[FLEngineer]

We've had our Pacifica since Feb '17 and have generally enjoyed the car except for the constant issues with the transmission. It seems to be a similar problem to what others have reported with the transmission seeming to downshift suddenly when accelerating from a standing start. It's a violent jolt / clunk that has no place in a vehicle with 25K miles. We've been in and out of the service department for the usual recalls and "transmission adaptation" fixes and it still continues to be a major issue. It's gotten so bad that we are looking into cutting our losses and getting another vehicle, even though this van checks all our boxes (minus reliability). My wife can't stand to drive it anymore and I don't really blame her as it makes you question pulling out in front of traffic. This is our first Chrysler product and as it currently stands will be the last.

When we take it to the dealer we get the standard, "can't duplicate" answers and a day lost without a vehicle (at least 3 times) as they refuse to give a loaner. I've read there are issues with some of the ZF9's that only replacing them outright can solve and while I'm not excited about needing a new transmission in a new vehicle I believe it's the only recourse. How can I get my dealer to get on board with this given the repeated inability to fix the issue. I either need help or a new car!


*sorry for such a long and rambling first post, just looking for guidance.

 

[irpilot]

We've had our Pacifica since Feb '17 and have generally enjoyed the car except for the constant issues with the transmission. It seems to be a similar problem to what others have reported with the transmission seeming to downshift suddenly when accelerating from a standing start. It's a violent jolt / clunk that has no place in a vehicle with 25K miles. We've been in and out of the service department for the usual recalls and "transmission adaptation" fixes and it still continues to me a major issue. It's gotten so bad that we are looking into cutting our losses and getting another vehicle, even though this van checks all our boxes (minus reliability). My wife can't stand to drive it anymore and I don't really blame her as it makes you question pulling out in front of traffic. This is our first Chrysler product and as it currently stands will be the last.

When we take it to the dealer we get the standard, "can't duplicate" answers and a day lost without a vehicle (at least 3 times) as they refuse to give a loaner. I've read there are issues with some of the ZF9's that only replacing them outright can solve and while I'm not excited about needing a new transmission in a new vehicle I believe it's the only recourse. How can I get my dealer to get on board with this given the repeated inability to fix the issue. I either need help or a new car!


*sorry for such a long and rambling first post, just looking for guidance.

I think getting @ChryslerCares involved for a start will help. It's now a hot link so just click on it and message them. I also recommend taking it to another dealership because it's sounds like the one you're currently taking it to sucks. You might also want to search for threads with the transmission keyword and see what others have done to remedy the issue.

 

[jerry17]

Is it constant, or only on heavy acceleration (like to merge into traffic from a stop sign or cross a busy road.) And is it every time? From dealer response, it sounds intermittent which is always very difficult.

It probably doesn't throw any codes, but an OBD download at one of the shops (Auto Zone, etc.) soon after an incident just might uncover a code that "ages out" of the history if you don't see the dealer immediately.

If it is easily duplicated, insist the service manager take a ride with you. And where is your salesperson on this, even though it is 2 years old?

 

[ChryslerCares]

We've had our Pacifica since Feb '17 and have generally enjoyed the car except for the constant issues with the transmission. It seems to be a similar problem to what others have reported with the transmission seeming to downshift suddenly when accelerating from a standing start. It's a violent jolt / clunk that has no place in a vehicle with 25K miles. We've been in and out of the service department for the usual recalls and "transmission adaptation" fixes and it still continues to be a major issue. It's gotten so bad that we are looking into cutting our losses and getting another vehicle, even though this van checks all our boxes (minus reliability). My wife can't stand to drive it anymore and I don't really blame her as it makes you question pulling out in front of traffic. This is our first Chrysler product and as it currently stands will be the last.

When we take it to the dealer we get the standard, "can't duplicate" answers and a day lost without a vehicle (at least 3 times) as they refuse to give a loaner. I've read there are issues with some of the ZF9's that only replacing them outright can solve and while I'm not excited about needing a new transmission in a new vehicle I believe it's the only recourse. How can I get my dealer to get on board with this given the repeated inability to fix the issue. I either need help or a new car!


*sorry for such a long and rambling first post, just looking for guidance.

Hi there FLEngineer,

This is certainly not what we want to hear, and we're so sorry this is happening. If you're willing to schedule another appointment at a dealer for diagnosis (you can use any Chrysler dealer), I can get a case started for you so someone can assist throughout the diagnosis process. Just PM us with your VIN and appointment location and time if you're interested in this!

I think getting @ChryslerCares involved for a start will help. It's now a hot link so just click on it and message them. I also recommend taking it to another dealership because it's sounds like the one you're currently taking it to sucks. You might also want to search for threads with the transmission keyword and see what others have done to remedy the issue.

Thanks for looping us in, irpilot.

Jennifer
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

[FLEngineer]

Hi there FLEngineer,

This is certainly not what we want to hear, and we're so sorry this is happening. If you're willing to schedule another appointment at a dealer for diagnosis (you can use any Chrysler dealer), I can get a case started for you so someone can assist throughout the diagnosis process. Just PM us with your VIN and appointment location and time if you're interested in this!

Thanks for the quick response; I'll PM you once we get another appointment set up (probably with a new dealer).

 

[ChryslerCares]

Thanks for the quick response; I'll PM you once we get another appointment set up (probably with a new dealer).

No problem, I'll keep an eye out for your message!

Jennifer
Chrysler Social Care Specialist

 

[FLEngineer]

Latest update: Have the van in for service as we speak and they are "unable to duplicate" the problem. Service manager is supposed to take it for a more thorough drive today so I am hopeful we'll at least get acknowledgment of the issue. Waiting on a response to my PM to @ChryslerCares as well.

 

[SciTchr]

Latest update: Have the van in for service as we speak and they are "unable to duplicate" the problem. Service manager is supposed to take it for a more thorough drive today so I am hopeful we'll at least get acknowledgment of the issue. Waiting on a response to my PM to @ChryslerCares as well.

My van is currently shifting smoothly at 34,000 miles, but I've taken it in a few times for transmission issues which were remedied by software updates. It is unlikely that a dealer will be able to duplicate the problem so you may have to "assist" them with suggestions since this is a known problem.

Print this post and ask the dealer about the possibility of checking what is listed.
https://www.pacificaforums.com/forum/538613-post71.html

There is also a TSB that might apply depending on the van's build date (on driver's door edge).
https://www.pacificaforums.com/forum/356586-post2.html

Hope that helps.

 

[[email protected]]

Hello All,

I’ve had the same transmission issue that many, many others are reporting - at about 14 mph, it fells as though the car can’t find the next gear, the car revs but hesitates until it finally jolts forward so violent that it fells you were rear-ended by other car. Makes for very dangerous driving on any kind of winding road or road that has snow. I’ve had the issue since Ove 2017. I had the car for over one year with no problems and then as many others report, I too suspect my car was updated at the dealer and now has this problem. I brought the car to the dealer man many times. At first they said they reflashed it and problem solved. I eventually got Chrysler customer service involved. The dealer had the car for two weeks and Chrysler paid some $600 for my rent car reimbursement. The rep closed my case but I still had the problem. Now I escalated to someone named Audrey at “Enhanced Customer Care” and they finally had the dealer Teterboro Chrysler in Teterboro NJ place a data recorder. After a few weeks of driving and recording the problem, returned the car to the dealer, waited for a few weeks only to learn that the dealer could not figure out how to upload the data to Chrysler. After another few weeks, I received a telephone message from Audrey that Chrysler determined my car was running as it should be and they are closing the case. I specifically asked for a new transmission as it was under warranty, and Chrysler refuses. How could they get away with this? I’ve purchased only Chrysler cars ever and never had this terrible experience where a car is dangerous to drive yet nothing is done, at least replace my transmission as it’s under warranty. I think the only way is for several customers to get tighter and hire a law firm to file a class action law suit.

 

[Norman0405]

Hello All,

I’ve had the same transmission issue that many, many others are reporting - at about 14 mph, it fells as though the car can’t find the next gear, the car revs but hesitates until it finally jolts forward so violent that it fells you were rear-ended by other car. Makes for very dangerous driving on any kind of winding road or road that has snow. I’ve had the issue since Ove 2017. I had the car for over one year with no problems and then as many others report, I too suspect my car was updated at the dealer and now has this problem. I brought the car to the dealer man many times. At first they said they reflashed it and problem solved. I eventually got Chrysler customer service involved. The dealer had the car for two weeks and Chrysler paid some $600 for my rent car reimbursement. The rep closed my case but I still had the problem. Now I escalated to someone named Audrey at “Enhanced Customer Care” and they finally had the dealer Teterboro Chrysler in Teterboro NJ place a data recorder. After a few weeks of driving and recording the problem, returned the car to the dealer, waited for a few weeks only to learn that the dealer could not figure out how to upload the data to Chrysler. After another few weeks, I received a telephone message from Audrey that Chrysler determined my car was running as it should be and they are closing the case. I specifically asked for a new transmission as it was under warranty, and Chrysler refuses. How could they get away with this? I’ve purchased only Chrysler cars ever and never had this terrible experience where a car is dangerous to drive yet nothing is done, at least replace my transmission as it’s under warranty. I think the only way is for several customers to get tighter and hire a law firm to file a class action law suit.

We have had the exact same situation as you...down to Chrysler Care dismissing us. I am so furious its not even funny. So disappointed we bought a Chrysler. Now we are looking at taking a financial hit to trade in our unsafe Pacifica to buy another brand and vehicle. Its disgusting how many people are complaining of these same issues and are getting 100% blown off by Chrysler. I will stress the importance of submitting a formal complaint through the NHTSA website. You can do so daily. The more of us that voice these concerns the better! Hopefully the squeaky wheel will get the grease and EVENTUALLY some sort of repair or justice will come to us!

 

[Lonbeme]

yep. had all the same experiences...until the fault of the speed sensor FINALLY showed up.
Then they replaced the whole transmission - 2,000 miles later, and not one jolt!

I made a post about it a few weeks back that you can find.

 

[BlueThunder]

Sorry for all of your pain, but I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one. Our 2017 (12000 mi) jolts when shifting into first, especially when auto start is enabled. I also experience the revving and hard shifts. This is all AFTER a full transmission replacement under warranty. The dealer acknowledges the weird behavior but reports that it is within spec.

This has been a discouraging ownership and customer service experience. I'm surprised to see @ChryslerCares online...our rep said that they only used phone and fax before ghosting me. 6 months into our lemon law case there is still no end in sight. I need that settlement and out of this vehicle.

Sorry for whining but I hope it helps...especially you prospective buyers!

 

[[email protected]]

Sorry for all of your pain, but I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one. Our 2017 (12000 mi) jolts when shifting into first, especially when auto start is enabled. I also experience the revving and hard shifts. This is all AFTER a full transmission replacement under warranty. The dealer acknowledges the weird behavior but reports that it is within spec.

This has been a discouraging ownership and customer service experience. I'm surprised to see @ChryslerCares online...our rep said that they only used phone and fax before ghosting me. 6 months into our lemon law case there is still no end in sight. I need that settlement and out of this vehicle.

Sorry for whining but I hope it helps...especially you prospective buyers!

How did you get your transmission replaced under warranty. I think most customers posting here have not been able to get their transmission replaced under warranty - most seem to be ignored by Chrysler. I think we need to get together a class action lawsuit and have all our transmissions replaced. Until Chrysler feels a financial pain imposed by a judge, I think they will play the game if this is how it’s suppose to work.

 

[BlueThunder]

How did you get your transmission replaced under warranty. I think most customers posting here have not been able to get their transmission replaced under warranty - most seem to be ignored by Chrysler. I think we need to get together a class action lawsuit and have all our transmissions replaced. Until Chrysler feels a financial pain imposed by a judge, I think they will play the game if this is how it’s suppose to work.

Hi Nick,

Sadly it took a catastrophic failure for the warranty replacement. The transmission failed in traffic last labor day and the Pacifica was towed to the dealership. The service department was very helpful, but even in this extreme case it took them 20 days to get approval and make the replacement. This is when I started in on trying to get a new vehicle and still nothing. There is a class action suit in california for the transmission, I think. I'm just going the lemon law route, but Chrysler has not cooperated so far. It truly sucks because my family loves this vehicle when it works AND I am a Jeep lover/owner. @ChryslerCares

 

[derby98]

I just got back from the dealer for the same issue. When driving at slow speeds, usually between 5 to 15 miles an hour in parking lots, the van feels like it is driving normal and all of a sudden a new gear kicks in violently jolting the car. The car doesn't rev or anything. They took it for a test drive, and looked at the codes on the transmissions and found nothing. It happens so random. They told me it was probably due to different people driving the vehicle and the vehicle is adjusting to the driving style of the driver. Funny thing is I am the only driver.

 

[Drutherfordjr]

We've had our Pacifica since Feb '17 and have generally enjoyed the car except for the constant issues with the transmission. It seems to be a similar problem to what others have reported with the transmission seeming to downshift suddenly when accelerating from a standing start. It's a violent jolt / clunk that has no place in a vehicle with 25K miles. We've been in and out of the service department for the usual recalls and "transmission adaptation" fixes and it still continues to be a major issue. It's gotten so bad that we are looking into cutting our losses and getting another vehicle, even though this van checks all our boxes (minus reliability). My wife can't stand to drive it anymore and I don't really blame her as it makes you question pulling out in front of traffic. This is our first Chrysler product and as it currently stands will be the last.

When we take it to the dealer we get the standard, "can't duplicate" answers and a day lost without a vehicle (at least 3 times) as they refuse to give a loaner. I've read there are issues with some of the ZF9's that only replacing them outright can solve and while I'm not excited about needing a new transmission in a new vehicle I believe it's the only recourse. How can I get my dealer to get on board with this given the repeated inability to fix the issue. I either need help or a new car!


*sorry for such a long and rambling first post, just looking for guidance.

I went through the same thing I finally got a lawyer and went through the process of the lemon law. Chrysler knows about this problem and just pushes you out the door telling owners can’t duplicate nothing we can do. Have a nice day.

 

[Laura]

The vehicle doesn't need to adjust to us driving we are having to adjust to it!!! Same crap being told to every customer with the same complaint-as if it's our fault we are causing this jerky shifting issue!! Right!! Hello Chrysler how come Honda can smooth out the same ZF 9 transmission but you can't. Too bad such a nice vehicle otherwise.

 

[catboy]

At 82k, I can't say our problems with the jerky, slamming or hesitant tranny have gone away. The gremlin is still there. We went the dispute settlement route, and Chrysler was bordering on the insulting with how we just didn't appreciate the fine transmission we had, and also couldn't duplicate (yes, we had). They also tried to pin our tranny issues to "high mileage" saying that you're only really supposed to be driving your van the average of something like 12k miles per year (a lot less if you're a woman, apparently). We didn't get anything out of the dispute process other than more frustration.

 

[iluvmy5grls4ever]

My 2017 does the same thing and I can't get the dealership to duplicate the sound either. Its not fun. This is starting to be the worst vehicle purchase I have ever made. So many issues.

 

[amarine1]

I must be the lucky one.

I've had nothing but admiration for my Pacifica's tranny. No issues. I try to press the auto-start off everytime i get into the Pacifica, so that may be why I am not experiencing this issue. Drivetrain wise, I am a very happy camper. Now, the **** corrosion on my front hood on the other hand..... very irritating.