The Lemon Index
Transmission complaints owners filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) for each model year, per 100,000 cars sold. A complaint counts when it's filed under the transmission, or under the power train and the owner describes the transmission (shifting, slipping, gears, CVT). It's an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and older years have had longer to collect complaints.
What owners describe
Share of this model's transmission complaints that mention each symptom. One complaint can mention several.
Transmission and power train recalls
- 2018 2018
A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.
- 2018 2018
The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint.
- 2017 2017
The rear pinion bracket on both sides of the vehicle may crack, causing the axle not to be centered and the wheel to wobble.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. Check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
In owners' words
While in motion at lower speeds the transmission violently jerks between gears giving the feeling the car is out of control.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica owner · NHTSA complaint
While in motion at lower speeds the transmission violently jerks between gears giving the feeling the car is out of control.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica owner · NHTSA complaint
Quick answers
Which Chrysler Pacifica years have transmission problems?
By transmission complaints filed with NHTSA per car sold, the worst Chrysler Pacifica years are 2017, 2018, 2021.
What are common Chrysler Pacifica transmission problems?
Owners most often describe hard or jerky shifting, lost power while driving, transmission replaced.
Which Chrysler Pacifica years have the fewest transmission complaints?
Since 2010, the Chrysler Pacifica years with the fewest transmission complaints per car sold are 2025, 2024, 2023.
See every problem, not just the transmission: Chrysler Pacifica reliability by year. How we count