2017 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Report
2017 Chrysler Pacifica: Safety and Reliability Concerns
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. It connects recall campaigns, owner complaint patterns, service bulletins, sibling model years, component issue hubs, and the model buying guide so a shopper or owner can move from a single report into the wider safety graph.
| Signal | Value | What to inspect next |
|---|---|---|
| Recall burden | High (10) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (1433) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 55 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Engine | Compare engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2016 | Compare against the 2016 Chrysler Pacifica with 2 complaints and 0 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2018 | Check the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica before buying across this generation. |
Chrysler Pacifica Year-by-Year Comparison
The safest purchase decision usually comes from comparing neighboring model years, not reading a single page in isolation. The table below uses only validated Chrysler Pacifica years already present in the cleaned NHTSA dataset, so each comparison links to a real vehicle safety report rather than a generated combination.
| Model Year | Complaints | Recalls | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | 767 | 12 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2016 Chrysler Pacifica | 2 | 0 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chrysler Pacifica | 317 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Chrysler Pacifica | 147 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2021 Chrysler Pacifica | 334 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica | 171 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, these are the component areas with the clearest NHTSA complaint signals. Use each link to jump from this single vehicle into broader component hubs and make-specific issue pages.
Engine
210 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chrysler onlyPower Train
202 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chrysler onlySteering
121 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Chrysler onlyUnknown Or Other
96 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chrysler onlyElectrical System
84 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chrysler onlyPower Train,Engine
59 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Engine issues Chrysler onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability Score
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica receives a reliability score of 50 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) evaluates vehicles through controlled crash tests and assigns star ratings from 1 to 5, with 5 being the safest.
Known Issues for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical System Issues Recalls for electrical system and wiring issues have been issued, affecting multiple components. |
High | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Steering Malfunctions Steering wheel sticking and difficulty turning have been reported, posing safety risks. |
Medium | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Brake System Failures Multiple reports of brake system failures have been documented, indicating potential safety hazards. |
High | Common | 30k-60k miles |
| Engine And Power Train Recalls Recalls for engine and power train issues have been issued, affecting multiple components. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica:
Recalls for electrical system and wiring issues have been issued, affecting multiple components.
Steering wheel sticking and difficulty turning have been reported, posing safety risks.
Multiple reports of brake system failures have been documented, indicating potential safety hazards.
Recalls for engine and power train issues have been issued, affecting multiple components.
Recall Details for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
The following 10 recalls have been issued for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica by NHTSA:
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
Consequence: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA b...
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.
Remedy: 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 began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V53.
Summary: 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."
Consequence: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.
Remedy: 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 for this recall is U50.
Summary: 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 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the c...
Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be d...
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6l engine. The engine control software may become out of sync with the crankshaft position sensor, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
Consequence: An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U01.
Summary: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.
Consequence: Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.
Summary: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (VMI) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lowered floor vehicles modified by VMI. The rear pinion bracket on both sides of the vehicle may crack, causing the axle not to be centered and the wheel to wobble.
Consequence: A wheel wobble may cause a possible loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: VMI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pinion brackets, free of charge. The recall began on August 14, 2017. Owners may contact VMI customer service at 1-800-488-9082. VMI's number for this recall is PAC20170728.
Summary: Vantage Mobility International, LLC (Vantage Mobility) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lowered floor vans modified by Vantage Mobility for wheelchair accessibility. The affected vans have rear brake lines that might have been crossed during the modification. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence: The crossed rear brake lines will cause the rear anti-lock brake system to be ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Vantage Mobility will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear brake line attachments, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2017. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082. Vantage Mobility's number for this recall is Pac-20170525.
Summary: 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).
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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 contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is S42.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
My 2017, Chrysler Pacifica van just stopped for no reason whatsoever scaring me to death, I was just driving with no issues then all of a sudden as, drove into a Restaurant parking lot my van just turned off on its own before I could get in parking spot. It would not restart so I had to get it tolled. Ended up spending over $3000 two different Mechanics, one being the Hawk Chrysler dealer, in Fore...
This car has had so many issues in the 2 years that i have had it. Blown head gaskets, hard shifting, cruise control getting stuck in a high gear and not shifting. When fixing the head gasket it was apparent that it wasnt the first time being fixed. For such a nice vehicle it has way too many problems for the amount i purchased it for. There needs to be some sort of compensation for this. Upon lo...
The vehicle is experiencing multiple serious mechanical failures affecting the brake system, powertrain, and steering/wheel components. The brake system produces a constant hissing sound and appears to have lost braking assist. When the brake pedal is depressed the vehicle continues to roll forward and requires excessive force to stop. The vehicle has rolled forward while braking at intersections,...
After a curb impact, the vehicle immediately experienced a no‑start condition. The failure appears to be collision‑related electrical damage in wiring routed through the lowered‑floor mobility‑conversion area installed by BraunAbility. The vehicle was fully operational before the impact and became completely inoperable immediately afterward, with no warning lights or prior symptoms, creating a saf...
we've had to replace the engine. Twice and the electric power steering quit, working completely.And now they want five thousand dollars to replace it.When it's a known problem.
Vehicle lost power, steering, and breaks on the george washington bridge in NYC causing it to roll into the back of another vehicle.
Around October/November 2025, the vehicle began having intermittent steering issues that have progressively worsened. The steering wheel becomes stiff or feels stuck, and at times it jerks on its own before correcting. Other times I must pull harder to get it to respond, causing over‑correction and difficulty maintaining my lane. This has happened at various speeds, including 65–70 mph on the inte...
Description of Incident: On February 15, 2026, my 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid experienced three distinct and severe safety system failures involving the electrical system, power seats, and the power sliding door. Power Sliding Door Sensor Failure: While my minor son was entering the vehicle, the power sliding door closed on his leg. The pinch sensor failed to detect the obstruction and did not r...
The CAN BUS connector (found in the glove box area) fails periodically and without warning. It affects everything on the vehicle; it stops the car from shifting, car won't start up, windows stop working, all of the warning lights turn on, etc. The issue seems to be a manufacturing defect; the soldering cracks after a while, so the low voltage applications malfunction. Many people have noticed the ...
I keep getting the same codes every few weeks. P0732
Steering wheel is sticking between the 11:00 and 1:00 position starting around 40 MPH.
Oil leak from oil filter housing
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the steering wheel became difficult to turn to the left or right before the vehicle stalled. The steering assist warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over and restart and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not taken to a local dealer or independent mechanic to be diagnosed ...
Steering wheel sticks when making gradual turns in curves when around the 11 o’clock and 1 o’clock positions. Living in a state with snow and ice makes driving scary, not knowing if my steering wheel will stick in a curve. Took it to a repair shop, but they said it would need to be looked at by the dealership.
Right and left lower control arms are failing. Steering rack replacement is required for repair and imperative for safe vehicle driving. The safety of people in the car is greatly at risk. Since learning about the true problem, the van is parked and we're having to borrow another car for transportation. The issue is that when turning, the steering wheel gets stuck. This seems to occur at 11 o'cloc...
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and turning the steering wheel in either direction, the steering wheel was sticking, with a knocking and jerking feeling coming from the steering wheel. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and the manufacturer were not contacted. The contact stated that the vehicle had e...
We purchased the vehicle in 2020 with appx 33,000 miles. In fall 2023- winter 2024 it began having electrical glitches when the weather was cold. The car will start, but will not shift into gear. It throws alarms such as service Parking Brake, Shifter, Engine, Traction Control and that you must put it in Park. Although it obviously is in park or it wouldn't have started. The dealership kept it ...
After purchasing a used 2017 Chrysler Pacifica from Massey Cadillac of Orlando, a warning light appeared during the initial drive indicating a malfunction in the Auto Start/Stop system (capital letter “A” inside a circle with an exclamation point). The system was disabled and indicated service was required. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Chrysler dealership, which confirmed that the a...
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The power steering warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The contact researched and became aware of an unknown recall; however, the VIN was not under recall. The ma...
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Right passenger door fell off and out at the back when my wife was opening the door manually in NJ 20 degree temp - - almost injuring my wife. The back end corner of the door fell to the ground when both the top support and middle support came completely out of their tracks. The door is still attached front bottom. The door is very heavy and could have cause s...
Showing 20 of 1433 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
NHTSA defect investigations are higher-signal than ordinary complaints because they indicate the agency opened a formal review of a potential safety defect. Some investigations later connect to recall campaigns; others close without a recall after review.
Component: Electrical System:Propulsion System:Traction Battery
Opened 2024-01-16
On February 11, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-077) on all 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016 through August 7, 2018. The recall addresses ignition “OFF’ fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. At...
Component: Steering:Electric Power Assist System
Opened 2025-09-05
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of alleged defects related to the electric power steering (EPS) system in model year (MY) 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. ODI has received 94 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting a condition in which the steering system exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'c...
Component: Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Gasoline
Opened 2017-12-01 · Closed 2018-03-01
By letter dated November 30, 2017, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requesting it open an investigation into allegations of engine stalling in the model year (MY) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, a new vehicle platform. In support of its petition, CAS cited 57 NHTSA complaints alleging an engine stall in the subject Pacifica vehicles, in addition to other information it provided.On December 1, 2017, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation open...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
Has the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA been recalled?
Yes, the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 10 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
The 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 1,433 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 46 involved crashes. 37 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA received an overall NHTSA safety rating of excellent (5/5). Frontal crash: 5/5. Side crash: 5/5. Rollover: 4/5.
What are the most common problems with the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA involve engine (210 complaints), power train (202 complaints), steering (121 complaints). Other affected components include unknown or other, electrical system, power train,engine.
How many crash reports does the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 46 crash reports associated with the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 1,433 total complaints (3.2% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 9 fire reports for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 1,433 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
37 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA is proceed with caution. It has 1,433 complaints, 10 recalls, and a excellent (5/5) safety rating. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The components with the most failures on the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA are: 1. ENGINE (210 complaints), 2. POWER TRAIN (202 complaints), 3. STEERING (121 complaints), 4. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (96 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (84 complaints). ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 210 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Be cautious of electrical system and steering issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid potential safety hazards. The 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 1,433 NHTSA complaints and 10 recalls on record. NHTSA rates it excellent (5/5).
How reliable is the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA receives a reliability score of 50/100, indicating average reliability. This is based on 1,433 owner complaints, 10 recalls, and 55 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Electrical System Issues and Steering Malfunctions.
What are the known issues with the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Known issues with the 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA include: Electrical System Issues, Steering Malfunctions, Brake System Failures, Engine and Power Train Recalls. These are based on patterns found across 1,433 NHTSA complaints. 10 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
Are there any recalls for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
Yes, there are recalls for electrical system and wiring issues, as well as engine and power train problems.
What are the most common issues reported by owners?
Owners have reported electrical system and steering issues, including steering wheel sticking and difficulty turning.
Is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica safe to drive?
While the vehicle has experienced multiple serious mechanical failures, regular maintenance can help mitigate risks.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of electrical system and steering issues. Regular maintenance is crucial to avoid potential safety hazards.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2017 Chrysler Pacifica
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The data includes 1433 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 10 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 46 reported crashes, 9 fire incidents, 37 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 5 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.
Disclaimer: This analysis is AI-generated from NHTSA public data and does not constitute professional automotive or safety advice. Always verify recall status at NHTSA.gov and consult a qualified mechanic.
Analysis last updated: 2026-05-14