Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid
3.6-liter Atkinson V6 combined with electric drive, total system output 248 hp. 32 miles all-electric range. LG Energy Solutions battery pack (16 kWh) had serious fire problems on 2017-2018 units — two recalls, NHTSA found fire rate actually increased after the first recall fix. Power Inverter Module is the most expensive failure point after the battery pack itself.
Family plug-in with safety concerns
32 miles of electric range and low everyday fuel costs make the eHybrid attractive. The 2017-2018 LG battery fire history is real — after the second recall, affected battery packs should have been replaced. 2020+ avoids most of these issues.
Engine Weaknesses 3
LG battery cells with folded or torn anode tabs can develop internal short circuits causing vehicle fires — even when parked and off. NHTSA found fire rate actually increased after the first recall fix. Second recall issued 2024. 12+ documented vehicle fires.
Symptoms: Vehicle catches fire while parked or charging, dashboard warning lights
Electric coolant pump for battery thermal management fails. Coolant loss can damage the HV battery pack and drastically reduce electric range or disable hybrid mode entirely.
Symptoms: Service Hybrid System warning, electric mode unavailable, coolant loss with no visible external leak
Power electronics between the high-voltage battery and electric motors fail without warning, can shut the vehicle down while driving. Dealer replacement part often exceeds $3,000 plus labor.
Symptoms: Service Hybrid System warning, sudden engine shutdown while driving, fault code P0E7C
Vehicle Weaknesses 8
Power sliding doors fail to respond or close unexpectedly. 475+ NHTSA complaints triggered a formal investigation. FCA extended warranty to 15 years/1 million miles on door lock actuators for affected VINs. Injuries from unexpected door closure documented.
ZF 948TE 9-speed automatic shudders and jolts on acceleration and gear changes. Class action and recall covering 2015-2019 Chrysler 200/Pacifica for software defect. Average repair cost $9,000. TCM software update helps some, full transmission replacement often needed.
Totally Integrated Power Module controls all electrical functions. Internal defect causes cascading failures: fuel pump dies, windows cycle on their own, horn sounds randomly. Known Chrysler fleet problem 2008-2016.
Software defect in the 9-speed transmission causes crankshaft synchronization error — engine dies while driving without warning, power steering lost. FCA recall January 2018; software update didn't help many owners. Warranty extended to 5 years/60,000 miles for crankshaft sensor.
Coolant cannot be located externally but enters cylinders causing engine damage, requiring costly repairs or engine replacement. Symptom: coolant level dropping with no visible external leak. Engine replacement can cost $10,000-14,000.
Official NHTSA recall for 2017-2018 Pacifica PHEV. LG battery cells with manufacturing defect can develop internal short circuits and cause vehicle fire, even when parked and off. Fire rate increased after first recall fix. Second recall issued 2024. Free battery pack replacement at dealer for affected vehicles.
A/C compressor fails prematurely. On Pacifica Hybrid, the compressor also cools the HV battery — failure affects both cabin cooling and battery thermal management.
Power liftgate stops responding to remote or button. Often a software fault in the Power Liftgate Module (PLGM). TSB and Customer Satisfaction Notification Y50 issued. Software flash update resolves the issue for many vehicles.
