2017+ Pacifica Engine Failure Owner's List

8366 Views 97 Replies 32 Participants Last post by PacificaMinivanFan, 2 d ago

PacificaMinivanFan

* * ADVISORY * *
06/06/2023

* CHECK THE LEVEL OF YOUR PACIFICA'S ENGINE COOLANT OFTEN! TOP OFF WITH MOPAR MS-12106 COOLANT. * *

* If changing your own oil, do not tighten the oil filter cap beyond 25 nm (18.4 pound-feet) of force per the stamp on top of the oil filter cap. * *

Hi Everyone.

On January 19, 2022 I created a post entitled "Let's talk about those few engine failures in Pacificas." On October 26, 2022 I edited the title of the post to remove the word "few."

What follows is a list of users on just this forum who have reported failed head gaskets leading to loss of coolant and, in some cases, the necessary replacement of engines. As of this ~~original~~ posting, the count is 57 125. There are similar horror stories in different groups on Facebook. Most failures occurred after the 5-year/60,000 Chrysler powertrain warranty expired, often just after the warranty expired.
2017Browns
2017cassie
abegottlieb
achoksi
AJW
AmyLynn
AndrewS
Anne Chapmann
Anthony B
Apix
apnar
April423
ashishsmith
BlueNinja
blutooth
bmcdaniel
BNBott
Bradaclarke
brendenreed1
Brillokc
Bryan5145
btigner12
C Jkson
C-Daddy
califpacifica
Candleholder
carrdoor
celticcharisma
Cj18
Conner Lynch
Cpowell71
dadbod
dcloes
ddrewitz
DJLisso
DMD
eronc
Famof4
garik
Gerhart
gmfreak
GmnBrian
jacobhubson
jasontripp1975
jeremu
jimbodude44
JimO
jmorg111
johncweymouth1
jolsbean13
JPRATT 62
Jrr1901
jsandgren10
juancarguhernan
katiepuhr
Kimberly P
KimCoulter
king4trav
KS05
KYTeacher
Kuds18
laspic
lcmrc
Legroom1611
liknepp
lineback79
Lipster
LisaC
Lynn Hyatt
lynnP27
MarkMM
Mark_R
masteron
Matthew Westra
Meeks306
MerZukerborg
MicheleMoore514
mikepacificasandiego
MLiliana
mm574
mp77
mpm808
mrshakenbake
munchers65
ncmitchell7
ngandhi
Nossa
NWChryslerDad
omg3kids
Otterk
Pacifica Brian
pacificalife2022
pacificat
PACS
Peabody
Pbio1
Pthora
Queen.Bee.Ros
Raquelzinha
reyaom
Rliss
Robby rob
Rrevans
rrjnmeyer
Ryankaufmann
SAKMAN
Sea_of_Tranquility
sethmeisterg
showtm490
sj1469
Speedy-SRT
spmatus
Steve Poff
svuki
teji.catia
Tjhawk
troopertim
Tpuig83
uscuba2
UTheMan218
vdubpower
Wesg1989
Whatyamacallme02
Zalagator
Z-Fam

If you happen to come across this post and see your user name on the above list, please file a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) if you have not already done so by clicking here. An engine that overheats and becomes inoperable is indeed a safety defect, especially in a vehicle advertised for families with kids.

Hopefully your report, along with the numerous reports of others, will induce the agency to investigate this issue thoroughly and put their pressure on Chrysler to issue a recall or provide an extended warranty to make fixes for free with no deductible or diagnostic fees, and provide reimbursement to all who have had to pay out of pocket for repairs.

@ChryslerCares, feel free to pass this to upper management with the note, "It appears this issue is getting worse by the day and is not going to go away unless we do something meaningful."

Related threads:
Subforum "Chrysler Pacifica News":
Blown head gasket
Chrysler Really Doesn't Care - blown head gasket 58k miles
Blown Motor 2017 6100k

Subforum "New Member Introductions":
2018 Pacifica Limited 65,500 miles Engine block crack. What type new motor should I get?
2017 Pacifica Head Gasket
2018-pacifica-engine-failure-at-77-000-miles

Subforum "2017+ Chrysler Pacifica Minivan General Discussion"
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Cylinder 3 Misfire p303 Error Code
3rd Blown Head Gasket and now a warped cylinder head
Blown head gasket at 50K miles?
Warped Engine Block?!
2018 Pacifica engine issues
2017 Pacifica Cylinder Misfire and Coolant leak
misfire detected - cylinder
Class Action Suit for Motor Replacement
2017 New Engine Needed
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Touring - Gas Car 68K Mileage - Engine Failure
Polling those with Pacifica engine failure
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Head Gasket
P305 Misfire
What Hidden Features Have Discovered In Your Pacifica

Subforum "2017+ Pacifica PHEV Hybrid Batteries and Charging":
Ziegler Hybrid Warranty Coverage (this post refers to gas version)

Subforum "Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Issues and Problems":
At 70,000 miles Dealer says new engine
Coolant leaking into cylinders
2018 Blown Head Gasket
Cylinder Misfire Problem (P0305) Suggestions and More Disappointment from Dealership/Chrysler
Rough Idle and Misfire P0303 After Recall Software Update
2017 Pacifica Misfire P0306
New engine recommended at 52k miles = $13k repair
Cylinder-misfire-p0304-aCylinder Misfire (PC0304) and Coolant Reservoir nearly empty
2017 with 45,000 has sludge in engine extended warranty won't cover it
Premature engine failure
2017 Pacifica Head Gasket
Blown head gasket at 68k miles. $4000 repair. Avoid these vans!
Think That I Am Looking At Coolant Concern
Oil Analysis To Help Understand Head Gasket/Engine Failure Issue

Subforum "Engine and Technical Discussion":
Let's talk about those engine failures in Pacificas?
Any Reported 2019+ Head Gasket Issues?
Am I going to be another engine statistic?
Engine/Head Gask
Low Coolant Level....
2018 Chrysler Pacifica Cylinder 6 Misfire
Videos about having to add engine coolant to Pacificas

Subforum "Chrysler Pacifica Minivan Recalls":
So over the start/stop feature! Broke again!

Note: @PacificaMinivanFan is "Following" each of the above threads and is notified via site alert and e-mail when someone adds another post.

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ThisSuckersElectrical

· #61 · 19 d ago (Edited)

M0Par said:
They may have but suspect it is throwing good money after bad.

This is just another unfortunate example that it's bad luck due to manufacturer defect. A percentage of Pentastar engines will grenade on a regular schedule and there's nothing you can do about it.

3 or 5, What's your poison? It is very clear at this point what is going on.

These warranty companies denying the claims are BS. Low coolant without overheating can cause an air pocket in the top of the engine causing the aluminum block to crack or wrap where the pocket is as it is not getting proper cooling in that area. All while engine temps stay normal. This is why it is critical to properly bleed aluminum engine blocks when coolant systems are pulled to prevent block/head damage from air pockets.

The brainless warranty claim inspectors have no clue about the damage air pockets can do. Nope, you drove it and let it overheat! DENIED!

Owners: It never overheated.

Claim inspectors: LIAR! LOL, thanks for the money suckers.

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M0Par

· #62 · 19 d ago

ThisSuckersElectrical said:
3 or 5, What's your poison? It is very clear at this point what is going on.

❓❓❓❓

Did you mean "percentage" ?

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PacificaMinivanFan

Discussion Starter · #63 · 19 d ago

Sea_of_Tranquility said:
Welp.
Service diagnose results from a text system from dealer:

Recommend Replace Right Bank cylinder head $4582.40

Unbelievable. 4 + year old and 69K vehicle.

All this time I thought the engine failures with a P0303 misfire or similar code were the result of coolant leaking into a cylinder because of a blown head gasket. So I assumed the level of engine coolant must have gone down in the reservoir. But in this case the owner stated the level of the coolant was "at nominal levels" (post #53). What does this new scenario mean?

With condolences I will add Sea_of_Tranquility to the list. The count as of this posting is now 117.

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ThisSuckersElectrical

· #64 · 19 d ago (Edited)

M0Par said:
❓❓❓❓

Did you mean "percentage" ?

All failed engines are cylinders 3 or 5. Nothing reported is any of the other 4.

The head gasket failure goes left or right. Primarily left to 3 but at the same point of failure between 3 and 5. So pick your poison.

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ThisSuckersElectrical

· #65 · 19 d ago

@M0Par I was part of the last run of this nonsense with the MY11-MY13. When I upgraded to MY18 and MY21 it was a relief to think all was good going forward. Chrysler is becoming an abusive relationship. I love the brand, new body styles, and technology, but I may be bailing soon even though my Great Great Grandfather was Walter Chrysler.

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M0Par

· #66 · 19 d ago

ThisSuckersElectrical said:
@M0Par I was part of the last run of this nonsense with the MY11-MY13. When I upgraded to MY18 and MY21 it was a relief to think all was good going forward. Chrysler is becoming an abusive relationship. I love the brand, new body styles, and technology, but I may be bailing soon even though my Great Great Grandfather was Walter Chrysler.

Thanks for the context.

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PacificaMinivanFan

Discussion Starter · #67 · 19 d ago

Sea_of_Tranquility said:
Welp.
Service diagnose results from a text system from dealer:

Recommend Replace Right Bank cylinder head $4582.40

@Sea_of_Tranquility, did the service advisor say anything about finding coolant in any of the cylinders? Did they say anything about a blown head gasket?

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vsfan

· #68 · 19 d ago

I purchased my extended warranty today... hopefully it is either not used or save my ass from the future bill...

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Sea_of_Tranquility

· #69 · 18 d ago

PacificaMinivanFan said:
@Sea_of_Tranquility, did the service advisor say anything about finding coolant in any of the cylinders? Did they say anything about a blown head gasket?

We didn't interact directly with the tech or svc advsr yet due to timing of emails and availability. Today is the day. Will update if any pertinent info is forthcoming.

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Sea_of_Tranquility

· #70 · 18 d ago

ThisSuckersElectrical said:
Please report to the NHTSA:

Report a Vehicle Safety Problem, Equipment Issue | NHTSA

View my post here if you haven't already:

2017+ Pacifica Engine Failure Owner's List

Hi Everyone. On January 19, 2022 I created a post entitled "Let's talk about those few engine failures in Pacificas." On October 26, 2022 I edited the title of the post to remove the word "few." What follows is a list of users on just this forum who have reported failed head gaskets leading...

www.pacificaforums.com

I did this.

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Sea_of_Tranquility

· #71 · 18 d ago

Update: Tech notes evidence of coolant in Cylinders 3 and 5.

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M0Par

· #72 · 18 d ago

Sea_of_Tranquility said:
Update: Tech notes evidence of coolant in Cylinders 3 and 5.

Wow, just like everybody else's. Who knew? Amazing how they all fail the exact same way. Almost like it's a manufacturer defect. Huh.

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PacificaMinivanFan

Discussion Starter · #73 · 18 d ago

Sea_of_Tranquility said:
Update: Tech notes evidence of coolant in Cylinders 3 and 5.

Did you depend on the dealer to check the coolant level when you took it in for routine service?

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Sea_of_Tranquility

· #74 · 18 d ago

PacificaMinivanFan said:
Did you depend on the dealer to check the coolant level when you took it in for routine service?

No, we do all our own fluid checks and changes on schedule. We keep the records and receipts in the logbook. Always Mopar recommended fluids.

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uscuba2

· #75 · 15 d ago

Hi,

I have a 2018 Pacifica touring l plus. On 5/12, I took it in to the dealer because it had CEL (misfiring 5th cylinder ) . It took them a while to find the root cause (coolant) and the gasket was replaced. I just got it back on Thursday and noticed that it was jerking when accelerating. I called the dealer and they said to bring it back on Monday since it was driveable. Friday morning, the CEL came back on and would flash. I towed it back in on Friday (5/19). This happened less than 20 miles from getting it back. It came out worse than when it went in.

I am suppose to go out of town this weekend and then for 7 days in june for a road trip. I have 3 year old twins and a 6 year old. I have real concerns about taking this thing.

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PacificaMinivanFan

Discussion Starter · #76 · 15 d ago

uscuba2 said:
Hi,

I have a 2018 Pacifica touring l plus. On 5/12, I took it in to the dealer because it had CEL (misfiring 5th cylinder ) . It took them a while to find the root cause (coolant) and the gasket was replaced. I just got it back on Thursday and noticed that it was jerking when accelerating. I called the dealer and they said to bring it back on Monday since it was driveable. Friday morning, the CEL came back on and would flash. I towed it back in on Friday (5/19). This happened less than 20 miles from getting it back. It came out worse than when it went in.

I am suppose to go out of town this weekend and then for 7 days in june for a road trip. I have 3 year old twins and a 6 year old. I have real concerns about taking this thing.

Dear uscuba2, I am so sorry to read of the issues you are having with your Pacifica. You are not alone. I have added your username to the list. As of this writing the count of reported failures on this forum is 118.

If you read down a ways in post #1 of this thread you should see a link for you to file a report with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. I highly encourage you to do so.

Sincerest best wishes to you. Please keep us apprised, and thank you for your report.

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uscuba2

· #77 · 15 d ago

uscuba2 said:
Hi,

I have a 2018 Pacifica touring l plus. On 5/12, I took it in to the dealer because it had CEL (misfiring 5th cylinder ) . It took them a while to find the root cause (coolant) and the gasket was replaced. I just got it back on Thursday and noticed that it was jerking when accelerating. I called the dealer and they said to bring it back on Monday since it was driveable. Friday morning, the CEL came back on and would flash. I towed it back in on Friday (5/19). This happened less than 20 miles from getting it back. It came out worse than when it went in.

I am suppose to go out of town this weekend and then for 7 days in june for a road trip. I have 3 year old twins and a 6 year old. I have real concerns about taking this thing.

now the say it was an ignition coil as well.

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PacificaMinivanFan

Discussion Starter · #78 · 15 d ago

uscuba2 said:
now the say it was an ignition coil as well.

Interesting. From what others have reported, their original diagnosis was a bad ignition coil and when that didn't work they put a scope into a right-bank cylinder and discovered engine coolant where it shouldn't be. But ignition coils don't last forever, so I guess it would be good to change the three of them on the bank while they are there.

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ChryslerCares

· #79 · 12 d ago (Edited)

Hello to @PacificaMinivanFan and others!

We regret to hear about any users facing engine concerns. Know we are here to help each individual vehicle facing the above and find a resolution. Our team is also looking into these concerns and relaying them to all relevant parties. For our team to best assist, we ask that you send us a private message with your vehicle's symptoms as well as your VIN so we can check for potential TSBs on your behalf and communicate with your dealer. Thank you for your patience and cooperation all! Hope to connect with each of you.

Hannah
Chrysler Cares

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ChryslerCares

· #80 · 12 d ago

To follow up our previous message, here are some relevant TSBs below that may prove useful. We advise you contact your nearest Chrysler dealership to confirm whether these apply to your vehicle. If you have any additional questions, please send us a private message so we can dive into your particular concerns.

Thanks everyone!
Hannah
Chrysler Cares

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