Last updated: 2026-03-06

2021 Chrysler Pacifica
RELIABILITY SCORE: 57/100 (MIXED)

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Report

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). With 6 recalls and 355 owner complaints, buyers should proceed with caution.

Recalls

6

Complaints

355

Complaint Rate

55.5

per 10k sold

Est. Annual Cost

$647

Detailed Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity37/100

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs70/100

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact60/100

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity73/100

Breadth of reported problem categories

The Verdict

Caution

Mixed reliability — proceed with caution and budget for repairs.

Top Issues to Watch

  • POWER TRAIN (115)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (93)
  • ENGINE (35)

Should You Buy the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica scores 57/100 ("Mixed"). Buyers should proceed with caution.

With 355 owner complaints and 6 recalls, the complaint volume is above average. Reported issues — particularly in power train (115) — can be costly to repair.

An extended warranty is strongly recommended. A thorough pre-purchase inspection focused on power train (115) is essential before committing.

Compared to the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica, which scored 5 points higher. See also the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • +5-star NHTSA crash rating

Cons

  • Below-average reliability score
  • Above-average recall count
  • Above-average complaint rate for Minivan
  • POWER TRAIN: Hybrid system and transmission (115 complaints)
  • 1 fire incident reported in owner complaints
  • Safety recall: park-outside advisory issued

Compare 2021 Chrysler Pacifica With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

LOW RISK
  • 6 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

HIGH RISK
  • POWER TRAIN (115)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (93)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

6

recalls on record

Park Outside

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has 6 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

55.5

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 31.5

LowAvgHigh
High

Safety Incidents

10

Crashes

1

Fires

11

Injuries

0

Deaths

NHTSA 5/5 Stars

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Recall Details

6 recalls have been issued for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V5380002024-07-18Park Outside

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.

Consequence

A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.

Remedy

Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 72B. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-077.

25V8770002025-12-17

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Consequence

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

Remedy

Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.

25V8760002025-12-17

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

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.

Consequence

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

Remedy

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.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 5/5Passenger: 5/5

Rollover risk: 11.6%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 10.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)Seat Belt Reminder System (Driver, Front Passenger)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver, Front Passenger)Additional Air Bags (Not Available)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat, 3rd row)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Chrysler Pacifica Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

3.5Maintenance rating: 3.5 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$647

Repair Frequency

0.4

unscheduled repair visits per year

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

Used Buying Checklist

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica.

  • Test drive at highway speeds to check for sudden power loss

  • Verify hybrid system recalls have been completed

  • Inspect for 'Service Charging System' error messages

  • Check for any warning lights on the dashboard

  • Test infotainment system for freezing or errors

  • Inspect steering for shaking or unusual noises at low speeds

  • Ensure all safety systems, like brakes and airbags, are functioning

Buying a 2021 Pacifica? Check Its History First

Every 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has a different past. A VIN check reveals hidden accidents, title problems, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls that reliability scores can't show you.

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Common Problems by Component

355 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

115
93
POWER TRAIN (115)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (93)ENGINE (35)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27)BACK OVER PREVENTION (25)FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13)STEERING (9)SEATS (8)Other (30)

POWER TRAIN

115 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the power train, particularly involving the hybrid system and transmission. Common symptoms include unexpected loss of power, failure to shift gears, and the vehicle entering a limp mode or shutting down entirely. These issues often occur at highway speeds, leading to dangerous situations where the vehicle must be pulled over quickly. Several reports mention these problems manifesting around 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, with some incidents involving crashes and injuries due to sudden power loss and inability to control the vehicle. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring power train issues and their potential impact on safety and reliability.

115 complaints total2 crashes3 injuries

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

93 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently experiences electrical system failures, notably in the hybrid models. Common symptoms include the vehicle stalling or losing power, often accompanied by dashboard warnings such as "service charging system" or "stop safely - vehicle will shut off soon." These issues are typically reported at mileages ranging from 6,100 to 53,000 miles. Some complaints involve safety implications, including crashes and a fire, with one reported injury. Buyers should be aware of persistent issues with hybrid battery and power inverter modules, as well as recurring problems with the vehicle's electronic control modules.

93 complaints total2 crashes1 fire1 injury

ENGINE

35 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, particularly the Hybrid model, frequently report engine stalling and unexpected shutdowns while driving, often accompanied by warning lights such as "Stop Safely: Vehicle will shut off soon." These issues commonly occur at various speeds, including highway conditions, and typically require the driver to wait several minutes before the vehicle can be restarted. The complaints highlight occurrences at mileages ranging from 20,000 to over 60,000 miles. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power can leave vehicles stranded in traffic or on highways, posing a risk of accidents. Additionally, some owners mention unresolved issues despite recall repairs, with symptoms persisting even after service interventions.

35 complaints total
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

27 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the rearview camera system and unexpected engine shutdowns. Complaints commonly describe the rearview camera failing to display an image intermittently, despite recall updates, which some owners note began around 2024. Additionally, multiple reports detail the vehicle suddenly losing power while driving, often with a warning message to "stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon," leading to situations where drivers had to navigate to safety at reduced speeds. These issues have led to at least two reported injuries and pose significant safety risks, especially when occurring at highway speeds. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these recurring problems, particularly as they may not have been fully resolved by available recalls.

27 complaints total2 injuries
BACK OVER PREVENTION (25 complaints)

BACK OVER PREVENTION

25 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the back-over prevention system, particularly involving the rearview camera. Common symptoms include the camera image freezing, displaying a blank or flickering screen, or showing incorrect past images. These issues are often reported at mileages ranging from approximately 8,852 to 105,000 miles. Some owners mention safety implications, such as one incident where a non-functional camera contributed to a minor collision. Buyers considering this vehicle should be aware of ongoing recall repairs that have been delayed due to unavailable parts, with some owners expressing that the manufacturer has taken an extended period to address these issues.

25 complaints total
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (13 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

13 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report fuel leaks due to the fuel line rubbing against the coil pack, causing holes and fuel spraying in the engine bay. This issue is typically identified by a strong gasoline odor, both inside and outside the vehicle, and is often noticed after long drives or when the vehicle is stationary. Complaints suggest this occurs at various mileage levels, with some reports around 70,000 miles. The safety implications are significant, as fuel leaks near engine components pose a risk of fire. Additionally, several owners describe a separate issue where the vehicle loses power and displays "service charging system" errors, leading to sudden deceleration, particularly hazardous at highway speeds.

13 complaints total
STEERING (9 complaints)

STEERING

9 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with the steering system, particularly involving the steering wheel shaking at low speeds, such as during parking maneuvers around 10 MPH. Some complaints describe the steering wheel getting stuck at certain positions, necessitating a forceful jolt to regain control, which poses a safety risk, especially at higher speeds or in traffic. These issues are often reported in vehicles with mileage as high as 70,432. Safety implications are significant, with multiple reports of loss of steering control, and one owner mentions a clunking noise, which was diagnosed as a steering rack and pinion failure. Used car buyers should be aware of these potential steering issues, which may require costly repairs.

9 complaints total
SERVICE BRAKES (5 complaints)

SERVICE BRAKES

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica report several issues related to the service brakes, with common symptoms including unexpected vehicle surging when the brake pedal is depressed and rolling when stationary. Multiple reports involve the vehicle surging forward before stopping, even after brake application, and rolling despite being in park or reverse, leading to three crashes and two injuries. Complaints frequently mention failure of advanced braking systems, such as adaptive cruise control and forward collision warning, which do not activate as expected. The issues are reported at various mileages, including as low as 10,000 miles and as high as 82,500 miles. These problems suggest potential safety risks, especially concerning loss of vehicle control and collision risk, which prospective buyers might consider when evaluating this model.

5 complaints total3 crashes2 injuries
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (4 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

4 complaints

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report experiencing a sudden loss of power while driving, often accompanied by error messages such as "Service Charging System" and "Shift to P to Start." These incidents typically occur at highway speeds, around 57 to 60 mph, and result in the inability to use the accelerator, forcing drivers to coast to safety. Complaints indicate that this issue can happen multiple times, with some owners needing to restart the vehicle to regain propulsion temporarily. The problem has been reported in vehicles shortly after purchase, with one owner mentioning issues starting around June 2021. Safety implications are significant, as the sudden loss of power poses a risk of being rear-ended or causing accidents, especially on busy highways.

4 complaints total
AIR BAGS (3 complaints)

AIR BAGS

3 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica frequently report issues with airbag non-deployment during crashes. Complaints describe incidents where no airbags deployed despite significant impact, including side collisions and head-on crashes, resulting in injuries such as head gashes and neck and shoulder trauma. In one instance, a vehicle was rear-ended and pushed into another car without any airbags deploying, despite the vehicle being deemed a total loss. These reports involve vehicles with varying mileages, including one at 108,000 miles. The consistent pattern of airbag non-deployment during crashes suggests a potential safety concern for prospective buyers.

3 complaints total3 crashes3 injuries

When Do 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

30,000–70,000 milesPower train failures
6,100–53,000 milesElectrical system failures
20,000–60,000 milesEngine shutdowns

Best & Worst Chrysler Pacifica Years

Comprehensive reliability analysis based on NHTSA data, owner complaints, and historical performance.

Best Chrysler Pacifica Years to Buy

The best Chrysler Pacifica year is 2025 with a reliability score of 71/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2024 (70/100) and 2023 (65/100).

Chrysler Pacifica Years to Avoid

The worst Chrysler Pacifica year is 2018 with a score of 51/100, primarily due to electrical system (246) issues.

Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Score Trend

Chrysler Pacifica reliability has improved in recent years, with newer models scoring an average of 67/100 compared to 58/100 for older years.

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Chrysler Pacifica reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201851/100Mixed
201960/100Good
202064/100Good
202157/100Mixed
202262/100Good
202365/100Good
202470/100Good
202571/100Good

Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202669/100 (predicted)Predicted02
202571/100+1Good813
202470/100+5Good752
202365/100+3Good8148
202262/100+5Good6284
2021(selected)57/100-7Mixed6355
202064/100+4Good5201
201960/100+9Good9352
201851/100Mixed18980

2021 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability by Powertrain

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas3305115 out of 5
HEV25105 out of 5
Total355611

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has a "Mixed" reliability rating (57/100) and may present some ownership challenges. With 6 recalls and 355 complaints, buyers should research known issues carefully.
What are the most common problems with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica include: POWER TRAIN (115 complaints), ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (93 complaints), ENGINE (35 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (27 complaints), BACK OVER PREVENTION (25 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has 6 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica expensive to maintain?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica has estimated annual repair costs of $647/year. Its reliability score of 57/100 and 355 owner complaints suggest that unexpected repairs are more likely. Budgeting for maintenance reserves is advisable.

Don’t buy a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica without checking its VIN first — hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls could cost you thousands.

Look Up a VIN →

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue