NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan, not a sedan, and sits at the heart of the family-hauler segment as one of the few remaining American-brand entries in the class. Aimed squarely at families who prioritize interior space, sliding rear doors, and everyday practicality, the Pacifica competes in a segment where passenger protection and recall history carry outsized weight. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
Despite a strong crash-test showing, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica carries a park-outside or stop-driving recall, so read the recall section first. It has 7 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally praise the Pacifica for its clever interior packaging, genuinely useful Stow 'n Go seating, and a cabin that feels well-suited to family life. Driving refinement draws moderate approval, with most noting a composed, if not sporty, ride. Some reviewers flag interior materials as inconsistent across trim levels, and the plug-in hybrid variant tends to attract specific attention for its powertrain character and added utility.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
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 // RECALLSRecall record
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 // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
345 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.