2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
CautionComplaint Index
50/100
#5 most-complained of 9 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid has 58 NHTSA complaints, a Complaint Index of 50, and ranks 5th worst out of 9 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Two recalls apply, including one for a fire risk in the battery pack.
- Complaints
- 58
- Recalls
- 2
- Crashes / fires
- 3 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 1 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- Not rated
- EPA combined MPG
- —
Top 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System25 (43%)
- Engine25 (43%)
- Transmission & Powertrain17 (29%)
- Fuel System13 (22%)
- Other7 (12%)
- Brakes6 (10%)
- Structure & Body4 (7%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras3 (5%)
- Steering2 (3%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires1 (2%)
What owners report
- Vehicle loses all power at highway speeds, showing a message to put it in park to restart, leaving no acceleration or power steering.
- Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving on the interstate, sometimes followed by a dash message to shift into park.
- Drivetrain cuts power when the hybrid battery reaches near-zero charge combined with hard or sudden braking.
- Brakes fail to respond in time or don't engage when pressed, in some cases leading to a collision.
- Windshield wiper arm seizes and damages the vehicle body while driving at low speed.
- Owners report delays getting recall parts for the 12-volt isolator post electrical issue.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid recalls
2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 24V538000Jul 18, 2024Fuel System3,606 vehiclesPark Outside
Hybrid propulsion system
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 72B. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-077.
- NHTSA 20V334000Jun 9, 2020Electrical System23,079 vehicles
Electrical system:wiring:interior/under dash
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.
Risk: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.
Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.
2020 compared with other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Recalls | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Avoid | 100 | 223 | 6 | — |
| 2019 | Good | 25 | 45 | 2 | — |
| 2020 | Caution | 50 | 58 | 2 | — |
| 2021 | Best | 13 | 26 | 1 | — |
| 2022 | Avoid | 88 | 116 | 0 | — |
All Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years: best and worst →
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid reliable?
- Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls, the 2020 model has a Complaint Index of 50 and ranks 5th worst of 9 model years, giving it a Caution verdict relative to other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years.
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid?
- The top problem areas are the Electrical System and Engine, each accounting for 43% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 29% and Fuel System at 22%.
- Does the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists two recalls: one for the fuel system battery pack, which can cause a fire even when parked with the ignition off, and one for a 12-volt isolator post electrical issue behind the driver's seat.
- How does the 2020 model compare to other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years?
- The 2020 model's Complaint Index of 50 is worse than 2019 (25), 2021 (13), and 2024 (38), but better than 2018 (100), 2022 (88), and 2023 (75).
- At what mileage do 2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems typically appear?
- NHTSA data shows a median mileage at failure of 27,000 miles overall, with Transmission & Powertrain issues reported around 19,000 miles and Electrical System and Fuel System issues around 50,000 miles.