2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Avoid The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica ranks 4th worst out of 14 model years with a complaint index of 77 and 368 complaints. NHTSA lists 7 recalls, and owners most often report electrical system and engine problems, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other Pacifica years.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 77/100
- #4 of 14 Pacifica years
- Verdict
- Avoid
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 368
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- 1 Park Outside
- Crashes
- 11
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 1
- Injuries
- 11
- Top issue
- Electrical System
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 26
- 24 city / 29 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
Top 2021 Chrysler Pacifica problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Electrical System151 (41%)
- Engine150 (41%)
- Transmission & Powertrain119 (32%)
- Fuel System76 (21%)
- Other54 (15%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras39 (11%)
- Structure & Body20 (5%)
- Steering16 (4%)
- Brakes11 (3%)
- Visibility & Wipers6 (2%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report unexpected engine shutdown while driving, including at stop signs and while merging, sometimes losing power steering and braking assist
- Some describe the hybrid system losing all power mid-drive even after a related recall repair was attempted
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple side-impact and rear-end collisions despite significant vehicle damage
- Owners describe the transmission failing outright, leaving the vehicle unable to move
- Blind-spot and front sensor warnings reportedly failed to alert drivers to obstacles during low-speed maneuvers
- One owner reported the vehicle rolling forward on its own while stopped at a traffic light despite the brakes appearing engaged
2021 Chrysler Pacifica recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V362000Jun 4, 2026Electrical System17,277 vehiclesPark Outside
Electrical system:propulsion system:traction battery
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked 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 their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 23, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 52D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
- NHTSA 25V876000Dec 17, 2025Other86 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
- NHTSA 25V877000Dec 17, 2025Other1,019 vehicles
Equipment adaptive/mobility:wheelchair restraints/securement:latch/anchor:
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 24 MPG
- Highway
- 29 MPG
- Combined
- 26 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,550
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2021 compared with other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
- Compared with other Pacifica model years, 2021 ranks 4th worst out of 14 years tracked, with a complaint index of 77 and 368 NHTSA complaints, earning an Avoid verdict.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
- Electrical system issues make up 41% of complaints and engine issues also make up 41%, followed by transmission and powertrain complaints at 32%.
- Does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2021 Pacifica, covering the electrical system, airbags, collision avoidance/camera software, and structure/body issues, including the second-row seat latch.
- How does the 2021 Pacifica compare to the 2017 and 2018 model years?
- The 2017 (complaint index 100) and 2018 (complaint index 92) Pacificas both rank worse than 2021 (index 77), all carrying Avoid verdicts.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
- EPA rates the 2021 Pacifica at 26 mpg combined (24 city / 29 highway), with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,550.