2019 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Report

2019 Chrysler Pacifica: Excellent crash ratings, but persistent power steering and powertrain complaints raise real-world safety concerns.

317Complaints
6Recalls
★★★★★Safety Rating
65/100Reliability Score
11Crash Reports
3Fire Reports
3Injuries
Most reported components: Service Brakes (33)Unknown Or Other (28)Power Train (28)Electrical System (24)Engine (19)Steering (18)Power Train,Engine (13)Electrical System,Engine (13)Power Train,Electrical System,Engine (12)Electrical System,Unknown Or Other (9)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica presents a mixed safety picture, achieving excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA but showing a concerning pattern of complaints, particularly related to its power steering and powertrain. With an overall 5-star safety rating, including 5 stars for frontal and side impacts and 4 stars for rollover, the vehicle demonstrates strong performance in crash scenarios. However, NHTSA has received 317 complaints, including 11 crashes, 3 fires, and 3 injuries, indicating potential issues in real-world operation. A significant portion of these complaints, 33, are related to 'SERVICE BRAKES', while 'POWER TRAIN' and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' also feature prominently with 28 and 24 complaints respectively, often intertwined with engine issues.

Reliability Score

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica receives a reliability score of 65 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.

Known Issues for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Power Steering Malfunction/Sticking
Drivers report the steering wheel becoming difficult to turn, sticking, or requiring excessive force, especially at highway speeds or after turns. This can lead to overcorrection and increased crash risk, as highlighted by a recall (NHTSA ID: 19V347000) for a loose battery ground connection affecting power steering.
High Common various miles
Transmission/Shifter Problems
Issues include the vehicle failing to shift gears, shifting harshly, going into limp mode, or the shifter getting stuck in a particular gear (e.g., reverse). This can result in a loss of drive power or unexpected vehicle behavior.
High Common various miles
Engine Stalling/Loss Of Power
Multiple complaints describe the engine stalling unexpectedly, losing power, especially uphill, or entering limp mode. This is a critical safety concern, potentially linked to electrical system issues or internal transmission wiring as seen in recalls (NHTSA ID: 23V086000, 18V332000).
High Common various miles
Rearview Camera Malfunction
The rearview camera may display a lingering image, go black/gray, or fail to activate, increasing the risk of a back-over crash. This was addressed by two recalls (NHTSA ID: 20V512000, 18V524000).
Medium Occasional various miles
Brake Booster Failure
Complaints mention brakes hissing, failing to slow the car effectively, or the pedal pushing back, indicating potential brake booster issues that compromise stopping power.
High Occasional various miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica:

Service Brakes 10% of complaints

Issues with brake performance, including hissing sounds, reduced stopping power, and pedal resistance, potentially related to the brake booster.

Power Train 8% of complaints

Problems with the transmission, including harsh shifting, inability to shift, getting stuck in gear, and general loss of drive power.

Electrical System 7% of complaints

Various electrical malfunctions leading to engine stalls, limp mode, power steering loss, and issues with the infotainment/camera system.

Engine 6% of complaints

Reports of engine stalling, loss of power, blown head gaskets, and coolant leaks, sometimes intertwined with electrical or powertrain issues.

Steering 5% of complaints

Frequent complaints about the power steering system, including sticking, difficulty turning, and intermittent loss of assist, especially at speed.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

Is the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica safe?

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica received excellent 5-star overall safety ratings from NHTSA, indicating strong crash protection. However, it has a notable number of complaints (317 total) regarding critical components like power steering, powertrain, and electrical systems, which have led to 11 reported crashes and 3 injuries. While it performs well in controlled crash tests, real-world reliability and potential for component failures are concerns.

What are common problems with the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

The most reported issues for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica include problems with the power steering (sticking, loss of assist), powertrain (harsh shifting, loss of power, getting stuck in gear), and electrical system (engine stalls, limp mode, battery issues). Brake system complaints, particularly related to the brake booster, are also significant. These issues are reflected in the top complaint components: SERVICE BRAKES (33), POWER TRAIN (28), and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (24).

Are there any recalls for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

Yes, the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica has been subject to 6 recalls. Key recalls address issues such as a loose battery ground connection leading to power steering loss or stall (NHTSA ID: 19V347000), internal transmission wiring short circuits causing unexpected engine shutdown in PHEV models (NHTSA ID: 23V086000), and rearview camera software errors causing lingering images (NHTSA IDs: 20V512000, 18V524000).

How does the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica perform in crash tests?

The 2019 Chrysler Pacifica performed exceptionally well in NHTSA crash tests, earning a 5-star overall safety rating. It received 5 stars for both frontal and side crash tests, and 4 stars for rollover resistance, indicating a high level of occupant protection in collision scenarios.

What should I look out for when buying a used 2019 Chrysler Pacifica?

When considering a used 2019 Chrysler Pacifica, pay close attention to the power steering for any sticking or unusual resistance, test the transmission for smooth shifting and responsiveness, and ensure all electrical systems, including the rearview camera, function correctly. Check service records for recall completions and any history of powertrain or electrical repairs, as these are frequently reported problem areas.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: While offering excellent crash protection, potential buyers should be aware of the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica's recurring power steering, powertrain, and electrical issues, and ensure all recalls have been addressed before purchase.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2019 Chrysler Pacifica

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica. The data includes 317 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

The NHTSA has assigned the 2019 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.