Last updated: 2026-10-10
Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van: Reliability Compared

Chrysler Pacifica

Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van
On reliability, the Chrysler Pacifica comes out ahead of the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN, with a good standing against a mixed one. The Pacifica draws far more complaints, including fires and steering loss. The Metris has few, many tied to recall parts shortages.
How Do the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Generations Compare?
Verdict
The Chrysler Pacifica is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van, scoring 65/100 vs 58/100.
Reliability favors the Pacifica by a clear margin. Its standing is good, while the Metris rates mixed. Independent repair-cost data puts the Pacifica at about 0.4 unscheduled shop visits a year. The Pacifica still has serious complaints, including fires, steering assist loss, and head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6. The Metris draws far fewer complaints, but its standing stays mixed, and many filings concern recall repairs stalled for lack of parts.
Key Differences
- 1Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van has 35 fewer total recalls
- 2Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van has 26.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
- 3Chrysler Pacifica scores 7 points higher in reliability
Category Scoreboard
Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van: Which Is More Reliable?
| Metric | Chrysler Pacifica | Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van |
|---|---|---|
| Reliability Score | 65/100 | 58/100 |
| Years Tracked | 9 | 5 |
| Total Recalls | 67 | 32 |
| Complaints per 10k Sold | 27 | 0.5 |
| Year Wins | 4 | 1 |
What Are the Common Problems With the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van?
Mechanical and often dangerous failures define the Pacifica's complaint record. Owners report vans surging in reverse or drive, hard shifts, head gasket failures, electrical fires, sudden stalls, power steering cutting out, and a brake pedal that goes hard while the van creeps. Powertrain, electrical, steering, and brake complaints all include crash-linked reports. The Metris profile is thinner. Owners describe sputtering and power loss, a rear tire blowout, two power steering assist losses, and a control unit ruined by moisture. Many of its filings are about recall repairs that cannot be done because parts are missing. The data gives no crash counts for the Metris.
| Component | Chrysler Pacifica | Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van |
|---|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 6.5Average | —None |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 6.4Average | —None |
| ENGINE | 3.5Average | —None |
| STEERING | 2.5Low | —None |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 2Low | —None |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 0.9Very Low | —None |
| HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.6Very Low | —None |
| AIR BAGS | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 0.5Very Low | —None |
| SEATS | 0.4Very Low | —None |
| BACK OVER PREVENTION | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| STRUCTURE | 0.3Very Low | —None |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 0.2Very Low | —None |
| SUSPENSION | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 0.1Very Low | —None |
| FUEL SYSTEM | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| WHEELS | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| TIRES | —None | 0.1Very Low |
| VISIBILITY/WIPER | —None | —None |
Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.
How Does Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van Reliability Compare by Year?
| Year | Chrysler Pacifica | Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 65/1008R / 148C | 70/1000R / 0C | Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van |
| 2022 | 62/1006R / 284C | 57/1005R / 9C | Chrysler Pacifica |
| 2021 | 57/1006R / 355C | 55/1007R / 1C | Chrysler Pacifica |
| 2020 | 64/1005R / 201C | 54/1008R / 7C | Chrysler Pacifica |
| 2019 | 60/1009R / 352C | 52/10012R / 8C | Chrysler Pacifica |
Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica scored 65/100 and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van scored 70/100 — the strongest shared model years that have been on the road for at least two years, where available.
Who Should Buy the Chrysler Pacifica vs the Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van?
Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van: Common Questions
- Is the Chrysler Pacifica more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
- Yes, the Pacifica has a clear edge. Its reliability standing is good, while the Metris is rated mixed. The Pacifica also has far more owner complaints, including fires and power steering loss, so the edge does not mean it is trouble free. Check the specific model year before you buy.
- Which has more recalls, the Pacifica or the Metris?
- The Pacifica has more. Federal recall records show 67 recalls across 9 model years for the Pacifica and 32 across 5 model years for the Metris. Always check the VIN for open recalls, since some Metris owners could not get repairs done for lack of parts.
- Which costs less to repair?
- Only the Pacifica has repair-cost data here. Independent figures put its annual repair cost at $647, with about 0.4 unscheduled shop visits a year. No comparable figure is available for the Metris, so a cost comparison is not possible. One Metris owner reported paying about $2,700 for a moisture-damaged control unit.
- What are the worst problems on the Chrysler Pacifica?
- Powertrain and electrical complaints lead the list. Owners report surging in reverse or drive, hard shifts, and fires, some while a plug-in hybrid charged. Head gasket failures on the 3.6L V6, power steering cutting out, and a hard brake pedal also appear. Powertrain, electrical, steering, and brake complaints all include crash-linked reports.
- Is it a problem if a Metris has an open recall?
- It can be. Several owners say dealers could not finish recall repairs because parts were unavailable, sometimes for months. Fuel system complaints describe sputtering and power loss at highway speed. An open recall can also make the van harder to sell. Ask the seller for proof that all recall work is complete.
Related Reliability Comparisons
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Decided between Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van? Run a VIN check before you buy — uncover hidden accidents, title issues, and open recalls.
How we score the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris Passenger Van
Scores weight complaint severity at 35%, repair costs at 30%, recall impact at 20%, and the spread of complaints across systems at 15%, with complaint counts adjusted for US sales. Read the full methodology.
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