YearToAvoid

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 150 engine-area complaints for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, 41% of its 368 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 14,800 miles. No related recall is listed for this specific engine complaint set.

Engine complaints
150
41% of 368
Crashes reported
2
Fires reported
0
Injuries reported
3
Median mileage
14,800 mi
Related recalls
0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

  • Engine or hybrid system suddenly loses power while driving, sometimes at highway speed, with a 'Service Charging System' warning on the dash.
  • Vehicle stalls and will not accelerate at low speed or while stopped, requiring the driver to shift to park and restart to regain movement.
  • Vehicle shuts off completely on the road but retains steering and brakes, allowing the driver to coast to the shoulder.
  • Transmission or hybrid system locks up, leaving the vehicle running but unable to shift into drive or power off, in one case requiring a tow.
  • Engine misfires shortly after purchase, with a dealer diagnosis pointing to a seized lifter bearing.
  • Vehicle has reportedly started on its own while parked and unattended, without warning lights present.

When 2021 Chrysler Pacifica engine complaints were filed

First complaint Apr 20, 2021, latest Aug 28, 2026.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica engine complaints: complaints filed per quarter212021 Q22022 Q12022 Q42023 Q32024 Q22025 Q12025 Q42026 Q3
150 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2021 Q2 to 2026 Q3; peak 2022 Q3 (21).

Engine recalls for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Pacifica model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

  1. 20161 (50%)
  2. 2017602 (40%)
  3. 2018406 (46%)
  4. 201989 (29%)
  5. 202058 (34%)
  6. 2021150 (41%)
  7. 202277 (36%)
  8. 202348 (32%)
  9. 20249 (21%)
  10. 20259 (32%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine complaints on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA lists 150 engine-area complaints for the 2021 model year, which is 41% of the 368 total complaints filed for that year.
Is there a recall for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems?
The data shows no related recall listed specifically tied to this engine complaint set.
At what mileage do engine problems typically show up?
The median mileage at failure for engine-area complaints on the 2021 Pacifica is 14,800 miles.
What kind of engine failures do owners describe?
Owners describe sudden loss of power while driving, stalling at low speed, engine misfires, and in some cases the vehicle locking up and being unable to shift or power off.
Were any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?
Among the 150 engine-area complaints, NHTSA records 2 crashes and 3 injuries, with 0 fires reported.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.