Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while approaching a stop at approximately 3 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The contact received notification of NHTSA campaign number: 06v432000 (power train) however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was 8,000.
2006 Chrysler Pacifica powertrain problems
moderate 84 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
84
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 84 powertrain complaints filed for the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 84 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2006 Chrysler Pacifica has widespread powertrain issues that owners report across mileages, including stalling, transmission/transfer case failures, motor mount corrosion, and component wear that many feel should be recalled. Multiple owners note their VINs were excluded from the existing 06V432000 recall despite identical symptoms, and repair costs regularly exceed $1,000–$5,000 with recurring failures even after repairs.
The 2006 Pacifica generates consistent complaints about engine stalling at various speeds—often on highways or at intersections—with the vehicle dying without warning and restarting after a brief delay. Check engine and ABS lights stay on chronically despite multiple resets and repairs. Owners have replaced fuel pumps multiple times, crankshaft sensors, alternators, and control modules without permanently fixing the stalling. A common thread: owners' VINs are excluded from NHTSA recall 06V432000 (Power Train Control Module) even though their symptoms match the recall exactly.
Motor mounts rust out and corrode severely, causing the engine to tilt during acceleration/deceleration. One mechanic noted an entire motor carriage "completely rusted out and corroded" in an unusual way. Rocker arms and lifters fail prematurely—a broken retaining pin blocks oil flow—typically around 40,000–60,000 miles, causing ticking noise and engine seizure. Dealers acknowledge this is a "faulty design" and sell a repair kit, yet owners must pay for the work.
Fuel system failures emerge repeatedly: fuel gauge drops from half-full to empty instantly, won't allow refueling before reaching "full," and the vehicle stalls as if out of gas. One owner's power transfer unit disintegrated internally at 50,000 miles, destroying the transmission with metal debris—repair cost exceeded $5,000 with Chrysler refusing to assist.
Gear shift stuck in park is another recurring issue; the plastic shift lock lever breaks, trapping the vehicle. Tow truck drivers call this a known "recall issue" on Pacificas and Dodge 3000s, yet owners report finding no official recall. Owners consistently cite financial hardship—single parents and families afraid to drive the vehicles due to stalling hazards—and express frustration that Chrysler refuses warranty assistance despite acknowledging known defects.
Same Chrysler Pacifica powertrain reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine stalling / loss of power
Vehicle stalls without warning at various speeds, often on highways or at traffic lights. Engine restarts after brief delay but failure recurs intermittently or frequently. Owners report inability to diagnose root cause despite multiple repair attempts.
When: Across the lifespan; reported from early ownership through 100k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning while driving at various speeds; All dashboard warning lights illuminate when stalling occurs; Vehicle restarts after brief delay and resumes normal operation; Check engine light and ABS light frequently on; Intermittent or recurring pattern
Codes mentioned: P0700, P0732, P0720, Oxygen sensor codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced multiple times; crankshaft sensors replaced twice; PCM reprogrammed per TSB 1803905; alternator replaced twice; fuel pump module replaced; power train control module (PTCM) replaced; owners report $1200+ repairs with recurring failure
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 06V432000 (Power Train - Automatic Transmission Control Module); many owners' VINs reported as not included in recall despite same symptoms; recall remedy stated as already performed or never performed on some vehicles
Motor mounts corroded / engine tilting
Motor mounts rust and corrode severely; engine tilts or rocks excessively during acceleration/deceleration. Owners report complete undercarriage corrosion. Mounts replaced but problem recurs or persists.
When: Early to mid-life; noted at inspection and after accidents; some as early as 6-8 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine tilts or rocks forward when accelerating or decelerating; Excessive engine movement in bay; Knocking or clunking from engine area; Complete motor carriage rust and corrosion visible; Pulling sensation in vehicle movement
Repairs/costs cited: Motor mounts replaced; undercarriage treated or replaced; mechanic noted entire motor carriage rusted out unusually; one owner reported $5000+ estimate for motor carriage work
Power transfer unit / transmission failure
Power transfer unit (PTU) disintegrates internally; metal housing and gears fail catastrophically, shedding metal pieces that contaminate transmission. Transmission destroyed by PTU debris.
When: Approximately 50,000 miles on one vehicle; varies across fleet
Symptoms owners cite: Strange noise on turning or initial motion; Vehicle reluctant to move forward; Loud noise during operation; Visible metal pieces falling from undercarriage; Fluid trail and puddle under vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Complete PTU and transmission replacement required; repair cost exceeded $5,000
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: 36,000-mile warranty (noted as shorter than 2005 model with 70,000 miles and 2007 model with lifetime powertrain warranty); Chrysler Customer Service refused to assist or cover defect-related repairs
Rod bearing failure / metal contamination
Engine rod bearings fail; metal pieces infiltrate oil supply. Oil analysis shows bearing wear debris. Causes complete engine bearing failure and loss of oil pressure.
When: Mid-life; one reported at 107,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of engine power while driving; Metal debris in oil after failure; Engine seizure imminent; Vehicle dies during operation
Repairs/costs cited: Engine overhaul or replacement required; one owner paid ~$1,200 for bearing work with subsequent additional major repairs needed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Associated with NHTSA Campaign 06V432000; manufacturer stated recall remedy already performed on vehicle, then stated no defect found and recall was never performed
Rocker arm / lifter failure
Rocker arms and lifters fail prematurely; broken retaining pins on rocker arm shaft block oil passage, causing ticking noise and poor engine performance. Multiple lifters fail simultaneously or sequentially.
When: 40,000–60,000 miles reported; sometimes earlier replacement fails within weeks
Symptoms owners cite: Ticking or tapping noise from engine; Engine will not turn over or start; Continuous tapping sound under hood
Repairs/costs cited: Lifters or rocker arm assemblies replaced; Chrysler repair kit available; one owner had lifters replaced at 40k and again at 60k miles; another reported all rocker arms failing and replacement at ~$1,000+ cost; dealer acknowledged faulty design
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler acknowledged repair kit available; one dealer confirmed 'widespread problem'
Fuel pump / fuel system failures
Fuel pump fails or fuel system malfunctions; fuel gauge reads inaccurately (drops from half-tank to empty), vehicle stalls when gauge shows empty but tank contains fuel. Fuel filler neck blocks fuel input even before tank is full.
When: Varies; some early in ownership, some at 100k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge drops suddenly from half-full to empty; Fuel gauge fluctuates with turns or bumps in road; Fuel gauge reads empty when tank is half or fully full; Fuel pump cuts off at gas pump nozzle before tank is full; Vehicle stalls without warning as if out of fuel; Strong gasoline odor from vehicle
Codes mentioned: Fuel system diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced multiple times; dual saddle fuel tanks not transferring fuel between each other; fuel system tested as fine despite symptoms persisting; one owner replaced pump and still has recurring failures
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Associated with 06V432000; fuel pump module replacement covered under recall for some VINs, not others; repair attempted under recall but issue recurred
Shift lock / gear shift stuck in park
Gear shift will not move out of park; red clip inside gearshift box breaks. Quick-release button does not work. Shift lock lever made of plastic instead of metal.
When: Various ages; one noted as common recurring issue across Pacifica and Dodge 3000 models
Symptoms owners cite: Gear shift will not move out of park; Vehicle trapped in park; Quick-release mechanism does not function
Repairs/costs cited: Red clip or shift lock lever replacement required; repair cost ~$230; TOW truck driver noted issue affects many Pacificas and Dodge 3000s; dealers reported receiving multiple vehicles with same issue on same day
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dodge vehicles have recall for this issue; Pacifica owners report no recall found; tow operators indicate this is known factory recall issue
Accelerator pedal sticking
Accelerator pedal sticks intermittently; feels stiff or locked. Vehicle may not accelerate or accelerates without pedal input. Recurring issue that dealers cannot duplicate or diagnose.
When: Various; intermittent and recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator pedal sticks or feels frozen; Pedal becomes stuck in fixated position; Vehicle will not accelerate despite pedal input; Vehicle accelerates without driver input at stops; Pedal feels stiff like when car is off
Repairs/costs cited: No successful repairs reported; dealers unable to duplicate failure
Crankshaft sensor failure
Crankshaft sensors fail and need replacement; failure causes stalling and loss of power. Sensors replaced twice on one vehicle without permanent resolution.
When: Approximately 200,000 miles on one vehicle; early on others
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls and loses power; Check engine light illuminates; Failure recurs after replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replaced twice with recurring failure; owner notes referenced NHTSA Campaign 06V432000
CV boot deterioration
CV boots completely disintegrate prematurely.
When: 62,123 miles
Symptoms owners cite: CV boots missing or deteriorated
Repairs/costs cited: CV boots require replacement
Axle clank and driveshaft failure
Axle clanks when releasing gas pedal during deceleration and when reapplying gas. Severe failure reported: rocker arm broke, causing driveshaft to fall and axle to break, resulting in loss of vehicle control and near-rollover.
When: Common issue per dealer; catastrophic failure at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Clank noise when lifting foot off gas during deceleration; Clank noise when reapplying gas at any speed; Loss of vehicle control during drive; Wheels turning to side; vehicle skidding; Near-rollover condition
Repairs/costs cited: Axle replacement needed; repair cost ~$1,000+; tow operator and dealer mechanic noted catastrophic failure should not have occurred; one failure caused by broken rocker arm leading to driveshaft separation and axle fracture
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer acknowledged this is 'common to Pacificas' despite not being recalled
Subframe corrosion and structural rust
Subframe that cradles engine and suspension rusts out severely; frame structural integrity compromised. Complete motor carriage corrosion noted at body shop. Floorboard rusts through; gas fumes enter interior.
When: 8 years and 89,000 miles reported; some earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Visible rust and corrosion on subframe; Floorboard rust-through on driver side; Frame structural rot visible; Gas fumes rising through floorboard; Suspension failures related to corrosion
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanic welded metal to replace rot; subframe replacement needed but costly; suspension breakage and tire blowouts secondary to corrosion
Transmission control module (TCM) / powertrain control module (PCM) failure
Transmission or powertrain control modules fail; vehicle loses power, will not start, or stalls. Modules require replacement but failure can recur.
When: Various mileages; 18,800 to 200,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; Vehicle stalls without warning; All dashboard lights illuminate; Loss of acceleration; Automatic transmission control module diagnostic code
Codes mentioned: TCM failure codes, PCM failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: Module replacement required; one owner paid significant cost; repairs often unsuccessful
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 06V432000 specifically addresses TCM/PCM; many vehicles reported as not included in recall despite symptoms matching recall description
Electrical system failures
Electrical system wiring damaged; battery drained repeatedly requiring multiple replacements within short timeframes. Ticking noise prior to complete power loss; all electrical power lost intermittently.
When: Early in ownership; recurring every few months or daily
Symptoms owners cite: Battery drained requiring replacement; Vehicle loses all electrical power; Ticking noise before power loss; Damaged electrical wiring throughout system; Alternator malfunction lights
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replaced three times within one year; alternator replaced; electrical system wiring repair estimated at $3,000; hoses and seals checked and found fine
Alternator failure
Alternator fails and requires replacement; same alternator replaced twice, suggesting recurring failure or design issue.
When: Mid-life ownership
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard sensor lights illuminate; Vehicle stalls while driving; Battery warning light intermittent
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replaced twice; owner reports suspicious that same part failing twice
Fuel gauge malfunction
Fuel gauge reads inaccurately; drops suddenly from half-full to empty or reads empty when tank is full. Gauge fluctuates with vehicle movement (turns, bumps). Gauge shows 10 miles to empty when tank is half full.
When: Various ownership periods
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge drops suddenly from half-tank to empty; Gauge reads empty when tank is full or half-full; Gauge fluctuates with turns or road bumps; Gauge waves around while driving; Fuel warning indicator shows 10 miles to empty when tank has fuel
Codes mentioned: Fuel system codes
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced without resolution; fuel system tested as fine; gauge malfunction persists
Check engine light / sensor issues
Check engine light remains on continuously despite multiple resets and computer checks; sensors repeatedly replaced without permanent fix. Light comes on at low mileage (200 miles) and stays on.
When: Early in ownership through end of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated; Light does not turn off after reset; Light returns after reset despite repair attempts; Multiple sensor replacements unsuccessful
Codes mentioned: Oxygen sensor codes, Gas cap error codes, Check engine diagnostic codes (all codes come back fine per owners)
Repairs/costs cited: Oxygen sensors replaced; throttle position sensors replaced; EGR valve replaced; fuel pump module replaced; timing belt replaced; PVC valve replaced; multiple repairs unsuccessful
Engine fire / smoking
Engine smolders and catches fire while parked. Insulation and engine components burn. Vehicle not drivable after incident.
When: Early in ownership; incident after 4-hour parking period
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle smoking while parked; Engine and insulation smoldering; Fire department called to vehicle; Engine insulation charred
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle towed to shop for assessment; owner called fire department
ABS light illumination and brake system issues
ABS light and brake warning lights illuminate frequently; vehicle exhibits brake pedal push-back at stops, causing tendency to drive forward. Issue recurs daily or frequently despite repair attempts.
When: Various ownership periods; some for 6 years intermittently, others daily
Symptoms owners cite: ABS warning light illuminated; Brake warning light illuminated; Chime noise sounds through vehicle; Brake pedal push-back at stops; Vehicle tendency to move forward despite full brake pedal application
Repairs/costs cited: Mechanics unable to fix; one owner reports mechanic stated Chrysler knows about recall but refuses to address
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 06V432000 referenced; Chrysler stated to know about recall but refuses assistance
Transfer case failure
Transfer case disconnects from motor at highway speed; catastrophic failure resulting in airbag deployment. No crash involved but all four occupants affected by airbag deployment and white substance ejection.
When: Driving at 80 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Transfer case disconnects from motor; Airbags deploy without crash; White substance emitted into cabin; Vision hindered by airbag deployment
Repairs/costs cited: Third-party technician diagnosed failure; insurance refused coverage due to no crash; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer provided third-party technician for diagnosis but did not repair vehicle
Loss of traction / AWD engagement issues
AWD system attempts to engage during wet conditions but appears to lock up, causing loss of steering and power. Vehicle skids off road. Issue may be related to tire mismatch after dealer replacement with wrong size/brand.
When: Early in ownership after tire replacement by dealer
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses steering control; Vehicle loses power during acceleration/deceleration; Vehicle skids off road; AWD appears to lock up inappropriately
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replaced rear tire with wrong size and different brand; AWD dysfunction occurred after tire replacement
Vibration / jerking while driving
Vehicle vibrates abnormally while driving; jerking motions occur during acceleration. Front-end tremor noted before shutting down.
When: Various speeds; reported from early ownership through mid-life
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle vibrates abnormally; Jerking motion during acceleration; Tremor in front end; Vehicle shakes before shutting down
Repairs/costs cited: Sensors replaced (owner notes multiple sensor replacements for similar symptoms)
Synthesized from 84 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler pacifica. On several occasions, while driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the fuel gauge also changed from a half tank to empty very quickly. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump and power train control module needed to be replaced. The…
Car died as I was making a left turn. Car was 2 hours into the trip so was fully warmed. It started back up immediately after incident. Two instances of this, first was at 8050 miles, next was at 11800 miles. (4/12/06, 6/20/06) car taken to dealer (team Chrysler-Dodge-Jeep, michigan city, in) after second incident (6/29/06) and they could not find any "trouble codes" stored. They state on…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2006 Chrysler Pacifica?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 84 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 67 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 59,600 and 109,000 miles, with the median around 91,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 59,600; a quarter make it past 109,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2006/Chrysler/Pacifica.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.