[jsantangelo]

So we have a brand new 2017 Pacifica with 1500 miles on it. Check engine light comes on and the dealership has to call Chrysler engineering to figure it out. Fixed, but the light comes back on 3 days later. Now it's back and they say they have to replace the entire transmission. Should I be concerned about a dealership replacing an entire transmission in this vehicle?

 

[Rogus]

Thank you for your report as I am one of the ones holding off on a Pacifica purchase due to the issues I am hearing about particularly regarding the transmission. Just too many transmission problems being reported on the Pacifica on top of the problems with transmissions in their other models.

 

[PacificaLimited]

Should I be concerned about a dealership replacing an entire transmission in this vehicle?

Well... depends on how you look at it, right...?

If they replace it with a new one (assuming it itself has no issues) then you're good-to-go...!

From what I understand, this particular 9-speed transaxle is an extremely complicated marvel that when working correctly, is a joy...! But the small percentage of those that are not flawless out of the factory are getting replaced - it seems they are not messing-around with localized dealer repairs at all.

The way I see it... it (so far) appears pretty cut-and-dry... MOST vehicles are fine. A small fraction of a percent of owners have faulty transaxles and Chrysler seems to be immediately calling for a replacement for them. Either way... aside from the inconvenience and frustration, you still end up with a beautiful Pacifica that drives well again.



It's easy for me to be optimistic, because it has not (yet?) happened to ME.

 

[dolee7]

transmission

So far I have not had any transmission problems at 2200 miles hope I dont but if I do then I do.Had a 2008 gmc acadia which I loved me and the wife were out doing rummage sales and somebody came over and asked how I liked the truck and I said I loved it they said they hoped I have better luck then they did tranny went out when they were on a trip so it can happen to anyone.I was reading on a site that chrysler is replacing about 12 to 16 transmissios a day dont know if that is a fact but if it is thats not to bad for all the cars they produce in a day.The only thing I worry about is when someone says that they have leaks because of bolts not being torqued right to me that means they have a quality control problem.

 

[charlieinnj]

Same here. Quickly coming off of my list the more I see these transmission issues coming up. But it's not just the Pacifica. This 9-speed is reeking havoc with many Honda Pilot owners, too. It's installed in the top-two models of the Pilot. Reviews on Edmunds reveal:

1. "The 2016 Honda Pilot (Elite) is almost a perfect car except that it has major, major transmission problems that aren't readily evident in just a test drive. With literally just 265 miles on the car we have listed it for sale. We are going to take a major loss on this car and get rid of it right away."

2. "Been having the same problem as described. Put on 1500 miles on my Honda Touring so far and starting to hate it more and more each day."

3. "I can just sell the car it has 4000 miles and is loaded and still new…trade it in and get the non-Elite/Touring model (with the 6 speed transmission) or crash it into the dealership and light it on fire."

 

[dolee7]

transmission

Might be just some growing pains as chrysler is building the zf 9 speed in there own plant.

 

[ericet74]

With Chrysler driving the test Pacifica's for 3.4 million miles I think these transmission problems are the small percentage of failures you will see with any complex machines. Search Pacifica 3.4 million miles in Google. Not only did they drive these cars for 3.4 million miles they pushed them to the absolute limit. They took Pacifica's and towed things beyond the maximum up the steepest grades for hours, and miles. After reading these reports on this I am sold. They took this van much further and harder then most manufactures do and certainly past what Honda and Toyota has done on their current vans.

All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Crafted With Quality, Reliability and Durability Focus

 

[Tsuter]

I had similar concerns with the powertrain, but seeing as they've had this powertrain out there for other chryslers, I didn't worry as much. There will be teething issues with anything, and you can bet I'll be cutting the maintenance interval in half at least when it comes to servicing our van. Cheap insurance. But honestly, I'd rather have a failure early, rather than two years in. Then there is no doubt about why something failed. It does suck that it's a brand new car, but again, teething problems and all.

 

[CajunPac56]

With Chrysler driving the test Pacifica's for 3.4 million miles I think these transmission problems are the small percentage of failures you will see with any complex machines. Search Pacifica 3.4 million miles in Google. Not only did they drive these cars for 3.4 million miles they pushed them to the absolute limit. They took Pacifica's and towed things beyond the maximum up the steepest grades for hours, and miles. After reading these reports on this I am sold. They took this van much further and harder then most manufactures do and certainly past what Honda and Toyota has done on their current vans.

All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Crafted With Quality, Reliability and Durability Focus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo8sTGHswhU

Good read...thanks for posting!

 

[Limited_808]

With Chrysler driving the test Pacifica's for 3.4 million miles I think these transmission problems are the small percentage of failures you will see with any complex machines. Search Pacifica 3.4 million miles in Google. Not only did they drive these cars for 3.4 million miles they pushed them to the absolute limit. They took Pacifica's and towed things beyond the maximum up the steepest grades for hours, and miles. After reading these reports on this I am sold. They took this van much further and harder then most manufactures do and certainly past what Honda and Toyota has done on their current vans.

All-new 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Crafted With Quality, Reliability and Durability Focus

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo8sTGHswhU

Thanks...great info.