The infotainment system would crash and freeze, causing the backup camera not to be visible on the center screen when in reverse.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica electrical problems
moderate 82 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Complaints
82
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
2crashes
1fire
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 82 electrical 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 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
The failure pattern owners describe
Buyer takeaway: Do not buy a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Owners report repeated loss of engine power at highway speeds—a catastrophic failure that can occur from day one and recurs even after dealer repairs. Multiple electrical, battery, and transmission issues plague the fleet with no reliable fix in place.
Owners describe a 2021 Pacifica Hybrid with systemic electrical and hybrid-system failures, the most severe being sudden loss of all propulsion while driving at highway speeds (65–75 mph). Without warning or with minimal notice ("Stop Safely—Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon"), the engine dies, dashboard lights up with "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start," and the accelerator becomes unresponsive. Owners must coast to the shoulder, often crossing multiple lanes of traffic. The vehicle becomes immobilized and cannot always be restarted immediately. Some owners report this happens repeatedly—up to seven times in 20 miles, or multiple incidents within a week—even after dealer repairs.
Owners cite failed hybrid batteries (depleting rapidly or erratically), power inverter shorts, transmission metal shavings, wiring harness shorts, and coolant heater failures as root causes. Dealerships have replaced batteries, transmissions, modules, and harnesses, yet owners report the same failures recur within days or weeks. Water intrusion ruins rear camera and liftgate wiring. The infotainment system (UConnect) resets randomly, loses user profiles, and navigates to wrong addresses. One vehicle caught fire in the garage; another's power door shut on a child's wrist.
Chrysler issued recalls (03A, Z76, Y50) involving software updates, but multiple owners confirm these did not stop the vehicle from stalling post-repair. Dealers often cannot recreate the failure or find stored fault codes, leaving owners stranded and repairs incomplete. One owner reports Chrysler issued a lifetime warranty on transmissions for this model due to known short-circuit defects, yet dealerships sometimes refuse the fix and blame the battery instead. Three weeks to months for parts and diagnosis is common.
Same Chrysler Pacifica electrical reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of motive power / sudden engine shutdown at highway speeds
Vehicle loses propulsion while driving, typically on highways at speeds 50-75 mph. Engine cuts power without graceful failover to gas mode in hybrid vehicles. Dashboard shows 'Service Charging System,' check engine light, and 'Shift to P to Start' message. Vehicle becomes uncontrollable and must coast to shoulder. Happens repeatedly in some vehicles, sometimes within weeks of dealer repair.
When: Highway driving, predominantly at 65-75 mph; occurs from early ownership (1,000 miles) to higher mileage (44k+); some vehicles experience multiple incidents within a single month or week
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off with no warning or brief warning ('Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon'); Loss of acceleration; gas pedal unresponsive; Service Charging System message; Check engine light illumination; Shift to P to Start message displayed; Red battery icon, red plug/charging cord icon; Limp mode or reduced speed limitation (40-45 mph); Steering wheel and/or wheels lock after stopping; Unable to shift gears or turn off engine immediately after failure
Codes mentioned: Service Charging System (generic, not specific DTC), POE15 / POE 15-50 (Hybrid/EV battery pack coolant heater A control), P1649 (HCP Int code - unclear abbreviation from owner), POE 15-00 (HVAC Blocker Power), P1A9A, P1A9AE, P1A21, P1AA2 (low-temperature active pump/battery cooling), Motor A position error, Low voltage differential signal, EBD2 (Engine Malfunction), Transmission Temperature / Automatic Transmission Fluid overheating
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have replaced: hybrid battery (multiple owners), onboard charging module, electric coolant heater, hybrid control module (HCM), transmission (metal shavings found), Power Inverter Module (PIM), Main Battery Disconnect fuse, grounding in transmission, wiring harness (62-way), water intrusion wiring, BPCM module flashing. Some repairs are temporary; issue recurs within days to weeks. One owner reported unlimited lifetime warranty issued by Chrysler for transmission shorts on 2021 PHEV Pacifica.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 03A (software update, performed but did not resolve issue for multiple owners); Recall Z76 (software update); Recall 66B (open); Recall Y50 (power liftgate); Recall 23V-010 (power shutdown). NHTSA ODI Investigation # PE 22-008 (transmission-related). Chrysler has opened customer service cases and provided lifetime warranty on some transmissions per one owner report. Dealerships often cannot recreate issue or find stored codes, delaying diagnosis.
Charging/hybrid battery system failures and EV battery depletion
Hybrid/EV battery pack fails to hold charge, depletes rapidly, or signals unavailability ('ESS battery fails constantly' per one owner). Battery may show erroneous charge percentages or rapid drain from full to zero in minutes. Owners report replacements are temporary and recurring. Cold weather (below 40°F) exacerbates failures; hot weather (above 90°F) also implicated.
When: Occurs in early ownership and repeatedly; cold and hot weather conditions trigger or worsen failures; one vehicle had battery replaced twice by 9/2024
Symptoms owners cite: Rapid battery depletion (full to zero in minutes); Battery charge indicator behaves erratically (drops from 36 miles to 26 miles after 2 miles of driving); Red battery light on dash; Service Charging System message; ESS system reports 'unavailable' only after failure occurs; Hybrid system will not engage or disengage as expected; Vehicle fails to transition from EV to gas mode when battery depletes
Codes mentioned: POE15 / POE 15-50 (Hybrid/EV battery pack coolant heater A control), Low voltage differential signal, P1649 (HCP code)
Repairs/costs cited: Chrysler dealerships have replaced entire hybrid/EV battery packs multiple times per some owners. One owner had two battery replacements and faced a third. Electric coolant heater and battery cooling system components (low-temperature active pump) replaced. Repairs are often temporary; owners report same issue recurring within weeks or months.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 03A (software update related to battery); Recall Z76 (software update). Some battery replacements may be warranty-covered, but owners report no guarantee against recurrence. Dealers sometimes blame battery when transmission or other components are faulty per consumer reports.
Infotainment and electrical system malfunctions
UConnect system and related electrical components experience widespread failures including random resets, inability to save user profiles, erroneous navigation, unresponsive touchscreen, and audio system malfunctions. These are systemic issues reported across 2021 PHEV Pacifica fleet per multiple owners.
When: Throughout ownership; reset occur repeatedly every couple weeks; issues persistent over 4+ months despite repairs
Symptoms owners cite: UConnect system randomly resets every 1-2 weeks; Inability to add/remove user profiles; Radio randomly blasts AM/FM or Sirius XM at loud volumes; Navigation system navigates to wrong address despite correct input; Infotainment display won't power on or turns off during travel; Center console making loud buzzing sound before becoming inoperable; Display screen flickering intermittently; Check engine light and service warnings displayed erroneously; Bluetooth connection remains active after vehicle is turned off, preventing shutdown
Codes mentioned: Service Charging System (sometimes displayed erroneously with UConnect failure)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealerships have replaced radio control units (on backorder in some cases). Software flashing and updates performed by dealers have not permanently resolved issues. Hybrid water pump replaced by one dealer without resolving console issues. One owner reports 4 months of ongoing electrical issues with no fix despite dealership and Chrysler representative stating 'van is fine.'
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturers aware of systemic UConnect issues per owner statements ('internet suggests Chrysler is and has been aware of all of these issues'). No formal recalls or permanent fixes documented in narratives. Dealerships advise returning only when a recall is issued.
Power Inverter Module (PIM) internal short and related electrical shorts
Power Inverter Module internally shorts, causing main battery disconnect fuse to blow. This leads to loss of propulsion and inability to control vehicle. One owner explicitly diagnosed; others reference 'transmission short' as cause of vehicle stopping.
When: One documented case at 29,564 miles (June 2023); one owner references transmission short as known issue for multiple vehicles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden loss of propulsion while driving; Service Charging System message; Unable to shift out of neutral or park; Complete power loss (no hazards, cannot open door or shift)
Codes mentioned: Main Battery Disconnect fuse blow (symptom, not code)
Repairs/costs cited: Power Inverter Module (PIM) and Main Battery Disconnect fuse replaced. Took several weeks to obtain part. One owner notes lifetime warranty issued by Chrysler on transmissions affected by short circuit (per recall documentation owner researched).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: One owner reports Chrysler issued unlimited lifetime warranty for 2021 PHEV Pacifica transmissions due to known short-circuit issue. Dealership may refuse replacement if they blame battery instead per owner reports.
Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Keeping Assist malfunctions
Adaptive cruise control applies hard braking when vehicle ahead changes lanes despite lane being clear. Lane keeping assist is inaccurate or malfunctions. Both are safety-critical features.
When: During normal highway driving with cruise control engaged
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden hard braking at highway speeds after vehicle ahead changes lanes; Braking occurs after target vehicle has completely cleared lane; Uneven lane-keeping performance (driver side less accurate than passenger side); Braking without warning or visible threat
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle inspected but dealers unable to recreate issue. One owner was told nothing can be done without reproducing the problem.
Rear camera and liftgate electrical failures due to water intrusion
Rear camera fails intermittently or completely due to water intrusion into liftgate assembly. Wiring harness shorts from moisture. Camera and associated rear lighting fail. Liftgate popups while driving and does not latch securely.
When: Early to mid-ownership; one recall (Y50) performed did not resolve issue; liftgate problems occurred post-recall
Symptoms owners cite: Rear camera fails intermittently or completely; Rear camera stops energizing; Rear vehicle lights fail; Liftgate pops open while driving; Liftgate does not latch after closing; Locking mechanism unresponsive to buttons
Codes mentioned: Rear camera recall related (Y50 for liftgate power recall)
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement advised but deemed unlikely to permanently fix due to persistent water intrusion. Owners told replacement does not guarantee resolution. Liftgate locking mechanism fails to engage despite multiple closures and button presses; requires repeated attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall Y50 (power liftgate) performed, but water intrusion issue acknowledged as known defect by Chrysler and affecting other models (Durango noted). No permanent fix identified per dealer assessment.
Vehicle spontaneous start and inability to shut off
Vehicle starts or remains running without intentional action by driver. Start button press does not shut off engine in some instances; hazard switch must be engaged to stop the vehicle.
When: Intermittent; one case occurred with key fob in driver's pocket while in garage
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle starts spontaneously; Engine runs despite pressing start/stop button; Start button does not respond; Message 'Shift to P to Start' appears and stays on; Only way to shut down is hazard button engagement (disengaging hazards, then pressing start button)
Vehicle fire in hybrid battery pack
One documented incident of vehicle catching fire in garage from plugin battery while parked and not charging. Smoke and fire persisted despite firefighter water application for entire day. Chrysler contacted but unable to advise on suppression.
When: Vehicle parked in garage overnight; fire detected next morning approximately 11+ hours after last use
Symptoms owners cite: Burning smell detected in house; Smoke coming from hybrid battery pack; Fire in battery compartment; Smoke will not clear even with continuous water application
Repairs/costs cited: Not applicable; vehicle became total loss concern. Firefighters unable to suppress fire; required continuous water hoses for entire day.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler contacted by firefighters but unable to provide guidance on fire suppression.
Door closing / power door jamming on occupant
Power-operated rear doors close on occupant (child and adult cases reported) and do not reverse. Doors latch with limb still inside. Recalls on auto-open sensors did not prevent incident.
When: At least one documented incident April 2023 involving 3-year-old child
Symptoms owners cite: Door closes on occupant and does not reverse automatically; Door latches while occupant's limb is inside; No warning or reversing mechanism engaged; Child sustained injury requiring hospitalization
Repairs/costs cited: Hospital treatment required. Facebook page dedicated to this complaint per owner.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer opened case (85938082) after contact. Previous recall on auto-open sensors did not prevent this incident.
Wiring harness shorts and corrosion
Corrosion found on wiring; wiring harness develops shorts causing electrical system failures. One case involved 62-way wiring harness short; another involved wiring behind dashboard.
When: Varies; one case at 7,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Adaptive cruise control failures; Lane keeping assist failures; Check engine light; Auto braking without reason; Navigation issues; Radio issues
Repairs/costs cited: 62-way wiring harness replacement ordered (MOPART part 68396626AA). Wiring behind dashboard requiring replacement (not repaired due to backorder). Corrosion cleaned and wires replaced.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Chrysler pushed for further investigation after dealer initially reset codes without repair; investigation revealed wiring harness issue.
Transmission failure and metal shavings
Transmission contains metal shavings, leading to loss of propulsion. One case diagnosed after vehicle had been at dealership for 4 weeks; metal shavings found during diagnosis.
When: One case at approximately 44k miles; vehicle at dealership for extended period before diagnosis
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of power while driving; Service Charging System message; Unable to shift to park; Unable to turn off vehicle
Codes mentioned: Transmission-related DTC (codes not specified in narrative)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement authorized by Chrysler. Related to ODI investigation # PE 22-008.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer authorized transmission replacement. Investigation ongoing (PE 22-008).
Synthesized from 82 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
There are series of incidents that happened with the vehicle on freeway and mostly all the time it was the same issue of engine failure . Me and my spouse - The engine failed in the middle of road [ freeway ] making me to pull on to the right lane showcasing the indicator "Engine failure " and Charger system malfunction. - Recovery : Stop the car , turn off all the engine and open the door and…
Driving twice we have gotten a message "Pullover vehicle will shutoff" on the display, and the motor and engine shut off shortly after. After restart, the console says "Service Hybrid System" the van then has a top speed of 40-45 MPH, not safe to drive on interstate even to get to the next exit. The first time the dealer had the van for 10 days said the problem was in the hybrid system related to…
On 12/20/2024 my wife was driving about 20mph on a road and with no warning lights or messages the vehicle completely shut down. Nothing would work on the vehicle. She could not even put my hazard lights on or put the vehicle in neutral to move out of the roadway. The vehicle blocked traffic for an hour. It was fortunate the car behind did not hit our vehicle and also that my children were not in…
Front park sensor will intermittently go off like it is detecting an object when vehicle is at stopped, but there's no object, went to Chrysler Dealership for warranty 7 Times, Last time dealer service confirm and recreate the problem but can not replace because NO FAIL CODE as me open case with Chrysler. When park sensor fault read when I was at stop I need to get out of the car to inspect to…
While driving early in morning on local highway (70mph speed limit), car flashed "Service Charging System" shut off the engine and power to the vehicle including acceleration, and check engline light illuminated. Thankfully early hours made it possible to drift to side of road to put car in park. Engine light illuminated dash and dash flashed "shift to P to start." Car would not shut off after…
Had electrical trouble with your 2021 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 electrical problem on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 82 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Based on the 82 complaints filed, electrical issues most often appear around 33,380 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2021/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.