The Lemon Index2021 Chrysler Pacifica.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is one of the worst years by owner complaints: 279 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 294, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about electrical, it has 7 recalls, and it gets 20 to 30 mpg combined. The best Chrysler Pacifica year is 2020.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 401 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Chrysler Pacifica year. 2021 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 15K to 63K miles on the car (46 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- electrical complaints mostly came at 12K–40K miles
Recalls 7
- electrical 2026
The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- equipment adaptive/mobility 2025
Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information.
- equipment adaptive/mobility 2025
The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Show all 7 recalls
- airbags 2024
An improperly secured connector for the side curtain air bags may prevent the air bags from deploying.
- back over prevention 2024
The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying.
- electrical 2023
An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
- seats 2022
The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Chrysler told dealers about
Chrysler sent dealers 700 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Power Window Regulator or Motor Owners may complain that the Driver and or Passenger Windows…
- Check Engine Light On, U0422-00 Implausible Data Received From Body Control Module Is Active…
- Multiple Electrical Issues, No Start No Crank, Battery Lamp On, Power Sliding Doors, Power…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenLoss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.2024
- ClosedTransmission fault leading to loss of motive power2022–2024
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWD | not rated | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | not rated |
| Chrysler Pacifica VAN FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid VAN FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2150–3200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 3.6L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
My fuel line was rubbing against a part of the engine and leaked. My mechanic said the fuel line was unsupported causing the rubbing and didnât have shielding/padding to protect it.
2021 Chrysler Pacifica owner · NHTSA complaint 11585721
More owner reports
Engine will turn off while driving without any notice And show check engine light and shift to park
NHTSA complaint 11497908
Driving on the interstate at 70-75 mph and lost all forward drive. Car said service charging system and would not recover. Got towed to dealer and troubleshot and replaced the transmission
NHTSA complaint 11476105
Quick answers
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
No, it is one of the worst by government complaints. It drew 2.9× the average car's complaints filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 294; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Chrysler Pacifica year by this measure since 2010 is 2025.
What are the most common 2021 Chrysler Pacifica problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are electrical (46%), engine (44%) and transmission & drivetrain (37%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
7 safety recalls (latest: electrical). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica get?
20 to 30 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2021 Chrysler Pacifica problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 15,000 and 63,500 miles. The middle report was at 36,600 miles, from 46 complaints.
Does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 37% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica cost in fuel a year?
About $2150 to $3200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
3.6L 6-cyl.
What Chrysler Pacifica year is better than the 2021?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2020, 2019 and 2022.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works