2017 Chrysler Pacifica Recalls, Ratings & Complaints

Incident: September 7, 2026 · Filed: October 30, 2026

safety complaint regarding a severe CAN bus communication failure in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica (gas model, base trim, no Engine Stop-Start) resulting in a sudden loss of transmission control while driving. The defect manifests as an intermittent loss of communication between the Electronic Shifter Module (ESM) and the Transmission Control Module (TCM). Without warning, the rotary shifter (PRNDL) indicator lights go dark and a "Service Shifter" message appears. This triggers a cascade of safety system failures, disabling Electronic Stability Control, Forward Collision Warning, and Blind Spot Alerts. Most critically, the loss of network data causes the vehicle to enter "limp mode," locking the transmission in its current gear and refusing to upshift or downshift, creating a severe crash hazard in active traffic. The root cause is a physical hardware defect in the CAN-C Star Connector junction block (Part No. 68321746AA) located behind the passenger-side glovebox. The pin receptacles inside this distribution block degrade and lose tension, allowing data wires to vibrate loose. Striking the passenger-side dashboard physically reseats the pins, instantly restoring network communication, shifter lights, and transmission function. Dealerships are misdiagnosing this defect by following factory diagnostic trees that mandate replacing the functional Electronic Shifter Module (an ineffective $1,400 repair) instead of addressing the faulty Star Connector. My vehicle has been at the Chrysler dealership since initial diagnosis with no resolution, as the dealer refuses to repair the known wiring defect without first replacing the functional shifter. The sudden loss of transmission control and active safety systems due to this faulty communication block is an extreme safety hazard. Chrysler must issue a mandatory recall to replace these degraded Star Connectors.

Incident: October 28, 2026 · Filed: October 28, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 52 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle decelerated even though the RPM was abnormally elevated. The failure mileage was approximately 129,650.

Incident: October 23, 2026 · Filed: October 23, 2026

While driving and accelerating in the Walmart parking lot, the van immediately locked up, slammed myself and my kids forward, and was locked where it would not engage any gear other than park.

Incident: October 20, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

Steering is loose and fails at times resulting in very hard turning. When making a left turn into oncoming traffic, lost steering entirely for a few seconds. Symptoms point to failing steering rack which is very dangerous

Incident: October 22, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

SMOke reported in the Vehicle while parked and it starting automatically called fire department to clear the smoke and they noticed it high voltage battery was triggered about this

Filed: October 22, 2026

My electric steering has been making noises for a long time. The dealership failed to find the noise the first three visits. On the fourth visit it was verified but they told me that Chryler's flex care warranty denied it. I hear it is a very common problem and Chrysler does not want to address it.

Incident: August 1, 2026 · Filed: October 22, 2026

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the rear-view camera displayed a black or distorted image. The contact stated that the vehicle occasionally shut off while driving at various speeds. The "Check Engine" and "Shift to Park" messages were displayed with an audible chime. Due to the failure, the contact was forced to pull over and restart the vehicle to resume normal driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where a code for an unknown sensor was retrieved. The contact reset the computer; however, the failure returned several days later. The failure mileage was approximately 128,000.

Incident: September 20, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

My Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic high-voltage system failure, leaving the vehicle completely disabled and undrivable. In addition, there is an open recall that has not been addressed that means the vehicle should not be parked next a a building due to fire risk. The vehicle has been sitting at the dealer for a month, and the dealer has confirmed that the high voltage battery has failed. The dealer has informed me that Stellantis engineers will not release a new hybrid battery because it is not covered under the warranty. There are two manufacture warranties that should apply here, but Stellantis will still not approve the release of the batter. Chrysler is using software-level diagnostic constraints to evade a safety-related powertrain warranty extension. In the meantime, I am left without a vehicle.

Filed: October 19, 2026

Steering sticks mostly when at 11 and 1 o'clock position. Need to give extra pressure causing over steering.

Incident: October 18, 2026 · Filed: October 19, 2026

Made a right hand turn onto residential street and van immediately parked itself mid turn which would have resulted in accident had someone been behind me. Vehicle was able to restart and reach destination but now P1B14 code is thrown. This is unacceptable for a car to shift into park while in motion. Code is related to known earlier issue with van that was supposedly repaired. 2 weeks ago while inching into a parking spot the van seemed to have lost power for a split second but resumed as I finished parking. I feel very unsafe in vehicle.