2021 Chrysler Pacifica Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
78/100
#3 most-complained of 10 Pacifica years
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica ranks 3rd worst of 10 model years, with a Complaint Index of 78 and an 'Avoid' verdict. NHTSA logs 368 complaints, 7 recalls, 11 crashes, and 1 fire, led by Electrical System issues (151 complaints, 41% share).
- Complaints
- 368
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 11 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 11 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 22
- 19 city / 28 hwy
Top 2021 Chrysler Pacifica problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the vehicle losing all power or the engine shutting off unexpectedly while driving, sometimes leading to a crash.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple side-impact and rear-end collisions despite significant vehicle damage.
- Drivers describe the vehicle rolling on its own after being placed in park at a stop, with brakes seemingly engaged but not holding.
- Some owners say the accelerator pedal did not respond when pressed to avoid an oncoming vehicle.
- Blind spot and front sensor warnings reportedly failed to alert drivers to nearby vehicles or obstacles during low-speed maneuvers.
- A transmission was found to have failed, leaving the vehicle unable to move under its own power.
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
- 19 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 22 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,950
- 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 3rd worst out of 10 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 78 and an 'Avoid' verdict based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls.
- What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
- NHTSA data shows Electrical System complaints lead at 151 (41% share), followed by Engine issues at 150 complaints (41% share) and Transmission & Powertrain at 119 complaints (32% share).
- Does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2021 Pacifica, covering the electrical system, airbags, collision avoidance/camera software, and structure & body (a second-row seat latch issue), none of them do-not-drive recalls.
- How does 2021 compare to other Pacifica years?
- 2021 is better than 2017 (Complaint Index 100, Avoid) and 2018 (89, Avoid), but worse than 2019 (56, Caution), 2020 (33, Good), and much worse than 2024 and 2025, which rank 'Best' with indexes of 22 and 11.
- What is the median mileage for complaints on the 2021 Pacifica?
- NHTSA data shows an overall median mileage at failure of 44,000 miles, though Transmission & Powertrain complaints cluster much earlier at a median of 4,725 miles.