2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.

Chrysler Pacifica
Pictured: 2004-2006 Chrysler Pacifica -- 03-21-2012. Photo: IFCAR, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Minivan - 2WD
Body styles
4dr Minivan AWD, 4dr Minivan FWD, Hybrid 4dr Minivan
Engines
3.6L 6-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Plug-in Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 29 city / 30 hwy
Length
204.3 in
Curb weight
4,522–4,943 lb
NHTSA rating
★★★★★
Recalls
8 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 18% better than the average 2021 minivan (25.5 MPG).
  • Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available
  • 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints403 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 45 for similar models — most often about the electrical system.
  • "Park outside" recallCheck that the recall repair was done before buying or driving.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan offered with a 3.6L 6-cyl engine, including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.

It measures about 204 inches long and 80 inches wide on a 122-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,883 lb (4dr Minivan AWD).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (29 city / 30 highway), 18% better than the 2021 minivan average of 25.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,250 a year in fuel.

In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.

It has 8 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 403 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2021

  • Lightest version 192 lb heavier

Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 Pacifica →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr Minivan AWD204.3 in79.5 in70.1 in121.7 in68.5 / 68.5 in4,883 lb55/45
4dr Minivan FWD204.3 in79.5 in70.1 in121.7 in68.5 / 68.5 in4,522 lb55/45
Hybrid 4dr Minivan204.3 in79.5 in70.1 in121.7 in68.5 / 68.5 in4,943 lb56/44

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pacifica Hybrid Plug-in Hybrid3.6L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive29 / 30 / 30+18%$2,250119
Pacifica3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 28 / 22-14%$3,050401
Pacifica AWD3.6L 6-cylAutomatic 9-spdAll-Wheel Drive17 / 25 / 20–$3,350450
9/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
10/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Save $4,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.5 MPG2021 Minivan - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

VersionOverallFrontalDriver / passengerSideSide poleRolloverRollover risk
2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWDNot rated★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★Not rated–
2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN FWD★★★★★★★★★★5★ / 5★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★11.6%
StandardElectronic stability control
Not availableForward collision warning
Not availableLane departure warning
Frontal crash test — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWD
Frontal crash test — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWD. Photo: NHTSA.
Side crash test — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWD
Side crash test — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica VAN AWD. Photo: NHTSA.

Similar 2021 minivans

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2021 Chrysler Pacifica (this car)30 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Toyota Sienna36 MPGNot rated4
2021 Kia Sedona21 MPG★★★★★0
2021 Honda Odyssey22 MPG★★★★★8
2021 Chrysler Voyager22 MPG★★★★★2

Recalls (8)

Safety advisory: 2 recalls for this model year carry a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Check your VIN now.
Electrical System › Propulsion System › Traction Battery · Jun 4, 2026 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 26V362000 · 17,277 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 23, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 52D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints/Securement › Latch/Anchor › · Dec 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V877000 · 1,019 vehicles

Problem
Vantage Mobility, LLC (VM) is recalling certain 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey, 2021-2025 Chrysler Pacifica, and Toyota Sienna vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters was mailed January 27, 2026. Owners may contact Vantage Mobility customer service at 1-800-488-9082.
Equipment Adaptive/Mobility › Wheelchair Restraints/Securement › Latch/Anchor › · Dec 17, 2025

NHTSA campaign 25V876000 · 86 vehicles

Problem
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.
Risk
An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Fix
Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.
Air Bags › Side/Window › Curtain · Oct 24, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V793000 · 26 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Pacifica and 2020-2021, 2023 Voyager vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the side curtain air bags may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard numbers 214, "Side Impact Protection" and 226, "Ejection Mitigation."
Risk
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Dealers will secure the connector, free of charge. All vehicles have been remedied. Owner notification letters were mailed October 22, 2024. Owners may contact FCA customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA's number for this recall is A8B.
Hybrid Propulsion System · Jul 18, 2024 Park outside

NHTSA campaign 24V538000 · 3,606 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire when parked, even with the ignition in the "Off" position.
Risk
A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Fix
Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until they are repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software. In addition, dealers will inspect and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. Repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 6, 2025. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 72B. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall number 22V-077.
Back Over Prevention › Sensing System › Camera · Jun 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V436000 · 1,033,433 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster vehicles. The radio software may prevent the rearview image from displaying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Risk
A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the radio software or the software will be OTA, "Over-The-Air," free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning July 9, 2024. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's numbers for this recall are 66B and 79B.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Jan 17, 2023

NHTSA campaign 23V010000 · 67,117 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
Risk
An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.
Seats › Mid/Rear Assembly · Mar 24, 2022

NHTSA campaign 22V181000 · 1,160 vehicles

Problem
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Pacifica and 2021 Voyager vehicles. The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 225, "Child Restraint Anchorage Systems."
Risk
An unsecured seat increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Fix
Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is Z22.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2021 Chrysler Pacifica is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

403Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
11Injuries reported
38,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System163
Engine146
Power Train123
Fuel/Propulsion System78
Unknown Or Other56
Back Over Prevention25
Vehicle Speed Control23
Steering16
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
24/11: 224/12: 625/01: 1025/02: 825/03: 225/04: 325/05: 425/06: 825/07: 925/08: 625/09: 425/10: 325/11: 325/12: 326/01: 826/02: 526/03: 826/04: 226/05: 126/06: 526/07: 1026/08: 926/09: 826/10: 524/1125/0225/0525/0825/1126/0226/0526/08max 10

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2021 Chrysler Pacifica buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 8 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Safety-critical recall. At least one recall carries a "Do Not Drive" or "Park Outside" warning. Do not buy until the VIN shows it was repaired.
  3. Electrical System — 163 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Engine — 146 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Power Train — 123 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  6. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  7. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  8. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Pacifica years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2027 Pacifica22–Not rated11
2026 Pacifica30204.3 inNot rated511
2025 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★1031
2024 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★1173
2023 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★14195
2022 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★10334
2020 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★7231
2019 Pacifica30204.3 in★★★★★9362
2018 Pacifica32204.3 in★★★★★161,113
2017 Pacifica32204.3 in★★★★★171,621
2008 Pacifica18198.8 inNot rated049
2007 Pacifica18198.8 inNot rated0132

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Chrysler. How we calculate this →