2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA Complaints

I am writing to file a complaint regarding a safety issue with my Chrysler Pacifica 2017, which I purchased on November 21, 2023. Since acquiring the vehicle, I have encountered a persistent problem that poses significant safety concerns. 1. **Component/System Failure:** The vehicle experiences choking and emits a strong oil smell into the cabin. This odor is highly concerning as it leads to symptoms such as burning eyes, dry throat, red skin, coughing, nausea, and headaches. This indicates a potential failure or malfunction in the vehicle's ventilation or emissions system, possibly allowing oil or coolant fumes to enter the cabin. The component/system is available for inspection upon request. 2. **Risk to Safety:** The presence of these noxious fumes not only affects my health but also poses a serious safety risk to myself and passengers. The symptoms induced by the odor impair my ability to drive safely and could lead to accidents or injuries. Additionally, exposure to such fumes over time may have long-term health consequences. 3. **Confirmation:** While the problem was not confirmed by the dealer, multiple independent repair shops and the manufacturer have acknowledged the issue. Mechanics from these establishments have inspected the affected component/system and confirmed its malfunction. 4. **Inspections:** The component/system has been inspected by mechanics from various repair shops and by representatives from the manufacturer. Their assessments corroborate the presence of the malfunction and the associated safety risks. 5. **Warning Signs:** Prior to the failure, there were no warning lamps or messages indicating a problem. However, the symptoms, including the oil smell and associated health effects, manifested immediately upon driving the vehicle after purchase.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica with roughly 134,000 miles recently started have idling issues. The vehicle has had regular maintenance and always taken into shop when issues arise. When vehicle started idling rough we found out the spark plugs (all 6) needed replaced and should fix the issue. Replaced all 6 plugs within the same week of finding out they needed replacement. Then within a week while driving the engine starts over heating. Heating to upwards of 270 degrees F. As soon as we were able to get off the road and to a safe location to view the engine it was apparent the coolant was empty. Please keep in mind this is checked on a regular basis as is the oil in the vehicle. We replaced the coolant and drove back home. All seemed well. Then the very next day the engine would not start or even turn over. We looked again and the coolant was almost non existent. Had the vehicle towed to repair shop. The coolant had been leaking into the engine causing it to burn up. In the process the engine was seized come to find out and also the head gasket needed replacement. Doing more research once the coolant starts burning in the engine the engine will more than likely need replacement. We are being told to be prepared for the whole engine to need replacement due to coolant issues. If this would have been recalled we would not be in the position to have to replace our entire engine. It would be greatly appreciated if this can be looked into further as we have missed the deadline for the class action lawsuit for this issue.

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that on the second attempt to start the vehicle, the brake pedal was stuck on the floorboard and failed to return to its normal position. The contact stated that the vehicle could not be jumpstarted. An independent mechanic was contacted and advised the contact to depress the brake pedal harder to start the vehicle. The contact stated that a friend assisted in depressing the brake pedal harder, and the vehicle started; however, the windshield wipers engaged independently, Additionally, the steering wheel made an abnormal sound and became difficult to turn. The contact stated upon starting the vehicle on another occasion, the rotary gear shift dial lights failed to illuminate, and the message "Service Shifter" was displayed. The contact was able to drive to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or a dealer. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V348000 (Electrical System) however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 81,270.

Vehicle steering gear is binding internally (confirmed by local service department). The safety concern with this is when steering at highway speeds the steering wheel locks and requires excessive force to move, which has not yet but almost caused an accident. There are no signs of outside force influencing this issue (ex. front end damage front collision or wheel mis-alignment). I have read online in an owners forum of several other cases where this is happening and that they recommend filling out a report with NHTSA as to make you aware of this in case of it being a larger issue. Vehicle has not been repaired yet as the part required is around $2,800 plus labor on top of that. I'm not filling this out to complain, but rather to make you aware of a potential safety issue of this particular model vehicle. Thank you for your time.

Cylinder head damage at 101,000 miles. Valve guides and seals degraded to where it misfires. Problem confirmed via code scanner and leak-down test with a local mechanic.

While I am driving the vehicle will shut completely off without warning. I have to pull to the side of the road and restart the vehicle.

On two separate occasions I was driving, and then suddenly my check engine light starts flashing, and the car stalls in the middle of the road. I turn it off and restart it and it seems fine. No engine light flashing or anything. I’m concerned because it happened with my kids in the car and we almost caused an accident. The first time it happened I was on the interstate but thankfully got off the exit before it stalled.

The check engine light came on and we brought it to a mechanic to assess the issue. Codes indicated a misfire on Cylinder 3. The mechanic did not state that they observed any physical damage to the head gasket however the engine has coolant in it. The recommended repair is to replace the engine at a cost of $12k.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica LX (~85,000 miles with documented regular maintenance) FEB 2024 vehicle lost acceleration briefly when on highway, almost causing rear-end accident. Coolant and engine temp spiked around 235F (typically 212F-215F range) ambient outside temp (~19F). Took to Chrysler dealer in Walled Lake, MI. Oil leak detected, fixed right head gasket failure (common issue for this engine mechanic says). April 2024 coolant leak detected after coolant reservoir levels became low and smoke of burning coolant was noticed. Coolant leak possibly coming from water pump area after dyed antifreeze inspection. Taking to another Chrysler dealership for service. Complaint is that this is a safety hazard and after further research many owners of this vehicle/engine type complain of this issue, either for the head gasket issue or coolant leaks. (Reference: [XXX] ). I believe this not only a safety hazard but should be filed under a class action lawsuit. This is Chrysler's responsibility to cover when vehicle is outside the 5 year/60K mile warranty when these specific issues occur. Due to the fact that this is a known defect to a significant enough owners and some people either need to pay for costly repair bills or completely need to swap out the engine. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Engine light came on while driving. Had a 303 code for misfire In cylinder 5. Also smelled coolant but didn't see a leak. Brought I. to dealer where they inspected it and said it was a cracked head gasket. Which seems to be a common issue with this vehicle. The repair was done and I'll be bringing it back in tomorrow 2 days after repair for white smoke coming from engine. Also noticed coolant level was lower than when I got it back from shop.