Severe shaking, or rough idle, when in park or drive but at stop. Chrysler dealership was washed their hands of this issue. I have had it in at least 4 times for rough idle/shaking issue. Has yet to be resolved and is still under warranty.
2020 Chrysler Pacifica powertrain problems
moderate 36 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
36
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
What stands out
Owners have filed 36 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.
Powertrain accounts for 23% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 8 categories tracked.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Used 2020 Pacifica buyers should know that power loss during driving—sometimes at highway speed—is a widespread complaint, even after Chrysler's recall software update. Transmission jerking, shifter malfunctions, and hybrid system failures compound safety and reliability concerns; some vehicles have spent 90+ days out of service with repeated dealer visits and component replacements yielding no permanent fix.
The 2020 Pacifica powertrain cluster shows two dominant failure patterns: catastrophic loss of motive power and violent transmission shifting.
Loss of power strikes during normal driving, often at highway speed, forcing owners to coast to the shoulder. Vehicles display "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warnings, then both the gas engine and electric motor (in hybrids) shut down simultaneously. Restarts require waiting 5–10 minutes. Multiple owners report this recurs within days or miles despite Chrysler's Recall 23V-010 software update. Fault codes point to transmission wiring-connector shorts and motor position sensor signal loss, but dealers have authorized only firmware patches—not physical inspection or replacement of the wiring harness itself.
Transmission jerking and hard shifting happens at random speeds and times, sometimes with such violence the vehicle peels rubber from a stop or lurches onto traffic without driver input. Computer resets at dealerships provide temporary relief (lasting ~2 weeks), then the behavior returns. One owner reports the problem started at 6,000 miles and continued to 50,000 miles despite multiple visits.
Secondary failures include shifter independently moving to park, electronic parking brake engaging without input, and the vehicle locking immobile in traffic. Hybrid-specific components—Power Inverter Module and charging modules—have failed and been replaced, yet vehicles remain defective. One owner reports 130+ days in cumulative warranty repairs.
Dealers frequently cannot replicate issues during short test drives, leaving owners without repairs while their vehicles sit at dealerships for weeks.
Same Chrysler Pacifica powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of Motive Power / Sudden Shutdown
Vehicle loses all or nearly all engine and electric motor power while driving, often at highway speed, forcing drivers to coast to safety. Multiple owners report receiving 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' warnings moments before shutdown. In hybrid models, both propulsion sources (gas engine and electric motor) can fail simultaneously. The condition recurs unpredictably and is sometimes followed by inability to restart immediately.
When: Occurs during normal driving, often at highway speeds; can happen after sitting for an hour, then recurs within miles of restart. Some owners report patterns around 30-50 mph, sustained driving, or specific temperature conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle loses power and begins decelerating uncontrollably; 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' warning message on dashboard; Red turtle warning light (hybrid models); Check engine light illuminated; Engine will not restart immediately; requires waiting 5–10 minutes before restarting; Vehicle enters limp mode (reduced speed, ~40 mph max) after restart
Codes mentioned: P0A3F-00 (Drive motor position sensor/resolver signal loss), P0A43-00 (Drive motor position/resolver signal degradation), Transmission control module fault codes, Wiring-connector short codes (associated with Recall 23V-010), Battery conditioning and charging system faults
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler dealers performed software updates (Recall 23V-010), but multiple owners report the condition recurs after the update. Some owners had entire transmissions replaced (one owner on second transmission replacement). Dealers often cannot duplicate the issue during brief test drives. One owner reports vehicle out of service for over 90 days continuously, and another for over 130 days cumulative.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V-010 (software update to transmission control and hybrid system firmware). Some owners granted lifetime warranty on transmission after repeated failures. However, complaint narratives indicate Chrysler declined to authorize or perform physical inspection of wiring harnesses, resolvers, and connectors despite fault codes pointing to hardware defects. One owner reports Chrysler customer service acknowledged the recall defect but refused to undertake further diagnosis without out-of-pocket payment.
Transmission Wiring Harness / Connector Defect
Internal short or degradation in transmission wiring harness and connectors, particularly associated with Recall 23V-010. Owners report that software updates do not resolve the underlying physical wiring or connector problem. Fault codes retrieved at dealerships confirm wiring-connector defects, but Chrysler has authorized only firmware patches, not physical repair or replacement of the wiring harness itself.
When: Defect present on vehicles with miles ranging from 6,000 to 75,000+. One owner reports the issue started in mid-November 2024, recurred mid-December 2024 and mid-January 2025.
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power without warning; Transmission solenoid shift sensor failure signals; Vehicle enters limp mode; Dashboard warning lights related to propulsion system
Codes mentioned: Transmission wiring-connector short codes (per Recall 23V-010), P0A3F-00, P0A43-00 (propulsion control signal-path faults)
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports transmission wiring harness was replaced in July 2024, but vehicle continued to enter limp mode three additional times afterward. Dealers have not replaced the physical wiring harness as part of the recall remedy; instead, software updates are the only authorized fix.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23V-010 (software firmware update only). Chrysler declined to authorize or perform physical inspection, repair, or replacement of wiring harness and connectors. One owner reports certified mail notice to manufacturer on January 6, 2026, requesting written response and physical diagnosis; no response was provided.
Transmission Hard Shifts and Jerking
Vehicle experiences sudden, forceful jerking or lunging during gear shifts—sometimes so violent the vehicle can peel rubber from a stop. Shifts occur unpredictably at both low speeds (parking lots, <15 mph) and highway speeds (65+ mph). One owner reported the vehicle lunged forward from a stopped position at a shopping center, shot onto a main road without driver input, and the driver had to slam brakes to regain control.
When: Occurs at random times and speeds; one owner reports shift learning resets via computer reset last only ~2 weeks. Another owner reports the issue began at 6,000 miles and persisted to 50,000 miles.
Symptoms owners cite: Hard, forceful jerking when shifting gears; Vehicle lurches forward without driver acceleration input; Hesitation during acceleration followed by hard shift; Engine surging followed by hard shift (highway speeds); Check engine light illuminated; 'Service Transmission' message; Unusual sounds from transmission during shifts
Codes mentioned: Transmission control module faults, TSB 21-043-20 (flash update to transmission controller)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have performed transmission control software updates (TSB 21-043-20), but the issue recurs within 1–2 weeks. One dealer replaced a transmission gasket; problem persisted across multiple visits. Engine and transmission mounts have failed prematurely due to the violent shifts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin 21-043-20 (transmission controller flash update). No permanent fix documented; condition returns after temporary resolution via computer reset.
Unintended Park Engagement and Shifter Malfunction
Transmission shifter independently shifts to park or electronic parking brake engages without driver input, often while vehicle is stopped at a traffic light or stop sign. Vehicle locks into park, warning lights illuminate across the dashboard, and the vehicle becomes immobilized until battery is disconnected or engine restarted.
When: Occurs while stopped at traffic lights or stop signs, and in at least one case while vehicle was being driven in normal conditions.
Symptoms owners cite: Shifter moves to park independently; Electronic parking brake engages without driver input; All dashboard warning lights illuminate; Vehicle will not shift out of park until restarted or battery reset; Check engine light and multiple other warning lights; Vehicle locks down completely in the middle of traffic
Codes mentioned: Transmission solenoid shift sensor failure codes
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports disconnecting the battery to allow the computer/electrical system to reset so the vehicle could move again. Another owner was informed transmission solenoid shift sensor needed replacement but did not have it performed. No repair solutions documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers made aware but provided no assistance per owner narratives. Manufacturer was notified but provided no assistance.
Hybrid/Electric Propulsion System Failures (PIM, Battery, Charging Module)
In hybrid models, multiple cascading failures in hybrid-specific components. Power Inverter Module (PIM) experienced internal failure, disabling regenerative braking and causing motor cutout. High-voltage battery charging module failed, draining battery to 0% and stalling the vehicle. Both components were replaced under warranty, but failures recurred. Vehicle displays red turtle warning light, enters full limp mode, and motor cuts out.
When: Failures documented across multiple service visits; vehicle out of service for cumulative warranty repairs exceeding 130 days, including a continuous period exceeding 90 days.
Symptoms owners cite: Red turtle warning light on dashboard; Check engine light and service charging system warning; Motor cuts out entirely; loss of electric propulsion; Vehicle enters full limp mode; High-voltage battery drains to 0%; Vehicle stalls unexpectedly at highway speeds
Codes mentioned: Battery conditioning faults, Charging system faults, Propulsion system control faults
Repairs/costs cited: One owner reports replacement of Power Inverter Module, charging module, and ultimately the entire transmission. Despite all three replacements, the vehicle remained unrepaired and out of service. Vehicle subject to STAR (engineering escalation) case with Stellantis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs covered under warranty; components replaced multiple times. However, manufacturer has not resolved the underlying defect despite engineering escalation (STAR case).
Start/Stop System Malfunction
Auto start/stop system fails or malfunctions unexpectedly, sometimes causing the vehicle to shut down while driving or at stops. In one case, the vehicle locked up entirely while at a traffic light. Multiple owners report the start/stop system warning light coming on in conjunction with other critical failures (battery warnings, loss of power, shutdown warnings).
When: Multiple incidents reported; one owner mentions the issue occurred while waiting at a traffic light. Another owner notes start/stop warning light comes on every time a major issue occurs.
Symptoms owners cite: Start/Stop system warning light illuminated; 'Stop/Start not available' error message; Vehicle locks up at traffic lights; Brake warning lights and service shifter warnings; In one case, vehicle would not engage or disengage electronic parking brake until placed back in park
Codes mentioned: Start/Stop system fault codes, Battery system faults (12V auxiliary battery)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers replaced 12V auxiliary battery in at least one case. Another owner reports multiple service visits; dealers have not permanently resolved the issue despite replacements. One dealer proposed replacing PDC (Power Distribution Center) and main fuse box to address the error.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Battery replacement offered under warranty. No formal recall or TSB identified for start/stop malfunction itself in the narratives.
Power Steering Loss of Communication
Electric power steering pump loses communication between the power steering controller and body ECU, resulting in temporary loss of power steering while driving. Fault codes are set and confirmed via scan tool at the dealership. Power steering returns after a few seconds, but the communication failure is intermittent and recurs.
When: Occurred on 2 separate occasions; dealer unable to duplicate the issue during test drive.
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of power steering while driving; Warning icon appears on driver display; Power steering returns after a few seconds
Codes mentioned: Communication failure between power steering controller and body ECU
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer confirmed fault codes via scan tool but could not duplicate the problem and returned vehicle without repair.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented; issue returned unresolved.
Coolant System Manufacturing Defect (Housing Bolts Loose)
Coolant temperature housing bolts came completely loose from the engine block at the factory, causing coolant to leak throughout the engine compartment and protection pads. Owner drove 7,000 miles from purchase before discovering the issue during first oil change. Dealership technicians confirmed the bolts were never properly tightened at the OEM manufacturing plant and stated they had never seen this condition before.
When: Defect present from factory; discovered at 7,000 miles during first oil change.
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant reservoir completely empty (should never be); Coolant leaked all over engine and car protection pads; Risk of engine freeze or catastrophic failure
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer tightened all bolts on coolant temperature housing. Owner notified to bring vehicle to dealer immediately to prevent engine failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No formal recall or quality program mentioned; treated as isolated manufacturing error at OEM plant.
Synthesized from 36 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
I came to a stop at a stop sign yet again & the emergency brake engaged & put the car in park & shut itself off. I’ve lost count of how many of these forms I’ve filled out & how many times it’s happened and NOTHING IS GETTING SOLVED!!
Since performing the latest recall (03A/NHTSA 23V-010) this car has gone into a "limp home mode" a half dozen times -often with a car full of children and at least once in a long construction zone on the Washington DC beltway! The recall "fix" for the faulty transmission wiring was apparently to program the electronic control to recognize faulty wiring and put the car in "limp home mode" -…
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made abnormal sounds with the Auto Start/Stop, and electronic throttle control warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure, and no error codes were retrieved. The dealer replaced the battery; however, the…
I purchased this van in March 2025, it was used about 62000 miles, but dealer said it was in good condition, no issues. In September 2025, a battery light came on, that also activated the Start/Stop could not be used and needed service as well as Service Shifter. I brought the vehicle in and they simply replaced the auxiliary battery and sent me on my way. On November 13th, I was driving and a…
Component/System: The propulsion system of my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, specifically a suspected internal transmission wiring-connector short—the exact hardware defect identified in Recall 23V-010 as capable of causing sudden loss of motive power. In my case, both propulsion sources (gas and electric) simultaneously ceased providing power, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. The…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 36 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?
Based on the 36 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 35,733 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 $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/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.