HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 236 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 26,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
236
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica (this page) | 236 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 182 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 23 |
| 2020 Pacifica | 18 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 32 |
2fires
What stands out
Owners have filed 236 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.
Among the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must SYMPTOM: exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs): ● **P0111-00 - Intake Air Temperature Sensor 1 Circuit Range Performance Bank 1. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0071-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Performance. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0072-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" Low. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0073-00 - Ambient Air Temperature Sensor Circuit "A" High. (In Active or Stored status) ● P0011-00 - Bank 1 Camshaft 1 Position Timing Over Advanced Or. (In Active or Stored status) ● P2
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Pacifica's 3.6L Pentastar engine is a documented chronic failure point. The dominant issue is internal coolant leakage due to failed head gaskets allowing coolant into cylinders—triggering misfire codes (P0303, P0305, P0306, P0302) and rough idle—typically between 75,000 and 120,000 miles, often right at the edge of the powertrain warranty. Owners describe rapid coolant reservoir depletion despite no external leak, burning coolant smell inside the cabin, and engine overheating with minimal warning.
Chrysler dealership diagnostics consistently recommend complete engine replacement at $11,500–$13,750; independent shops cite head gasket repair at $1,000–$5,000 as a partial option, though many owners end up needing engine replacement anyway. One owner's independent mechanic stated plainly that head gasket failure "happens all the time" on these vans.
Secondary issues include engine stalls during highway driving and low-speed maneuvers—sometimes multiple times per trip—with no warning codes, creating serious safety hazards. The plastic oil cooler assembly warps from excessive heat and fails, and the auto-shutoff (start/stop) feature malfunctions, disengaging unexpectedly during turns. Owners report crankshaft defects (three oil passage holes instead of two) and auxiliary battery failures every 1–1.5 years.
No recalls address the head gasket or coolant leak defect despite hundreds of complaints. Warranty company AUL Corp has denied coverage citing alleged owner overheating, though multiple owners report zero warning lights before catastrophic failure. One owner missed a class action lawsuit deadline by one week.
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Head Gasket Failure with Coolant Loss into Cylinders
Internal coolant leak due to failed head gasket allows coolant to enter cylinders, causing misfire codes (typically P0303, P0305, P0306, P0302) and rough idle. Coolant reservoir drains rapidly despite no external leak. Some owners report warped or cracked cylinder heads discovered on pressure testing. This is the dominant failure mode reported.
When: Typically 50,000–134,000 miles; most common 75,000–120,000 miles, often near end of powertrain warranty (5 yr/60k mi)
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light with cylinder misfire codes (P0303, P0305, P0306, P0302, etc.); Rapid coolant loss with empty reservoir; Rough idle and hesitation; Engine jerking and bouncing; Burning coolant smell from engine bay and inside cabin; Low or empty coolant reservoir despite no visible external leak; Oil remains clear; coolant does not mix with oil; Engine overheating warnings and hot temperature gauge spikes
Codes mentioned: P0303, P0305, P0306, P0302, P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler dealers recommend complete engine replacement at cost $11,500–$13,750. Independent shops cite head gasket replacement $1,000–$5,000, or engine replacement if multiple cylinders affected. Some owners report head re-surfacing at machine shop. Warranty company (AUL Corp) denial of coverage cited in multiple complaints due to alleged overheating.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Chrysler has not provided extended warranty coverage. Some owners report Goodwill Program assistance offered in isolated cases. Service Bulletin 18-069-17 software updates attempted but ineffective for this failure mode. Dealer service advisors acknowledge 'this happens all the time' on these engines.
Engine Stall During Driving
Engine unexpectedly shuts off while driving at highway or city speeds, often on freeway, in traffic, or during low-speed maneuvers. Vehicle displays 'shift to P to start' message or immobilizer warning. Restarts after brief delay but creates serious safety hazard. Does not always produce diagnostic codes.
When: Mileage varies; reported from 18,500 to 90,000 miles; often recurs multiple times after first occurrence
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown during driving with loss of power steering and braking assist; Dashboard message 'shift to P to start' or immobilizer warning light; Vehicle inability to accelerate after stall; No warning lights preceding event in most cases; Stall self-corrects after restart; no error codes persist; Recurrent stalls within days or weeks; Stalls at low speeds, during turns, or at highway speeds
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnostics often fail to reproduce; no error codes logged. Some dealers suggest PCM software update (TSB 18-069-17) without confirmed resolution. No repair parts identified; mechanics report 'power drain issue' without clear root cause.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued for stall condition. Chrysler customer service unresponsive per complaints. One owner reports extended warranty did not cover investigation.
Plastic Oil Cooler Failure and Oil Loss
Plastic oil cooler assembly warps from excessive engine bay heat or fails due to defective design, allowing oil to leak into engine valley or oil to escape. Cracked oil filter cap mounting area noted. Failure may trigger fuel injector issues (cylinders 3 and 5) due to oil contamination.
When: Just outside warranty period (typically 3–5 years); 110,000 miles cited in one claim
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from cooler assembly; Multiple cylinder misfire (cylinders 3 and 5 mentioned); Engine misfire during turns or under load; Loss of engine power and stalling; Cracked oil filter housing
Repairs/costs cited: Oil cooler assembly replacement ~$1,033 per one complaint. Aluminum aftermarket replacement parts available online. Chrysler made repair in 2022 model redesign but no retrofit for 2017 models.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall or retrofit offered for pre-2022 models. Chrysler designed aluminum replacement for 2022 model year but made no attempt to address pre-2022 vehicles.
Start/Stop Feature Failure and Unexpected Stalls
Engine start/stop (auto-shutoff) feature malfunctions, disengaging during turns or causing vehicle to stall when brake is released. Feature cannot be permanently disabled; resets each restart. Creates safety hazard during left turns or busy intersections.
When: Throughout vehicle ownership; reported from 33,000 to 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off unexpectedly during left turns or low-speed maneuvers; Engine stalls when brake released after stop; Delayed restart after stall, blocking traffic; Feature re-enables at each restart despite owner preference; Vehicle lurches as engine restarts mid-maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to permanently disable feature. One repair: starter replacement ~$750 (covered $200 under MOPAR extended warranty). PCM software update (TSB 18-069-17) attempted in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers confirm feature cannot be disabled by default. No manufacturer software fix identified.
Accelerator Delay and Power Loss
Throttle response lag; accelerator pedal depression does not immediately produce engine power, creating dangerous situations on busy streets. Vehicle may hesitate for multiple seconds before accelerating hard. Associated with recall 18V049.
When: Early ownership; complaints from 2018 timeframe; also reported at 40,000+ miles with head gasket issues
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed throttle response when pedal depressed; Multiple pedal presses required to trigger acceleration; Sudden hard acceleration after delay; Tire squealing due to aggressive late response; Loss of acceleration control during traffic maneuvers
Codes mentioned: 18V049
Repairs/costs cited: Recall 18V049 repair applied; some cases required extended waiting (weeks to months) for parts. One owner rented replacement vehicle while waiting for recall fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 18V049 issued but parts availability delayed significantly (February to April/Fall 2018 in one case). Manufacturer denied rental reimbursement despite safety concern. No goodwill compensation offered in most cases.
Fuel Gauge Malfunction (Handicap Conversion)
Fuel gauge inaccuracy on handicap-converted van; Revability/VMI fuel tank conversion uses Chrysler factory gauge components but gauge reads only 3/4 full when tank is full. Overfilling triggers emissions controls and engine stall hazard.
When: Since purchase of converted vehicle
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge reads 3/4 full when tank is completely full; Unpredictable low-fuel warning; owner unsure when to refill; Overfilling (attempting to top off) triggers severe emissions control issues; Engine stalls unexpectedly if fuel level drops too low; Check engine light comes on periodically; Vehicle becomes undriveable when fuel gauge fails
Repairs/costs cited: Revability/VMI cannot fix despite warranty coverage claim. Chrysler dealership unable to resolve; no repair instructions provided by conversion manufacturer.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Revability/VMI warranty claimed but not honored. Dealership discontinued contract with Revability after failure to resolve. Chrysler did not address aftermarket integration issue.
Crankshaft Defect (Three Oil Passage Holes)
Crankshaft has three oil passage holes when design calls for two, causing improper lubrication and engine stress. Associated with rough idle and eventual engine failure.
When: Detected around 50,000+ miles; long-standing issue by time of diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle that worsens over time; Jerking while driving; Engine eventually stops turning over despite electrical function; Ticking noise from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Discovery of defect at independent shop inspection. Dealership has not yet examined crankshaft; unclear if replacement or complete engine overhaul required. Class action lawsuit referenced by owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner references class action ruling related to faulty crankshaft but unable to reach Chrysler representative for clarification on coverage.
EGR Cooler Valve Crack and Coolant Leak
EGR cooler valve cracks, allowing coolant to leak. Also reported: brittle plastic EGR hosing splits or cracks of its own accord.
When: 40,000–80,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low coolant without visible external leak; Pressure test unable to locate leak source; EGR hose splits or cracks; Coolant loss continues despite repairs
Repairs/costs cited: EGR cooler valve diagnosed but not repaired in one case. Owner obtained original cracked hose. Aluminum aftermarket EGR hose available online.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. No manufacturer support for EGR cooler or hose replacement.
Engine Oil Smell and Cabin Fume Intrusion
Strong oil smell in cabin with noxious fumes causing burning eyes, dry throat, red skin, coughing, nausea, and headaches. Indicates oil or coolant vapors entering ventilation system or cabin air.
When: Immediately upon purchase (2023 model, used vehicle)
Symptoms owners cite: Choking sensation in cabin; Strong oil smell; Burning eyes and dry throat; Red skin reactions; Coughing and nausea; Headaches; Health symptoms impair driving ability
Repairs/costs cited: Multiple independent repair shops and manufacturer inspected component; malfunction confirmed but specific repair not described in complaint.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer acknowledged issue after inspection but no repair or remedy described.
Engine Overheating Without Warning and Coolant Depletion
Engine temperature spikes (195–270°F) with minimal or no warning lights until crisis point. Coolant reservoir empties rapidly between drives. Some owners report no overheating warning despite severe temperature rise.
When: Variable; 40,000–85,000 miles; can occur on subsequent days after refill
Symptoms owners cite: Engine temperature gauge spikes to hot (235°F or higher); Coolant reservoir empty despite being full days prior; No low-coolant warning light until complete depletion; Burning coolant smell seeping into cabin; Bubbling in coolant reservoir when cap opened; Paint on hood bubbling from extreme heat; Engine shuts off due to overheating
Codes mentioned: P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Coolant refilled multiple times; leak-down/pressure test performed to locate source. Internal head gasket leak confirmed in many cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall issued. Warranty company (AUL Corp) denied claims citing alleged overheating by owner, despite no warning lights. Some owners report Goodwill assistance offered by dealer.
Roller Rocker and Lifter Failure
Roller rockers and lifters fail prematurely, sometimes breaking off. May be related to excessive engine bay heat coupled with design defects.
When: Around 80,000–110,000 miles; some replaced in warranty period then fail again
Symptoms owners cite: Engine misfire and loss of power; P0300 code after initial repairs; Broken roller rocker pieces found during teardown; Rough running after parts replacement
Codes mentioned: P0300
Repairs/costs cited: Roller rockers, lifters, and cam replaced at cost ~$2,700. Replacement did not resolve issue; subsequent cracking between intake and exhaust valve guides suspected.
Transmission Hard Shifting and Power Loss
Transmission experiences hard or delayed shifting; may be accompanied by engine coolant in cylinders and coolant leak, suggesting engine-to-transmission interaction.
When: 40,000 miles cited; often concurrent with head gasket failure
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting; Delayed acceleration response; Transmission fault codes or limp-mode operation; Rough idle following hard shift events
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed transmission as faulty; coolant found in cylinders 1, 3, 5. Transmission replacement quoted but concurrent head gasket failure suggests root cause may be engine, not transmission.
Sliding Door Malfunction (Intermittent Opening/Closing)
Driver and passenger sliding doors open or close erroneously after being closed, creating safety hazard during driving.
When: 40,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Doors open unexpectedly while vehicle is moving; Doors do not remain closed as commanded
Repairs/costs cited: Doors reprogrammed; vehicle repaired.
Brake Pedal Extension After Cold Start
Brake pedal extends to floor after cold start; cause undetermined at time of complaint.
When: 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal sinks to floor; Loss of brake responsiveness
Repairs/costs cited: Cause not yet determined.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no assistance offered.
Aux Start/Stop Battery Premature Failure
Auxiliary start/stop battery (for auto-shutoff feature) fails prematurely every 1–1.5 years. Likely due to excessive engine bay heat, not overcharging.
When: 1–1.5 year intervals during vehicle ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Start/stop feature inoperative; Battery drainage or failure
Repairs/costs cited: Battery replacement required; cost unknown. Aluminum aftermarket oil cooler retrofit partially addresses heat issue.
Synthesized from 236 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Head gasket and Rear valve cover gasket replaced. Still smelling burning oil. Started with check engine light for misfire on cylinder 5. 75K miles on vehicle. There is a rough idle and loss of power at interstate speeds.
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 236 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 84 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 13,200 and 60,028 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,200; a quarter make it past 60,028. 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/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.