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2020 Chrysler Pacifica Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering camera and connectors/plugs/receptacles. Owners report 8 recurring issue clusters, led by “Head gasket failure with cylinder misfire.” Chrysler's Oil Change Indicator tracks engine load and duty cycle, then messages when oil life is used up — capped at 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. The 3.6L Pentastar V6 (300, Pacifica, Town & Country, Voyager) is long-interval by design: spark plugs at 100,000 miles and no timing belt. Minivans in family duty count as 'severe service' more often than owners think — frequent short trips shorten the oil indicator's countdown, and that's the system working correctly.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA

Campaign #20V191000 · Oct 9, 2020

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2020 Jeep Gladiator and Jeep Cherokee, 2019-2020 Ram 1500 Pickup, Ram 2500 Pickup, Ram 3500 Pickup, Chrysler Pacifica, Dodge Durango, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Renegade and 2019 Dodge Challenger vehicles equipped with 8.4" or 12" radio displays. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Risk: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Chrysler has notified owners, and dealers will update the radio display software, free of charge. Optionally, owners can choose to remotely update their software via an Over-The-Air (OTA) update available as of May 1, 2020. The recall began April 27, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is W30-W37.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES

Campaign #23V010000 · Jan 17, 2023

Issue: 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.

Risk: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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 began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.

AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN

Campaign #24V793000 · Oct 24, 2024

Issue: 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."

Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:

Campaign #25V876000 · Dec 17, 2025

Issue: 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.

Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Fix: 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.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY

Campaign #26V362000 · Apr 6, 2026

Issue: Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Fix: Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 23, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 52D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

  • Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.

    Action #RQ24004 · opened Feb 27, 2024

    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…

    View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Head gasket failure with cylinder misfire

ENGINE

5 NHTSA complaints · 2024-09 → 2026-06

“While driving in suburban traffic vehicle engine began running rough and lost most power with about 58000 mi on the vehicle. Received check engine light and vehicle entered 'limp mode' with Turtle Icon displayed on screen”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11719903
“The head gasket failed. The check engine light came on and I took it to the dealer before the engine seized thankfully but it could have caused safety issues such as coolant leaks, engine breakdown potentially on the highway”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11665452
“Car started to rock and the engine light came on with a cylinder 3 misfire code (P0303). We replaced the spark plug and coil on cylinder 3 and the issue resolved temporarily”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11620420

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Harsh or jarring transmission shifts at random speeds

POWER TRAIN

5 NHTSA complaints · 2022-08 → 2026-01

“Transmission shifts very hard from 2nd to 3rd gear and 4th to 5th gear at random times and at random speeds. Sometimes it occurs in parking lots at less than 15mph and other times at highway speed above 65 mph while cruising”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11712272
“Exceedingly jarring transmission shifts at both low and higher speeds that are startling to the driver and could cause an accident”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11548822
“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving at an unknown speed, the vehicle began to forcefully jerk”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11479625

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Rear power seat folds or fails to lock unexpectedly

SEATS

4 NHTSA complaints · 2025-04 → 2026-04

“Third row randomly closes on my kids who are buckled in them. I've reported this to the dealer shortly after getting my van in 2021”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733112
“Cable system inside 2nd row seat broke so that it can no longer anchor in place. The back of the seat folds back/forth and unable to secure in place, the seat slides forward/backward freely on the track”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11674886
“Both middle seats have failed. The cable that allows the seat to slide tilt forward has a Very strong spring and a very weak plastic housing”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11652462

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Power steering assist loss and steering lockup

STEERING

25 NHTSA complaints · 2023-06 → 2026-07

“Driving down a road, Power Steering warning light came on, and the power steering went completely out. My wife was driving, and is not strong enough to steer manually. She was able to partially get off the road to stop”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11743035
“The contact owns a 2020 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while turning to the right, the steering wheel seized, and the vehicle became difficult to maneuver. The contact stated that force was needed to maneuver the steering wheel”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11725945
“While my wife was driving the vehicle - the power steering catastrophically quit!!! The idiot light came on to get it serviced. Thankfully, it happened in a place that didn't cause an accident but this could have been deadly!!!”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11587585

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Sudden loss of motive power while driving

POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

69 NHTSA complaints · 2021-03 → 2026-06

“This year, about a month ago, I was driving (I take XXX to work everyday) and the display had a notice that said "Stop safely, the engine will turn off". I pulled over and turned the car off and turned it back on”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11735452
“On November 13th, I was driving and a battery light came on as well as the Stop/Start not available error, and then moments later said "Stop Safely Vehicle will shut off soon"”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11700412
“Vehicle sudden loss of power 3x in 3 months. Van has known recall for loss of power/possible transmission problem”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11614752

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Airbags failed to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

5 NHTSA complaints · 2020-05 → 2026-05

“Driver side airbags failed to deploy during total loss head on collision”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11733109
“MY WIFE WAS STATIONARY AT A RED LIGHT WITH MY DAUGHTER IN THE SECOND ROW. A CAR APPROACHED THE LIGHT AND SLAMMED INTO THE BACK OF HER CAR II DON'T THINK THEY WERE SLOWING DOWN). SHE THEN HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF HER. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11367081
“TL* THE CONTACT RENTED A 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH CRASHED INTO TWO DEERS. THERE WERE NO REPORTED INJURIES. THE DRIVER'S AND PASSENGER SIDE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11324436

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Hybrid battery or electrical fire while parked or charging

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

4 NHTSA complaints · 2022-12 → 2025-08

“The hybrid battery overheated and started burning the interior of the vehicle while it sat turned off charging in the garage. Smoke filled the house which had to be evacuated”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11677911
“Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11676890
“Our Chrysler Pacifica caught fire in the passenger cabin, appearing to start near the 2nd row drivers side passenger seat. The fire department said it was an electrical fire”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11628722

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Unintended acceleration while stopped or idling

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 NHTSA complaints · 2020-02 → 2021-03

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND IDLING IN A PARKING LOT, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11398749
“STOPPED AT A LIGHT, VEHICLE STARTED ACCELERATING UNTIL 3000 RPM FOR 2 SECONDS WHILE ONLY BRAKE WAS PRESSED”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11352015
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED AN CONTROL ACCELERATION FOR 20 SECOND, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS LOSING THE ABILITY TO HOLD THE VEHICLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11310289

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Note: NHTSA also opened 1 defect investigation(s) on this vehicle that closed without action.

Issues on other model years

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI). Complaint data refreshed Sep 11, 2026. Investigation data refreshed Sep 11, 2026.

We display NHTSA's record with attribution; we don't editorialize on what these complaints mean for any specific vehicle.

Essential maintenance

Critical for safety and preventing major damage

Engine Oil & Filter (Oil Change Indicator)

Every 10,000 mi

Change oil when the indicator message appears — never beyond 10,000 miles or 12 months. Pentastar 3.6L uses 0W-20; PT Cruiser's 2.4L uses 5W-30. Short-trip city driving will trigger the indicator well before 10,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$120–$160

Shop

~$85–$115

DIY

~$25–$55

Full synthetic costs more than conventional. 5-quart 0W-20 + filter is the typical bill.

Tire Rotation

Every 8,000 mi

Rotate every 8,000 miles or at every oil change. Front-heavy minivans (Pacifica, Voyager) chew front tires quickly without rotation.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Often free at the shop where you bought the tires — worth asking before paying.

Brake Inspection

Every 10,000 mi

Inspect pads, rotors, and parking brake at every oil change. Loaded minivans and the heavy 300 wear rear pads faster than expected — check both axles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Free

Most shops do this free as a courtesy with any service. Don't pay separately if you can avoid it.

Timing Belt (2.4L PT Cruiser)

Every 100,000 mi

PT Cruiser's 2.4L is a timing-belt engine: replace around 100,000 miles (check your manual's exact interval for the year). Do the water pump and tensioner in the same job — the labor overlaps almost entirely.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$935–$1175

Shop

~$655–$825

DIY

Pro only

On interference engines, a snapped belt destroys valves. Worth doing on schedule. Bundle water pump + tensioner — labor is already there.

Important maintenance

Keeps your vehicle running smoothly and efficiently

Automatic Transmission Fluid

Every 60,000 mi

Minivans (62TE six-speed): ATF+4 service every 60,000 miles under family duty. 300 with the ZF/TorqueFlite 8-speed: Chrysler lists no normal-service interval, but specialists recommend fluid service around 60,000-100,000 miles. ATF+4 or the specified 8-speed fluid only.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$330–$500

Shop

~$235–$355

DIY

~$60–$180

Some sealed transmissions have no dipstick — fill is precise and best left to a shop. Many drivers can still DIY drain-and-fill.

Spark Plugs

Every 100,000 mi

Pentastar 3.6L: iridium plugs at 100,000 miles. PT Cruiser 2.4L: roughly every 30,000 miles with conventional plugs — check the manual for your year.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$390

Shop

~$200–$275

DIY

~$25–$100

Iridium plugs cost more but last 100k+ miles. V6/V8 access varies wildly — some are tough.

Engine Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace every 30,000 miles. On the Pentastar it's a quick top-of-engine job; inspect sooner in dusty climates.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

5-minute job on most cars; the airbox lid usually has clips, no tools needed.

Serpentine Belt

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect from 60,000 miles and replace on evidence of cracking or glazing. A failed belt on the Pentastar takes the water pump drive with it — don't run it to destruction.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Recommended maintenance

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 20,000 mi

Replace every 20,000 miles — behind the glovebox on Pacifica, Voyager, and 300. Family-hauler duty (pets, gravel school lots) argues for yearly.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Coolant Replacement (OAT)

Every 100,000 mi

Stellantis OAT coolant: first replacement at 10 years or 150,000 miles per the schedule; many shops suggest refreshing by 100,000 miles. Use OAT-compatible coolant only — mixing types gels the system.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$285–$330

Shop

~$200–$235

DIY

~$25–$60

Use the manufacturer-specified coolant — wrong color/chemistry can damage the cooling system.

Battery Test & Service

Every 25,000 mi

Test annually once the battery passes 3 years old. Pacifica's stop-start system uses a pricier AGM or dual-battery setup — weak batteries throw confusing electrical faults first.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$225–$390

Shop

~$160–$280

DIY

~$130–$250

Most auto-parts stores test and install batteries free with purchase. Skip the dealer markup.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

25 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

7

complaints mentioning a crash

3

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica reflects Chrysler's published service intervals and the Oil Change Indicator System system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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