Last updated: 2026-03-14

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Reliability Compared

Choosing between the Chrysler Pacifica and the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN? This page compares their reliability scores, NHTSA recall history, owner-reported complaints, and estimated annual repair costs so you can make a confident long-term ownership decision between these two midsize minivans.

Our reliability scores are based on NHTSA recall and complaint data, independent repair cost estimates, and sales-normalized complaint rates. The Chrysler Pacifica currently leads with an average score of 63/100 compared to 58/100. Scroll down for the full year-by-year breakdown, common problem areas, and repair cost comparison.

How Do the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN Generations Compare?

As of March 2026, the Chrysler Pacifica lacks detailed generation history, making it difficult to assess its reliability based on platform evolution. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has a well-documented lineage. It entered its third generation (W447) in 2016, with a facelift introduced in 2024. This places the Metris in the latter part of its generation cycle, where reliability tends to improve as initial issues are typically resolved. The Pacifica's absence of generation data means potential buyers should seek additional sources to evaluate its reliability, while the Metris benefits from a mature platform with a proven track record.

Verdict

The Chrysler Pacifica is more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN, scoring 63/100 vs 58/100.

The Chrysler Pacifica surpasses the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN in reliability, with a higher average reliability score of 63/100 compared to 58/100 for the Metris. Despite having more recalls, the Pacifica's owner complaints rate is significantly higher at 27 per 10,000 units versus the Metris's minimal 0.5 per 10,000, indicating more prevalent issues for owners. The Pacifica's estimated annual repair cost is available at $647, providing a clearer picture of potential maintenance expenses, whereas the Metris lacks this data. Both vehicles have distinct common issues, but the Pacifica's broader range of problems across power train, electrical, and engine systems may concern potential buyers.

Key Differences

  1. 1Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has 35 fewer total recalls
  2. 2Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has 26.5 fewer complaints per 10k sold
  3. 3Chrysler Pacifica scores 5 points higher in reliability

Category Scoreboard

1Chrysler Pacifica
2Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
Reliability ScoreTotal RecallsComplaint Rate

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Which Is More Reliable?

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN at-a-glance reliability comparison
MetricChrysler PacificaMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
Reliability Score63/10058/100
Years Tracked95
Total Recalls6732
Complaints per 10k Sold270.5
Year Wins41

What Are the Common Problems With the Chrysler Pacifica and Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

The Chrysler Pacifica exhibits significant issues in its power train and electrical system, with both categories showing over 500 complaints each and a notable number of crash-linked incidents, particularly in the power train with 11 crashes. Additionally, the Pacifica's steering and service brakes are areas of concern, each associated with multiple crash-linked complaints. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has a much lower total complaint volume, with the most significant issues being in the fuel system and wheels, but no crash-linked complaints reported. Overall, the Pacifica presents a broader range of severe reliability issues, particularly in safety-critical systems, compared to the Metris-Passenger-VAN.

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN common problem areas comparison
ComponentChrysler PacificaMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
POWER TRAIN6.5AverageNone
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM6.4AverageNone
ENGINE3.5AverageNone
STEERING2.5LowNone
UNKNOWN OR OTHER1.2LowNone
SERVICE BRAKES0.9Very LowNone
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM0.6Very LowNone
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL0.5Very LowNone
AIR BAGS0.5Very LowNone
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM0.4Very LowNone
BACK OVER PREVENTION0.3Very LowNone
SUSPENSION0.1Very LowNone
STRUCTURE0.1Very LowNone
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING0.1Very LowNone
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE0.1Very LowNone
FUEL SYSTEMNone0.1Very Low
WHEELSNone0.1Very Low
TIRESNone0.1Very Low
SEATSNoneNone

Complaints per 10,000 units sold, aggregated across all tracked model years from NHTSA owner reports.

Which Is Cheaper to Maintain: Chrysler Pacifica or Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

For the Chrysler Pacifica, independent repair cost data indicates an annual maintenance and repair cost of $647, with an average of 0.4 repair visits per year. This suggests relatively infrequent visits to the mechanic, and while major repair risk isn't specified, the consistent annual cost provides a predictable expense for owners. In contrast, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN lacks specific data for annual repair costs or repair frequency, leaving potential owners without a clear picture of long-term expenses. For cost-conscious buyers, the Chrysler Pacifica emerges as the better value due to its transparent and manageable repair costs and frequency, allowing for more predictable budgeting over time.

How Does Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN Reliability Compare by Year?

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN year-by-year reliability scores
YearChrysler PacificaMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VANEdge
202365/1008R / 148C70/1000R / 0CMercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN
202262/1006R / 284C57/1005R / 9CChrysler Pacifica
202157/1006R / 355C55/1007R / 1CChrysler Pacifica
202064/1005R / 201C54/1008R / 7CChrysler Pacifica
201960/1009R / 352C52/10012R / 8CChrysler Pacifica

Best years to cross-shop: The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica scored 65/100 and the 2023 Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN scored 70/100 — these represent the strongest model years in our tracking range.

Who Should Buy the Chrysler Pacifica vs the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?

If you prioritize low running costs and fewer owner complaints, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN might be a better fit for you. Despite its slightly lower reliability score of 58/100, it has significantly fewer recalls (32) and a notably low owner complaint rate of 0.5 per 10,000 sold. This suggests fewer issues in day-to-day use, although the lack of data on repair costs and frequency should be considered. On the other hand, if you want a vehicle with more comprehensive reliability data and lower estimated repair costs, consider the Chrysler Pacifica. With a reliability score of 63/100, the Pacifica has an estimated annual repair cost of $647 and a repair frequency of 0.4 per year. However, be aware of its higher recall count (67) and more frequent owner complaints. This vehicle may suit you if you are prepared to manage potential power train and electrical system issues.

Chrysler Pacifica vs Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN: Common Questions

Is the Chrysler Pacifica more reliable than the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
Based on our data, the Chrysler Pacifica is more reliable with an average score of 63/100 compared to 58/100. The difference is modest, so both are reasonable choices.
Which has more recalls, the Chrysler Pacifica or the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
The Chrysler Pacifica has more recalls (67) compared to the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN (32). More recalls don't always mean worse reliability — some are minor — but it's worth reviewing what each recall covers.
Which has fewer owner complaints, the Chrysler Pacifica or the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN?
Adjusted for sales volume, the Mercedes-Benz Metris-Passenger-VAN has a lower complaint rate at 0.5 per 10,000 sold versus 27 for the Chrysler Pacifica. This per-sales normalization gives a fairer comparison than raw totals.

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.

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