Flash: Powertrain Control Module (PCM) Updates Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination. Upon further investigation, SYMPTOM: a technician may find one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) have been set: ● **P152F - Engine Hood Switch 2 / Engine Hood Switch 1 Correlation.** ● U0418-00 - Implausible Data Received From Brake System Control Module 1. ● P061A - Level 2 Torque Performance. Customers may also experience one or more of the following: ● **Engine Stop/Start (ESS) is inoperable.** ● Battery depletes. ● Rough shifting while driving. ● Driveline bumps and rumbles when lightly applying the accelerator pedal in traffic or at other low ve
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Chrysler Pacifica powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have filed 117 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Complaints
117
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 419 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 142 |
| 2019 Pacifica | 76 |
| 2020 Pacifica | 36 |
| 2021 Pacifica (this page) | 117 |
| 2022 Pacifica | 67 |
| 2023 Pacifica | 36 |
| 2024 Pacifica | 9 |
3crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Powertrain accounts for 33% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 9 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 117 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain 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.
ACTUATOR - TRANSFER CASE
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗948TE Transmission Reaction Shaft Service Bushing Kit Customers may experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle may exhibit/set the following Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC): ● P1DB7-00 - Torque Converter Clutch Performance.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vibration From Engine Or Powertrain. Powertrain Mounting Neutralization Procedure. Discussion: Service information is in the process of being updated to include powertrain mount installation best practices. The new procedure will neutralize the mounts to lessen or remove unwanted mount tension that can lead to vibration complaints.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗"Internal Transmission Wiring Connector Short Warranty Extension XN1 This bulletin involves replacing the transmission. *Customers must experience a Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) illumination and the vehicle must exhibit/set one or more of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs):** ● P0A3F - Drive Motor A Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ● P0A43 - Drive Motor A Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent. ● P0A45 - Drive Motor B Position Sensor 1 Circuit. ● P0C1A - Drive Motor B Torque Delivered Performance. Customers may also comment on the following: ● Vehicle is in limp mode. Module flashes are also required for this Repair Procedure to be effective, the following modules are to be updated: ●
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2021 Pacifica powertrain complaints center on catastrophic loss of motive power at highway speeds—the vehicle simply shuts down while driving 65–75 mph, leaving drivers to coast across multiple lanes of traffic to reach the shoulder. This happens without warning or with only 5–20 seconds of notice. Restart typically works after 1–5 minutes, but many owners report it recurring multiple times in a single day or trip. Dashboard warnings include "Service Charging System," "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon," and "Shift to P to Start." Check engine light activates after restart.
Hybrid models experience additional battery thermal faults and hybrid system failures that leave the vehicle in "turtle mode" or completely unresponsive. Transmission problems are widespread—vehicles drop out of drive, refuse to shift, or lock up with no warning, even on brand-new units. Low-gear engine braking doesn't work as designed on some models.
Dealers consistently report inability to reproduce failures and refuse warranty repair without fault codes. Parts like the engine coolant heater pump, transmission assemblies, and power inverter modules routinely go back-ordered for weeks or months. Recall 03A addressed the software warning message only; owners report the same shutdowns recurring afterward. Multiple owners indicate their vehicles have been in dealership limbo for 1–3 months waiting for parts. One transmission required replacement twice in six weeks. Several owners report the issue was a known lemon law buyback originally, yet was resold without disclosure or resolution.
Safety risk is acute: loss of highway power with children aboard, inability to predict failures despite dealer visits, and no guaranteed fix available.
Same Chrysler Pacifica powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Loss of motive power at highway speed
Vehicle loses all engine and/or electric power while driving at highway speeds (typically 65-75 mph), forcing driver to coast to shoulder. Engine shuts down completely; accelerator becomes unresponsive. Often preceded by dashboard warning 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' or 'Service Charging System.' Restart required; check engine light illuminates after restart.
When: Highway speeds, often without warning; some owners report multiple incidents in single day or trip; occurs at various mileages from ~1,600 to 70,000+
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving; Accelerator unresponsive; Dashboard warning: 'Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' or 'Service Charging System'; Vehicle coasts to stop; Check engine light illuminates after restart; Gear selector/transmission display flashing in some cases
Codes mentioned: P0A43 (Drive Motor 'A' Position Sensor Circuit Intermittent), P1A21, P0E15 (Hybrid/EV Battery Pack Coolant Heater A Control Performance)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine coolant heater pump replacement (reported 2+ month wait for part); transmission replacement (multiple instances requiring new transmission assembly); power inverter module replacement; hybrid heater replacement; software updates (recall 03A); some cases show parts repeatedly back-ordered; one owner reported 3-month wait for single part
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 03A (NHTSA 23V-010) issued for software update to display warning message; some dealers perform software update only; transmission warranty extension campaign XE1 (unlimited years/unlimited mileage) suggesting awareness that software fix insufficient; dealers frequently unable to reproduce issue; multiple cases show repeat failures after recall completion
Service Charging System fault with complete shutdown
Vehicle displays 'Service Charging System' error message on dashboard, accompanied by complete loss of power and inability to accelerate. Occurs both while driving and when attempting to start. Transmission display may flash. Vehicle becomes unresponsive to start button in some cases; owner must open door to reset. Check engine light activates.
When: Various mileages; can occur multiple times within short timeframe (e.g., 5 times in one week, 4 times in one day)
Symptoms owners cite: Service Charging System warning message; Complete power loss; Accelerator unresponsive; Transmission selector flashing or seized; Vehicle will not start or restart normally; Check engine light; Vehicle will not turn off when ignition button pressed; requires opening door to reset; Gear shifter locks or becomes unresponsive
Codes mentioned: P1A21, Service Charging System fault code
Repairs/costs cited: Power Inverter Module (PIM) replacement (one case reported 1+ month back-order wait); 12V battery replacement or charge; alternator testing performed but typically found normal; transmission replacement; one owner waited 3 months for part with vehicle in shop; some cases show multiple parts replaced without resolution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers frequently unable to reproduce; some perform software updates; case manager assigned in one instance but reportedly unresponsive; no recall issued for non-hybrid model despite recall existing for hybrid version; some dealers refuse to replace parts without ability to reproduce
Hybrid system fault and battery thermal shutdown
Hybrid vehicles experience loss of electric power, battery thermal management failures, or complete hybrid system faults. Vehicle enters 'turtle mode' (severely limited power) or shuts down when battery reaches thermal threshold (~55°C). Multiple warning lights and messages display; vehicle may cycle between modes or become stuck in limp mode unable to shift out of park.
When: Various driving conditions; thermal shutdown occurs after extended driving in hot weather or high ambient temperatures; one case documented after 3+ hours of highway driving; appears early in ownership (one case week 1 of ownership)
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid System Fault warning; Vehicle enters turtle mode (severely limited power); Complete loss of hybrid power while gas engine available; Multiple warning lights flashing; Vehicle unable to shift out of park; Wipers activating on own, vehicle cycling on/off with own volition; Battery charging issues or charging at wrong rate; Loss of AC; Vehicle stuck in limp mode or unable to shift
Codes mentioned: P0A43 (Drive Motor 'A' Position Sensor)
Repairs/costs cited: Hybrid heater replacement; 12V battery replacement (multiple replacements in same vehicle); PIM replacement; hybrid battery pack replacement (ordered but frequently back-ordered); coolant heater for battery; 11-day shop stay with only software updates performed; extensive CSV logs collected by owner documenting defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 03A applied; some dealers determine fault is 'false alarm' but fault persists after remedy; manufacturer protocols insufficient to reproduce issue; dealers unwilling to drive vehicle long enough to trigger failure; case raised with manufacturer but protocols insufficient; manufacturers' own engineers involved in some cases unable to identify root cause
Transmission failure or malfunction
Transmission exhibits sudden loss of ability to shift, engage drive, or maintain gear. Vehicle drops out of drive unexpectedly while driving or at stop. Transmission selector becomes unresponsive, flashes, or locks. New vehicles reported failure within first few weeks. Multiple replacements of transmission assembly required in some cases.
When: Can occur within weeks of purchase (one case at 1,700 miles); recurring issue requiring multiple transmission replacements; one case required transmission replacement twice within 2 months
Symptoms owners cite: Service Trans error message; Vehicle drops out of drive while driving; Unable to place vehicle in park; Transmission selector flashing or locked; Gear shifter unresponsive to input; Vehicle will not shift into drive; Clicking noise before error message; Transmission grinds when shifting after power loss
Codes mentioned: Service Trans code
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission assembly replacement (multiple instances requiring replacement of entire assembly); valve body replacement; wiring harness replacement; transmission replacement performed, then same issue recurs requiring different transmission assembly; one case required two separate transmission replacements within 6 weeks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers perform transmission replacement but issue recurs; factory consulted and directs different transmission assembly for second attempt; warranty extension campaign XE1 for unlimited transmission coverage; dealers acknowledge seeing similar issues in multiple Pacificas; technical service bulletins (TSBs) referenced but root cause not resolved
Low gear malfunction on grades
In Low (L) gear on steep grades, transmission allows engine to rev to 6,000 RPM before upshifting, defeating purpose of engine braking. L1 performs like L4. Vehicle does not arrest momentum properly on descents. Confirmed by dealer in multiple 2021 Pacificas including brand-new test vehicle.
When: Occurs during downhill driving; one case shows problem appears/worsens with repeated descent attempts (first descent normal, by third descent problem evident)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine revs to 6,000 RPM in Low gear before shifting to second; Inadequate engine braking on hills; Momentum not properly arrested on descent; Vehicle does not slow as expected in Low gear; Safety risk on snowy mountain roads
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer service manager confirmed as transmission problem with computer system component; software/ratio issue suspected; no repair completed; no parts replaced in narratives provided
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer confirmed problem exists in customer's vehicle and brand-new test vehicle; service manager believes computer system and transmission ratio problem; Chrysler email inquiry received no response
Unintended vehicle movement/park engagement failure
Vehicle moves or rolls unexpectedly when placed in park or left in park with engine running. One case of vehicle backing up on own with door open. Vehicle fails to stay in park, requiring parking brake to prevent rolling.
When: While stationary in park; one case during brief exit from vehicle at parking lot
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle backs up unexpectedly; Vehicle will not remain in park; Park button does not engage reliably
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle checked at dealership; no repair details provided
No-start or intermittent start condition
Vehicle fails to start or starts inconsistently. Start attempts require multiple tries or extended cranking time. U-Connect app required to start in some cases. Vehicle starts but radio/systems activate while engine will not turn over.
When: Early in ownership; one case 3 times in short period; recurring issue
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start from run button; Extended engine cranking time, increasing with each attempt; Requires multiple restart attempts; Radio/electrical systems activate but engine does not crank; Charge system error displays; Check engine light
Codes mentioned: Charge system error
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator, starter, battery tested and found normal; battery charged; U-Connect app used to start vehicle; PIM replacement ordered (back-ordered 1+ month)
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Software update performed; PIM diagnosed as failing; dealers unable to reproduce under warranty conditions
Stop-and-go traffic engine shutdown
Vehicle engine cuts off repeatedly during stop-and-go traffic at low RPM, particularly in hot conditions (90°F+). Engine stalls while coasting/braking. Vehicle puts itself into Park and requires restart attempt. Cranking time increases with each restart attempt.
When: Stop-and-go traffic in hot weather (90°F+); occurs 6 times over 15 minutes in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Engine shuts off at low RPM while braking/coasting; Vehicle automatically shifts to Park; Prolonged cranking time on restart, increasing with each attempt; No check engine light prior to failure; No service codes generated related to failure
Repairs/costs cited: Alternator, starter, battery all tested normal; battery charged; dealers unable to recreate issue; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Hybrid model has recall for same issue; non-hybrid model has no recall despite same failure mode; dealers unable to reproduce and refuse warranty repair without code
Software/infotainment system glitches
Main 10-inch touchscreen goes black, music stops, system reboots. Other minor software issues reported including mirror folding unreliability, rear liftgate button intermittent operation, and XM station song name display errors.
When: Occurred at approximately 1-hour mark of 3-hour trip in one case; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Main 10-inch display goes black; All audio stops; System reboots and displays Chrysler symbol; Mirror folding intermittent; Rear liftgate button unreliable; XM stations don't update song names in multi-page view
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Possibly software issue; noted at other dealer locations with same year gas model
Battery range significantly below EPA rating
Plug-in hybrid vehicle delivers 20 miles of electric range instead of expected 30 miles. Charging takes longer than anticipated. Level 2 charging performs at Level 1 rates.
When: Observed early in ownership; consistent across driving conditions
Symptoms owners cite: Electric range 20 miles instead of expected 30+; Charging slower than expected; Level 2 EVSE charging at Level 1 rate; Charging time reading shows 3 hours instead of expected 2 hours
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers could not reproduce issue under test conditions
Vehicle systems remain active after shutdown
Vehicle systems (radio, music) continue to operate after engine is turned off and driver exits vehicle. Music plays for up to 1 minute after departure despite door opening and vehicle being locked.
When: Intermittent; supposed to turn off when door opens
Symptoms owners cite: Music/radio continues playing after engine off and door open; Systems remain active for ~1 minute after shutdown; System should disable when door opens but does not
Synthesized from 117 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The engine of our 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid suddenly lost power while driving on the freeway. The display indicated "Put car in park" or something similar--but we were driving 65 miles/hour in heavy traffic! I had to pull over, turn the car off completely for one minute, and restart. After restarting the "check engine" light was on. Later in the drive after we stopped again, the "Check…
My 2021 Pacifica Hybrid with 19.2K miles threw a "Service Charging System" and Check Engine Light error while I was driving at 65mph on the highway on Christmas Eve in 8 degree weather. The minivan stopped accelerating and the transmission began flashing between P and D. We were forced to stop the vehicle on the highway shoulder, leaving us (2 parents, 2 kids 7 & 11) stranded on the highway. The…
On Tue, 12/20/2022, I was driving on I-94 westbound between Moorland Road and WI Hwy 164 at about 60-70 mph. The car suddenly stalled and I lost all ability to accelerate the vehicle. The brakes and steering wheel still worked fine. The dash was displaying a message: "Service charging system. Shift to P to start." This has happened to my vehicle multiple times before. I was in the right lane…
Reversing onto roadway and shifted from reverse to drive via rotary dial and vehicle went into park and would not move causing me to block the roadway. In addition and even more concerning was that the vehicle could not be turned off and any and all actions to do so just left the car "on" and the hybrid system running. Eventually we pulled the battery cable on the main 12v in the trunk and the…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a meaningful issue. 117 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Based on the 117 complaints filed, powertrain issues most often appear around 54,250 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/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.