2023 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Report

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica presents a mixed safety picture. While it boasts excellent crash test ratings from NHTSA, achieving a 5-star overall rating with 5 stars in frontal and side impacts, and 4 stars in rollover, the vehicle is burdened by a significant number of recalls and a concerning pattern of complaints. With 10 recalls issued, several directly address critical safety systems such as airbags and rearview cameras. For instance, multiple recalls (e.g., 25V302000, 22V866000) highlight issues with side curtain airbags, including insufficient pressure retention and improperly secured connectors, which could prevent deployment and increase injury risk. Rearview camera malfunctions are also a recurring recall theme (e.g., 24V436000, 23V406000), reducing driver visibility and increasing crash risk. NHTSA complaint data, totaling 109 complaints with 1 crash, reveals a troubling trend of power train and electrical system failures, often leading to unexpected engine shutdowns or loss of motive power. Components like 'AIR BAGS' (23 complaints), 'POWER TRAIN' (7 complaints), and 'ELECTRICAL SYSTEM' (7 complaints) are frequently cited. Several complaints describe the vehicle unexpectedly shutting down or entering 'limp mode' while driving at highway speeds, posing a severe safety hazard. For example, multiple reports detail the 'Stop Safely, Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon' message appearing, followed by a complete loss of power. There are also specific recalls for electrical shorts in the 12-volt battery isolator post (23V477000) and internal transmission wiring connectors (23V527000) that can cause engine shutdown or fire. The high number of recalls, particularly those related to fundamental safety features like airbags and propulsion, combined with numerous complaints about sudden power loss, indicates potential underlying quality control or design issues despite strong crash test performance. The fact that many complaints mention dealers being unable to fix issues or parts being unavailable for recall repairs further exacerbates the safety concerns for owners. While the vehicle performs well in controlled crash scenarios, its real-world reliability and the effectiveness of its safety systems are compromised by these documented problems.

Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, potential buyers should be aware of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica's numerous recalls and documented issues with sudden power loss and airbag systems; thoroughly check recall completion and consider an extended warranty.