2021 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Report
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Safety and Reliability Report
Safety Decision Cockpit for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
This page is the hub for deciding what to inspect next on the 2021 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 (6) | Review campaign numbers, affected components, and dealer remedies below. |
| Owner complaints | High (334) | Scan complaint narratives for recurring symptoms, mileage, crashes, fires, injuries, and dates. |
| Crash and fire reports | 11 | Treat any crash, fire, injury, or fatality-linked pattern as a priority pre-purchase inspection item. |
| Primary component hub | Power Train,Electrical System,Engine | Compare power train,electrical system,engine issues across vehicles. |
| Cleaner nearby model year | 2024 | Compare against the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica with 26 complaints and 8 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Chrysler Pacifica | 171 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2020 Chrysler Pacifica | 147 | 4 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2023 Chrysler Pacifica | 109 | 10 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2019 Chrysler Pacifica | 317 | 6 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2024 Chrysler Pacifica | 26 | 8 | Compare as a potentially cleaner alternative. |
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | 767 | 12 | Inspect as a potentially higher-complaint year. |
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Complaint Theme Map
Complaint counts become more useful when they are grouped into inspection themes. For the 2021 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.
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine
28 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train,Electrical System,Engine issues Chrysler onlyEngine
26 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Engine issues Chrysler onlyUnknown Or Other
25 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Unknown Or Other issues Chrysler onlyPower Train
24 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Power Train issues Chrysler onlyElectrical System,Engine
17 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Electrical System,Engine issues Chrysler onlyBack Over Prevention
16 owner complaints mention this component in the current safety profile.
All Back Over Prevention issues Chrysler onlyAI Safety Analysis for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Reliability Score
The 2021 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 2021 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 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power Train Issues Multiple reports of power train failures, including hitting occupants with the power liftgate and abnormal rattling sounds at low speeds. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Electrical System Failures Issues with propulsion loss, limp mode, and intermittent back up camera failures have been reported. |
Medium | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Air Bag Malfunctions Recalls for side and curtain air bags have been issued, affecting multiple models. |
Low | Rare | 30k-60k miles |
| Back Over Prevention System Failures Problems with the rear sensing system and camera have been reported, leading to potential safety hazards. |
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 2021 Chrysler Pacifica:
Issues with the power liftgate and abnormal rattling sounds at low speeds.
Problems with propulsion loss, limp mode, and intermittent back up camera failures.
Recalls for side and curtain air bags have been issued, affecting multiple models.
Problems with the rear sensing system and camera have been reported, leading to potential safety hazards.
Recall Details for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
The following 6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica by NHTSA:
Summary: Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. 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: Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
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 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
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 2021-2022 Pacifica and 2021 Voyager vehicles. The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Consequence: An unsecured seat increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z22.
NHTSA Complaint Summaries for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Below are complaint narratives filed by owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 2 complaints involved crashes. 2 reported injuries or fatalities.
The power liftgate safety detection has failed numerous times, hiting both myself and my husband on our heads with the full force of the liftgate closing. It is not detecting an obstruction in the way and going back up again, this is incredibly dangerous - I was hurt quite badly today.
While driving at normal road speed, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion and entered limp mode. A turtle warning icon appeared along with multiple system fault messages. The vehicle began slowing down on it's own and was unable to accelerate. I pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle displayed an error "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon". After sitting for a period of time, the vehicle r...
The rear headrest will not stay in its proper upright position. After putting it into its Stow N Go position in the floor, the headrest is broken and down and no one can sit in the seat safely. This is a safety issue and Chrysler needs to repair it for free. It is a design flaw. A very thin piece of plastic breaks and results in an unusable rear seat! So many complaints from people who have h...
When driving at speeds over 45 mph and making turns (eg on high ways) the van will sway and rock. I have installed new shocks, had an alignment, had ball joints and sway bars inspected, and had tires restated. I’m wondering if there is some sort of an issue with the electronic assist power steering that senses g forces and compensates inappropriately. It is extremely dangerous and we have nearly l...
The Electric Coolant Heater (ECH) failed (Error Code P0E15), which is a critical component of the High Voltage Battery Thermal Management System. This failure disabled the vehicle's hybrid propulsion system and prevented the vehicle from operating in electric mode. This is a documented systemic issue (Ref: TSB S2208000203) that affects the driveability and safety of the vehicle's hybrid powertrain...
The back up camera does not work intermittently. The screen is just black. This was supposed to be resolved as part of recall 66B/NHTSA 24V-436. I had that recall work completed in January 2026 but it did not resolve the issue. The dealer said they are unaware of that repair not resolving the issue and said I would be liable for the costs associated with the additional diagnostics if the manufactu...
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 - 35 MPH, there was an abnormal rattling sound coming from the wheel well or near the front underbody near the air dam, as if there was a piece of ice stuck in the air dam. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed that the front wheel hub hardware was loose, affecting the wheel bearings, and...
I was driving my Pacifica, got the warning light telling me to pull over. The van lost power 3/4 way up a hill blocking traffic and had to get towed to the dealer, where it now awaiting a transmission rebuild. This is the 4th time this same van has died like this, including twice on the highway. Previous times when I brought to the dealer, they only updated software or told me there was nothing th...
Went to start vehicle and it was possessed. Would not turn over. Wipers lights everything was going off. Could not get it out of a/c mode. When hooked to a computer at mechanics it can only read two modules. ECM is malfunctioning.
If I am trying to park and going like 10 miles an hour and start turning the steering wheel, it starts shaking. And it does it every time.
On January 14, 2026 while driving on highway fast lane warning light came on that engine was going to shut off and withing a few minutes it did. I managed to pull over off the freeway before engine completely shut off. Turned everything off and waited about five minutes and turned car back on. Car ran with engine warning lights on. Took it to Carl Burger Dodge but they could not check in the ca...
The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH and attempting to slow down to park in a parking spot, the steering wheel started shaking unexpectedly. There was a clunking sound coming from the steering wheel. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed, and it was determined that the steering rack and pinion neede...
The transmission is defective, and according to the warranty, under the lemon law, it has a lifetime warranty, which in my understanding means the entire defective transmission should be replaced. However, I received a call where I was told they would only repair the transmission with a 3-year warranty, and if it breaks down again, I would have to bear the future costs. In my understanding, if I h...
Another driver failed to yield to traffic and drove right into the side door, gas tank and rear wheel at about 35 mph. Not a single airbag was deployed within my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. I did sustain injury
Car rolls forward when in reverse and takes a dangerously long time to slip into gear. Car rolls back when foot is taken off brake, especially on hills.
I am reporting a safety defect involving my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The vehicle experiences repeated hybrid system failures, including “system charging” errors, rapid battery depletion from full to zero within minutes, and vehicle stalling. These failures have occurred multiple times, even after dealership repair attempts. The vehicle has stalled and been towed more than once, most recent...
On [XXX] while driving my vehicle on the fast lane of the freeway the warning came on that the vehicle was going to shut down soon. I was able to pull over to the slow lane and immediately exit the freeway and as I was exiting the freeway the vehicle completely shut down. I was able to move the car to park in a safe area on the street with what little power it had. Shut the vehicle down and co...
Similar to the Ford recall, the LED Daytime Running Light Module is defective. This LED went out in under 3 years and Chrysler won’t fix it. This is a problem that many people are experiencing, and they want $2,000 to replace the entire head lamp system.
Reversing onto roadway and shifted from reverse to drive via rotary dial and vehicle went into park and would not move causing me to block the roadway. In addition and even more concerning was that the vehicle could not be turned off and any and all actions to do so just left the car "on" and the hybrid system running. Eventually we pulled the battery cable on the main 12v in the trunk and the res...
While driving down the highway at 70 miles per hour ater driving 2.5 hours our 2021 Pacifica hybrid minivan flashed a warning on the vehicles display saying approximately "Warning Engine Shutting Down". The engine immediately shut down in the middle of the highway and we were forced to coast off the highway to the shoulder. The engine warning light came on. We turned the car off for a few minutes...
Showing 20 of 334 complaints. Additional complaints are available via the NHTSA database.
NHTSA Defect Investigations for the 2021 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 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Has the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA been recalled?
Yes, the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 6 recalls on record with NHTSA. Each recall addresses a specific safety defect identified by the manufacturer or NHTSA.
How many complaints does the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
The 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 334 complaints filed with NHTSA. Of these, 10 involved crashes. 11 injuries and 0 deaths have been reported.
What is the safety rating for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2021 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 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA involve power train,electrical system,engine (28 complaints), engine (26 complaints), unknown or other (25 complaints). Other affected components include power train, electrical system,engine, back over prevention.
How many crash reports does the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 10 crash reports associated with the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 334 total complaints (3.0% of complaints involved crashes).
How many fire reports does the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
There are 1 fire reports for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA out of 334 total complaints. Fire reports are among the most serious safety concerns tracked by NHTSA.
Are there any deaths reported for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
No deaths have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA.
How many injuries are reported for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
11 injuries have been reported in NHTSA complaints for the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. These are self-reported by vehicle owners as part of their safety complaints.
Should I buy a 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA is research thoroughly before purchasing. It has 334 complaints, 6 recalls. Always have a pre-purchase inspection done by a qualified mechanic.
What components fail most on the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The components with the most failures on the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA are: 1. POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (28 complaints), 2. ENGINE (26 complaints), 3. UNKNOWN OR OTHER (25 complaints), 4. POWER TRAIN (24 complaints), 5. ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE (17 complaints). POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE is the single most-reported problem area with 28 complaints.
What should I know before buying a 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Be aware of potential power train and electrical system issues, as well as recalls for air bags and back over prevention systems. Regular maintenance is crucial. The 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 334 NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record.
How reliable is the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA receives a reliability score of 85/100, indicating above-average reliability. This is based on 334 owner complaints, 6 recalls, and 11 crash/fire reports in the NHTSA database. Key known issues include Power Train Issues and Electrical System Failures.
What are the known issues with the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Known issues with the 2021 CHRYSLER PACIFICA include: Power Train Issues, Electrical System Failures, Air Bag Malfunctions, Back Over Prevention System Failures. These are based on patterns found across 334 NHTSA complaints. 6 of these patterns resulted in formal recalls.
What are the most common safety issues with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
The most common safety issues are power train failures and electrical system problems, including propulsion loss and intermittent back up camera failures.
Are there any recalls for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
Yes, there have been recalls for air bags, electrical system wiring, and back over prevention systems.
What should I do if I experience electrical system failures?
If you experience propulsion loss or limp mode, pull over safely and seek professional assistance immediately.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Be aware of potential power train and electrical system issues, as well as recalls for air bags and back over prevention systems. Regular maintenance is crucial.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The data includes 334 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 6 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 10 reported crashes, 1 fire incidents, 11 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