Four times in the last week the brakes have failed! Twice it coasted farther than normal when coming to a stop and twice more the brake pedal pushed back against my foot when already at a complete stop, causing the car to roll forward even though my foot was attempting to keep the brake pedal pressed. I had to lift my foot and slam it back down to stop the vehicle. There is a hissing sound when…
2019 Chrysler Pacifica brakes problems
severe 40 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $450 · see brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
40
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
3crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 40 brakes 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 10 model years of Chrysler Pacifica in our records for brakes problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: 2019 Chrysler Pacifica owners report widespread brake booster failures starting as early as 10,000 miles, causing loss of stopping power, hard pedal feel, and involuntary forward roll at traffic lights—a serious safety defect. Chrysler issued a limited warranty extension (2018–2020 models only, excluding 2017) but denies reimbursement for non-dealership repairs, and replacement parts remain chronically backorder for weeks.
The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica has a documented brake booster problem affecting multiple vehicles across a wide mileage range. Most commonly, owners describe the brake pedal becoming hard and unresponsive, requiring repeated pumping to slow the vehicle. Many report a loud hissing sound from under the dashboard when the brake pedal is pressed, and some experience the pedal pushing back against their foot, causing the vehicle to roll forward even at a standstill at traffic lights. In several cases, drivers nearly collided with other vehicles due to inadequate braking response. One owner's vehicle suffered a complete fuel-line clamp failure while braking, stalling in traffic with children aboard and leaking gasoline. Another experienced rotor rust and deterioration at just 12,000 miles despite garage storage. A master cylinder failure was also documented at 4,300 miles. Chrysler issued a brake booster warranty extension in November 2023 for 2018–2020 models, but the company excluded 2017 vehicles, denied reimbursement for repairs performed outside Chrysler dealerships, and sent notification letters to outdated addresses. Brake booster replacement parts have been consistently unavailable, with dealers reporting nationwide backorder status of two to three weeks or longer.
Same Chrysler Pacifica brakes reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018
Failure modes owners describe
Brake booster failure with loss of braking power
Power brake booster fails, resulting in hard brake pedal, significantly reduced stopping power, and loss of brake function. Vehicle requires pumping brakes repeatedly to achieve adequate stopping. Common in low-mileage vehicles (10,000–66,100 miles reported). Owners report no warning lights in most cases.
When: Across various mileages from 10,000 to 66,100 miles; owners report failures occurring within 1–5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal feels extremely hard and does not respond to normal pressure; Vehicle does not slow or stop when brake pedal is depressed; Loud hissing sound from underneath dashboard when brake pedal pressed; Driver must pump brake pedal repeatedly to achieve stopping; Brake pedal goes to floor without stopping vehicle; No illuminated warning lights or diagnostic codes
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement brake booster required; parts consistently reported on backorder with 1–3 week lead times. Repair cost cited as $442 in one instance. Multiple owners report dealership told them repair was needed but parts unavailable.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty issued November 2023 (No. D-22-15) for XA7 brake booster covering 2018–2020 Pacificas for 5 years or 150,000 miles (whichever is sooner). Warranty extension letter sent to outdated owner addresses, resulting in missed notifications. Owner reimbursement requests denied if repair not completed at Chrysler dealership. 2017 models excluded from warranty extension despite similar failures reported.
Brake booster contamination and vacuum line failure
Brake booster becomes contaminated, possibly from vacuum line contamination, causing sudden loss of braking pressure and pedal response. Manifests as brake pedal losing pressure mid-stopping event.
When: Reported at varying mileages and driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of brake pressure while depressing pedal; Brake pedal loses pressure and goes to floor mid-stop; Hissing sound indicating air or compressed air escape; Brake pedal pushes back against driver's foot after pressing; Vehicle rolls forward despite foot pressure on brake
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement required; one mechanic described condition as 'defective beyond normal wear-and-tear.' Parts on backorder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers aware of failures and informed owners parts on backorder; no proactive outreach or assistance offered in narratives reviewed.
Brake booster failure with push-back and involuntary forward roll
Brake booster failure causes brake pedal to physically push back against driver's foot when pressed, preventing firm engagement and allowing vehicle to roll forward at traffic lights and during stops. Occurs repeatedly across multiple driving cycles.
When: Recurring events across multiple occasions; no specific mileage threshold given
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal pushes back forcefully against driver's foot; Hissing sound when pedal pushed; Vehicle rolls forward despite foot pressure on brake; Requires driver to pump brake or shift to park to prevent rolling; Occurs especially at traffic lights and during extended stops
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement; parts on backorder reported in multiple cases.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers aware but claim inability to source parts; no warranty coverage or extended support documented in complaints.
Rotor rust and deterioration at low mileage
Rotors rust heavily and deteriorate despite vehicle being garaged when not in use, requiring replacement at approximately 12,000 miles. Dealership advised vehicle unsafe for long-distance driving. Owner reports cost of $1,000 for rotor and pad replacement.
When: 12,000 miles, 18 months into ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Shuddering or shuttering at stops; Excessive rotor rust visible to dealership
Repairs/costs cited: Rotor and pad replacement required; estimated cost $1,000. Vehicle stored in garage when not driven.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: None documented; dealership advised vehicle unsafe but did not address material defect or warranty coverage.
Regenerative braking system failure on slippery surfaces
Regenerative braking loses effectiveness on slippery conditions (packed snow, ice) causing 1-second intervals of brake force loss. On steep hills, gravity acceleration overcomes braking, creating unsafe deceleration control.
When: Occurs on slippery terrain at speeds 10–35 mph
Symptoms owners cite: Regenerative braking rapidly decreases or loses force for approximately 1 second; Failure repeats at 1-second intervals on extended slippery surfaces; On steep hills, gravity effect leads to uncontrolled acceleration despite brake pressure
Master cylinder failure
Master cylinder fails at extremely low mileage (4,300 miles) with no warning light or diagnostic code. Dealership confirmed as 'known issue' but no service bulletin or recall issued.
When: 4,300 miles (approximately 5 months after purchase in April 2019)
Symptoms owners cite: No brake warning light or diagnostic codes thrown; Detected only by owner suspicion regarding brake function
Repairs/costs cited: Master cylinder replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership reported as 'known issue' but no service bulletin or official recall issued.
Brake fluid leakage from system
Brake fluid leaks from the brake system, compromising braking function. Mechanic reported as manufacturer defect requiring repair.
When: Reported at unspecified mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Visible brake fluid leakage
Repairs/costs cited: Repair required per mechanic diagnosis of manufacturer defect.
Fuel line clamp failure causing engine stall and fuel leak
Fuel line clamp loosened and fell off while braking, causing engine to shut off, vehicle to stall in roadway, and significant gasoline leak. Created immediate fire/explosion hazard with occupants (parent and 3 children) in vehicle.
When: Unspecified mileage; vehicle purchased new and still under warranty at time of failure
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly stalls when brakes applied while driving on city street; Engine shuts down completely; Vehicle stalls again after brief restart; Smoke from front of vehicle; Strong smell of gasoline; Gasoline pouring from bottom of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel line clamp reattachment; clamp had completely come off.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership dismissed as 'one in a million chance' with no explanation offered and no remedial action or warranty coverage extension documented. Vehicle under warranty at time of failure.
Synthesized from 40 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Had brakes trouble with your 2019 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 brakes problem on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a meaningful issue. 40 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 15 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 12,500 and 44,000 miles, with the median around 36,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,500; a quarter make it past 44,000. 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 $450 for brakes 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 brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes 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/2019/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.