2023 Chrysler Pacifica: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 148 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, electrical, and airbags. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2023- Owner complaints
- 148
- Recalls
- 8
- Crashes reported
- 2
- 1 injury
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2023 Chrysler Pacifica: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Pacifica is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.6L 6-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 20–22 mpg |
| 3.6L 6-cylPlug-in hybrid | FWD | 520 mi range |
- The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the plug-in hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Pacifica that averages well under the EPA 20 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Sudden hybrid power shutdown
500–4,000 miles
Transmission replacement after shutdown
2,037–17,000 miles
Repeated power loss, high mileage
62,000–89,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission42No crashes
Sudden loss of drive power is the main failure. A "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" warning appears, often with the check engine light and a turtle icon. Within seconds the van coasts to a stop, sometimes on freeways at 70 mph. Most reports involve the hybrid and begin in the first few thousand miles, and many say it happens again and again. Dealers often cannot reproduce it. Some vans need a new transmission or show transmission control module or inverter faults. A few owners also report the van rolling away while parked or on an incline.
Electrical30No crashes
The same shutdown pattern shows up here. A turtle warning, the check engine light, and limp mode cap the van's speed or cut power completely, sometimes at 70 to 75 mph. Owners connect it to the hybrid drivetrain. Reports include a failed hybrid battery, a replaced battery coolant hose, and a hybrid system that will not run on battery even at full charge. Some describe a "Service Charging System" error that keeps the van from starting. Other faults include dead air conditioning, hazard lights that barely flash, a blank speedometer, and cameras that drop out. Dealers often find no cause.
Airbags261 crash
Most of these complaints are about waiting for an air bag recall repair. Owners say dealers do not have the parts. They describe months on waiting lists, a limit of one part per week, wasted appointments, and storage or rental costs. Some cannot sell or rent out the van while they wait. A few report the air bag warning light coming on now and then. One crash complaint says the air bags did not deploy when a deer hit the front at high speed, and the warning light came on afterward.
Engine16No crashes
Stalling while driving is the main complaint. The van warns that it will shut off, then loses power within about 20 to 30 seconds, often at freeway speeds. It usually restarts after sitting for a few minutes. Some owners say lights, steering, and brakes all quit during the event, and one noticed a burning odor. Reports begin as early as 42 miles, and one van needed a new transmission at 17,000 miles. Dealers often find no stored fault. In a separate problem, the auto start/stop engine sometimes fails to restart at traffic lights.
Steering9No crashes
Loss of steering during a power shutdown is the main concern. The wheel turns heavy or stops responding as the van shuts off, in one case at about 50 mph. Other reports describe a "Power Steering Unavailable Service Required" alert that a dealer blamed on low battery voltage. Another describes a van that locks its steering and drifts in Reverse when started without holding the brake. One high-mileage van has a loud rumbling and visible wheel vibration when turning.
Acceleration and cruise control41 crash
Unintended acceleration appears in one crash report. The van sped up at 35 mph with no pedal input, the brakes did not respond, and it hit a concrete barrier and other vehicles. The driver went to the hospital. Another owner says the standard cruise control keeps accelerating after the SET+ button is released, and the problem repeats. The remaining complaints describe the hybrid power loss seen in other categories, including one new van that got a new Power Inverter Module.
Seats3No crashes
Second-row seat locking failures make up most of these few complaints. One report describes a broken plastic spring housing on both second-row seats. The seatbacks no longer lock and the seats slide freely, and the part is on back order. Another describes a second-row headrest that will not lock after the seat is folded. One more says the Stow 'n Go Assist button moved an occupied driver's seat forward and pinned the driver against the steering wheel.
Brakes3No crashes
These few complaints each describe a different problem. One owner reports rear brakes worn to 4 mm at 32K miles while the fronts still had 7 mm, along with a high-pitched metal sound. Another sees a Forward Collision Warning fault light that comes and goes in snow or rain. A third describes a "Brake Release" message while driving downhill. The van did not stop when the brake pedal was pressed, then stalled, and the check engine light stayed on.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Pacifica owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
While driving at highway speed the vehicle flashed a vehicle and I’ll shut down sign. A red turtle flashed and the vehicle began to decelerate. Had to pull over to a less than safe sand shoulder. Had highway speed traffic directly behind me. Dealership pulled codes related to the transmission. No previous issues or sign thereof. 25k miles.
Filed with NHTSA, April 2025
The check engine light came on suddenly and the vehicle stopped while driving down street. The dashboard read Park car safely. Engine is going to shut down. However, car stopped almost immediately leaving me stranded in the middle of a highly traveled state route. The Check engine code read Drive Motor A Inverter Performance. Mechanic stated it was an internal short in the transmission control module.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2024
While traveling on an interstate highway at highway speed (65-70 mph), a red turtle warning light came on with the message "Pull over Safely; vehicle will shut off soon." Almost immediately, we lost all power and glided into the right-hand shoulder. We narrowly missed being rear-ended. We got it to a local dealer, where the service department informed us we need a new transmission. The car has less than 13,000 miles on it.
Filed with NHTSA, July 2025
Van is only 2 years old, maybe 30K miles on it, and it dies while in motion from "electrical issues" of some sort, that are not even battery related. Never seen this in a vehicle ever. Happened to my wife twice in one week while transporting children. They are very lucky to be alive still. This model should not be allowed on the market in this condition.
Filed with NHTSA, January 2026
This van has had a transmission failure that lead to it stopping while driving 60mph down a freeway, several check engine light issues that were erroneous or needed software updates and now has an open recall for side airbags that may fail and allow a child to go thru a window during g a crash. This is a hazard we do not want to risk with our children
Filed with NHTSA, November 2025
I can't rent out the car due to a safety recall and I can't sell it either to Chrysler dealerships because they can't sell it to the public. It's been 2 month since there is not fix, they said there would be a fix by Quarter 3 this year but nothing yet. I just want Chrysler to buy the car back with the same amount I purchased it for.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2025
I was driving the van a day after I bought it with only 42 miles on it, was going to make a turn onto a busy road and the car made a horrible noise and suddenly stopped. After a minute the 03A "fix" came on warning me to pull over safely but the car had stopped on it's own and would not restart, it was dead. Had I been on the highway when it happened it could have ended very badly.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2023
1. Engine Light and the "A" warning light stay on while driving. 2. It's unsafe with family in the car; fear it will shut off on the highway. 3. yes, the dealer has agreed its a defeated part causing the engine to light to come on 4. No warning lights before driving a car for a week.
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
How the 2023 compares with other Pacifica years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2023 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 9 Pacifica years, well under the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission4267
- Electrical3067
- Airbags263
- Engine1637
- Steering926
- Acceleration and cruise control45
Recalls to confirm (8)
Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
25V877000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityDec 2025
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
25V876000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityDec 2025
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
25V759000Equipment Adaptive/mobilityOct 2025
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, 2022-2025 Toyota Sienna, and 2022-2026 Honda Odyssey vehicles equipped with wheel chair restraint retractors. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk: An unlocked wheelchair can move during transit or during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed December 23, 2025. Owners may contact Q'Straint's customer service at 1-800-987-9987 or Braun's customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
25V388000Backup cameraJun 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. Due to a manufacturing error, the rearview camera image may not display. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview image that does not display reduces the driver's view of what is behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the rearview camera, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is 34C.
25V381000Seat beltsJun 2025
Braun Corporation (Braun) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, 2022-2025 Voyager, and 2024-2025 Toyota Sienna Hybrid vehicles. The occupant restraint tie-down puck fasteners may have been improperly tightened.
Risk: A restraint tie-down puck with loose fasteners may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and tighten the fasteners, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed mailed July 7, 2025. Owners may contact Braun customer service at 1-800-488-0359.
25V302000AirbagsMay 2025
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager vehicles. The right and left side curtain air bags may have insufficient pressure retention from improperly sealed seams. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 226, "Ejection Mitigation.".
Risk: An air bag with insufficient pressure retention increases the risk of ejection and injury during a crash.
Fix: Dealers will replace the side curtain air bags, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning October 14, 2025. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 800-853-1403. Chrysler's numbers for this recall are 06C, 54C, 55C.
24V436000Backup cameraJun 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility.".
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
24V199000AirbagsMar 2024
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) (Stellantis) is recalling certain 2023-2024 Ram 1500, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Wagoneer, Jeep Grand Wagoneer, Chrysler Pacifica, Ram 3500, Ram 3500 cab chassis, Ram 2500, Ram 4500 cab chassis, Ram 5500 cab chassis, 2023 Jeep Gladiator, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Ram 3500 Cab Chassis with a GVWR less than 10,000 lbs., and Chrysler Voyager vehicles. The steering column control module may not be welded properly, which can prevent the driver's air bag from deploying in a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection.".
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy in a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Fix: Dealers will inspect and replace the steering column control module, as necessary free of charge. Some owner notification letters were mailed April 11, 2024 through June 20, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 14B, 33B, 34B, 35B, 36B.
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