Thomas Smith

I Drove a Chrysler Pacifica for 10,000 Miles. Here are 5 Problems I Discovered

I own a Chrysler Pacifica and have driven it for over 10,000 miles. Today, I’ll be discussing some of the drawbacks I’ve noticed with the vehicle. Please note that despite these cons, I believe the Chrysler Pacifica is a great minivan.

Electric Range Varies

While the Chrysler Pacifica has an advertised electric range of about 32 miles, you might not always get that range. From my experience:

  • On cold days, the range can drop to as low as 25 miles. This variance likely occurs because the car uses a significant amount of battery power to heat itself.
  • On warmer days, I’ve found that the range can slightly exceed 32 miles.

It’s important to be aware that the Pacifica’s electric range may not be as high as advertised.

Reliability

The Pacifica, in my experience, isn’t as reliable as some other minivans such as the Honda Odyssey. Small defects, like a front wheel mud flap that repeatedly broke, have occurred.

Part of the rear trim is also a bit loose. That’s not great for a minivan that’s under 1 year old. Thankfully, there have been no major engine issues so far.

Entertainment System Issues

The Pacifica’s entertainment system isn’t always user-friendly. I’ve experienced issues with the screen and connectivity, resulting in unique solutions, like having to restart the Pacifica’s system. However, once working, the touchscreen is high-quality.

Other Cons

Here are a few other aspects to consider:

  • The trunk is somewhat small in comparison to other minivans.
  • The drivetrain is particularly loud, producing a grinding noise when the car is idling.

Final Thoughts

Despite these cons, the Chrysler Pacifica is otherwise an exceptional vehicle. It offers powerful acceleration, impressive fuel economy (I average 52 miles per gallon), and great comfort.

Keep in mind that the Pacifica’s plugins can support at least 25 miles of electric driving, covering most day-to-day activities, even if the range isn’t as large as advertised.

Key Takeaways

  • The actual electric range of the Chrysler Pacifica is often not as high as advertised, usually ranging from 25-32 miles depending on weather conditions.
  • The Pacifica has an electric heater which uses up a lot of power from the battery to heat the car.
  • The trunk is smaller than some other minivans.
  • The entertainment system can be unreliable and difficult to connect.
  • The drivetrain is loud and makes a grinding noise when idling.
  • The car delivers good fuel economy with an average of 52 miles per gallon.