Common Problems with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Powertrain, Transmission Issues:
“Diagnosed by certified dealership as having a warped cylinder head causing coolant to leak into the combustion chamber. Occurred at about 73,000 miles. Based on research I've done, this seems to be very common, yet Chrysler has neglected to do anything about it. It the problem seems to occur just after the standard warranty expires, leaving customers on the hook. It puts safety at risk because it burns coolant and releases that exhaust into the air and ruins engines.”
“When moving forward after being parked, the jerks and bangs into second gear. It feels as if the car has been hit. This happens pulling away from stop lights, leaving parking lots and pulling out of my driveway.”
“The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle inadvertently downshifted and lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who advised the contact that the failure was known to the manufacturer and that an update was required for the transmission control module. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provide no assistance. The failure mileage was 181,000.”
Electrical System Problems:
“The affected component is the backup camera and warning system. The malfunction happens in a loop around every 3 minutes. My safety and that of others is put at risk when the backup and rear collision warning fails to function and negates backward motion visibility to the driver by such failure. There are no warning lamps currently or any notification of any failure in the car. I have taken the car to the dealership and they have found no issues.”
“The vehicle sometimes abruptly shuts off when it is stopped while running such as at a traffic light. It also abruptly shuts off when at a low speeds (0-5 mph). This occurs after the car has been operating for several minutes. This presents a safety hazard because the unexpected shut off can occur when the car in a precarious traffic situation. A quick message flashes on the display before the shut off. Usually too quick to read but seems to say something like, “service electronics”. Occurs at at least once a week. Car is driven 7 to 10 times per week so this incident occurs at least once out of every 10 trips. These incidents have been occurring for at least 2 months.”
“The vehicle has had constant electrical issues. The car freaks out at sporadic times. This can include power cutting in and out while driving, suddenly being unable to put into gear, or unable to start the vehicle at all. Symptoms include tactometer and speedometer simultaneously going up all the way and down over and over again, engine slowing down and starting. Lights on the shifter flashing (this was replaced). A Dealer service rep saw it when I drove in, but was unable to mimic it since it happens so sporadically - they had never seen it before and eventually said, "We don't know what to do."”
Engine Troubles:
“I received a P0303 engine misfire code. I have noticed a very slow coolant leak. Thankfully I noticed the leak before the coolant ran out or else the car could have overheated and left me in a very dangerous situation. My mechanic ran a test and confirmed that there is a blown head gasket. My vehicle has ~85,000 miles and from what I have read that is very few miles to be having a head gasket fail.”
“Bought the vehicle in 2020 (Second Owner) from a wholesale dealer and owned the vehicle for about 3 years. Bought with only 20K miles and currently has 55K on Odometer. Car one day wouldn't start. Had it towed to first Chrysler dealer and told it was a bad starter. Paid for starter and fuse replacement and told it filled the shop with smoke indicating a bad head gasket probably caused by a warped engine block. Had it towed to a second chrysler for addition opinion/look where they speculated it "dropped" exhaust/intake valve requiring a new engine/engine replacement. This vehicle is essentially a lemon and people are reporting many issues with the 17-18 Chrysler Pacifica's. It has been in shops for over a month.”
“On or around September 11, 2023, our 2017 Chrysler Pacifica began to stutter and shake upon ignition. On September 27th, the high engine temperature alarm came up. The coolant reservoir was empty. We filled it up and scheduled an oil change and diagnostic. The Check engine line did not come on for the mechanic during the diagnostic and oil change. The oil change was on September 29th. Shortly after the oil change, the Check Engine line came on again, and on October 5th, the high engine temp alarm came on again. The coolant reservoir was empty again. I filled it again, and drove it to another location. Within a matter of hours, the coolant reservoir was empty again. I scheduled a maintenance visit with our local Chrysler Dealership. I told the dealership the Check Engine light was on and that the reservoir for coolant appeared to be leaking and I had filled it up 3 times. I was informed that the Check Engine light is a Cylinder misfire, and that the car may need a tune up. Upon hear this, I asked the service advisor if they had check the reason for the leaking coolant. I was in disbelief that this was not done as per my original comments. After checking on the coolant leak, the dealership noted that there was no external coolant leak. An internal coolant leak is indicative of a leaking or damaged head gasket. The vehicle purchased in 2017 has 66,000 miles on it. This defective component at this low mileage has put my family at risk of a major accident and will continue to do so due to poor design.”
Fuel/Propulsion System Problems:
“Top portion of fuel filler neck broke off vehicle during normal refueling process. Top of capless system fractured from filler neck and came off with gas pump nozzle as it was removed from vehicle. Capless fuel system no longer has a seal mechanism to contain fuel vapors. Fuel vapors will potentially leak from vehicle during normal driving as well as parked conditions. This leakage will worsen as weather begins to warm up. Potential to trigger OBDII malfunction when vehicle runs diagnostics for leakage.”
“we smelled gas on the passenger side and noticed there wasn't a ton of power being given to the engine. Once we got to our destination the gas smell was stronger. We arrived back at our house and the gas smell was really bad at this point and noticed there was gas coming over the headlights. We popped the hood and there was gas everywhere. We got very lucky and the van did not catch on fire. The fuel supply tube (68210442AA) was shooting gas out from a hole in it and it would land a good 20-ft outside the vehicle. This could have killed myself and my family. We went to find the part and come to find out chrysler "redesigned" the part but there is no recall on this part yet.”
“Fuel pump nozzles don't work with pacifica and auto shut off every second. There must be something wrong with design where nozzle senses fuel and shuts off. This is not only super annoying but a safety hazard. Since the fuel pump auto shuts off every two seconds, i have to keep pressing it and don't know when it is false and when it is really a full tank. This results in overflow (top off effect) which is hazardous!!! This is not isolated.... 4 out of 5 pumps do this! Please help as I know others have the same issue from the online forums. I can provide video of this.”
Sources: www.nhtsa.gov, carcomplaints.com
California Lemon Law and How Valero Law Can Assist
The California Lemon Law is designed to protect consumers who have purchased or leased a defective vehicle. If your 2017 Chrysler Pacifica experiences repetitive issues covered by the manufacturer's warranty that substantially affect its safety, value, or use, you may be eligible for a refund, replacement, or cash settlement under this law. Valero Law specializes in helping consumers navigate the Lemon Law process.
Valero Law can assist by evaluating your case, negotiating with the manufacturer, and, if necessary, representing you in legal proceedings. Our expertise ensures that you understand your rights and can take the necessary steps to resolve your vehicle-related issues, all while prioritizing your satisfaction and peace of mind.