2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid has a complaint index of 75, ranking 3rd worst among 9 model years, and carries an Avoid verdict. NHTSA lists 58 complaints, 2 recalls, 3 crashes, and 1 injury, with the Electrical System as the top problem area.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 75/100
- #3 of 9 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 58
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 2
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 3
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 1
- Top issue
- Electrical System
Top 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA 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%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Vehicles lose all propulsion at highway speed, shutting off with a dashboard message telling the driver to shift to park before it will restart.
- Complete electrical shutdown while driving can eliminate power steering and reduce braking power at the same time.
- Some owners report the drivetrain stalling repeatedly when the hybrid battery runs low or after hard braking, even though the dealer could not always reproduce the fault.
- Brakes have failed to respond in time on some vehicles, in one case leading to a rear-end collision at low mileage.
- A windshield wiper arm seized during driving and damaged the vehicle body on one reported case.
- A 12-volt isolator recall repair was delayed for some owners because replacement parts were not available.
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 | Caution | 25 | 45 | 2 | — |
| 2020 | Avoid | 75 | 58 | 2 | — |
| 2021 | Caution | 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?
- Compared with other Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid model years, 2020 ranks 3rd worst out of 9 years tracked, with a complaint index of 75 and an Avoid verdict based on NHTSA complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems on the 2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System and Engine issues each account for 43% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 29% and Fuel System at 22%.
- Does the 2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid have any recalls?
- Yes, NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for a 12-volt isolator post with high resistance (2020) and one for a battery pack fire risk affecting 2019-2021 models (2024), which tells owners to park outside and avoid charging until repaired.
- Which Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid years are worse than 2020?
- The 2018 model year is worse, with a complaint index of 100 and 223 complaints, and 2022 is also rated Avoid with a complaint index of 88.
- At what mileage do 2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid problems typically show up?
- Median mileage at failure is 27,000 miles overall, with Electrical System and Fuel System complaints centering around 50,000 miles and Transmission & Powertrain around 19,000 miles.