026Electrical system, Unknown or otherODI 11770982

Engine

97 reports1 fire
“At 105,000 miles the check engine light came on, at which point the vehicle experienced rough starts and a rough idle. Vehicle also began emitting white/gray smoke from the exhaust upon starting. Upon diagnosis it was determined that coolant was leaking into #4 cylinder requiring head gasket replacement. Total repair came to $4,287.07. This is a known issue commonly being experienced by other Pacifica owners. This major mechanical issue is a safety issue and could easily have stranded my family on the road. We were fortunate to have been home and located near a known and trusted mechanic when the issue presented.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 19, 2026EngineODI 11772075

Power train

89 reports2 crashes
“We are on a 5th! Auxiliary battery since purchasing the vehicle new in 2019. It fails every 1-2 years and it causes the main battery to drain as a result of it which means replacing both batteries on average every 18 months.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 28, 2026Power train, Electrical systemODI 11767410

Service brakes

56 reports5 crashes1 fire
“Almost got in 2 separate accidents because of a failed brake booster. No symptoms before hand to let me know anything was wrong. Came to a red light and the brakes became very hard to push and the vehicle proceeded to continue moving even though I hit the brake. It came to a stop in the middle of the intersection and I almost got hit. Also almost rear-ended someone because of the same issue. It has been confirmed at the Chrysler dealer that the brake booster failed. I have children and almost got into an accident twice because of it. Now I have to pay out of pocket because it got denied due to it being over the date of expiration. My vehicle has under 85,000 miles and now I'm out $700 because it won't get covered. It's a safety risk for me and my family.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 27, 2026Service brakesODI 11759953

Steering

48 reports2 crashes
“When driving on the road and slight turning of the steering wheel from 11-1 o' clock position, the steering locks or gets stuck and I have to apply extra force to turn the steering wheel to get it to turn OK.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Nov 3, 2026SteeringODI 11775505

Fuel/propulsion system

14 reports
“Our pacifica has repeatedly stalled on freeways. The engine will just stop running and will not start for 15 minutes to several hours. If it does start, it often will sputter and stall again if you try to put it in ear or press the accelerator. After some time, the problem will resolve itself and the vehicle will drive normally. This problem is infrequent which is what makes it so vexing. Each incident was more than 6 months apart so you never know when it will just stall out. Because our van was converted to a rear entry wheelchair van by Braunability we've had the conversion components/connections thoroughly inspected by the conversion company dealer. I can see online that this is a known issue with multiple vehicles equipped with the Pentastar V6 engine with stop-start and that there have been recalls but many people on the forum, the recall work didn't resolve the issue. We've had the vehicle to Chrysler dealers several times (four or five) to address the issue without permanent resolution. We've replaced the primary and secondary batteries several times. We've recently installed an aftermarket stop-start eliminator recently in the hope that it will resolve…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Apr 5, 2025Power train, Electrical system, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11652930
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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