Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that when driving approximately 35-40 MPH, a loud noise was emitted from the engine area. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnosis where they advised him that all three motor mounts were fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired for the three motor mounts. The contact stated that the failure recurred…
2007 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate 83 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
83
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
4fires
When does it fail?
Of the 83 engine complaints filed for the 2007 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 83 engine 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.
Engine accounts for 22% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 11 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: A used 2007 Pacifica is a gamble. Motor mounts fail prematurely and repeatedly—sometimes within months of replacement—costing $1,000+ each visit. Unexplained stalling is widespread and unfixed, with Chrysler refusing a recall despite 20+ complaints and prior recalls on 2005–2006 models. Add excessive oil consumption (no leaks), rare but total engine fires, and you're looking at a vehicle with real safety and durability risks.
2007 Pacificas show a long tail of engine-related failures. The most consistent complaint is premature motor mount failure—owners report cracking, breaking, or fraying starting around 30,000–60,000 miles, often recurring within months of replacement. Symptoms include clunking, banging, or loud noises from the engine bay during acceleration or gear shifts, hard jolts when shifting into drive or reverse, shimmy and shake at 40–50 mph, and occasionally complete mount separation causing radiator hose rupture.
Unexplained stalling is the second major pattern. Starting in early ownership and continuing through high mileage, owners lose power without warning, usually at low speeds (25–40 mph), often turning or decelerating. Power steering and brakes go out. No diagnostic codes appear reliably; dealers cannot reproduce it. Some owners report the issue 24+ times over a year with no root cause found. Throttle body cleaning and PCM/SKREEM module replacement attempted without lasting fix.
Excessive oil consumption and white/blue smoking appear linked. Owners report oil disappearing with no visible leaks—needing top-ups every 100–200 miles—combined with exhaust smoke at startup and engine sputtering. One failure resulted in thrown rod at 66,426 miles despite proper maintenance and full oil level.
Engine fires occurred at low mileage (one at 6,700 miles; one during normal parking). Fires also tied to stalling events. Temperature gauge malfunction and overheating reported. One engine replacement deemed necessary due to sludge buildup after stalling episodes denied by warranty as "improper maintenance."
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2005 · 2006 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Motor mount failure (premature cracking/breaking)
Engine mounts fracture, crack, or deteriorate far earlier than normal wear would suggest, often recurring within months after replacement. Owners report multiple replacements of the same mounts at 30,000–60,000+ miles.
When: 30,000–120,000 miles; many failures 40,000–75,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking, banging, or metal pounding from engine area; Shimmy and shake when accelerating, particularly 40–50 mph; Hard jolts or lurching when shifting into drive, reverse, or park; Abnormal vibration when shifting gears; Engine noise during acceleration; Engine pull away from transmission
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report $1,000–$1,083 per replacement at dealer; independent shops 50% cheaper. Multiple replacements of same mounts within short intervals. One mount snapped in transit, rupturing radiator hose.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler told owners (1) engine mounts are 'consumable' parts not covered under powertrain warranty; (2) failure is 'normal wear and tear' despite mileage; (3) declined recall; (4) one case: Chrysler offered to cover repair expenses after multiple failures.
Unexplained stalling without warning
Vehicle shuts off completely without warning while driving, mostly at low speeds or during turns/deceleration. Power steering and brakes become inoperative. Owners restart and continue; no pattern of trigger identified by dealers.
When: Early ownership through high mileage; 30,000–100,000+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown while driving; Loss of power steering and brakes; Stalling at low speeds (20–45 mph), turning, or decelerating; Stalling in cold start conditions (within 2–5 minutes); Vehicle lurching or hesitating before stall; Engine RPM erratic or racing after restart; No warning lights or inconsistent warning light (check engine, oil pressure, traction control lights)
Codes mentioned: No codes generated in many cases, C121C (one case), Service Immobilizer warning (one case)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers cleaned throttle body, replaced spark plugs, replaced PCM/SKREEM module, updated computer, replaced EGR sensor, ETC sensor, ECM sensor, wiring harness, transmission control module relay. None resolved the issue permanently. Owners incurred rental car costs ($800+) while dealers diagnostic-tested over days with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler recalled 2005–2006 Pacificas for the same stalling issue but declined recall for 2007 model despite 20+ reports. Dealers unable to reproduce told owners 'no problem found.' Chrysler told owners to keep diary and return; offered throttle body cleaning. One owner told car is out of warranty, no assistance available.
Excessive oil consumption (no visible leaks)
Engine burns or loses oil rapidly with no visible leaks or blockages. Owners report needing to add oil every 100–200 miles to prevent engine damage.
When: Throughout ownership; one failure at 66,426 miles (thrown rod) after proper maintenance
Symptoms owners cite: Oil level dropping rapidly (every 100–200 miles); White or blue smoke from exhaust at startup; Engine sputtering and noise; Check Engine light or Service Engine Soon light; Engine overheating; Metal particles in oil
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to find leak; mechanics checked for holes and blockages with none found. One owner's engine threw a rod and cracked in 3 places; rebuild or replacement would cost $8,000+ (vehicle had only 66,426 miles). One owner experienced metal in oil after low-oil event, potentially requiring engine rebuild. Radiator and valve seals replaced in some cases (partial fix).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One service contract (Maximum Care DaimlerChrysler) denied claim citing 'lack of proper maintenance' without inspecting vehicle or contacting customer. Dealers told owners it is 'normal to burn/lose that amount of oil.' Chrysler declined responsibility.
Engine fire
Engine compartment fire at low mileage in normal operating conditions. One fire originated at steering fluid or anti-freeze leak; another near battery compartment.
When: Very early ownership (6,700 miles; one at startup after parking)
Symptoms owners cite: White smoke suddenly billowing from engine and into vehicle interior; Flames visible under hood; Fire spreading rapidly to vehicle frame and nearby building
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle totaled in both cases. One fire caused $5,000 damage to building as well.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler sent forensic team to investigate but took photos only and reported back no manufacturing defect found without disclosing root cause to owner. Insurance investigation concluded fire started around steering fluid or anti-freeze. Chrysler refused compensation.
Valve seal and gasket leaks causing smoke and sludge
Valve seals and gaskets leak, causing white smoke from exhaust, oil loss, and internal engine sludge buildup.
When: Early ownership (45,000 miles reported); 2,900–3,800 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: White/blue smoke from exhaust at startup or during operation; Engine noise and sputtering; Smoke condition in engine compartment; Low oil levels
Repairs/costs cited: Valve seals replaced on both banks. Spark plugs replaced. Engine decarbonization required. Owner charged 50% of cost for decarbonization (not covered as warranty item, though warranty covered the gasket failure). One case: sludge found in engine, tear-down recommended but denied by service contract.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs performed under warranty in some cases. Service contract denial cited 'lack of proper maintenance' as reason not to cover teardown and diagnosis.
Engine temperature gauge malfunction and overheating
Temperature gauge reading inaccurate or rising dramatically without cause; vehicle overheats with head gasket issues.
When: 34,000–60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Temperature gauge rising dramatically; Vehicle overheating while driving; Repetitive failure (replaced three times)
Repairs/costs cited: Temperature gauge replaced multiple times (three separate dealer visits); head gasket replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs covered under warranty.
Engine knock/detonation and rod failure
Engine produces loud metallic knocking or banging, culminating in thrown rod and engine block cracks at relatively low mileage.
When: 66,426 miles (thrown rod incident); knocking reported earlier
Symptoms owners cite: Loud popping or banging sound from engine during acceleration; Metal knocking noises; Hard jolts during acceleration; White smoke from engine; Complete engine failure
Repairs/costs cited: Engine cracked in 3 places, irreparable; estimated rebuild $8,000+ (Chrysler no longer manufactures long-block for Pacifica). Prior to failure, radiator and engine mounts replaced ($2,400 in repairs total in preceding 9 months).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler refused compensation. Owner lost ~$10,000 in vehicle value (from ~$12,000 KBB to <$2,000).
Engine control module (PCM/SKREEM) failure
Computer control module malfunctions, requiring replacement; failure can recur after repair.
When: 32,930 miles (one case); 65,479 miles (another)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle complete shutdown and no restart; Service Immobilizer warning; Malfunction Indicator Light (MIL) illumination; Engine racing at 6,000 RPM during normal driving
Repairs/costs cited: PCM module replaced; SKREEM module replaced. Repairs effective for one day or temporary; stalling recurred.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers replaced modules; Chrysler advised returning to dealer. No permanent fix achieved.
Power transfer unit seal leaks
Seals in power transfer unit deteriorate, causing leaks; unit requires removal and replacement; leaks recur.
When: Early ownership (2,900–3,800 miles); recurrence at 25,893 and 82,439 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke condition in engine; Leak from input seal; Leaks at 25,000+ miles despite prior replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Front axle seal replaced; power transfer unit removed and replaced multiple times.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs performed; leaks recurred.
Spark plug fouling and decarbon buildup
Spark plugs become fouled; engine requires decarbon service due to oil and deposit accumulation.
When: 45,000 miles (one case)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine noise and sputtering; Smoke from exhaust
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs replaced; engine decarbonization performed. Owner charged 50% of decarbon cost (deemed non-warranty).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty for initial valve seal repair; decarbonization cost shared with owner.
Synthesized from 83 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Shortly after purchasing this vehicle from the dealer in october 2008, I noticed that the car seemed to lurch when I stepped on the gas from a full stop. I brought it back to the dealer on several occasions, but they did not think there was a problem. In 2009, they went out of business and I took the car to be inspected by another dealership. They found that two engine mounts were broken.…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle surged with hesitation in a jerking motion. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three separate occasions where the engine motor mount was replaced each time. The failure recurred and the vehicle was not repaired for the most recent failure. The manufacturer was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2007 Chrysler pacifica. While driving approximately 35 MPH the temperature gauge increased dramatically. And then the vehicle began to overheat. She pulled over to the side of the road, and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The temperature gauge and head gasket were replaced. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer on three…
Had engine trouble with your 2007 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 engine problem on the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 83 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 75 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 45,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 73,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 45,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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/2007/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.