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full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 18 NHTSA complaints about the engine 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 →
Complaints
18
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 236 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 182 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 23 |
| 2020 Pacifica (this page) | 18 |
| 2021 Pacifica | 32 |
| 2022 Pacifica | 18 |
| 2023 Pacifica | 10 |
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
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗WATER PUMP
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Water Pump & Chain Case Cover
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners report multiple distinct engine failures in the 2020 Pacifica. Most common is head gasket failure at 58,000–88,000 miles, causing cylinder misfires (P0303, P0304), rough running, and coolant leaks into the crankcase. In one documented case, a head gasket repair under warranty failed again two months later, followed by a connecting rod failure on the same cylinder that the dealer refused to cover.
Unplanned engine shutdowns occur throughout the vehicle's life—at 32,000 miles, within 4 months of ownership, and repeatedly on expressways. Some shutdowns trigger a dashboard warning; others happen without alert. Vehicle requires restart to resume operation. One owner reported that a dealership software upgrade did not resolve repeated stalling.
At 14,600 miles, one owner experienced catastrophic engine seizure after alternator mounting bolts sheared cleanly and the alternator dropped into the engine, tearing the serpentine belt and disabling all steering and lights on a busy highway. Owner reports others in online forums describe the same failure pattern.
Oil seal failures on the oil filter housing and valve covers leak burning oil onto the manifold, creating fire hazard. A wiring harness controlling coolant and radiator flaps malfunctioned at 35,000 miles. Owners report Chrysler is aware of these issues but has provided little support, and repairs often occur after warranty expiration.
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Alternator Mounting Bolt Failure
Mounting bolts holding the alternator sheared off cleanly while driving at highway speed, causing the alternator to drop into the engine. This tore the serpentine belt, broke the AC hose, and caused immediate engine seizure, loss of power steering, and total loss of vehicle control.
When: 14,600 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Engine seized up suddenly; Serpentine belt tore; Loss of power steering; All dashboard lights illuminated; Alternator physically separated from engine
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator replacement (bolts could not be extracted and required full alternator replacement), AC hose, serpentine belt, battery. Estimated repair cost $6,500. Vehicle out of service 6+ weeks pending dealer negotiation with Stellantis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership negotiating with Stellantis; warranty had expired in March 2024
Unplanned Engine Stall / Shutdown Events
Engine shuts off unexpectedly while driving at various speeds and conditions. Some events preceded by warning message 'Stop safely, the engine will turn off' displayed on instrument cluster. Events occur during acceleration from stop, steady highway driving, and city driving. Vehicle can be restarted after stalling.
When: Multiple incidents; one report at 32,000 miles; another owner experienced 3 separate stalls within 4 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off without warning or with 'Stop safely' message; Occurs at traffic lights, during acceleration, and at highway speeds (35-65 mph documented); Check engine light may or may not illuminate; Vehicle requires restart to resume operation; Stalling repeats intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reported software upgrade performed at dealership did not resolve issue; engine stalled again after repair. Another owner had to rent vehicle due to repeated stalling. No permanent fix documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall was issued last year (reason unspecified to owner); dealership offered software upgrade but issue persisted
Head Gasket Failure with Coolant Leak
Head gasket fails and leaks coolant into the engine, causing cylinder misfires, rough running, and coolant level loss. In one case, failed head gasket on cylinder #3 led to connecting rod failure two months after repair. Another case required full engine replacement recommendation due to coolant intrusion into cylinder #3.
When: 58,000-88,000 miles; some earlier misfire symptoms may appear first
Symptoms owners cite: Cylinder misfire codes (P0303 cylinder 3, P0304 cylinder 4); Engine runs rough / rough start-up; Check engine light illuminates; Low or dropping coolant level; Water vapor from exhaust on cold starts; Engine rocking / vibration; Loss of power and 'limp mode' with turtle icon
Codes mentioned: P0303 (Cylinder 3 Misfire), P0304 (Cylinder 4 Misfire)
Repairs/costs cited: Head gasket replacement costs not specified in narratives. One owner used K-seal coolant leak repair temporarily; lasted a few weeks before leak returned. Another owner had radiator fan assembly also failed. In one case, dealer repaired head gasket under warranty at 58,000 miles, but at 60,098 miles cylinder #4 connecting rod failed and dealer refused engine replacement even though both failures were on same cylinder.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Some head gasket repairs covered under warranty; one dealer refused warranty for connecting rod failure on same cylinder that previously had head gasket replaced. Owner reports Chrysler aware of similar issues in online forums.
Oil Filter Housing and Valve Cover Seal Leaks
Seals on oil filter housing and valve covers deteriorate and leak oil. Owner reports burning oil smell and oil dripping on manifold, creating fire hazard. Dealership initially dismissed as normal PCV valve seepage.
When: Seal failure began within warranty period; issue worsened after warranty expiration
Symptoms owners cite: Burning oil smell for extended period (8+ months reported); Oil leaking from oil filter housing and valve cover seals; Oil dripping onto manifold
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost $712.69. Owner reports Chrysler is aware of the problem and doing nothing. Risk of oil fire if leak worsens.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership initially told owner seals 'seep' and this is normal; Chrysler provided no assistance when contacted
Uncontrolled Acceleration Event
Vehicle experienced uncontrolled acceleration for 20 seconds at very low mileage, check engine light illuminated, brake pedal lost holding ability, and engine rev'd to 7,000 RPM with ticking noise after cooldown.
When: Approximately 200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Uncontrolled acceleration for 20 seconds; Check engine light illuminated; Brake pedal unable to hold vehicle; Engine rev'd to 7,000 RPM; Ticking noise from engine after cooldown
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was driven to dealership but not diagnosed or repaired. No root cause identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was not made aware of the failure
Auto Start-Stop System Malfunction with Forced Park Engagement
While stopped at traffic light, alarm activated, display showed 'Auto/start stop not available' message, vehicle automatically shifted to Park, emergency brake engaged automatically, and warning light illuminated. Event lasted until vehicle was brought home and restarted following day.
When: Occurred 3 months prior to report; owner notes engine has not been stopping afterward
Symptoms owners cite: Alarm activation without obvious trigger; 'Auto/start stop not available' message displayed; Automatic shift to Park; Emergency brake engagement without driver input; Warning light illumination
Repairs/costs cited: No service performed; issue resolved spontaneously after restart
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer involvement reported
Coolant and Radiator Control System Failure
Wiring harness controlling coolant and radiator cooling flaps malfunctioned, triggering check engine light. Wiring harness replacement resolved issue.
When: 35,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Check engine light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement required. Owner reports this was a known issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer was made aware of the failure (repair completed)
Synthesized from 18 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The car was running great, but then I had the check engine light on. When I checked the vehicle with an OBDD2, I got P0303 (misfired cylinder 3). A mechanic expert and I checked the vehicle for a possible blown head gasket, low compression, and defective spark plugs, and all was good. The car is a 2020 Chrysler pacifica and should have problems of this kind
The seals on the oil filter housing and the valve covers go bad. I have been smiling a burning oil smell off an on for the last 8 months. I reported this to the dealership and was told that the seals on the PCV valve seep they all doit should be ok. As time rolled on the van went put of warranty and the smell got worse. I went back to the dealer and they finally looked the way they should have 8…
Had engine trouble with your 2020 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 2020 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 18 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 18 complaints filed, engine issues most often appear around 39,500 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/2020/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.