NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chrysler Pacifica Safety Ratings
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica scores 68 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Below Average), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 7 recalls, and 345 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid earns a Below Average rating on the NHTSA Safety Index, with a score of 68 out of 100. This marks a four-point decline from the 2020 model's Average rating of 72. While its crash-test performance is strong, the vehicle's overall safety assessment is diminished by a low score for its avoidance technology and a problematic defect history.
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid received an NHTSA overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars and a NHTSA Safety Index of 68/100, sourced from NHTSA crash-test, recall, and complaint data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 94 Sedans from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica ranks 90 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 68 / 100 (Below Average) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 10.9% |
| Recalls on file | 7 (includes park-outside) |
| Owner complaints | 345 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 90 of 94 Sedans tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
The 2021 model year represents a meaningful safety setback compared to the 2020 Pacifica. The Safety Index fell from 72/100 to 68/100, crossing from the Average band into Below Average territory. The index breakdown reveals where the pressure is coming from: crash protection is solid at 61 out of 70 points, reflecting the NHTSA five-star overall result, but avoidance technology contributes only 2 out of 10 possible points because neither forward collision warning nor lane departure warning is present on this trim configuration. The defect record sub-score of 4.5 out of 20 is the most damaging component, shaped by seven recall campaigns and a complaint volume of 345 reports. The park-outside battery recall is the headline concern for 2021 specifically, as it applies directly to the Plug-In Hybrid powertrain that defines this variant. The concentration of alleged complaints in the Electrical System and Fuel/Propulsion System categories aligns with the nature of that recall and underscores why the defect-record score pulls the overall index down so sharply this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Pacifica Hybrid achieved a best-possible No Tip result in the dynamic tip test. NHTSA's overall assessment awarded the vehicle 5 out of 5 stars, supported by a perfect 5-star rating in side-crash protection. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk is measured at 11 percent.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15457
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?
Yes. The 2021 Pacifica Hybrid carries 7 recall campaigns. The most serious is a traction-battery defect in 2020-2022 PHEV models that has triggered a park-outside or do-not-drive directive. Additional campaigns cover curtain airbag connector issues, a backup-camera software fix delivered over the air, and two separate wheelchair-restraint anchor recalls affecting aftermarket mobility converters.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM:TRACTION BATTERY26V362000
Risk: A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2026-06-04
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V876000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-12-17
EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY:WHEELCHAIR RESTRAINTS/SECUREMENT:LATCH/ANCHOR:25V877000
Risk: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2025-12-17
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW:CURTAIN24V793000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-10-24
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA24V436000
Risk: A rearview camera image that does not display decreases the driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2024-06-13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:CONNECTORS/PLUGS/RECEPTACLES23V010000
Risk: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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 bega
Reported 2023-01-17
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY22V181000
Risk: An unsecured seat increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Reported 2022-03-24
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has logged 345 unverified owner complaints for this model year. Alleged problems are concentrated in the Electrical System (141 reports), Engine (137), and Power Train (117), with Fuel/Propulsion System (72) and Back Over Prevention (26) also drawing notable volumes. These are unverified consumer allegations, not confirmed defects.
345 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
Any shopper considering a used 2021 Pacifica Hybrid should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall database before purchase. The park-outside battery campaign is an active safety concern, and the wheelchair-restraint recalls may apply if the vehicle was converted. Confirm all remedy work is documented and completed.
- The 2021 model year carries a park-outside or do-not-drive recall tied specifically to the Plug-In Hybrid traction battery, a campaign that does not affect non-PHEV Pacifica trims from this year.
- The Safety Index dropped four points year-over-year from the 2020 Pacifica's 72/100 Average to 68/100 Below Average, driven primarily by a defect-record sub-score of only 4.5 out of 20.
- Avoidance technology scores just 2 out of 10 index points because forward collision warning and lane departure warning are both absent on this vehicle configuration, despite electronic stability control being standard.
- Of the 345 unverified NHTSA complaints logged for this model year, 141 allege Electrical System problems and 72 allege Fuel/Propulsion System issues, categories that map directly onto the PHEV powertrain architecture unique to this variant.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica places
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Chrysler Pacifica safety questions
Was the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 68 out of 100, placing it in the Below Average band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 10.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 7 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, including a park-outside or do-not-drive campaign, which is the most serious class of recall. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 345 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Pacifica years
Rivals in Sedan (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Audi RS 5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi S5 Sportback | 100/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Maxima | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 Allroad | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2021 Cadillac CT5-V | 97/100 | not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Infiniti Q50 | 97/100 | not rated | 3 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15457), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Chrysler Pacifica 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 90 of 94 in the Sedan class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.