CarBrief

The 2017 Pacifica has more complaints and more recalls than any other Pacifica year in our data, so check every open recall before you buy[1]. NHTSA lists 1,616 owner complaints and 17 recalls, and several recalls cover plug-in hybrid fire risk[2][3].

1,616owner complaints[4]
17recalls[1]
22MPG combined (EPA)[5]
5★NHTSA overall rating[6]

Most reported problems

NHTSA has 1,616 owner complaints on file for this model year[4]. They include 47 that mention a crash, 15 a fire and 41 injuries, and no deaths were reported[4]. These are unverified reports from owners, and one complaint can name several parts.

The biggest groups are:

In a sample of engine complaints we read, owners describe the van stalling or shutting off while driving, often with a dash message telling them to shift into park before restarting[7]. In the power train sample, owners describe losing drive power, being unable to accelerate or having the transmission lock up[8]. A few power train complaints in that sample describe trouble with the gear selector, park position or electronic parking brake[8]. In the electrical sample, owners also describe the van dying or losing drive power while driving[9]. In the steering sample, some owners describe losing power steering assist during a shutdown[10].

Two smaller groups stand out for crashes. Speed control has 89 complaints and 15 crashes[11]. Brakes have 91 complaints and 13 crashes[12]. The fuel and propulsion group has 88 complaints, including 4 fires[13]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so they show what owners reported, not how likely a problem is.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 17 recalls for this model year[1]. Several apply only to plug-in hybrid versions or to wheelchair-accessible conversions, so confirm with a dealer which recalls apply to your own van. Newest first:

Two cautions. The hybrid battery recalls (22V077 and 24V536) tell owners not to charge and to park outside until repaired[2][3]. For 20V334, the final repair was still under development when the recall was filed, so ask a dealer what the current repair is[16].

Fuel economy

The EPA rates the gas 3.6L 6-cylinder with a 9-speed automatic at 18 city, 28 highway and 22 combined MPG[5]. Another listing shows 19 city, 28 highway and 22 combined[29]. Both carry an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,050, based on EPA's current fuel price assumptions rather than prices when the van was new[5][29].

The Pacifica Hybrid is rated at 32 MPGe combined, with 570 miles of range[30].

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the front-wheel-drive van 5 stars overall, 5 stars for frontal crashes and 5 stars for side crashes[6]. Rollover is rated 4 stars, with a rollover risk of 11.6%[6].

Engine and size

The EPA lists the 3.6L 6-cylinder at 287 hp[31]. The size figures below are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US vans[32].

Pacifica Pacifica Hybrid
Length[32][33] 204 in 204 in
Width[32][33] 80 in 80 in
Height[32][33] 70 in 70 in
Wheelbase[32][33] 122 in 122 in
Curb weight[32][33] 4,330 lb 4,943 lb

How 2017 compares with other years

2004: 896 complaints, 2 recalls20042005: 1,244 complaints, 2 recalls2006: 726 complaints, 1 recalls20062007: 380 complaints, 0 recalls2008: 102 complaints, 0 recalls20082017: 1,616 complaints, 17 recalls1,61620172018: 1,113 complaints, 16 recalls20182019: 361 complaints, 9 recalls2020: 229 complaints, 7 recalls20202021: 401 complaints, 8 recalls2022: 333 complaints, 10 recalls20222023: 195 complaints, 14 recalls2024: 73 complaints, 11 recalls20242025: 31 complaints, 10 recalls2026: 11 complaints, 5 recalls20262027: 1 complaints, 1 recalls
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each Pacifica model year. The 2017 is highlighted[1].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20048962
20051,2442
20067261
20073800
20081020
20171,61617
20181,11316
20193619
20202297
20214018
202233310
202319514
20247311
20253110
2026115
202711

Among the Pacifica years in our data, 2017 has the most complaints at 1,616 and the most recalls at 17[1]. The 2018 model year has the next most recalls at 16, with 1,113 complaints[1]. The 2005 year has more complaints than 2018 at 1,244, but only 2 recalls[1]. For comparison, 2019 has 361 complaints and 9 recalls, and 2020 has 229 complaints and 7 recalls[1].

Should you buy a used 2017 Pacifica?

This model year has the heaviest record in our data, with 1,616 complaints and 17 recalls[1]. The largest complaint groups are engine, power train, electrical and steering, and the sampled texts describe sudden shutdowns[7][8][9][10]. On the plus side, the safety ratings are strong at 5 stars overall[6]. If you are looking at a plug-in hybrid, confirm that the battery fire recalls are completed, because owners were told not to charge until repaired[2][3]. Whatever version you pick, run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and ask for proof that the recall work was done.

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica?
The largest complaint groups are engine (554), power train (487), electrical system (425) and steering (292)[7][8][9][10]. In the samples we read, owners describe sudden stalls and loss of drive power.
How many recalls does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have?
NHTSA lists 17 recalls for this model year[1]. Several involve plug-in hybrid fire risk or unexpected stalling[2][3][22].
What gas mileage does the 2017 Pacifica get?
The gas version is rated 22 MPG combined, and the hybrid is rated 32 MPGe combined[5][30].
Is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica safe?
NHTSA rates it 5 stars overall and 4 stars for rollover[6]. Check recalls too, since some relate to seat belts and stalling[22][23].
Is 2017 a bad year for the Pacifica?
It has the most complaints (1,616) and recalls (17) of the years in our data, though counts are not adjusted for sales[1].

Facts and sources

  1. Owner complaints and recalls for every Chrysler Pacifica model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  2. Recall 24V536, filed July 18, 2024: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  3. Recall 22V077, filed February 11, 2022: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  4. NHTSA has 1,616 owner complaints on file for the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (47 mention a crash, 15 a fire, 41 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. EPA rating for Pacifica, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 18 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  6. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, VAN FWD: overall 5 stars, frontal 5 stars, side 5 stars, rollover 4 stars; rollover risk 11.6%. NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 554 complaints name the engine component group (7 crashes, 6 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 19,750). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 487 complaints name the power train component group (5 crashes, 3 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,432). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 425 complaints name the electrical system component group (2 crashes, 9 fires, 8 injuries, median mileage at failure 25,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. 292 complaints name the steering component group (7 crashes, 0 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 37,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  11. 89 complaints name the speed control component group (15 crashes, 0 fires, 7 injuries, median mileage at failure 17,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  12. 91 complaints name the brakes component group (13 crashes, 0 fires, 6 injuries, median mileage at failure 15,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  13. 88 complaints name the fuel/propulsion system component group (0 crashes, 4 fires, 3 injuries, median mileage at failure 20,900). NHTSA vehicle records
  14. Recall 25V876, filed December 17, 2025: Equipment Adaptive / Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints / Securement › Latch / Anchor › . NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 23V010, filed January 17, 2023: Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 20V334, filed June 9, 2020: Electrical System › Wiring › Interior / Under Dash. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 19V348, filed May 9, 2019: Electrical System › 12V / 24V / 48V Battery. NHTSA recall database
  18. Recall 18V740, filed October 19, 2018: Hybrid Propulsion System. NHTSA recall database
  19. Recall 18V524, filed August 9, 2018: Electrical System › Wiring › Front Underhood. NHTSA recall database
  20. Recall 18V395, filed June 14, 2018: Equipment › Electrical › Anti-Theft Devices. NHTSA recall database
  21. Recall 18V332, filed May 17, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  22. Recall 18V049, filed January 11, 2018: Electrical System › Software. NHTSA recall database
  23. Recall 17V542, filed August 31, 2017: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  24. Recall 17V482, filed July 28, 2017: Power Train › Driveline › Differential Unit. NHTSA recall database
  25. Recall 17V375, filed June 13, 2017: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  26. Recall 17V371, filed June 9, 2017: Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter. NHTSA recall database
  27. Recall 17V342, filed May 25, 2017: Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Hoses, Lines / Piping, And Fittings. NHTSA recall database
  28. Recall 16V490, filed June 30, 2016: Seat Belts › Rear / Other. NHTSA recall database
  29. EPA rating for Pacifica, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic 9-spd, Regular, Front-Wheel Drive: 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $3,050. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  30. EPA rating for Pacifica Hybrid, 3.6L 6-cyl, Automatic (variable gear ratios), Regular Gas and Electricity: 32 MPGe combined, 570 miles of range. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  31. EPA Test Car List, 2017 Chrysler Pacifica with 3.6L 6-cylinder: rated 287 hp. www.epa.gov
  32. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PACIFICA 4DR MINIVAN: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 4,330 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov
  33. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, PACIFICA HYBRID 4DR MINIVAN: length 204 in, width 80 in, height 70 in, wheelbase 122 in, curb weight 4,943 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.