948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P1DB7-00 - Torque Converter Clutch Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Chrysler Pacifica powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 419 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 28,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
419
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica (this page) | 419 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 142 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 76 |
| 2020 Pacifica | 36 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 117 |
5crashes
2fires
8injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 419 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 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
Of the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica we track for powertrain problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 419.
Owners have filed 419 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
Vibration From Engine Or Powertrain. Powertrain Mounting Neutralization Procedure. Discussion: Service information is in the process of being updated to include powertrain mount installation best practices. The new procedure will neutralize the mounts to lessen or remove unwanted mount tension that can lead to vibration complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XN1 This bulletin involves replacing the transmission. *Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** ● P0A3F - Drive Motor A Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ● P0A43 - Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent. ● P0A45 - Drive Motor B Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ● P0C1A - Drive Motor B Torque Delivered Performance. Customers may also comment on the following: ● Vehicle is in limp mode. Module flashes are also required for this Repair Procedure to be effective, the following modules are to be updated: ●
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗International Warranty Bulletin ID-24-01 (XN1) eFlite Si-eVT Transmission Certain 2017 - 2023 Chrysler Pacifica (RU)
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XN1 Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, a technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ? P0A3F - Drive Motor A Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ? P0A43 - Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent. ? P0A45 - Drive Motor B Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ? P0C1A - Drive Motor B Torque Delivered Performance. Customers may also comment on the following: ? Vehicle is in limp mode. Module flashes are also required for this Repair Procedure to be effective, the following modules are to be updated: ? Hybrid Control Processo
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2017 Chrysler Pacificas describe a powertrain that feels fundamentally unreliable from early ownership. The transmission is the primary complaint: it jerks violently during gear changes (owners say it feels like being rear-ended), locks up and prevents shifting, enters limp mode without warning, or loses all forward drive mid-traffic. Some owners report transmission failures before 80,000 miles despite gentle driving; others say Chrysler's "lifetime" fluid recommendation conflicts with the ZF manufacturer's 100,000 km service interval, leaving them unsure about maintenance.
The engine also fails prematurely. Multiple owners report cracked cylinder heads or blocks allowing coolant to leak into combustion chambers—a dealership service manager stated he's seen this same crack in the same location on many Pacificas, with FCA/Mopar aware of the issue. Owners also describe engine stalling at highway speeds or in intersections, rough idle, and timing system failures.
Electrical gremlins compound the problem: multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously, battery terminals corrode or loosen, the system reboots while driving, and the electronic parking brake engages unexpectedly at speed. The shifter and transmission control module fail frequently, sometimes requiring replacement multiple times. One owner's vehicle crashed into a street light pole when the parking brake and shifter both malfunctioned after the owner restarted the engine.
For hybrid models, the recall (73B) meant to fix battery issues sometimes makes them worse, leaving batteries unable to charge and dealerships demanding $24,000 out-of-pocket for replacement.
Mechanics at dealerships often cannot diagnose these faults—no error codes appear despite clear symptoms, or codes return immediately after repair. Chrysler's advised fix is usually a software update that works briefly, then fails again.
Same Chrysler Pacifica powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
Engine cracking / coolant intrusion / overheating
Cylinder head or engine block crack allowing coolant to leak into the combustion chambers, causing rough running, overheating, and eventual engine failure requiring replacement.
When: Early in ownership; complaint #1 shows symptoms starting within weeks of purchase; crack confirmed at dealership and by FCA inspector
Symptoms owners cite: Rough running on cold start, improving after 2-3 minutes; Check engine light (blinking and solid); Engine overheating; White/coolant smell visible in exhaust plume; Coolant level dropping rapidly
Codes mentioned: P0303 (cylinder misfire – reported in complaint #3)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required; complaint #1 notes engine on backorder for months. Complaint #3 mentions refusal to cover under warranty; owners forced to absorb cost.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: FCA inspector confirmed crack after several weeks delay; dealership service manager stated this crack is seen repeatedly on many Pacificas in same location and has seen pictures sent to FCA/Mopar.
Transmission shift lockout / unable to shift into or out of park
Transmission control electronics fail intermittently or persistently, preventing shifts into drive, reverse, neutral, or park. Vehicle becomes immobile or uncontrollable, sometimes requiring engine restart cycles.
When: Can occur at any mileage; complaint #2 started at ~84k miles; complaint #6 at 950 miles; complaint #10 at 750 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Shift knob locks in park while engine running; Unable to shift out of park despite brake pedal depressed; Unable to shift into park when stopped; Transmission shifts itself to neutral or park while driving; Shift knob flashing or blinking; Multiple engine restart cycles required to restore shift function; Parking brake engages unexpectedly while driving or on startup
Codes mentioned: U1110, U1120, U11BC (network communication codes), P0440 (evaporative emission system), P456 (evaporative emission system leak), Service Shifter error message on dash
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: Electronic Shift Module replaced, TCM reprogrammed; shift knob still locks in park afterward. Complaint #6: Parking brake engaged unexpectedly at significant speed, vehicle crashed into street light pole (tow truck found gear knob in park, had difficulty getting it into neutral). Complaint #7: Service shifter message required new shifter before vehicle driveable at 822 miles. Complaint #33: Transmission valve body rebuilt; problem recurred months later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #2 dealership unable to diagnose initially; another dealership replaced ESM and reprogrammed TCM without full fix. Complaint #6 and #7 had shifter replaced per service records. TSB 18-002-19 cited for shifter replacement in complaint #48.
Transmission jerking / hard shift / violent gear engagement
Abrupt, violent transmission shifts that feel like being rear-ended. Occurs at various speeds, most common at low speeds (10–25 mph) during acceleration or gear changes. Shift shudder and gear hunting reported.
When: Can begin very early; complaints document occurrence from weeks to years of ownership; complaint #22 started one month after purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Violent jerk when shifting gears, especially 1st to 2nd and 2nd to 3rd; Feels like vehicle being rear-ended; Hard engagement from stop; Gear hunting / transmission searching for correct gear; Transmission skips gears (e.g., 1st to 3rd, skipping 2nd); Jerking occurs most at 10–25 mph but also at 40–55 mph; Shudder during upshifts; Transmission slam into gear
Codes mentioned: P0732 (Gear 2 Incorrect Ratio – complaint #18), Check engine light (variable codes)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #8: Valve body replacement attempted; if that failed, full transmission replacement. Complaint #22: Software updates tried multiple times; hard shifting continued 1 week after each update. Complaint #26: Family experienced neck injuries from violent shift; dealership offered transmission reprogramming (refused as ineffective). Complaint #35: Customer on second Pacifica, third transmission, still experiencing same issue. Complaint #36: TCM reprogrammed and transmission 'quick learn' performed per Chrysler service recommendation; Chrysler acknowledges issue in case S2021000005 but states full resolution still being developed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler TSB #21-008-21 (dated 3/12/21) addresses P0732 gear ratio issues. Multiple complaints cite Chrysler/dealership advice to 'let transmission learn driving habits' and perform TCM software updates; this approach repeatedly fails to resolve jerking. Complaint #8 dealership told customer Chrysler doesn't know how to fix problem.
Transmission loss of power / limp mode / no forward acceleration
Transmission suddenly ceases to provide forward drive despite engine running. Vehicle enters limp mode or neutral, requiring shutdown and restart. Can occur while accelerating or decelerating.
When: Documented across various mileages and ownership durations; complaint #39 at 5560 miles with repeated incidents
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stops accelerating despite pedal pressure; Engine revving but no forward movement; Vehicle enters neutral or limp mode unintentionally; Check engine light and service transmission messages; Loss of power lasting seconds to minutes; Vehicle must be restarted to regain drive
Codes mentioned: P0732 (complaint #42), Multiple transmission-related codes (complaint #39)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #9: Transmission has internal short; requires full replacement at ~79.8k miles. Complaint #39: Third shop visit for transmission; TCM software issue noted on first visit, TCM line issue on second, transmission part on backorder on third. Complaint #43: Valvebody harness replaced after first incident; second and third incidents resulted in no repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #9 customer claims warranty bulletin should cover vehicle but Chrysler hotline denies coverage. Complaint #39 customer informed parts on backorder; concerned about family safety.
Transmission uncontrolled acceleration / engine surge / unintended acceleration
Engine revs uncontrollably or vehicle accelerates without driver input. RPM spikes 1500–6000+ with little or no brake response. Appears to be software-related.
When: Complaint #4 reproducible over 20 times under controlled conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Engine tachometer surges in steps (1500, 3000, 4500, 6000 RPM); Vehicle accelerates through busy intersections despite brake pressure; Requires repeated hard brake applications (24+ stabs over 10 seconds) to stop; Engine will not disengage until vehicle stopped; Transmission refuses to downshift; Cruise control off but acceleration occurs; Behavior reproducible; Life-threatening defect
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #4 owner has CAN data streams (23 events) and video documentation; no repair attempted or described.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; owner suspects software origin.
Engine stalling while driving
Engine shuts down unexpectedly while vehicle is in motion. Vehicle stops dead in traffic, on highways, or at intersections, leaving occupants stranded without power steering or braking assist.
When: Complaint #7 at 15,559 miles; complaint #28 after recall service on 1/11/18 reportedly fixed stalling but problem persists
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while vehicle is moving; Vehicle coasts to stop in traffic lane; Dash messages include 'Shift to Park' and transmission trouble codes; Power steering lost; Vehicle stranded in intersection or highway; Multiple restarts required; Stalling may occur at low speeds or highway speeds; Stalling after deceleration
Codes mentioned: P0440, P456 (complaint #5)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7: Spark plug and ignition coil replaced; gaskets replaced; vehicle continues to shake at idle. Complaint #28: Recall service was supposed to address stalling per vehicle owner; did not resolve issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #28 references a known recall for stalling that was supposedly completed 1/11/18 but failed; owner states many forums show recall did not fix issue.
Electrical system / battery / start failure / multiple warning lights
Widespread electrical system malfunction including battery drain, inability to start, loose or failed battery terminals, and simultaneous illumination of multiple warning lights (check engine, stability control, airbag, parking brake, etc.).
When: Complaint #5 at unknown mileage; complaint #15 at 7300 miles; complaint #1 battery replacement needed
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start or difficult to start; Multiple warning lights illuminate simultaneously; Dashboard goes completely dark; Radio turns on and off by itself; Wiper blades come on and won't turn off; Electronic parking brake unavailable; Service electronic stability control warning; Airbag service warning; Battery drain; Loose battery terminals; Entire system resets or reboots
Codes mentioned: U0412, U1110, U1120, U11BC (network communication), P0440, P456 (emissions)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #1: Both main and aux batteries replaced. Complaint #5: Multiple codes pulled (U1110, U1120, U11BC, P0440, P456); no repair described. Complaint #13: Instrument panel goes black, engine shuts off, power steering goes off, right passenger window descends, wipers off, cruise off, gear indicator changes itself; smell of electrical fire; fuse F47 found blown; fuse replacement caused electrical smell; right front door power devices non-functional. Complaint #15: Multiple tows to dealership; no error codes found; service writer and tech unable to reproduce.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #13 battery connections checked and appeared normal per owner; no obvious fire sources. Complaint #15 dealership told owner no error codes found and vehicle operating normally.
Transmission Electronic Shift Module (ESM) / TCM malfunction
Failure of electronic transmission control modules or reprogramming that does not solve underlying hardware issues. Repeated software updates and module resets provide only temporary fixes.
When: Recurring throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Service Shifter message on dash; Inability to shift gears; Shift knob unresponsive or stuck; Warning lights related to transmission control; Issue clears temporarily after software reset or module replacement, then returns
Codes mentioned: Service Shifter error message
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #2: Electronic Shift Module replaced and TCM reprogrammed; shift knob still locks in park. Complaint #12: PCM reprogrammed/replaced 4 times; harness fixed/replaced 3 times over 6 months. Complaint #14: TCM updated per Chrysler factory bulletin (multiple visits); later TCM replaced with no assurances problem won't recur. Complaint #36: TCM reprogrammed and transmission quick learn performed; Chrysler case S2021000005.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #14 dealership states Chrysler issued factory bulletin but update is temporary fix requiring vehicle to 'learn' driving habits. Complaint #36 Chrysler indicates resolution still being developed.
Parking brake malfunction / electronic parking brake false engagement
Electronic parking brake engages unexpectedly while vehicle is moving or at idle, or fails to disengage when operator commands it. Vehicle may come to abrupt halt or be unable to move when brake is engaged.
When: Complaint #6 at 950 miles; complaint #30 within 2 months of purchase
Symptoms owners cite: Parking brake light comes on without operator input; Brake engages suddenly while driving or backing up; Brake engages while vehicle is at speed (~100 feet after starting); Brake refuses to disengage when button pressed; Engine restart required to disengage; Multiple engine on/off cycles needed; Vehicle comes to abrupt halt mid-traffic or mid-maneuver
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #6: Multiple incidents; one resulted in crash into street light pole at significant speed (tow truck operator found gear knob in park). Complaint #30: Vehicle would not shift into park or turn off; emergency braking alarm went off while crossing intersection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #6 dealership unable to prevent false engagement; issue persisted at 950 miles on new vehicle.
Sliding door / power door malfunction
Sliding doors fail to operate, lock, or unlock properly. Doors may open unexpectedly while vehicle is moving.
When: Complaint #1 mentions door failures; complaint #7 mentions doors opening at 30 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Doors fail to open or close; Door locks fail or unlock inadvertently; Doors open while vehicle in motion; Electronic door actuators require replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #1: Both sliding doors mentioned as issues requiring service. Complaint #7: Doors opened at 30 mph; corrected with new locking computer. Complaint #12: Sliding door motors had to be replaced on separate trips.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #1 no specific response; issues treated as warranty replacements.
Hybrid battery / energy management system failure (2017 Hybrid models)
Hybrid battery unable to charge, deteriorating, or failing after recall service. Battery modules and energy control sensors malfunction, leaving vehicle unable to start or drive.
When: Complaint #11 within 67k miles; complaint #31 December 2024
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid battery will not accept charge; Check engine light with hybrid-specific codes; Vehicle will not start or run; Battery deterioration warning; Lost communication with battery pack sensor module
Codes mentioned: U0412 (lost communication – complaint #11), P1A29 (invalid data from battery energy control module – complaint #11), P0A7F (Hybrid/EV battery pack deterioration – complaints #11, #31), P0C78 (complaint #31)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #11: After recall 73B service, hybrid battery conditioning/service required twice; codes indicate lost communication and deterioration. Complaint #31: Dealership unable to complete recall 73B because battery won't charge; dealership refusing to cover battery under recall, demanding $24,000 from owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #11 owner suspects recall 73B amplified hybrid issues and may be intentional to force owners to replace vehicles. Complaint #31 regional rep refusing battery replacement coverage despite it being part of recall criteria.
Rough idle / engine shake / stall on cold start
Engine idles roughly, shakes, or makes unusual noises when cold or at idle. May include RPM instability.
When: Complaint #7 at 15,428 miles onwards; complaint #20 upon restart after engine shutdown
Symptoms owners cite: Rough, loud idle; Engine shakes at idle; Lawnmower-like engine sound; Engine shaking on startup; Rough idle for ~30 seconds after cold restart; RPM instability
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7: Spark plug, ignition coil, and gaskets replaced; vehicle continues to shake at idle. Complaint #20: Rough idle for about 30 seconds after engine restart; occurs after stalling incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #7 dealership replaced multiple parts but issue persisted.
Engine timing / cam phaser / oil system failure
Engine valve timing system failure, cam phaser malfunction, or oil pressure system fault causing check engine light, power loss, and rough running.
When: Complaint #44 with recurring check engine light
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light; Engine timing code (P000D – camshaft position slow response); Loss of power; Rough running; Engine oil leak from oil cooler / filter adapter assembly; Cam phaser component failure
Codes mentioned: P000D (camshaft position slow response – complaint #44)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #44: Oil cooler/filter adapter assembly repaired; cam phaser components later replaced; check engine light and timing code returned within days of repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership confirmed failure of cam phaser components; vehicle available for inspection.
Front axle rupture / failure
Front axle breaks or ruptures, rendering vehicle immobile or creating safety hazard. Can occur at low mileage.
When: Complaint #17 at 8,311 miles; complaint #46 at undisclosed mileage; complaint #49 at few thousand miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud malfunction noise; Grinding noise when accelerating; Vehicle will not move; Clicking noises when turning; Complete power loss to wheels
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #17: Right front axle ruptured; service agent noted this is flagged as known issue requiring next-generation axle parts. Left front axle later failed with grinding noise. Complaint #46: Left front axle failure while crossing highway lanes; vehicle stuck in traffic. Complaint #49: Right axle failure at few thousand miles; left axle failure at 10k miles; axle failure caused e-brake to disengage and parking brake to fail, allowing vehicle to roll.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #17 service agent noted this is known recurring issue requiring upgraded parts. Complaint #49 service rep confirmed front axle failure is common in Pacifica.
Transmission valve body / internal transmission failure
Transmission valve body failure or internal transmission damage preventing proper gear engagement and shift control.
When: Complaint #33 a few months after valve body rebuild
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission locks out from normal operation; Blinking 'N' on shift knob and instrument cluster; Vehicle will not operate in reverse or drive; Appears to hold in park; Rough gear engagement feeling like rear-end collision; Service transmission error message
Codes mentioned: Service Trans, Service Brake, Service Key Off message
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #33: Transmission valve body rebuilt; problem recurred months later; customer had to be towed to dealer fearing stranding.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership rebuilds valve body; no long-term fix offered.
Transmission fluid contamination / fluid servicing ambiguity
Conflicting or unclear transmission fluid maintenance requirements leading to fluid degradation and transmission failure. Chrysler specifies 'lifetime' fluid while ZF (transmission manufacturer) specifies 100,000 km changes.
When: General issue affecting longevity throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Transmission failure out of warranty despite proper maintenance per Chrysler; Multiple transmission failures suggesting fluid degradation
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #40: Owner notes discrepancy: Chrysler states lifetime fluid, ZF states 100,000 km service interval; some dealers say periodic change needed, others say never. This confusion results in significant transmission failures and major out-of-warranty expenses.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No clear manufacturer clarification provided; owners left uncertain about maintenance.
Accelerator / throttle control malfunction
Accelerator pedal or electronic throttle control fails, either preventing acceleration or causing unintended acceleration.
When: Complaint #3 in June 2024; complaint #29 at 11 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not accelerate despite pedal depression; Engine revs but vehicle doesn't move; Vehicle enters limp mode; Vehicle shakes and does not accelerate, especially on right-hand turns; Electronic throttle control warning light; Service electronic stability message
Codes mentioned: Electronic throttle control warning light (complaint #29)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #3: Accelerator pedal module replaced in June 2024; problem involved limp mode on right-hand turns. Complaint #29: Loud banging sound before shutdown; electronic throttle control light illuminated; service electronic stability message displayed.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #3: Dealership replaced accelerator pedal module as 'needed' repair.
Vehicle power loss while driving / complete system failure
Total loss of engine power, electrical power, or propulsion while vehicle is in motion, leaving driver unable to control steering, braking, or transmission.
When: Complaint #13 at 30,390 miles; complaint #25 at 400 miles; complaint #38 at 2,879 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Instrument panel goes black; Engine shuts off; Power steering goes off; Windows descend uncontrollably; Wipers go off; Cruise control goes off; Gear indicator changes by itself; Smell of electrical fire; Steering unresponsive; Cannot shift gears or turn vehicle off; Vehicle coasts to side of road
Codes mentioned: Battery warning light, FCW warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #13: Fuse F47 found blown; fuse replacement caused electrical smell; right front door power devices failed. Complaint #25: Total systems failure after 400 miles; steering unresponsive, unable to shift or turn off; three police officers pushed vehicle; dealership could not recreate problem or find error codes; vehicle spent 6 days in shop. Complaint #38: Engine shut down en route to dealer while traveling 70 mph; oil pressure indicator illuminated; serpentine belt and splash shield replaced, then oil leak from left valve cover caused repeat failure 30 miles later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Complaint #25 Chrysler case opened, waiting for response. Complaint #38 manufacturer provided case number and offered rebate (declined).
Windshield wiper failure
Windshield wipers freeze, malfunction, or fail to engage properly, creating dangerous visibility loss.
When: Complaint #7 at 15,428 miles in heavy rain
Symptoms owners cite: Wipers freeze and do not move; Loss of visibility in rain; Wipers must be reset by restarting vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #7: Wipers froze for several minutes in heavy rain while traveling at 70 mph in I-80; family nearly hit by semi-truck; car had to be restarted to re-engage wipers.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Check engine light / P0303 cylinder misfire codes
Check engine light illuminates with misfire codes (P0303 and others), often persistent or recurring despite multiple repairs.
When: Recurring issue; complaint #3 shows P0303 every scan despite multiple dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light on or blinking; Engine rough running; Coolant level drops; Multiple codes on scan; Codes persist or return despite repairs
Codes mentioned: P0303 (cylinder 3 misfire – complaint #3; every scan), P0732 (gear 2 incorrect ratio – complaints #18, #42)
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #3: P0303 pulled every scan despite multiple dealer visits; dealership went down code list in order and ignored P0303 because it wasn't at top; owner suspects head gasket/engine failure. Complaint #18: P0732 code pulled; TSB #21-008-21 (3/12/21) exists for this exact issue but no action taken until transmission shop inspection.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #21-008-21 exists for P0732 but appears not widely communicated or acted upon by dealers.
Cruise control malfunction
Cruise control engages unintentionally or fails to disengage, causing unintended acceleration, especially on downhill grades.
When: Complaint #32 ongoing issue
Symptoms owners cite: Cruise control speeds up vehicle on downhill; Cruise control does not stop accelerating; Cruise button doesn't turn cruise off when needed; Owner must tap brakes to override
Repairs/costs cited: Complaint #32: Owner aware of issue and disables cruise on large hills; dangerous when it accelerates and won't stop.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented.
Synthesized from 419 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
2017 Chrysler pacifica. Consumer writes in regards to electrical issues. *ld the consumer stated the vehicle slams into gear. The transmission was replaced twice, but the failure recurred. There was a rattling noise under the driver's side. The vehicle failed to start leaving the driver and passenger's stranded. *js
Vehicle purchased in december 2016 for $44,000 from safford of fredericksburg. On october 14, 2017, I was driving with my wife, three children and mother-in-law and experienced a loud malfunction that rendered the car inoperable. Luckily we were not on the highway at the time and the vehicle was eventually towed to safford of fredericksburg, virginia for repairs. The right front axel had…
While in motion at lower speeds the transmission violently jerks between gears giving the feeling the car is out of control.
The transmission slipped out of gear and wouldn't shift. The problem occurred while I was driving on the street. This comes after numerous rough shifts that I was told was a computer issue on the transmission.
While driving approximately 65mph on the highway,all of the lights on the dash came on and the car started to slow down even though I had the cruise control set. I tried to press the accelerator and the car would not speed up. I pulled over and turned the dial to park but the p did not light up. While in park the car was jerking forward and I could not set the parking brake. I turned it off at…
Zf 9 speed transmission suddenly disengages at slow speeds passenger sliding door slow and rough when opening.
Transmission will lockout normal operation and blink "n" on both instrument cluster and gear shift knob. When failed, the vehicle will not operate in either reverse or drive and it appears to hold in park. Vehicle then needs to be shutoff and restarted, sometimes multiple times, before the vehicle can move again. My wife reported a very rough gear engagement that felt like she was rear ended…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 419 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 249 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 15,000 and 45,000 miles, with the median around 28,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 15,000; a quarter make it past 45,000. 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/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.