Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here.
Owners have filed 1,514 complaints with NHTSA about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, and it carries 11 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 215 | 14% |
| Power train | 207 | 14% |
| Steering | 163 | 11% |
| Unknown or other | 97 | 6% |
| Electrical system | 89 | 6% |
| Power train | 59 | 4% |
| Power train | 39 | 3% |
| Electrical system | 38 | 3% |
| Structure | 33 | 2% |
| Service brakes | 31 | 2% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
This is in regards to the potentially death-inducing NHTSA Campaign # PE25009. Within the past two weeks, I have experienced an intermittent and concerning steering problem with my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. When travelin
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Mainly driving on highways at the end of long curves the steering is sticky and it is difficult to change the steering wheel back to 12 o'clock. Unpleasant and probably unsafe driving, as overreacting could occur, if it
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The steering wheel has begun "sticking" when driving 35 mph (estimate, not measured). It seems to stick somewhere in the 10:00/1:00 range, and can be resolved by giving a small but firm counter-tug. So far, there has bee
NHTSA complaint: Steering
On XXX, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica suffered a catastrophic malfunction on [XXX], only 3.4 miles after I picked it up from Mall of Georgia Chrysler. The dealership had kept it for over two weeks to diagnose an intermittent
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The steering at times will “stick” and a bit of force has to be used to get it to release. Also, when turning slightly at low speeds (steering wheel in the 11 or 1 position at less than 20mph) the steering will “shudder”
NHTSA complaint: Steering
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 139,000. The contact stated that while attempting to resell the vehicle at the
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and while driving 70 MPH on a toll road, the steering wheel unintendedly pulled to the right, nearly causing the vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The foam is showing through on the child’s headrest. It’s the fabric does not fully cover it, and it can be accessed by the child. The bottom part of the cushion my child is able to grab it and pull it off of the car sea
NHTSA complaint: Carry handle
NHTSA lists 11 recall campaigns for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."
Risk: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler
Risk: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may
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.
Risk: A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall bega
Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain model year 2017 Pacifica vehicles manufactured February 22, 2016, through April 28, 2016. The center overhead seat belt stow clip may fracture and prevent use of the seat belt in the third-row and/or second-row center passenger seat (if so equipped).
Risk: If passengers occupying the third-row and/or second-row center seats cannot use a seat belt, there is an increased risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the third-row and, if necessary, second-row center overhead seat belt stow bezel, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may
| Reliability raw | 38 | below average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 57 | average |
| Maintenance | 88 | excellent |
| Depreciation | 68 | good |
| Performance | 60 | average |
| Efficiency | 41 | below average |
| Safety | 93 | excellent |
Percentile ranks against other minivans & vans in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,514 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and engine is the most reported area with 215 of them (14%). There are 11 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 38/100 (below average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 57/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2017 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: skip, because the reliability record is poor enough to outweigh everything else here. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.