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2020 Chrysler Pacifica PLUG-IN Hybrid

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica PLUG-IN Hybrid do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 42.5.

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How this year compares

Owner complaints by model year

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Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.

What owners reported most

All reported categories

Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 9 of 58 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Electrical System. Review the 25 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 22 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Power Train. Review the 17 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

3 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports

What owners actually said

58 reports
Mileage unknown · Oct 6, 2022
Electrical SystemUnknown Or Other

The car alerted me that it would shut off while driving down the highway at 65 mph. It had 65 mile range on gas. Gas pedal was unresponsive and I coasted to a stop. Car would restart but gas pedal would not make the van go.

NHTSA ODI #11488133

Mileage unknown · Oct 2, 2022
Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

Vehicle completely lost all electrical and drivability components while driving. Car could not be restarted or shifted into gear to get out of lane. Gave multiple warning lights. Vehicle was towed to dealership and was assessed a few days later.

NHTSA ODI #11487496

Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022
Power Train

On July 30th 2022 the van suffered total loss of motive power while driving on a rural highway at 65mph. The incident put my family as risk as I was required to coast the car off of the side or the road to keep from becoming an obstruction to traffic. If the incident had occurred on a 3 lane highway or in heavier congestion I ma…

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On July 30th 2022 the van suffered total loss of motive power while driving on a rural highway at 65mph. The incident put my family as risk as I was required to coast the car off of the side or the road to keep from becoming an obstruction to traffic. If the incident had occurred on a 3 lane highway or in heavier congestion I may have been unable to pull off the road before losing my momentum. The van showed no prior indication of malfunction until it shuttered as the engine stalled. Following the shutter and loss of all forward power the car dash produced a check engine light followed by a warning to Pull over and place car in Park. I pulled over to the side of the road and was able to place the car into park and shut it off. After that the car would not start or shift out of park and only displayed "Service Charging System" on the dashboard. The car was then towed to the nearest Chrysler dealer (Watson Benzie, LLC 1514 Benzie Hwy Benzonia,MI49616-9650) where it was determined that "Power Inverter Module" had failed and needed to be replaced. As of September 19th 2022 the car is still at the dealer awaiting a replacement part. The damaged part should be available for inspection.

NHTSA ODI #11485266

Mileage unknown · Aug 20, 2022
EnginePower TrainSteering

The vehicle, shortly after starting, says service charging system and loses power completely. Power steering goes out along with any brake assist and no gas pedal power. I’ve almost hit several cars while trying to regain control of the vehicle. When I finally get it to stop, the work around I’ve found is to power off the car fo…

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The vehicle, shortly after starting, says service charging system and loses power completely. Power steering goes out along with any brake assist and no gas pedal power. I’ve almost hit several cars while trying to regain control of the vehicle. When I finally get it to stop, the work around I’ve found is to power off the car for a few minutes, power it back on, then it’ll work. But this happens about once a week. The dealer attempted a repair once but issue persists. We’re taking it back in. But based on online forums, this is a dangerous and widespread problem with the Pacifica Hybrid. Please investigate! I have kids. Thanks!

NHTSA ODI #11480330

Mileage unknown · Jul 5, 2022
EngineFuel/propulsion System

While driving down the highway at about 65MPH on battery, the car suddenly lost power when the battery reached <1% instead of immediately switching to gasoline powered mode. The car continued to slow down until it was stopped and gave an error saying to service the charging system. I was then able to turn the car off and rest…

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While driving down the highway at about 65MPH on battery, the car suddenly lost power when the battery reached <1% instead of immediately switching to gasoline powered mode. The car continued to slow down until it was stopped and gave an error saying to service the charging system. I was then able to turn the car off and restart it, from that point it continues in gasoline mode. This was a dangerous situation to loose power unexpectedly on a busy highway. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI #11472386

Mileage unknown · Jun 17, 2022
Forward Collision AvoidanceService Brakes

Coming to a stop in traffic at an intersection, at around 10 mph, decelerating at around 0.1g, I did not get additional decel from the vehicle even with pushing the brake pedal to the floor. While coming to a stop I glanced in my rearview mirror and the vehicle in front of me abruptly came to a stop. During the reaction time d…

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Coming to a stop in traffic at an intersection, at around 10 mph, decelerating at around 0.1g, I did not get additional decel from the vehicle even with pushing the brake pedal to the floor. While coming to a stop I glanced in my rearview mirror and the vehicle in front of me abruptly came to a stop. During the reaction time delay from looking forward, recognizing the vehicle slowed and stepping on the brake harder, I received a FCW alert. I was already on brake pedal and after my reaction time elapsed I pushed hard on the brake pedal which sunk to the floor and gave no additional deceleration from the vehicle. This continued until the CIB/AEB built pressure and stopped the vehicle, which was about 0.25-0.5s later. I didn't hit the vehicle in front of me but the very disturbing part was that the vehicle was not responding or decelerating with driver request.

NHTSA ODI #11469722

Mileage unknown · Apr 8, 2022
Electrical System

The Electric Coolant Heater can become in a locked state thus causing the demist function to stop working when driving in EV mode. This can potentially present visibility issues when driving in cool weather and there is no heat in the vehicle until the ICE is engaged. The error code that occurs is POE15. This is a known problem …

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The Electric Coolant Heater can become in a locked state thus causing the demist function to stop working when driving in EV mode. This can potentially present visibility issues when driving in cool weather and there is no heat in the vehicle until the ICE is engaged. The error code that occurs is POE15. This is a known problem and there is a supply chain issue

NHTSA ODI #11460127

Mileage unknown · Mar 7, 2022
Electrical SystemEngineFuel/propulsion System

On two instances when traveling on the expressway, the car lost acceleration entirely and the dashboard provided an error message "service charging system". The car slowly decelerated and had to be pulled over to the side of the road, across several lanes of traffic, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Once the car was t…

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On two instances when traveling on the expressway, the car lost acceleration entirely and the dashboard provided an error message "service charging system". The car slowly decelerated and had to be pulled over to the side of the road, across several lanes of traffic, creating an extremely dangerous situation. Once the car was turned off and turned back on, it appeared to work normally. This happened once on March 1 and once on March 6.

NHTSA ODI #11455499

Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2022
Forward Collision AvoidanceService BrakesCrashInjury

The braking system does not respond in time - there is a delay which almost caused an accident once and did end up causing an accident in Dec of 2021. My daughter was in the car, and my husband was driving. His back was injured, and thank goodness my daughter was not hurt. I tried to contact Chrysler three times (2 times via fil…

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The braking system does not respond in time - there is a delay which almost caused an accident once and did end up causing an accident in Dec of 2021. My daughter was in the car, and my husband was driving. His back was injured, and thank goodness my daughter was not hurt. I tried to contact Chrysler three times (2 times via filling their customer service form and once over the phone), and they said there is nothing they could do and finally gave this form to complete if I was concerned hence writing today. The delay in the brake system is a significant issue, and our local dealership and repair stated there is nothing they could do. Contact Customer Service of Chrysler and Chrysler service representative said there is no recall, so he cannot do anything about this critical safety matter. After a lengthy conversation, he referred me to you. We bought this van for our family, including young children (purchased days before the birth of my son) and elderly parents, and it cost us over $57,000. I am very disappointed in Chrysler for not taking this braking delay issue seriously. We even tried to sell our vehicle, but the price is $13000 less than what we paid in just about a year, which we cannot afford anymore. Besides this vital safety issue, we are very much satisfied with our vehicle and are concerned that others might be in a similar situation to us while Chrysler is not even listening to this vital safety concern; hence I am writing.

NHTSA ODI #11451590

Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2021
Electrical SystemService BrakesUnknown Or Other

I was travelling on I-95. My 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid completely shut down while driving at 65-70 mph. A Service Charging System message flashed on the dash. The van decelerated and another message "put in park to start" flashed. All of this was while I was driving on the interstate. I was able to brake to a stop on the sh…

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I was travelling on I-95. My 2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid completely shut down while driving at 65-70 mph. A Service Charging System message flashed on the dash. The van decelerated and another message "put in park to start" flashed. All of this was while I was driving on the interstate. I was able to brake to a stop on the shoulder and turn on the hazards. I was NOT able to turn off the car. The gears would not move. I could not put it in Park. After 20 minutes I was able to put it into park and turn it off. I restarted the van, but the same message flashed and I could not move. The van was towed to a Chrysler dealership. They had the car Monday and part of Tuesday. They could not duplicate the issue and could not find any error messages. They said they checked the battery several times and it was fine. There was nothing else they could do and sent me home with the van. Fortunately, I was in the right hand lane when this happened. I don't know what would happen if this occurs while in the middle lane and would need to maneuver to the shoulder. I have found that this is not a unique situation and the exact thing has happened to many other Pacifica owners. Unfortunately, I do not believe this is the last time this will happen. I am TERRIFIED to drive this van. I would guess a battery, electrical or computer issue, only because of the many messages on the dash and the inability to turn off the vehicle. I will gladly offer my van for inspection if requested.

NHTSA ODI #11443836

Official recalls

2

24V538000 · Hybrid Propulsion System

Jul 18, 2024

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 72B. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-077.

20V334000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Jun 9, 2020

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

Consequence: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery:cables

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.

Consequence: A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.

Remedy: FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

2

RQ24004 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To An Internal Wiring Connector Short.

Opened Feb 27, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring

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, through January 9, 2023. The recall states that the loss of motive power condition in these vehicles is caused by an internal transmission wiring connector that may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.  An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.  In discussions with FCA on Recall 23V-010, ODI confirmed the recall was related to investigation PE22-008.  The remedy for 23V-010 is to update the Power Inverter module (PIM) and/or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software to provide drivers a message stating “Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” followed by a chime and MIL, PRNDL blinking (on cluster and shifter knob), low SOC (State of Charge) warning and reduced power mode.  The recall remedy does not replace the defective hardware that was described in Recall 23V-010, and the wiring connector short still exists on these vehicles. To date, ODI has received 132 reports for the population of vehicles subject to recall 23V-010.  These reports allege a loss of motive power condition that reduces the vehicles speed, followed by dashboard warning lamps displaying messages associated with recall 23V-010.  The presence of these warning lamps and messages indicates the vehicle likely had the recall remedy applied. Follow up discussions with FCA confirm their remedy does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down.  When this occurs, FCA relies on the owner to transport the vehicle to a dealership after they experience a loss of motive power condition, at which time the defective hardware is replaced.  Furthermore, the dashboard messages introduced in the recall remedy may cause the driver to pull over in an unsafe location. Pulling over in an unsafe location may expose the occupants to undue harm. The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy, frequency, and safety consequence of the remedy for recall 23V-010.  To review the ODI reports cited in the opening resume ODI report identification number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE22008 · Transmission Fault Leading To Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Mar 27, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

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 January 9, 2023. FCA determined that an internal transmission connector short could result in an unexpected engine shutdown under certain conditions. Follow up correspondence with FCA confirmed this defect results in an electric motor position trouble code that was the basis for opening PE22008, therefore NHTSA is closing this investigation. The 23V-010 recall remedy is a software update to address the hardware failure associated with PE22008. When a hardware failure is detected, the vehicle limits motive power while instructing the driver to pull over to a safe location. NHTSA is concerned that drivers will pull over to an unsafe location when the warning message associated with the recall remedy displays on the dashboard. Due to the nature of the recall remedy and related reports, NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ24004 to assess the recall remedy. The reports and failure report summary values included with this closing action are related to allegations of Recall 23V-010 remedy inadequacy. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.