The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica limited with 3.6l Pentastar engine had a check engine light come around 90,000 miles. The vehicle would suddenly lose acceleration power without warning, especially while getting onto the freeway. It was found that there is a known issue with the 3.2 and 3.6l Pentastar engines where the camshafts begin throwing metal shavings into the cylinders. The issue first…
2019 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: The 2019 Pacifica is plagued by head gasket failures starting as early as 47,000 miles that allow coolant into cylinders with little or no warning, plus electrical and START/STOP system stalling at highway speeds that can occur without warning. Owners report Chrysler refusing to address identical symptoms in vehicles outside affected recall VINs, and repair costs run $3,000–$9,000+.
Owners of 2019 Chrysler Pacificas describe catastrophic engine failures centered on head gasket breakdown. The most common scenario: a check engine light (usually P0306 for cylinder 6 misfire) appears with little or no prior warning. Investigation reveals coolant leaking into cylinders, and the reservoir has been bone dry or needs daily topping off. Owners say there is no coolant level sensor, so the computer never alerts you early. By the time symptoms show—shaking, hesitation on acceleration, rough idle—damage is done. Gasket replacement runs $3,000–$4,000; full engine replacement pushes $9,000. These failures occur between 47,000 and 99,000 miles, and one owner reports a warranty repair at 47,000 miles followed by a recurrence at 66,000.
Separately, the START/STOP electrical system and transmission cause stalling at highway speeds and traffic lights with minimal warning. Multiple owners cite NHTSA recall campaign 19V348000 for battery ground issues, yet Chrysler refuses service because their specific VINs are not included—despite identical symptoms.
A camshaft metal-shaving issue in the 3.6L Pentastar and an intake valve sticking problem (P105C code) round out the powertrain concerns, both causing misfires and loss of acceleration. Owners note online forums full of identical complaints and anger over what they call obvious design and manufacturing defects.
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Head gasket failure with coolant leakage into cylinders
Head gaskets fail and allow coolant to leak into the engine cylinders, causing misfires, low coolant levels, overheating, and eventual engine damage or failure. Owners report no early warning of low coolant (no sensor), and the check engine light arrives too late to prevent damage.
When: 47,090 to 99,970 miles; most commonly reported between 55,000–93,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (P0306 cylinder 6 misfire most common); Vehicle overheating on highway; Coolant leaking into cylinders; Coolant reservoir needing daily top-offs; Engine shaking/vibration at idle and under acceleration; Loss of acceleration power; Rough idling
Codes mentioned: P0306, P0305, P0205
Repairs/costs cited: Cylinder head gasket replacement (often followed by head resurfacing); coolant housing replacement; timing chain tensioner A and B; front crankshaft seal; timing cover gasket; oil filter housing gasket; rear engine mount. Full engine replacement recommended in advanced cases (cost cited $3,000–$4,000 for repair; $9,000+ for replacement). One repair performed under warranty at 47,090 miles; recurrence at 66,683 miles.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No TSBs or recalls cited for 2019 model; one owner notes 2020 Pacifica has a recall for the same issue (P105C code) but 2019 does not
Cylinder misfire and camshaft metal shavings
Camshaft design flaw in 3.6L Pentastar engine produces metal shavings that enter cylinders, causing misfires and loss of acceleration. Owners report this is a known issue with 3.2 and 3.6L Pentastar engines.
When: Around 90,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light (cylinder 6 misfire P0306); Sudden loss of acceleration without warning, especially on freeway merges; Engine shaking
Codes mentioned: P0306
Repairs/costs cited: Spark plugs, ignition coils, and VVT solenoids replaced before metal shavings discovered in diagnostic process. Full extent of repair cost not stated.
Intake valve stuck in low lift position (P105C code)
Intake valve becomes stuck in low lift position, triggering P105C pending/stored code and P0303 cylinder 3 misfire. Owners report this causes vehicle shaking and near-accidents. 2020 Pacifica has a recall for this code; 2019 does not.
When: Mileage not specified
Symptoms owners cite: Intake valve stuck in low lift position; Cylinder 3 misfire (P0303); Vehicle shaking while driving, almost causing accident; Code persists after ignition coil and wiring diagnostics
Codes mentioned: P105C, P0303
Repairs/costs cited: Ignition coils swapped and wiring checked; code recurred. No successful repair documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall exists for 2020 Pacifica with same engine and code; no recall for 2019
START/STOP system electrical failure and stalling
Auto START/STOP system malfunctions, causing intermittent warning lights, stalling while driving (including at highway speeds), loss of power steering assist, and vehicle shutoffs without warning. Related to battery ground connection issues per NHTSA recall campaign 19V348000. Owners report symptoms match recalled vehicles despite VIN not being included in recall.
When: 70,000 to 129,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: START/STOP warning light intermittently illuminates; Vehicle stalls at various speeds or while idling; Vehicle stalls at highway speeds (73 MPH, 75 MPH reported); Complete loss of power on highway; Loss of power steering assist; Engine shutdown warnings ('Stop Safely, vehicle will shut off soon'); Check engine light illuminated; Sputtering while driving
Codes mentioned: P0205, P0305, Voltage-too-High code
Repairs/costs cited: Main wiring harness, ignition coil, and unknown parts replaced at dealership; failure recurred. Independent mechanic found 'Voltage-too-High' code. One owner reports two new batteries installed at dealer; problem recurred two weeks later.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign Number 19V348000 (Electrical System) addresses battery ground connection and stalling issues in 2017–2019 Pacificas with stop-start; however, multiple owners report their VINs are excluded from recall despite identical symptoms
Radiator cracking due to improper torque
Radiator cracks, likely due to improper torque during assembly or installation, causing coolant leakage and sudden A/C discharge of cold air into cabin.
When: 99,970 miles
Symptoms owners cite: A/C vents blowing extremely cold air while driving at 55 MPH; Water leaking from wheels; Cracked radiator (discovered upon inspection)
Repairs/costs cited: Radiator replacement needed. Vehicle not repaired; no cost cited.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer referred contact to NHTSA Hotline
Transmission hard shifting, hesitation, and shutdown
Transmission shifts harshly, hesitates or struggles to accelerate, and vehicle shuts down while at traffic lights. One complaint cites transmission issue with warning 'Stop Safely, vehicle will shut off soon' at freeway speeds.
When: Mileage not specified; one incident at ~70,000 miles (based on context)
Symptoms owners cite: Hard shifting and jerking; Hesitation/struggle to accelerate; Vehicle shutdown at traffic lights; Warning 'Stop Safely, vehicle will shut off soon' at freeway speeds; Loss of power at 73 MPH on freeway ramp
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission parts on order at dealership; specific parts and cost not stated.
Oil filter housing gasket failure
Oil filter housing gasket fails, requiring replacement due to poor manufacturing quality.
When: Before 93,000 miles; one dated repair mentioned (date redacted per FOIA)
Symptoms owners cite: Oil leak from filter housing
Repairs/costs cited: Oil filter housing replacement; cost cited $918.78 for parts and labor.
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Van has 55,000 miles on it. Not overheating but noticed coolant reservoir keeps needing to be topped off daily. Also, just received check engine light code for cylinder 5. Shop diagnosed as head gaskets and now need an engine replacement. Absolutely unacceptable for a vehicle with such low miles.
Had engine trouble with your 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?
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Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 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?
Based on the 22 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 83,518 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
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/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.