# Chrysler Pacifica check engine light: complaints, recalls and what to do **Verdict:** Drive to a shop this week - **Owner complaints:** 630 - **Most complaints:** 2017 (184) - **Related recalls:** 4 - **Verdict:** This week ## Quick answer NHTSA has 630 owner complaints about the check engine light on the Chrysler Pacifica (2015-2026 models), most for the **2017** model year (184). There are **4 recalls** for related parts; check yours by VIN. Drive to a shop this week: With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. ## Chrysler Pacifica check engine light complaints by model year | Model year | Complaints mentioning the check engine light | All complaints that year | Share | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 2017 | 184 | 1544 | 12% | | 2018 | 142 | 892 | 16% | | 2019 | 36 | 362 | 10% | | 2020 | 37 | 231 | 16% | | 2021 | 92 | 404 | 23% | | 2022 | 72 | 337 | 21% | | 2023 | 43 | 196 | 22% | | 2024 | 18 | 73 | 25% | | 2025 | 4 | 31 | 13% | | 2026 | 2 | 11 | 18% | 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 check engine light **[23V500000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=23V500000)** (2023 models, reported 2023-07-20): A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source increases the risk of a fire. **Remedy:** Dealers will inspect and replace the fuel line as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 31, 2023. **[18V493000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V493000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-07-26): If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. **[18V492000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V492000)** (2018 models, reported 2018-07-26): If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. **[17V482000](https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=17V482000)** (2017 models, reported 2017-07-28): A wheel wobble may cause a possible loss of control, increasing the risk of a crash. **Remedy:** VMI will notify owners, and dealers will replace the pinion brackets, free of charge. The recall began on August 14, 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 - "When driving on freeway the vehicle overheated and engine warning light flashed and had to come to stop at side of freeway. The vehicle had lost its coolant from a rear heater hose connection. The car was towed to dealer and the repair comment was that a part was deformed from mis-assembly (or words to that effect)..." -- owner of a 2026 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2026 - "At 9,000 miles the check engine light came on. We took the van to the dealership and there was metal in the engine and the engine needs to be replaced." -- owner of a 2025 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2026 - "Once I was able to restart, check engine light was illuminated. This was a rental and on the way to their location, the vehicle failed as described at least 5 more times." -- owner of a 2024 Chrysler Pacifica, complaint filed 2024 Excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly cleaned for reading. They are owners' own accounts and have not been verified. ## What the check engine light means The check engine light means the engine computer has stored a diagnostic trouble code for an emissions, engine or transmission fault. Common causes include a loose gas cap, a failing oxygen sensor, a worn catalytic converter, and misfires from plugs or coils. A steady light is usually not an emergency, but a flashing light means a severe misfire and you should reduce speed and get it checked right away. The most common causes, on any make: 1. **Loose gas cap or EVAP system leak** (common) 2. **Failing oxygen sensor** (common) 3. **Catalytic converter efficiency below threshold** (common) 4. **Misfire from worn spark plugs or ignition coils** (common) Full causes, what to do and how to reset it: [Check engine light](/warning-lights/check-engine). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is there a recall for the Chrysler Pacifica check engine light? Yes. NHTSA lists 4 related recalls (23V500000, 18V493000, 18V492000, 17V482000) covering 2017-2023 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 check engine light complaints? In NHTSA's database the 2017, 2018 and 2021 Pacifica model years have the most complaints mentioning the check engine light, with 184 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 check engine light on? Drive to a shop this week. With a steady light and a car that drives normally, yes, it is usually safe to keep driving for a few days while you get the code read. If the light is flashing, the engine runs very rough, or the temperature or oil light also comes on, stop driving and have it checked. ### 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 - [Brake warning light](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/brake/chrysler-pacifica): 85 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 ## Check engine light on other models - [Ford Escape](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-escape): 2245 complaints - [Ford Edge](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/ford-edge): 1380 complaints - [Chevrolet Silverado](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-silverado): 911 complaints - [Kia Soul](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-soul): 785 complaints - [Hyundai Sonata](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-sonata): 731 complaints - [Hyundai Tucson](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-tucson): 705 complaints - [Chevrolet Malibu](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chevrolet-malibu): 666 complaints - [Hyundai Santa Fe](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/hyundai-santa-fe): 602 complaints - [Jeep Cherokee](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/jeep-cherokee): 587 complaints - [Kia Sorento](https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/kia-sorento): 578 complaints ## Chrysler Pacifica - [Chrysler Pacifica specs and mpg by year](https://diagxcar.com/vehicles/chrysler-pacifica) --- Source page: https://diagxcar.com/warning-lights/check-engine/chrysler-pacifica Updated: 2026-11-04 General information, not a substitute for a qualified mechanic.