2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid problems

General information about Chrysler-Pacifica hybrid
Overview of popular issues
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan produced by the Chrysler division of Stellantis. It is unrelated to the discontinued crossover and concept vehicles by the same name and replaced the Chrysler Town & Country for the 2017 model year. It is positioned as the higher-end Chrysler minivan, above the Dodge Grand Caravan until 2020 and above the Chrysler Voyager (rebadged as the Chrysler Grand Caravan in Canada) since 2020.

The minivan is produced with two powertrains, a 3.6 L gasoline-powered engine and a plug-in hybrid. The plug-in hybrid version has a 16-kWh lithium-ion battery that can propel the car up to 33 mi (53 km) on electric power alone. The gasoline-only version of the Pacifica minivan went on sale in mid-2016, while the plug-in hybrid version became available in early 2017.

History

Development

In June 2013, it was reported that Chrysler was preparing to produce a new generation of its Town & Country minivan at the Windsor Assembly Plant, with production set to begin in 2015 and a release for the 2017 model year. An industry analyst reported that the new version would possibly be a crossover utility vehicle in the vein of the Pacifica.

In 2015, FCA CEO Sergio Marchionne announced that it would invest $2 billion in developing a new minivan, and overhauling the Windsor Assembly Plant to facilitate its production. A company issued plan of future vehicles revealed that a new Town & Country would begin production in February 2016 for the 2017 model year, and that the final-generation Dodge Grand Caravan would be maintained in parallel with the new Town & Country as a lower-cost option during the 2017 model year, after which it will be discontinued. Marchionne has been against "duplicate investments" in product development—a strategy reflected by his reduction of badge-engineering between FCA US's domestic marques.

On November 3, 2015, FCA filed to have its trademark registration on the Pacifica brand renewed; FCA's Head of Passenger Car Brands Timothy Kuniskis denied that this was related to any new products and that it was standard industry practice to continue renewing its trademarks because "you don't want to lose names. Establishing new names is expensive."

Social links

Common 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid problems

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, a stylish and efficient minivan, has been reported to have several common problems based on complaints from its owners. Here are the detailed issues:

Engine: Random engine stalls and the inability to restart the engine after a stall are major complaints against the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Owners also report issues with the vehicle failing to start when using the start-stop feature, which in some cases locks the vehicle in park mode.

Transmission: The transmission of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has been reported to have issues such as inability to shift to drive mode from park, lurching when applying brakes, low-speed jerking, and failure to upshift. The unit is also known to cause a stall at times when coming to a halt in drive mode.

Service Brakes: Several owners have complained about the loss of braking force on the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid when the brake pedals are depressed. Brake shudder and hissing noise are also prominent complaints on this van as per NHTSA reports. Though the latter issue was caused by a rusted brake disc and faulty pads, the former issue, where owners dealt with the occasional loss of braking pressure, did not receive any plausible remedy as the issue could not be replicated.

Electric System: The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is prone to many electrical problems such as random cabin equipment power loss, premature battery failure, key-fob issues, infotainment restart, and more. Though recalls for faulty battery grounding and voltage regulator were made, random issues persist for many owners.

Infotainment: The radio/infotainment system gets stuck on the backup camera view, causing driver distraction. Owners are forced to restart the vehicle to bring the system back to the radio menu. The automaker is aware of these issues and has rolled out two separate recalls (IDs-20V191000, 19V886000) to resolve this issue.

Structural Complaints: The second-row sliding door closes or opens unintendedly while parked or while driving due to door lock sensor issues. Though dealers are aware of this issue, no statement or service bullets have yet been released on this issue by the automaker.

Safety Complaints: The second-row seat belts have the possibility of detaching from their mounting points. Even though the previous model year received a recall on this issue, the 2019 model year owners are left to receive any update on this issue.

These issues have led to a significant number of recalls and complaints, making the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid a questionable choice in terms of longevity and build quality.

How reliable are Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid?

Quality and Reliability 67.0/100

The 2024 Pacifica Hybrid has a predicted reliability score of 71 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.

How long will battery last on Pacifica hybrid?

between 3 to 5 years

Your 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid battery will generally last between 3 to 5 years, but that can differ heavily depending on weather conditions battery size, type of battery, and driving habits. Even still, just because your battery isn't completely dead, doesn't mean it's operating accurately.

What are the electrical issues with a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

Chrysler "FCA US LLC" is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.

Are there any recalls on 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

There are 6 recalls that may affect your 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. Check your 2019 Chrysler Pacifica for safety recalls and get them fixed for free at a Chrysler dealership near you.

How reliable are Chrysler Pacifica hybrid?

Quality and Reliability 67.0/100

What are the electrical issues with a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

What is the most common problem with the Chrysler Pacifica?

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has 327 problems & defects reported by Pacifica owners. The worst complaints are accessories - interior, electrical, and drivetrain problems.

How long will battery last on Pacifica hybrid?

between 3 to 5 years

2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid.

2024-07-18

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Park Out Side: 1
Park Out Side: 1
Components: HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Interim notification letters, notifying owners of the safety risk, were mailed August 1, 2024. A second notice will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated 4th Quarter 2024. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 72B. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-077.

2020-06-09

Manufacturer: Chrysler (FCA US LLC)
Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:INTERIOR/UNDER DASH
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.
Consequence: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.
Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

Negative 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid car reviews

Cory Runte 2025-05-03

From August 2018 until June 2019, we had a Pacifica Limited PHEV. We were extremely happy with it, in fact, we were borderline evangelistic about it. However, on the morning of June 15, 2019, we heard a loud explosion that shook the house. We ran downstairs to discover the car burning in our driveway. We immediately called the fire department, and they arrived in 5-6 minutes. In that time, the vehicle gas tank ruptured, and the car was completely engulfed in flames 20 feet into the air. The vehicle had been plugged into a standard 110V outlet overnight using the manufacturer's provided charging cable. We hadn't driven it since the afternoon before, so it was fully charged at the time, and the engine was completely cool. It had less than 10000 miles on it. A neighbor's web cam caught the explosion. The vehicle was emitting a large amount of smoke for about 15 minutes prior to the explosion. Thankfully, no one was nearby to get hurt by the flying glass, and everyone got out of the house. The only serious damage was to the vehicle, the driveway, and the nearby plants. If it had been in the garage, it would've been a different story, and we would've lost the house for sure. We immediately contacted FCA, and although we placed several follow-up calls over the months, we have never heard back from them, despite multiple promises of a callback. We have not heard of a root cause analysis, and they showed little interest in seeing the car after the fire. This isn't the first battery fire while plugged in. We advise all owners to install a smoke alarm in their garage if they park it there and to install a self-activating fire extinguisher in their vehicle.
Jovanny Bruen 2025-05-01

I had some trouble with my brand new car recently. Unfortunately, after only a week of use, the car wouldn't start due to a switch inside the hybrid battery getting stuck in the open position. I had to have it towed back to the dealer and it turned out that the whole hybrid battery needed to be replaced, which took a month. While I appreciate that Chrysler-Detroit was trying to find the best solution without replacing the battery, it was frustrating to be without my car for so long. I was concerned that this might be a design flaw and worried about what would happen if the issue occurred while I was driving on the highway or in a remote area. I had purchased the Chrysler Pacifica Limited for its extended security package, but it was disappointing that the basic security of a running car was not guaranteed. Despite these issues, I was able to use the lemon law to get a refund and move on.
Jamison Stroman 2025-01-13

We recently traded in our 2013 Ram 1500 Laramie Longhorn 4x4 for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Although we loved everything about it, we did experience some issues with the check engine light coming on just 8 days after purchase, with only 450 miles on the clock. Unfortunately, the same issue continued to occur and despite the dealer's best efforts, they were unable to resolve the problem. After involving Chrysler engineering, they suspected a software issue with the battery charging system. As one of only three in the nation at the time, this was a unique situation. However, Chrysler was very helpful and bought the vehicle back, allowing us to replace it with the same model in a different color. Unfortunately, we experienced the same issue with the second van at just 450 miles. Despite the inconvenience of spending 51 days in 8 different loaners and spending several thousand dollars, we were pleased with the support we received from Chrysler. After all was said and done, Chrysler bought the second van back as a lemon and we replaced it with a 2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, which we are very happy with.
Mackenzie Collins 2024-10-21

Chrysler advertises a towing capability of 3600lb, but it's important to note that adding a towing package will void the power train warranty. Additionally, the owners manual, which is not provided until after purchasing the vehicle, clearly states that the vehicle is not permitted to tow. It's disappointing that Chrysler would mislead customers in this way. If you're looking for a trustworthy car manufacturer, consider Honda.
Parker Jakubowski 2024-08-11

The minivan is very comfortable and comes with great features such as adaptive cruise control and cabin noise cancellation. I did have some expectations for the Hybrid Powertrain, but unfortunately, it hasn't met them. Even when charged to 100%, the engine turns on almost every time you start the car, which can be frustrating. I wish it would operate more like a plug-in hybrid, allowing me to drive on electric when the battery is at 100%. Despite this, the van is still a great choice, although it only gets about 25.4 mpg, which is a bit disappointing. Overall, I would recommend it as a good van, but not necessarily as a good plug-in hybrid.

Positive 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid car reviews

Wilber Stamm 2025-05-09

We recently moved to the Pacific NW and no longer needed our big 4WD vehicles like Yukon XL Denali, Suburban, or Navigator. My wife was initially against a minivan, but we were shopping for a newer SUV. However, with gas prices being more expensive up here, we decided to look at midsize SUVs where the 3rd rows were not up to our previous expectations. Since we didn't want a car payment, we didn't want to spend too much. After test driving a new 2018 Odyssey, my wife loved it. However, we had a negative experience with the dealer's typical car lot tactics, which made us run away. She then decided she liked the Pacifica look better. Although I was wary of buying a Chrysler product due to resale, I agreed to the Pacifica Hybrid because my wife does a lot of city driving where the 33 mile electric range would be optimal. With the 7,500 tax credit, a limited hybrid was actually cheaper than a gas limited. We drove 6.5 hours to find a deal on one and drove it back home. The Pacifica Hybrid is a pretty minivan with a top-notch interior that is surprisingly functional and comfortable. It handles great, has a smooth powertrain, and feels more like a luxury car than a van. The technology in this thing is great, from the lane departure assist to the auto bright headlights, blind spot, collision mitigation, heated and cooled seats...it has it all. Top that off with 30 mpg when the battery is discharged, to using no gas when the battery is full, and I think this will save us lots on fuel for how we use it. My wife has zero regrets on the trade-in, and she loves it so far. One thing to keep in mind is that the battery, when fully charged, says up to 33 miles before the gas engine kicks in...The gas seamlessly kicks in without any noticeable difference, so you don't have to worry about plugging it in or finding charging stations. Regarding the tax credit, it's best to do your own research, but keep in mind that you need a tax liability of at least $7,500 for the year to receive the full federal credit. If your liability is only $5,000, you can only receive a credit of $5,000. As for reliability, it's a valid concern. However, the hybrid warranty is surprisingly good.
Arely Durgan 2025-04-27

Update at 4 yrs, 4 mos: 100,000 miles. Still love it! In June '21, I drove from IL to CA on I-80 and then back on I-90 & 94. The van handled beautifully with plenty of room for my grandkids and lots of stuff inside. We brought a cargo shell (20 cu ft) on the trip, which sometimes rode inside and sometimes on the roof. The Also, I really love the Adaptive Cruise Control - it makes slowdowns due to construction a breeze. And when we decided to bring along two trim recliner chairs, 40” high, there was no problem at all! We simply stowed the rear seat in the floor with a couple of hand pulls, and the chairs both fit easily, leaving us with 4 seating positions and plenty of room for luggage. While I have had some issues with recalls, my Chrysler dealer has always handled them with minimal hassle.
Ignacio Rath 2025-03-07

My wife and I were initially hesitant about owning a minivan, but after experiencing the Chrysler Pacifica, we can't imagine driving anything else. The plug-in capability was a major selling point for us, and we are thrilled with our choice. My wife uses it daily for errands and rarely needs to fill up on gas. We appreciate the spacious interior, the advanced safety features, and the user-friendly Uconnect system. Our kids love the dual screens and the fun apps, and everyone was comfortable during a recent family trip with our pets. Even my 12-year-old prefers the Pacifica over our Mercedes C-class due to its comfort and entertainment options. Overall, we are delighted with our decision to choose the Pacifica and highly recommend it to anyone in the market for a family vehicle.The only downsides so far are that the placement of the automatic tailgate close button on the side of the back rather than the top of the tailgate can be annoying, and the parking assist did not work very well in the rain (another parked driver was not happy with how close it was advising me to get). However, if it proves to be reliable over the long haul (a big if at this point), then we truly have our dream car (sorry Mercedes).
Erik Parisian 2025-03-04

I spent $450 to get the quick charger, and since my work has charging stations, I don't use gas at all unless we take a trip. On trips, I'm averaging 28 MPG (75 mph for 2+ hrs). The only issue I've had was the radio glitch that all Chryslers had, which got fixed by an update. I feel safe in this van, and the safety alerts are accurate and awesome. The storage is amazing and very well thought out. My kids love having their own captain chairs and say they are very comfy. The driver's seat gets 10/10 from me. The passenger seat got 10/10 from my 5-foot-tall mom but only 6/10 from my 6-foot husband. The interior is very quiet when we drive, especially when it's in electric mode. I had a Prius before this and needed more space now that both kids are full-time sports players, and carpooling is required. I would buy this hybrid again in a heartbeat.
Prince Cummings 2025-02-28

Please confirm the BOM when making your final selection as options may vary by model features. The car qualifies for Federal energy tax credit and may also qualify for state tax credit. With an electric cost of $.10 per kilowatt, the car can go 30+ miles on batteries. With 10 charges a month and 15KWH per charge maximum, it takes less than 2 hours on a 30AMP EV2. For monthly in-town driving of 300 miles, the cost is $15, compared to driving a Town and Country van with gas at $2.50/gal and 20 miles/gal which would cost $37.50. This means you can save over $200 per year on 3,600 miles!

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2019 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid problems:

2019 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/chrysler/pacifica/2019/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Paint And Trim · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Transmission Minor · Exhaust · Transmission Major · Engine Minor · Climate ...

Problems with your 2019 or late 2018 model year Pacifica? | 2017+ ...

https://www.pacificaforums.com/threads/problems-with-your-2019-or-late-2018-model-year-pacifica.47005/

May 15, 2020 ... I'm very pleased with mine. 2015 Chevy Volt 2019 Pacifica Hybrid ... 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Limited. Jazz Blue ... problems online, but most appear ...

Pacifica: is Chrysler really so bad? : r/whatcarshouldIbuy

https://www.reddit.com/r/whatcarshouldIbuy/comments/14nyqwo/pacifica_is_chrysler_really_so_bad/

Jul 1, 2023 ... The 2019+ have mostly fixed the issues with the ZF 9 speed. ... transmission issue. Reply ... Chrysler isn't known for their hybrids, and the ...