# Chrysler Pacifica brake warning light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Stop driving - **Owner complaints:** 85 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (29) - **Related recalls:** 1 - **Verdict:** Stop now ## Quick answer NHTSA has 85 owner complaints about the brake warning light on the Chrysler Pacifica (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (29). There is **1 recall** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Stop driving: If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. ## Chrysler Pacifica brake warning light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the brake light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2017 | 29 | 1544 | 2% | | 2018 | 16 | 892 | 2% | | 2019 | 15 | 362 | 4% | | 2020 | 8 | 231 | 3% | | 2021 | 2 | 404 | 0% | | 2022 | 9 | 337 | 3% | | 2023 | 4 | 196 | 2% | | 2024 | 1 | 73 | 1% | | 2025 | 1 | 31 | 3% | Counts are complaints filed with NHTSA whose description mentions this light. They show where owners have had trouble, not a failure rate: popular years collect more complaints simply because more cars are on the road. ## Chrysler Pacifica recalls related to the brake warning light **[17V342000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V342000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-05-25): The crossed rear brake lines will cause the rear anti-lock brake system to be ineffective, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Vantage Mobility will notify owners, and dealers will correct the rear brake line attachments, free of charge. The recall began on July 3, 2017. Recall repairs are free at any Chrysler dealer. Enter your 17-character VIN at [nhtsa.gov/recalls](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) to see whether yours is still open. ## What Chrysler Pacifica owners report - "At a traffic light, when I began to release the brake after stopping, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly and nearly struck the truck in front of me. With the brake fully depressed, I shifted into neutral. The transmission made a loud clunk as the engine began revving. I then shifted into park, which caused another..." -- owner of a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2026 - "I checked and the indicator light on the EPB (parking brake) button was off. I tried to move the vehicle but the parking brake was clearly engaged. I pressed the button several times. Nothing changed. The indicator light would not go on. I tried turning the car off/on. I tried to enter maintenance mode which failed..." -- owner of a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2026 - "The contact stated while driving downhill at approximately 20 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message "Brake Release" was displayed. The contact stated that the braking system malfunctioned, and the vehicle failed to stop while depressing the brake pedal before the vehicle stalled. The..." -- owner of a 2023 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2023 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the brake warning light means The red brake warning light most often means the parking brake is still on. If it stays on after you fully release the parking brake, the brake fluid is likely low, which can mean worn pads or a leak in the brake system. A brake light that stays on while driving is a reason to pull over and check, because a fluid leak can lead to loss of braking. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Parking brake on or not fully released** (most common) 2. **Low brake fluid from worn pads** (common) 3. **Brake fluid leak** (less common) 4. **Faulty fluid level sensor or parking brake switch** (less common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Brake warning light](/warning-lights/brake). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chrysler Pacifica brake light? Yes. NHTSA lists 1 related recall (17V342000) covering 2017 models. Recall repairs are free; check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is open. ### Which Chrysler Pacifica years have the most brake light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2019 Pacifica model years have the most complaints mentioning the brake warning light, with 29 for 2017. Complaint counts reflect how many cars were sold as well as how often problems happen. ### Is it safe to drive a Chrysler Pacifica with the brake light on? Stop driving. If the light goes out when you release the parking brake, you are fine. If it stays on, especially with a soft pedal, low fluid, or the ABS light also on, stop driving and have the car towed, because the brakes may fail. ### How do I check if my Chrysler Pacifica has an open recall? Enter the 17-character VIN from your dashboard or registration at nhtsa.gov/recalls, or ask any Chrysler dealer. Open recalls are fixed free of charge, even if you are not the first owner. ## Sources - [NHTSA: Vehicle safety complaints and recalls (api.nhtsa.gov)](https://www.nhtsa.gov/nhtsa-datasets-and-apis) - [NHTSA: Check for recalls by VIN](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls) ## Other Chrysler Pacifica warning lights - [ABS warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/abs/chrysler-pacifica): 13 complaints - [Airbag (SRS) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/airbag/chrysler-pacifica): 19 complaints - [Battery (charging system) warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/battery/chrysler-pacifica): 32 complaints - [Check engine light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica): 630 complaints - [Coolant temperature warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/coolant-temperature/chrysler-pacifica): 139 complaints - [Power steering warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/power-steering/chrysler-pacifica): 252 complaints - [Traction control light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/traction-control/chrysler-pacifica): 66 complaints ## Brake warning light on other models - [Honda CR-V](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-cr-v): 561 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-silverado): 383 complaints - [Honda Accord](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-accord): 360 complaints - [Honda Pilot](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-pilot): 223 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-cherokee): 215 complaints - [Ram 1500](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/ram-1500): 208 complaints - [GMC Sierra](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/gmc-sierra): 206 complaints - [Honda Odyssey](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/honda-odyssey): 176 complaints - [Chevrolet Equinox](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chevrolet-equinox): 154 complaints - [Jeep Grand Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/jeep-grand-cherokee): 142 complaints ## Chrysler Pacifica - [Chrysler Pacifica specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chrysler-pacifica) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chrysler-pacifica Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.