We were driving (in motion) car across tapenzee bridge (highway) and it stopped, (completely, no coasting etc) out of no where, no warning. Car eventually restarted after it was put in park and ignition was activated again. Since incident, car has stalled twice with no warning but has not shut off completely like it did on bridge.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica cruise control problems
severe 42 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $600 · see cruise control across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
42
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$600
13crashes
7injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 42 cruise control complaints filed for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 25,000-50,000 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
Of the 9 model years of Chrysler Pacifica we track for cruise control problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 42.
Owners have filed 42 cruise control 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.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Pacifica shows a pattern of acceleration and cruise-control problems that dealers cannot consistently diagnose or fix. Multiple owners report unintended acceleration at low speeds and freeway cruise control that overshoots set speeds by 10–20 mph; some were ticketed for speeding. Brake failures and stalling during traffic maneuvers add serious safety risk.
Owners across 42 complaints describe two main categories of failure. First, unintended acceleration happens at low speeds—parking, pulling from stops, and even reversing—sometimes violent enough to cause crashes. Several report the brake pedal becomes unresponsive or requires hard pressure to stop. Gas pedals stuck or broke off in a couple of cases. Dealers run scan codes and find nothing wrong, so repairs don't happen.
Second, cruise control behaves badly on hills. When descending, the system accelerates 5–20 mph beyond the set speed before downshifting hard—dealers call it normal operation. Owners also report cruise control drifting faster on flat ground; some were pulled over for speeding while cruise was set 10–14 mph lower than their actual speed. The adaptive cruise system (ACC) fails intermittently, won't detect cars ahead, and brakes too late or not at all in emergencies.
Beyond acceleration issues, owners cite hesitation and stalling during acceleration from stops or turns, transmission shuddering on wet roads, power loss without warning, and the engine auto-stop feature failing to restart. One child was caught briefly in a power door. Most dealers say they cannot replicate problems or find diagnostic codes; Chrysler's responses have been slow or nonexistent. Software updates and sensor replacements haven't resolved recurring issues.
Failure modes owners describe
Unintended acceleration on level ground and in parking
Vehicle accelerates without driver input while at stop, pulling into spots, or coasting. Occurs at low speeds and complete stops. Several reports describe violent acceleration into obstacles (poles, walls, other vehicles, garage doors). Brake pedal often unresponsive or requires hard pressure. Gas pedal reported stuck or broken in one case.
When: Throughout ownership; 200 miles to 110,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without pedal input; Brake pedal unresponsive or ineffective; Gas pedal stuck or broken; Vehicle accelerates into obstacles while parking or pulling into garage
Repairs/costs cited: One case: gas pedal broke off. Multiple dealers unable to replicate or find error codes. Dealerships performed scan codes with no results. One technician inspected but could not provide solution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler opened case on one unresponsive complaint; case sent to special investigation unit but owner received no follow-up over 2 months. Multiple owners report manufacturer could not duplicate or found no error codes. One case: recall transmission update performed before problems started.
Cruise control over-acceleration on downhill grades
When cruise control engaged on downhill driving, vehicle accelerates beyond set speed before downshifting. Owners report 5–20 mph increases over target speed. Downshifting accompanied by hard engine acceleration. Dealer told owners this is normal operation; STAR case report recommends not using cruise in hilly areas but does not mention actual acceleration beyond gravity.
When: While descending hills on highways; 2,300 to present mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control accelerates 5–20 mph above set speed before downshifting; Hard engine revving during downshift; Jerking into set speed after over-acceleration; Inability to turn off cruise control when button pressed (one report)
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs made. Dealers confirmed this is normal for the vehicle and stated nothing can be done. STAR case report attached to one complaint recommends cruise not be used in hilly areas.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers informed owners behavior is normal and no fix exists. STAR case report dated 2012 (prior to 2017 Pacifica production) recommends avoiding cruise in hilly terrain.
Cruise control speed drift and incorrect speeding
Cruise control does not maintain set speed; vehicle accelerates beyond target and owners were ticketed for speeding (set at 70 mph, actual 84 mph; set at 45 mph, actual 55 mph). Engine revving observed on flat surfaces with no apparent cause. Owners report catching vehicle at 10–12 mph over set speed with photographic evidence of engine revving and speedometer mismatch.
When: During long highway drives and flat terrain; one report after cruise control software update
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle travels 10–14 mph faster than cruise control setting; Engine revving without driver input; Speedometer does not match cruise control display; Rough transmission shifting observed alongside speeding issue
Repairs/costs cited: One owner parked vehicle pending inspection by spouse. No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Cruise control update performed at dealership prior to incidents (September 2019); issue persisted.
Adaptive cruise control (ACC) system failures and malfunctions
ACC/FCW (adaptive cruise control/front collision warning) system intermittently fails on long trips, displaying 'ACC/FCW UNAVAILABLE SERVICE REQUIRED' message. System cannot be reset while driving; must turn off engine and restart. System fails to detect vehicles ahead and accelerates even when vehicle in front is slowing or stopped. Stationary vehicles detected inconsistently (50/50 success rate reported). Emergency auto-braking activates late or not at all in critical situations; owners had to perform emergency manual braking to avoid collisions.
When: After 1+ hour of driving; occurs intermittently in various weather and road conditions
Symptoms owners cite: ACC/FCW unavailable message on dashboard; System fails to detect vehicles ahead or detects inconsistently; Unintended acceleration toward vehicle in front; Late or absent auto-braking activation; Emergency braking initiated by driver in critical situations
Repairs/costs cited: No codes stored in computer; code readers and Chrysler service unable to retrieve diagnostic data. Chrysler stated no fix available without diagnostic code.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler service stated inability to diagnose without stored codes and offered no fix.
Loss of acceleration and power on level road and in traffic
Vehicle loses forward motion capability while driving at low speeds (20–30 mph) in traffic or on city streets. Pushing accelerator to floor produces no engine response. Loss of power lasts 3–5 seconds before vehicle regains normal acceleration. Owners report 'thud' felt on two occasions with no physical collision. Occurs while turning in traffic, exposing vehicle to oncoming traffic. Diagnosis varied: one dealer attributed to ABS module in plant mode; ABS replacement did not resolve issue.
When: Within 150 miles of driving over 3 weeks; multiple incidents in less than 3 weeks in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of forward acceleration; Pushing accelerator produces no response; Vehicle loses momentum uphill and decelerates gradually; Feeling of being hit from behind (thud) with no collision; Loss of power while turning in traffic
Repairs/costs cited: One case: ABS module replaced after diagnosis as 'ABS module in plant mode'; replacement did not fix problem. Dealer suspected transmission but ruled out based on gradual deceleration nature.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented for this failure mode.
Acceleration hesitation and stalling under load
Vehicle hesitates to accelerate, lurches forward, or stalls when accelerating from stops, turns, or traffic lights. Hesitation occurs on city streets during turns and acceleration. Hard jerking and stalling for 3–5 seconds reported. Multiple incidents of engine almost shutting down but recovering. In one case, vehicle stalls on highway at 30–40 mph for 5 seconds before re-engaging. Owners report 'KEY FOB NOT DETECTED' message appearing when stalled and vehicle will not restart without depressing brake pedal first.
When: From early ownership (200 miles) to later mileage; one case after transmission software/recall update; multiple incidents reported
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation to accelerate from stops or turns; Vehicle lurches forward with hard jerking motion; Engine stalls briefly (3–5 seconds) during acceleration; Engine almost shuts down but recovers; 'KEY FOB NOT DETECTED' message displayed; 'SHIFT TO PARK' error message when stalling; Throttle and service engine warning lights illuminate
Codes mentioned: Throttle warning indicator, Service engine warning light
Repairs/costs cited: One case: independent mechanic unable to diagnose; dealership involvement unclear (adaptive vehicle). Another case: computer reprogramming performed and accelerator pedal sensor replaced; failure recurred. Dealer could not duplicate failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One case: case opened and escalated to special investigation unit (took 2 hours), but no follow-up communication. In one adaptive vehicle case: manufacturer not notified. In another case: software updates performed at dealer; failures recurred.
Transmission shuddering and wheel spin on acceleration
Vehicle shudders, wheels spin without traction, and transmission slips when shifting to drive from idle at traffic lights, turns, and low speeds. Wheels do not grip road; vehicle loses momentum and halts momentarily in traffic. Shuddering worst on inclined or wet roads. Vehicle nearly caused accidents by stopping in middle of road during turns at intersections.
When: 3 weeks of driving (150 miles) in one case; occurs during shifts and low-speed starts
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission shudders during shift to drive; Wheels spin without gaining traction; Transmission slips; Vehicle loses momentum and halts in middle of road; Problem worse on inclines and wet roads
Repairs/costs cited: No error codes found by dealer during inspection. Dealer stated no error codes means no problem to fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer stated inspection found no error codes and offered no assistance.
Idle-stop (economy) feature malfunction
Engine auto-stop feature at lights or stop signs fails to restart automatically when accelerator pedal is depressed. Engine revs up and pushes vehicle into traffic or fails to engage. Feature malfunctions approximately 50% of the time according to one owner.
When: At traffic lights and stop signs
Symptoms owners cite: Auto-stop engine does not restart on accelerator input; Engine revs without vehicle moving forward; Vehicle may be pushed toward traffic
Repairs/costs cited: One case mentions electrical malfunctions alongside this failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates performed at two dealers (Cherry Hill Chrysler and Rockwall Chrysler) but failures recurred.
Power loss and stalling without warning
Vehicle loses all power and comes to complete stop with no warning or error messages. Engine stalls while driving at highway speeds (70 mph reported) or city speeds. Vehicle can be restarted by shifting to park and restarting ignition. Some reports of vehicle almost stalling but recovering. 'SHIFT TO PARK' error message displayed in one case.
When: While driving at various speeds; one case on highway bridge at 70 mph; one stall at 30–40 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power with no warning; Vehicle comes to complete stop with no coasting; Engine stalls without warning indicators; 'SHIFT TO PARK' error message displayed (one case)
Codes mentioned: 'SHIFT TO PARK' message
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented. One case: vehicle restarted after placing in park and activating ignition.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Unexpected acceleration while reversing
Vehicle spontaneously accelerates while reversing and crashes into other vehicles. No warning indicators illuminated; airbags did not deploy. Collision caused chain-reaction crash (contact vehicle hit another vehicle, which then hit two additional vehicles).
When: While reversing at 12,496 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Unintended acceleration in reverse; No warning indicators; Airbags failed to deploy
Repairs/costs cited: Independent mechanic unable to determine cause. Vehicle not diagnosed or repaired.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer and manufacturer not contacted.
Emergency parking brake independent activation
Emergency parking brake activates on its own during acceleration, causing vehicle to come to abrupt stop. Occurs while accelerating from stop in traffic. One report of brake activation after transmission failure update.
When: While accelerating from stop
Symptoms owners cite: Emergency parking brake activates without driver input; Abrupt vehicle stop during acceleration
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates performed; failures recurred.
Electrical system malfunctions (windshield wipers and door locks)
Windshield wipers and door locks malfunction. Vehicle door would not lock. These electrical failures occurred alongside acceleration and transmission issues.
When: At 10,000 miles and recurrent
Symptoms owners cite: Windshield wipers fail; Door lock failure
Repairs/costs cited: None documented specifically for electrical failures.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software updates performed at Cherry Hill Chrysler and Rockwall Chrysler; failures recurred.
Powered door unresponsive and slow-closing hazard
Power-operated sliding door closes too slowly and will not re-open when activated during closing cycle. Child's arm was caught in closing door for 30 seconds to 1 minute; door only re-opened when vehicle placed back in park. Door had poor responsiveness to obstacles and closed with dangerous force before re-opening. Problem occurred shortly after transmission safety recall update.
When: May 9, 2018; after transmission safety recall update
Symptoms owners cite: Door continues closing despite button press to open; Slow response to obstacles in closing path; Door closes with dangerous force
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler investigated but could not replicate problem. Resulted in bruise on child's arm that lasted 10 days.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler investigated the door incident; owner satisfied with level of concern and response.
Synthesized from 42 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had cruise control trouble with your 2017 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 cruise control problem on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a meaningful issue. 42 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $600.
At what mileage does the cruise control typically fail?
Across the 28 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most cruise control failures cluster between 10,000 and 32,000 miles, with the median around 17,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 32,000. 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 $600 for cruise control 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 cruise control?
No active recalls currently cover cruise control 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/2017/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.