Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Best and Worst Years (2017–2025)
Avoid 2018, 2020, and 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years — 2018 has the highest complaint index (100) with 12 reported fires, 2020 and 2022 also rank near the top for reported problems. 2024 is the only Good year, with a complaint index of 38 and no recalls.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 9
- 2017–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 614
- Recall campaigns
- 10
- Crashes reported
- 10
- Fires reported
- 17
- Top problem area
- Electrical System
Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Complaint Index by year
Higher = more complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and Do-Not-Drive recalls per year on the road, relative to other years of this model.
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Caution | 63 | 79 | 1 | 5 | 6 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2018 | Avoid | 100 | 223 | 3 | 12 | 6 | Fuel System | — | — |
| 2019 | Caution | 25 | 45 | 0 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 75 | 58 | 3 | 0 | 2 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 13 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | — | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 88 | 116 | 2 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2023 | Caution | 50 | 40 | 1 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2024 | Good | 38 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Engine | — | — |
| 2025 | No verdict | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | Electrical System | — | — |
Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years to avoid: what went wrong
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Index 100 · 223 complaints · 6 recalls
The 2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid has the highest complaint index (100) of any model year and ranks worst overall. Owners reported 223 complaints, including 12 fires, 3 crashes, and 4 injuries. Fuel System complaints made up 42% of issues, with a median failure mileage of 12,715, while Electrical System problems appeared at a median of 6,808 miles and Engine problems at 5,025 miles. NHTSA lists 6 recall campaigns for this year, including two fire-related battery pack recalls that tell owners to park outside and away from structures. Owners described engine smoking and fires shortly after purchase, and at least one report of automated emergency braking failing to engage before a collision.
2018 fuel system problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 engine problems →
2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Index 88 · 116 complaints · 0 recalls
The 2022 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid ranks second-worst with a complaint index of 88 across 116 complaints and 2 crashes, despite having zero recall campaigns on file. Engine problems were the top issue at 49% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 28,310, and Transmission & Powertrain issues followed at 47%, with a median of 35,224 miles. Owners described the accelerator failing to respond during a turn leading to a collision, the engine cutting off while accelerating on the highway, and unexpected loss of propulsion at highway speed requiring a restart.
2022 engine problems →2022 transmission & powertrain problems →2022 electrical system problems →
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Index 75 · 58 complaints · 2 recalls
The 2020 model ranks third-worst with a complaint index of 75 across 58 complaints, including 3 crashes and 1 injury. Electrical System issues were the top problem area at 43% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 50,000, while Engine problems also accounted for 43% at a median of 40,914 miles. NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns, including a fire-related battery pack recall advising owners not to charge and to park outside. Owners reported brakes not engaging in time, warning lights appearing along with rough engine running, and delays in receiving parts for recall repairs.
2020 electrical system problems →2020 engine problems →2020 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group across all model years.
- Electrical System238 (39%)
- Engine229 (37%)
- Fuel System200 (33%)
- Transmission & Powertrain172 (28%)
- Other94 (15%)
- Brakes32 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras29 (5%)
- Steering20 (3%)
- Structure & Body18 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires8 (1%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- What years of the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid should I avoid?
- NHTSA complaint and recall data point to 2018, 2020, and 2022 as the years to avoid, with 2018 having the highest complaint index of 100 and 12 reported fires.
- Is there a Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid year rated Good or Best?
- 2024 is the only year rated Good, with a complaint index of 38, 26 complaints, and no recall campaigns. No year earns a Best rating.
- Does the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid have fire recalls?
- Yes. The 2017-2018 and 2019-2021 model years have battery pack fire recalls (campaigns 24V536000, 22V077000, and 24V538000) that instruct owners not to charge the vehicle and to park outside away from structures.
- Why are 2019 and 2021 rated Caution instead of Good despite low complaint indexes?
- 2019 (complaint index 25) and 2021 (complaint index 13) both have a Do Not Drive or Park Outside recall, which caps their verdict at Caution regardless of complaint count.
- How many total complaints and recalls does the Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid have?
- Across model years 2017-2025, NHTSA lists 614 total complaints and 10 recall campaigns, with Electrical System (39%) and Engine (37%) as the top problem areas overall.