Chrysler Pacifica Best and Worst Years (2016–2025)
The 2017, 2018, and 2021 Chrysler Pacifica years are rated Avoid based on NHTSA complaints and recalls. 2017 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 1,521 complaints and 11 recalls, followed by 2018 (index 89, 874 complaints) and 2021 (index 78, 368 complaints). The 2024 and 2025 model years score lowest and are rated Best.
Based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls per model-year, ranked within this model — not a reliability rating. Methodology.
- Model years
- 10
- 2016–2025
- NHTSA complaints
- 3,679
- Recall campaigns
- 38
- Crashes reported
- 116
- Fires reported
- 33
- Top problem area
- Engine
Pacifica 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 problems and recalls by year
| Year | Verdict | Index | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Recalls | Top issue | MPG | NCAP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | No verdict | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | Brakes | — | — |
| 2017 | Avoid | 100 | 1,521 | 46 | 10 | 11 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2018 | Avoid | 89 | 874 | 27 | 14 | 12 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2019 | Caution | 56 | 311 | 11 | 3 | 7 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2020 | Good | 33 | 170 | 7 | 3 | 5 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2021 | Avoid | 78 | 368 | 11 | 1 | 7 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2022 | Caution | 67 | 211 | 6 | 2 | 10 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2023 | Good | 44 | 152 | 3 | 0 | 14 | Engine | 22 | 5★ |
| 2024 | Best | 22 | 42 | 2 | 0 | 11 | Electrical System | 22 | 5★ |
| 2025 | Best | 11 | 28 | 3 | 0 | 9 | Airbags | 22 | 5★ |
Pacifica years to avoid: what went wrong
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Index 100 · 1,521 complaints · 11 recalls
The 2017 Pacifica has the worst complaint index of any year at 100, with 1,521 complaints, 46 crashes, 10 fires, and 37 injuries logged by NHTSA. Engine problems make up 40% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 19,000. Transmission and powertrain issues account for 31% of complaints at a median of 27,000 miles, and electrical system complaints make up 26% at 25,500 miles. NHTSA lists 11 recalls for this year, including one covering a loose battery ground connection that could cause intermittent loss of power steering assist or a stall.
2017 engine problems →2017 transmission & powertrain problems →2017 electrical system problems →
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Index 89 · 874 complaints · 12 recalls
The 2018 Pacifica ranks second-worst, with 874 complaints, 27 crashes, 14 fires, and 15 injuries. Engine problems dominate at 46% of complaints, with a median failure mileage of 11,142, the lowest median among avoid years. Electrical system issues follow at 33% and a median of 13,000 miles, and steering complaints make up 20% at 12,900 miles. NHTSA recorded 12 recalls for this year, including a software recall for the radio and camera system that could affect the rearview display.
2018 engine problems →2018 electrical system problems →2018 steering problems →
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Index 78 · 368 complaints · 7 recalls
The 2021 Pacifica shows 368 complaints, 11 crashes, 1 fire, and 11 injuries, with a complaint index of 78. Electrical system complaints lead at 41% with a median failure mileage of 18,000, closely followed by engine complaints at 41% and 14,800 miles. Transmission and powertrain issues appear at 32% with a much lower median of 4,725 miles. NHTSA lists 7 recalls for this year, including a park-outside recall for plug-in hybrid battery packs that may cause a fire even while parked with the ignition off.
2021 electrical system problems →2021 engine problems →2021 transmission & powertrain problems →
Most common Chrysler Pacifica problems (all years)
Share of NHTSA complaints by component group. A complaint naming two components counts once in each.
- Engine1,449 (39%)
- Electrical System1,110 (30%)
- Transmission & Powertrain981 (27%)
- Steering570 (15%)
- Other523 (14%)
- Fuel System277 (8%)
- Brakes276 (8%)
- Structure & Body180 (5%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras148 (4%)
- Airbags97 (3%)
Frequently asked questions
- Which Chrysler Pacifica years should I avoid?
- NHTSA data rates 2017, 2018, and 2021 as Avoid years for the Pacifica. 2017 has the highest complaint index at 100 with 1,521 complaints, 2018 follows at index 89 with 874 complaints, and 2021 sits at index 78 with 368 complaints.
- What is the best Chrysler Pacifica year to buy?
- The 2024 and 2025 model years are rated Best, with complaint indexes of 22 and 11 and only 42 and 28 complaints reported respectively, the lowest of all years covered.
- What problems were most reported on the 2017 Pacifica?
- Engine complaints made up 40% of all reports for the 2017 Pacifica, with a median failure mileage of 19,000. Transmission and powertrain problems followed at 31%, and electrical system complaints at 26%.
- Does the Chrysler Pacifica have recalls related to fire risk?
- Yes. A recall on 2020-2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles covers a battery pack that may cause a fire even when parked with the ignition off, and owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until repaired.
- How many total complaints does NHTSA list for the Chrysler Pacifica?
- NHTSA lists 3,679 total complaints and 38 recall campaigns across the 2016-2025 Pacifica model years.