2020 Chrysler Pacifica · symptom sheet
Battery dies or the car will not start
- 26owner reports
- 52,000median miles
- 0involved a crash
Newest report Sep 14, 2026 · checked Oct 2, 2026
64 of the 170 complaints on this car are about the electrical system. 26 of those describe dead battery. Only stalling is reported more often on this car.
Tick what matches of 26 reports
Dead battery on other Pacifica years
Report counts are for each model year on its own, so a newer car has had less time to collect them. Model years with too few reports of it for a sheet: 2022, 2023, 2026.
What this problem usually is
These owners walk out to a car that's dead. Some find it drained after sitting only a day or two, some need a jump start every week, and some have had the battery replaced more than once without the problem going away. A good number describe the dealer testing the battery, calling it fine, and sending them home.
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the battery (24 reports) and the module (3 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the electrical system cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
All 5 recalls on the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica, with the owner complaints on each recalled system
NHTSA investigations into the electrical system on the Pacifica
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.. Open.
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (remedy effectiveness of recall 22v-077). Open, led to recall 26V-362.
Engine compartment fire. Closed apr 15, 2009.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
Is this a known problem?
The manufacturer has sent NHTSA 16 service bulletins or notices for the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica that deal with this problem. Newest first.
Federal rules make a manufacturer send NHTSA a copy of any notice about a defect that goes to more than one dealer or owner. Most of these are service bulletins, the repair instructions manufacturers send to dealers. NHTSA generally leaves safety recall bulletins out of this file, and recalls are listed separately.
Start Stop Charging Warning Lamp Illuminated On, Intelligent Battery Sensor (IBS) State of Charge (SOC) Inaccurate, Battery Charging Message, Presence of IBS related Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), or Battery Warning Lamp On
Radio Remained On After Ignition Is Switched Off, Dead Battery From Excessive Radio Current Draw
No Start After a Flash or Powertrain Control Module (PCM), Body Control Module (BCM) Replacement
Battery Drain Suspected or "Identified" From USB or Media Hub
12 more on the 2020 Chrysler Pacifica page.
What owners wrote
“The batteries died and we didn't know that there was an IBS(internal battery sensor). The van started to take over its own system. It would put itself in park, open the hood, self holding temporarily unavailable, start/stop unavailable, emergency break engaged, and turned it self off while driving!”
Filed Oct 7, 2025
“Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery that registered 350 degrees using a thermal imaging camera. No flames were present. National Fire Reporting Incident Number: 25-2040031”
Filed Jul 29, 2025
“Car start/stop system not operating properly; batteries are not able to keep charge after replacing several times; car unexpectedly stops and unexpectedly jerks. Back up camera and screen freezes unexpectedly . These are all ongoing and continue to be unresolved by local Chrysler dealership”
Filed Feb 14, 2025
“Electrical system issues. Had to replace both batteries in the pacifica. The van jerks or grinds while trying to shift. Now the oil pan is warping which can cause the coolant to mix with the oil causing a safety hazard.”
Filed Jan 23, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 0 of 26 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation. How reports land on this sheet.
Guide Paid for this repair before a recall covered it? How recall reimbursement works
Other problems on this car
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 42 reports
- Check engine light or misfire 25 reports