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moderate 239 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Of the 239 electrical complaints filed for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
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.
Of the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica we track for electrical problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 239.
Owners have filed 239 electrical complaints against 1 active recall — roughly 239 complaints per campaign.
An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Buyer takeaway: The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has widespread electrical and powertrain defects causing stalling, loss of power steering/brakes, shifter failures, and uncontrollable system shutdowns—often impossible for dealerships to diagnose or fix permanently. Multiple battery replacements, recalls for stalling and hybrid battery failure, and years of fruitless service visits plague many owners, making this minivan unsafe and unreliable even under warranty.
The 2017 Pacifica electrical system is unreliable. Owners describe engine stalls without warning—at red lights, on highways, while turning—requiring vehicle restart in the middle of traffic. Cold weather triggers many incidents, though stalling occurs in all conditions. Multiple owners report complete electrical shutdown, where all gauges, lights, and controls go dark simultaneously; in one case, this happened while driving 40 mph and forced the driver onto a side street.
Cascading electrical failures are common: dashboard lights flash uncontrollably, horns blare while the vehicle is off, wipers activate by themselves, and multiple warning messages appear at once. Dealerships frequently cannot diagnose the problem and report seeing hundreds of error codes with no clear starting point. One owner identified a faulty CAN BUS star connector behind the glovebox, which improved symptoms but recurred after cold nights.
Shifter failures are persistent. The electronic shift knob freezes, refuses to move from Park, or displays false "Service Shifter" messages. One owner spent a month at the dealership with no resolution; another's shifter locked while driving at 60 mph.
Battery failure and erratic charging are chronic. Multiple owners report batteries dying after one day without driving, requiring jump-starts 50+ times in a single year despite repeated replacements. One owner's battery failed three times in four months. Hybrid models have high-voltage battery failures under recall, but Chrysler has left parts unavailable for extended periods.
Auto Start/Stop feature malfunctions strand vehicles at green lights. Safety-critical systems—power steering, power brakes, ABS—fail without warning during these electrical events. Sliding door pinch sensors fail to reverse when closed on obstructions, and one child was bruised. The 2017 Pacifica has multiple open recalls for stalling and electrical faults, yet many VINs are excluded from coverage, and dealers claim inability to source recall parts months after notice.
Same Chrysler Pacifica electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Vehicle loses engine power while driving, stationary, or attempting to shift. Occurs at traffic lights, on highways, during acceleration, and after parking. Requires putting vehicle in Park and restarting. Some incidents involve complete loss of all electrical systems; others selective power loss. Cold weather appears to trigger some events, though stalling also occurs in warm conditions.
When: Throughout vehicle life; some owners report frequent occurrences (10+ times within a year); earliest report at 1,200 miles; patterns range from rare to multiple times per week
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning while driving or at stop; Loss of power steering and power braking during stalls; Vehicle requires shift to Park and restart to resume operation; Dash lights and error messages illuminate during event (Service Shifter, Check Engine, Service Electronic Stability Control, etc.); Uncontrollable rolling backward when vehicle stops on incline; Complete electrical shutdown in some cases (all gauges, radio, lights go dark); Engine cranks but does not turn over in some instances
Codes mentioned: U0001 (CAN BUS), P0420, Service Shifter warning message, Auto Start/Stop unavailable message, Service Electronic Stability Control, Check Engine Light (intermittent or persistent)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report CAN BUS star connector replacement, battery replacement (multiple times for some owners), fuel system repairs, ECM replacement, fuel pump replacement, fuel tank replacement (canister, valve, fuel cover, fuel module), and transmission valve body replacement. Dealerships frequently unable to replicate or diagnose; many repairs fail to resolve the issue permanently.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaigns 18V049000 (Electrical System, Engine and Engine Cooling), 18V395000 (Electrical System, Equipment), 18V332000 (Electrical System, Vehicle Speed Control), 19V348000 (Electrical System), and 20V334 (Hybrid battery). Owners report recalls for stalling and hybrid system failure, though some VINs reported as not included in recalls despite matching symptoms. Dealerships report parts unavailability for recall work.
Widespread electrical faults causing multiple system failures simultaneously or in sequence. Dashboard lights, wipers, horn, gauges, and warning messages activate uncontrollably or without user input. Vehicle may lose all electrical power or selective power. Cold and hot weather both trigger events. Occurs both while driving and parked.
When: Ranging from early ownership (1 month, 762 miles) to later years; some intermittent, others recurring and worsening
Symptoms owners cite: All dashboard lights illuminate simultaneously; lights flashing on and off; Windshield wipers activate unintentionally (rear and front); Horn beeps repeatedly or blares continuously while vehicle is off; Interior dome lights flicker or remain on uncontrollably; Speedometer and RPM gauges drop to zero or fluctuate erratically; Seatbelt warning light and airbag warning light illuminate; Battery voltage gauge fluctuates erratically; Multiple warning messages pop up in sequence on dash; Power steering and power brakes lost during events; ABS brakes malfunction (warning light and loss of function); Touchscreen freezes or goes black; Radio stops working (requires vehicle restart to restore); All electrical power lost, including ability to unlock doors or press start button
Codes mentioned: U0001 (CAN BUS error), 100s of codes (dealer reports unable to pinpoint source), Service Parking Brake, Service Shifter, Service Engine, Traction Control, Park Brake Temporarily Unavailable, Service Trans Stop Safely Shut Off Engine to Engage Park, Stop/Start Not Ready Due to Outside Temperature, Airbag System Not Working (warning), Driver Seatbelt Not Connected (false warning)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (including auxiliary battery), disconnecting and reconnecting battery, CAN BUS star connector replacement (owners cite soldering needed), wiring repair for collision-damaged harness (BraunAbility conversion vehicles), terminal cleaning and protective grease application. Many repairs temporary or unsuccessful. BraunAbility conversion vehicles report wiring complexity impasse.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls for electrical system (18V049000, 18V395000, 18V332000, 19V348000). Owners report dealers unable to diagnose due to inability to replicate issues or decode 100s of error codes. One owner reported Chrysler email sent regarding charging system warning.
Electronic shifter fails to engage, becomes locked, or responds intermittently. Vehicle refuses to shift from Park or remains stuck in Park/Neutral. Shift knob may flash or not illuminate. False 'Service Shifter' messages appear. One instance of vehicle rolling backward while in Drive. Related to broader electrical CAN BUS issues.
When: Early ownership (days to weeks after purchase); some recurring throughout ownership; one instance at 73,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not shift into Drive when shifter knob turned; Shifter locked in neutral; unable to move to Park; Shifter becomes frozen; knob lights out; Vehicle will not move despite shifter engagement; Service Shifter warning message illuminates; Shifter knob flashes in Drive mode; Vehicle rolls backward while in Drive after auto stop disengagement; Vehicle will not shift to Park; instead shifts to Neutral only; Shifter responds intermittently; worked once tow truck arrived
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter message, U0001 (CAN BUS), Electrical wiring failure
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report electrical wiring repair, battery replacement, programming updates, and transmission valve body replacement. Multiple repairs often required; failures persistent despite repeated service attempts. One owner's dealership kept vehicle over a month without resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recalls mentioned (18V049000, 18V395000, 19V348000) related to electrical system. Dealers frequently unable to replicate or diagnose.
Vehicle electrical glitches occur predominantly in cold weather; symptoms resolve when temperature warms. Owner reports issue most consistent in fall/winter. Vehicle will start but refuses to shift into gear. All typical electrical warning messages appear. One summer event reported despite pattern. Owner resorted to pre-warming vehicle with space heater.
When: Fall 2023 through Winter 2026 (recurring seasonal pattern); one summer 2024 occurrence at 100+ temperatures
Symptoms owners cite: Will not shift into gear when cold; Service Parking Brake alarm; Service Shifter alarm; Service Engine alarm; Traction Control alarm; Message: must put car in Park (despite being in Park); Vehicle stranded 10-15 minutes to 30-60 minutes requiring 'warm-up' time; Complete loss of power while driving at 40 mph on cold night
Codes mentioned: CAN BUS star connector issue (owner identified), Multiple service and engine warning messages
Repairs/costs cited: CAN BUS star connector replacement attempted by owner; symptom improvement but recurrence in cold. Owner notes connector likely needs soldering and is inaccessible behind glovebox.
Battery fails repeatedly, drains overnight, or requires jump-starting to start vehicle. Charging system may malfunction, leading to erratic voltage fluctuations. Multiple battery replacements ineffective. Hybrid models report high-voltage (HV) battery failure under active recall.
When: Ranging from early ownership to later years; some owners experience 50+ battery drain events within one year
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies after 1 day without driving; Repeated battery failure despite replacement; Vehicle requires jump-start to start; Battery voltage fluctuates erratically while driving; Battery warning light illuminates (false warning when battery is actually fine); Check Engine light related to battery/charging; Vehicle cannot start after sitting overnight in cold; Auxiliary battery failure
Codes mentioned: Battery/Charging system warning light, Check Engine Light (related to electrical charging), No codes (diagnostics show battery healthy but voltage erratic)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement (main battery and auxiliary battery replaced multiple times for some owners); diagnostic fee ($180+) charged by dealership; replacement battery fails within days to weeks. Hybrid battery replacement pending under recall (parts unavailable for some owners).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 20V334 (W46) for high-voltage (HV) battery failure in hybrid models (within 8-year federal hybrid warranty). Email notification sent to owner regarding charging system warning. Dealership charged diagnostic fee ($180) instead of processing under recall. Chrysler refusing to provide loaner vehicle during repair for pre-2019 model years despite recall applicability.
Automatic engine shut-off at traffic lights and stops fails to restart engine, or restart is delayed. Vehicle displays 'Stop/Start unavailable' or 'Service Stop/Start' messages. System drains battery. Multiple service attempts fail to resolve.
When: Occurring from early ownership through several years; some recurring multiple times over months/years
Symptoms owners cite: Auto stop engages at red light; vehicle does not restart when brake released; Engine stalls after auto stop disengagement; Delayed restart requiring vehicle to be completely shut off and restarted; Stop/Start unavailable message; Service Stop/Start System message; Dashboard freezes when Stop/Start issue occurs; Battery drains due to Stop/Start system malfunction; Display screen freezes when Stop/Start function malfunctions
Codes mentioned: Stop/Start unavailable message, Service Stop/Start System message
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement, ECM replacement, software/computer updates. Multiple repairs often required without permanent resolution.
Power sliding doors open and close uncontrollably, fail to open/close properly, or pinch sensors fail. Door may open unintentionally while parked or while vehicle is in motion. Door may not close all the way or bounces back open repeatedly. Pinch sensor fails to reverse door when obstruction detected.
When: Occurring intermittently from early ownership (April 2018 purchase) through several years; one incident causing bruising to minor's leg
Symptoms owners cite: Driver-side door opens on its own while parked or while vehicle in motion; Door will not close all the way when button pressed; opens back up; Door bounces back open 1-multiple times before latching 90% of the time; Door shuts on obstruction without reversing (pinch sensor failure); Door only opens partially on passenger side if obstruction present; Door will not open despite button press if something in way; Door can be driven away with partially open, no warning alert
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report dealership unable to replicate issue or provide fixes. No repairs documented as successful.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall mentioned for liftgate (separate from sliding doors) that was fixed at dealership. No sliding door recalls mentioned by owners.
Vehicle loses ability to accelerate or hesitates during acceleration, particularly when pulling away from stops or merging into traffic. Vehicle 'jolts' forward after losing power. Transmission jerks or lurches. Engine surges and bucking occur. Vehicle limited to maximum speeds of 25 mph in some cases.
When: Occurring from early ownership (1,000 miles) through several years; some intermittent, others ongoing
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate when stopped at red light; requires releasing gas pedal to get 'jolt' before pickup; Loss of power when accelerating from low speed or stop; Vehicle lurches forward as if rear-ended; Engine hesitation and bucking during acceleration; Transmission jerking from stop; Engine surging and hesitation during driving; Engine misfires with audible ticking sound; Audible grinding noise when attempting to shift or accelerate; Vehicle will not accelerate above 25 mph; Vehicle accelerates on its own without driver input; Loss of power mid-turn or during merging into traffic
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (intermittent or persistent), Electronic Throttle Control warning light, Camshaft sensor code (one owner citation)
Repairs/costs cited: Owners report camshaft sensor replacement ($400, unsuccessful), fuel system repairs, fuel pump replacement (dealership cited 'too small'), EGR cooler valve repair (cracked; engine damaged and entire engine replacement required ~$5,000), O2 sensor replacement, computer module updates, software updates, and transmission-related diagnostics. Many repairs ineffective or temporary.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner cited fuel pump replacement as dealership fix. Recall for fuel system mentioned. Dealership quoted $750 minimum diagnostic fee to break engine down to point of failure.
Service Airbag light illuminates repeatedly and cannot be resolved. Fault identified as faulty Occupant Restraint Module, which could cause airbag not to deploy during accident or to deploy during normal driving. Issue persists for years without resolution despite multiple dealership visits.
When: Beginning within one month of purchase; ongoing for 7 years without resolution
Symptoms owners cite: Service Airbag light illuminates randomly, especially in summer/winter or when hitting a bump or making a sharp turn; Service Airbag light repeatedly comes on despite dealership attempts to clear it; Faulty Occupant Restraint Module (identified after 7 years)
Codes mentioned: Service Airbag light (no readable code for 7 years), Occupant Restraint Module fault
Repairs/costs cited: Occupant Restraint Module replacement (specific cost not cited)
LED strip in driver-side headlight stops functioning. LED pulses 11 times at startup, then remains off. Passenger-side LED remains on, creating uneven brightness. No warning messages or indicators before failure. Poses safety risk in situations where opposing drivers might misinterpret the lighting as a turn signal.
When: After approximately 3 years of ownership; purchased new
Symptoms owners cite: LED strip pulses ~11 times quickly at startup, then remains off; Uneven brightness between driver and passenger side headlights; No ability to turn off passenger-side LED without turning off all headlights
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership quoted $180 diagnostic fee plus $1,300+ for whole headlight unit replacement with no other options provided. Extended warranty refused to cover.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership service technician advised to 'just live with it.' Chrysler extended warranty refuses coverage.
FCW system fails to provide audible warnings despite system being enabled. System tested across all sensitivity settings (Near, Medium, Far) with no difference. Vehicle driven 4,135 miles in two weeks with heavy traffic and emergency braking; FCW activated only once at ~5-7 feet distance at 25 mph. No codes present in system per dealership.
When: After purchase and during normal operation; 4,135 miles driven over two-week period without proper warnings
Symptoms owners cite: No audible warning from FCW during heavy traffic, city, and highway driving; No warning during frequent abrupt stops; FCW activates only once at very close range (5-7 feet at 25 mph); No warning at any speed or distance under daily driving scenarios
Codes mentioned: No codes in system (per dealership)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership states system is functioning despite lack of warnings (no codes). Customer service manager escalating to Chrysler Dealer Support for evaluation.
Vehicle experiences jerking, lurching, and hesitation during gear shifts and acceleration. Transmission jerks when pulling away from stops. Vehicle continues to experience these issues despite multiple service attempts, software updates, and component replacements.
When: From early ownership through several years; ongoing and worsening despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission jerks when accelerating from stop; Lurching when shifting gears; Hesitation when accelerating; Jerking while driving despite software fixes; Vehicle hesitates in acceleration; lurches forward suddenly
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light (intermittent)
Repairs/costs cited: Software/computer updates, programming updates, parts replacement. Jerking persists after updates and repairs.
Uconnect touchscreen system malfunctions, freezes, or becomes unresponsive. System requests software updates that block user interface. Over-the-air software update dialog cannot be dismissed while vehicle is in motion, creating distraction and safety hazard. System initiated software update while vehicle on highway, requiring vehicle to stop.
When: During normal operation; software update issue occurring while vehicle in motion on highway
Symptoms owners cite: Touchscreen freezes or goes black; Radio stops working (requires vehicle restart); Software update dialog cannot be dismissed while driving; Default software update time set to current time + 1 minute, inadvertently initiated while vehicle in motion; Over-the-air update shut down entire touchscreen interface while on highway; warning instructed to stop vehicle and put in Park (not compliant during highway motion)
Front passenger power seat moved forward to maximum limit without user input while vehicle stationary. Occupant was pinned against dashboard before intervention. No warning or indication of malfunction before or during event.
When: February 15, 2026 (within 8 years of vehicle purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Front passenger power seat moved forward to maximum position without user input; Occupant pinned against dashboard; No warning lights, messages, or indications before event
Minor daughter received perceptible electric shock upon touching exterior door-handle button to open sliding door. Shock severe enough to be notable; no indication of cause or prior malfunction.
When: February 15, 2026
Symptoms owners cite: Electric shock upon touching door-handle button; No warning lights or messages indicating electrical issue
Coolant level runs low; vehicle blows hot air from AC without user control. One owner reports cracked EGR cooler valve leading to engine damage.
When: Occurring during vehicle operation; EGR cooler valve crack identified at ~104,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant level drops; coolant leaks reported but no visible source on pressure test; AC blows hot air at 75 degrees without option to change temperature; EGR cooler valve cracks (one owner report); Engine damage resulting from coolant system failure
Codes mentioned: Check Engine Light, Coolant warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant added by mechanic; pressure test performed with no leak found. EGR cooler valve replacement and complete engine replacement required (~$5,000 out-of-pocket for one owner).
Horn beeps repeatedly or blares continuously, often during electrical system malfunctions. Horn may continue beeping while vehicle is off. No user input causes activation.
When: During electrical system events; can occur while vehicle is off
Symptoms owners cite: Horn blares with quick repeated beeps; Occasional long horn blares; Horn beeps both short and intermittent long blares while vehicle off; Horn continues even after battery disconnected and reconnected (stops after full battery disconnect)
Repairs/costs cited: Battery disconnection temporarily resolves; reconnection may replicate issue
Liftgate opens unintentionally while driving or parked. After recall repair, issue recurs. No warning messages alert driver to open hatch while vehicle in motion.
When: Early ownership; recurs after recall repair
Symptoms owners cite: Liftgate comes open while driving on interstate; Liftgate reopens after manual closure; Liftgate opens multiple times uncontrollably; No warning message when hatch is open
Codes mentioned: Recall identified (specific campaign number not provided)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership completed recall repair; issue recurred thereafter
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall repair available; however, issue recurs. Chrysler case manager accused owner of exaggeration.
Brake system malfunctions; owner unable to stop vehicle properly. ABS brakes fail during electrical events. Brakes do not work when attempting to stop; owner must apply brakes multiple times slowly and sometimes cannot stop completely. Owner avoids downhills and speeds less than speed limit due to safety concern.
When: Starting within first year of ownership; worsening over time; one incident after year of brake noise
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes do not work when attempting to stop; Owner must apply brakes multiple times slowly to stop; Sometimes unable to stop completely; ABS brakes malfunction during electrical system events; Power braking lost during vehicle stalls; Weird sound when brakes applied (attributed to brake dust by dealership, but persisted and worsened); Brake system malfunction attributed to manufacturer error (unfixable per mechanics)
Codes mentioned: ABS warning light (during electrical events), Check Engine Light
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to diagnose or fix; two separate independent mechanics stated manufacturer error that cannot be fixed. Owner avoids highway driving due to braking concerns.
Synthesized from 239 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
We bought this vehicle from a local dealer in March (9months ago) in the time we’ve had it… it’s been in the shop for about 6 of them. 1- About 3 weeks after the purchase it shut off while I was driving on the highway. We then took it to the dealership in Jasper, Ga bc the error code said the pcm needed to be reset. They couldn’t get it to reset so they embarked on a diagnostic that took 3…
Pacifica stalling recall I am writing this email to inform you of an issue we have had with our brand new 2017 Chrysler pacifica touring. Leaving our in-laws the other day, which mind you is directly across the street, we got to the end of the driveway to stop and look both ways ;) and the auto shut off engaged. When we released the break the car never turned back on and but stalled and rolled…
Air conditioning blows cold then hot and stays hot until it is turned off and then back on multiple times in 10-20 mile range. Stalled at a red light. Turned off when backing up in my driveway. Parking break light keeps popping on when turning knob for changing gears.
I have two occasions where my vehicle stalled. 1. I was driving at 40 MPH on the highway and everything went dead, I coasted to a stop on the side and was able to put it in park and restart. The second time I was stopped at a light on a side street, and started to go from a stop to a left turn and the vehicle start to go and suddenly went dead. I put it in park and restarted. No engine…
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 239 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
Across the 121 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 9,785 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 28,100. A quarter of owners report trouble before 9,785; a quarter make it past 45,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
Independent shops typically charge around $850 for electrical 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.
Yes — 1 active recall(s) cover electrical issues on this vehicle. Recall fixes are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status. Use the VIN decoder at the top of the page to check if your specific vehicle is affected.