2020 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Report
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2020 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 (4) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (147) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 7 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Electrical System | Compare electrical system issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2023 | Compare against the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica with 109 complaints and 10 recalls. |
| Riskier nearby model year | 2017 | Check the 2017 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Chrysler Pacifica | 334 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2019 Chrysler Pacifica | 317 | 6 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica | 171 | 8 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | 767 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
| 2023 Chrysler Pacifica | 109 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica | 1433 | 10 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2020 Chrysler Pacifica Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2020 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.
Electrical System
19 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System issues Chrysler onlySteering
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Steering issues Chrysler onlyEngine
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chrysler onlyPower Train
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chrysler onlyElectrical System,Engine
11 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Chrysler onlyPower Train,Electrical System
7 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System issues Chrysler onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability Score
The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica receives a reliability score of 85 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates above-average reliability relative to comparable vehicles.
NHTSA Safety Ratings for the 2020 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 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steering System Failure Steering wheel has seized during turns, affecting control and safety. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Start/Stop System Malfunction Check engine light and car shaking occur due to improper power delivery. |
Medium | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Hybrid Propulsion System Failure Sudden and complete loss of power has been reported, posing a significant safety risk. |
High | Occasional | 30k-60k miles |
| Power Steering Assist Failure Steering becomes difficult at highway speeds, increasing the risk of accidents. |
Medium | Occasional | 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 2020 Chrysler Pacifica:
Steering wheel seizing during turns and power steering assist failure at highway speeds.
Repeated failures leading to sudden loss of power.
Check engine light and car shaking due to improper power delivery.
Hard shifts between gears at random times.
Recall Details for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
The following 4 recalls have been issued for the 2020 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 2020-2023 Pacifica and 2020-2021, 2023 Voyager vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the side curtain air bags may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A8B.
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 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Fe...
Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 involved fires.
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that force was needed to maneuver the steering wheel. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that t...
The start/stop system fails while car is running. Power not delivered appropriately resulting in check engine light coming on and entire car shaking. Only 62k miles. Started at 58k.
Many times over the past 6 months the power steering assist goes away while driving at highway speeds. The steering wheel sort of locks up and it becomes difficult to turn. After much effort the wheel will turn and the steering returns to normal. It has happened at speeds as low as 40 mph and as high as 50 mph. This has occurred in heavy traffic situations. I have never had a dealer look at the pr...
The hybrid propulsion system on my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid has repeatedly failed, resulting in sudden and complete loss of power while driving at highway speeds. The vehicle enters full limp mode, displays a red turtle warning light, and the motor cuts out entirely, creating a serious collision risk. The failure occurs without warning and has happened on multiple occasions. The root ...
While driving in suburban traffic vehicle engine began running rough and lost most power with about 58000 mi on the vehicle. Received check engine light and vehicle entered 'limp mode' with Turtle Icon displayed on screen. Brought to dealer and it was diagnosed with a P0304 Cylinder #4 Misfire and leaking head gasket causing coolant contamination to engine oil. Dealer repaired the head gasket und...
This submission supplements my prior NHTSA ODI complaint regarding the same vehicle and loss-of-motive-power condition. On Nov 8, 2025, the vehicle experienced a loss of propulsion at highway speed, creating an immediate safety risk. The vehicle could not maintain speed and required evasive action with no propulsion to avoid traffic hazards. Following the incident, the vehicle was inspected and ...
WHILE DRIVING DOWN MAJOR HIGHWAY, THE POWER STEERING LIGHT WENT ON. IMMIDIATELY MY POWER STEERING SHUT OFF AND I COULD NOT TURN WHEEL AT ALL. HIGHWAY WAS 55 SPEED LIMIT AND I COULD NOT EVEN PULL OVER. HAD VAN TOWED TO DAYTON ANDREWS CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP FOR DIAGNOSIS AND THEY TOLD ME THAT THE POWER STEERING MECHANISM NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND IT WAS GOING TO BE $4,500.00. THIS VAN HAS 14,40...
Transmission shifts very hard from 2nd to 3rd gear and 4th to 5th gear at random times and at random speeds. Sometimes it occurs in parking lots at less than 15mph and other times at highway speed above 65 mph while cruising. This has caused the engine and transmission mounts to fail prematurely. When it was taken to the dealership multiple times, the service department said they could not replica...
The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's wife was driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine seized in the middle of the road. The contact stated that there was no power to the vehicle. The contact stated that the failure occurred close to the residence, and there was not a lot of traffic. The driver was able to exit the vehicle and get to a safe area. The contact's brother-...
The vehicle is unsafe to operate and presents an immediate highway safety risk. Shortly after purchase, the vehicle experienced multiple safety-related failures. Headlights were inoperable from the time of delivery, requiring use of high beams at night to see the roadway. This created visibility and traffic safety issues from day one. Within the first month of ownership, the vehicle required tow...
The windshield fogging up is insanely unsafe. Had to pull over multiple times in rain no matter what the setting are. Recirc, hi low hot cold. Nothing makes it better. I’ve read several complaints online with the same issue
I purchased this van in March 2025, it was used about 62000 miles, but dealer said it was in good condition, no issues. In September 2025, a battery light came on, that also activated the Start/Stop could not be used and needed service as well as Service Shifter. I brought the vehicle in and they simply replaced the auxiliary battery and sent me on my way. On November 13th, I was driving and a bat...
Component/System: The propulsion system of my 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, specifically a suspected internal transmission wiring-connector short—the exact hardware defect identified in Recall 23V-010 as capable of causing sudden loss of motive power. In my case, both propulsion sources (gas and electric) simultaneously ceased providing power, leaving the vehicle unable to accelerate. The vehicle...
My 12v battery failed and damaged other system components. This is a description of the flaw from a mechanic that had the same problem: There is a major flaw in the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The BPCM (high-voltage battery control unit) has no protection against high-voltage pulses on the 12-volt network. Moreover, the connection diagram of the high-voltage contactors does not contain any elements ...
At low speeds while turning the wheel there is a severe shudder originating from the steering system resulting in a feeling of loss of control. Possible it’s happening at higher speeds and not as easily detectable. Countless users in online forums report the same exact problem with the solution from the dealer being that the rack and pinion system must be replaced. The volume of complaints seems l...
Engine Shutdowns randomly While driving and it almost caused me to crash once on the highway and the other was while in my neighborhood to take my daughter to school
I have a power problem and could not get my wheelchair ramp down. The manual said to push it manually. this would not work, and my wife and I were trapped in this vehicle where we could possibly burn to death. This is a Braun Ability modified vehicle.2 men tried to get it down and couldn't. We called the factory, and they said to pull a fuse at the battery. How can we do this if we are in wheelch...
The batteries died and we didn't know that there was an IBS(internal battery sensor). The van started to take over its own system. It would put itself in park, open the hood, self holding temporarily unavailable, start/stop unavailable, emergency break engaged, and turned it self off while driving!
Power steering light came on immediately lost the ability to steer vehicle had to be towed in was told it was a battery issue and that was replaced picked the vehicle up the next day. It left me stranded yet again, took it back to the shop and now being told that the five year-old vehicle Needs an entire power steering rack not safe to drive.
I own a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN: [XXX] ) with approximately 60,000 miles. In October 2024, corrosion began appearing on the sliding doors. Despite proper care (garage kept, washed and waxed monthly), the bubbling and corrosion worsened significantly over 11 months. Photos are timestamped and show clear progression. Two independent body shops confirmed this is premature aluminum corrosion and ...
Showing 20 of 147 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2020 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:Wiring
Opened 2024-02-27
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). On January 17, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-010) involving 2017-2023 Model Years (MY) Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016,...
Component: Power Train
Opened 2022-07-22 · Closed 2024-03-27
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22008 to investigate allegation of loss of motive power, potentially due to transmission malfunction, in certain Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. In a January 17, 2023 letter to NHTSA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) submitted recall notice 23V-010 involving a transmission motor wiring defect in 67,118 model year (MY) 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) manufactured from August 12, 2016 through Janua...
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
Has the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA been recalled?
Yes, the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 4 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
The 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 147 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 4 involved crashes. 3 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA does not have an NHTSA safety rating on file. This can happen for newer model years, specialty vehicles, or models that have not been crash-tested.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA involve electrical system (19 complaints), steering (17 complaints), engine (11 complaints). Other affected components include power train, electrical system,engine, power train,electrical system.
How many crash reports does the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 4 crash reports associated with the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 147 total complaints (2.7% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 3 fire reports for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 147 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
3 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 147 complaints, 4 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The components with the most failures on the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA are: 1. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (19 complaints), 2. STEERING (17 complaints), 3. ENGINE (11 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (11 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (11 complaints). ELECTRICAL SYSTEM is the single most-reported problem area with 19 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Be cautious of steering and hybrid propulsion system issues. These can lead to loss of control and sudden power loss, posing significant safety risks. The 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 147 NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 147 owner complaints, 4 recalls, and 7 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Steering System Failure and Start/Stop System Malfunction.
What are the known issues with the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Known issues with the 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA include: Steering System Failure, Start/Stop System Malfunction, Hybrid Propulsion System Failure, Power Steering Assist Failure. These are based on patterns found across 147 NHTSA complaints. 4 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the common issues with the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica?
Steering wheel seizing, start/stop system malfunctions, and hybrid propulsion system failures are common issues.
Can you explain the start/stop system problem?
The system fails while the car is running, causing the check engine light to come on and the car to shake.
What should I do if I experience steering issues?
Pull over safely and seek professional assistance to diagnose and repair the steering system.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be cautious of steering and hybrid propulsion system issues. These can lead to loss of control and sudden power loss, posing significant safety risks.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Chrysler Pacifica
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The data includes 147 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 4 reported crashes, 3 fire incidents, 3 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
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