Is the Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

Our reliability score for the Chrysler Pacifica is 6.5/10 (65/100), which puts it as below the segment average for reliability. Budget for unexpected repairs. RepairPal rates it 3.5/5.

How much does it cost to own a Chrysler Pacifica per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a Chrysler Pacifica is approximately $2,515 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $2,285.

What is the Chrysler Pacifica gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the Chrysler Pacifica is 22 MPG, with 18 MPG city and 28 MPG highway.

What years does the Chrysler Pacifica cover?

This generation of the Chrysler Pacifica was sold from 2017 to 2023.

Is the Chrysler Pacifica safe?

Our safety score for the Chrysler Pacifica is 9.5/10 (95/100), which means it is genuinely safe by current data. IIHS rates the crash protection good. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Is the Chrysler Pacifica a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The Chrysler Pacifica misses on at least one of these.

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Chrysler Pacifica

17-23 · Chrysler Pacifica

86out of 100

The Chrysler Pacifica is the most modern American minivan — 8-seat Stow-n-Go capability, strong safety scores, and reasonable running costs once you get past the 2017-2018 first-year transmission issues.

Scores last updated: January 1, 2025

Score breakdown

65/ 100Reliability×2.5 82/ 100True Annual Cost×2.0 95/ 100Safety×2.5 100/ 100Practicality×2.0 100/ 100Repairability×1.0

80/ 100Long-Distance Comfort

20/ 100Enthusiast Appeal

Best safety score of the minivans. Reliability kept moderate by early-year transmission issues. Excellent comfort and practicality for family buyers.

Our take

What it really is

The most premium American minivan with Stow-n-Go seating, a modern 9-speed transmission, and safety tech not available on the Grand Caravan. The 2020+ models have the best long-term record.

Why it's on this list

A 2020-2022 Pacifica with under 50k miles runs $22-28k and offers 8-seat capacity, 3,600-lb towing, and modern ADAS that no other minivan at the price provides.

The honest trade-offs

The 9-speed transmission hesitates and shudders — a fluid change often resolves it but a full rebuild is $2,500+. The 2017-2018 first years have the most transmission complaints. Stow-n-Go mechanism wears over time.

What to buy and what to avoid

The 2020, 2021, or 2022 Touring for the best combination of features and post-fix drivetrain calibration. Change the transmission fluid at purchase regardless of mileage.

Annual cost of ownership

Regular fuel. 9-speed transmission fluid change at 30k-40k is important preventive maintenance.

Fuel (12k mi)

$1,870 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$615 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$480 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$1,340 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,110 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$2,515 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$2,285 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

22^[5]

MPG city / hwy

18 / 28^[5]

Tank

19.5 gal^[5]

Engine

3.6L Pentastar V6

Horsepower

287 hp

Torque

262 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

32.3 cu ft

Cargo max

140.5 cu ft

Tow capacity

3,600 lbs

Ground clearance

6.3"

Stock tires

235/55R18

Body

Minivan

Rear seats

Folds flat

3rd row

Folds flat

Safety

NHTSA overall

5/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

21.5%^[2]

IIHS rating

Good^[4]

ESC standard

Yes

Driver assists

Standard forward collision warning (2019+); optional blind spot, adaptive cruise

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Minimal

Frame rust risk

Minimal

Salt belt impact

Minimal

Newer platform with good corrosion protection. Few rust issues reported even in salt belt states.

Known issues by mileage

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)

9-speed automatic transmission hesitation and shudderModerate$2,500 (USD)

Fluid change often resolves. Full rebuild is $2,500+. Worst on 2017-2018.

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

Stow-n-Go seating mechanism wearMinor$200 (USD)

Folding mechanism becomes stiff or binds. More common on high-use vehicles.

Best and worst years

Best years

2020Transmission calibration updated; most issues resolved
2021Standard forward collision; best infotainment; post-fix drivetrain
2022Final refinements; most mature version of this generation

Years to avoid

2017First year; 9-speed transmission complaints most numerous
2018Transmission shudder continues; avoid unless fluid recently changed

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$615 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

3.5/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.5^[1]

Severe issue probability

14%^[1]

250k-mile survival

28%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Halogen

DIY replacement cost

$30 (USD)

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

10/10

Pentastar V6 is straightforward. The 9-speed ZF transmission requires specialized fluid and programming tools for service.

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a Chrysler Pacifica?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist