The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica lasts around 200,000 miles with some serious transmission and engine issues. At $16,775 to $24,500, it’s cheaper than some other vans, but not worth it when you will have to spend thousands to keep it running.
Is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica a Good Used Minivan?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – 2017 is a bad year for the Chrysler Pacifica since there are widespread mechanical problems, giving it a low overall score. Owner reviews complain about door issues, A/C system failures, as well as expensive repair bills.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 9/10 – Interior materials are more luxurious than other minivans, the seats are extremely comfortable, cargo space is also fantastic.
- Reliability 6/10 – There are some expensive engine & transmission problems which show up on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. Avoid models from 2017-2018, while 2019–2022 are more reliable choices.
- Performance 7/10 – Performance in the Chrysler Pacifica is quicker than other minivans, yet it’s still not a sports car.
- Safety 9/10 – The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a safe minivan, earning a perfect 5-star rating in government crash tests. A rearview camera is standard. Optional safety technology includes adaptive cruise control, blind spot monitoring, forward collision warning, brake assistance, as well as a surround-view camera.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – Fuel economy is okay at up to 22 MPG, giving 418 miles of range from the 19 gallon tank. Gas costs are $33 cheaper than average, at $237 per month.
- Value 6/10 – Prices are low on the Chrysler Pacifica, although expensive mechanical problems make it expensive to own long-term.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Chrysler Pacifica?
- Consumer Reports says the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica has been surpassed by offerings from Toyota & Honda, with average owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds rates the Pacifica at 3.7/5, praising the spacious third row of seats, but doesn’t like the clunky transmission.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Chrysler Pacifica a 4.2/5, enjoying the luxurious interior for the money, but owners don’t like the expensive repair costs.
What Common Problems Does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Have?
Common problems found on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica include shifting hard between gears, the engine dying while driving, as well as bubbling paint. Overall, these problems are more severe than other minivans, leading to higher repair costs as well.
Shifting hard between gears is a widespread complaint from Chrysler Pacifica owners in the first 50,000 miles. There are several reasons the transmission may not shift properly, including software, a failed transmission control module, as well as physical damage to the transmission. Updating the software costs around $100, replacing the transmission control module is roughly $1,300, while changing out the transmission is $4,000.
The engine dying while driving also shows up on a lot of Chrysler Pacifica models at around 30,000 miles. There are some problems with the electronic throttle controller which can cause the van to stall. Replacing the controller costs $850. Many engine sensors can also go bad, costing $100 to $500 to change out.
Bubbling paint is another problem mentioned by many Chrysler Pacifica owners at roughly 40,000 miles. Paint throughout the van, particularly on the hood, tends to wear out quickly, leading to excessive bubbling. Repainting the affected areas costs about $1,000 per panel.
There are 8 recalls on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, which is worse than other minivans from the same year. The most serious recalls cover rear pinon brackets cracking, rear brakes failing, as well as cruise control failing. These all increase the risk of an accident. Chrysler will replace and reprogram the systems on affected vans to make them safer.
How Long Will the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Last?
A well-maintained 2017 Chrysler Pacifica may last around 200,000 miles, which is about 100,000 miles less than the top-rated Toyota Sienna. Regular annual maintenance costs are higher than other minivans, according to data from Repair Pal, at $478 per year.
As a Chrysler Pacifica ages, reaching over 100,000 miles, buyers should be prepared to replace some items. They include the A/C condenser for $800, drive belt idler pulley for $275, as well as the engine coolant temperature sensor which costs $500.
Very reliable. No problems. Just kept up with the required maintenance, oil changes, tire rotation etc.
So far the vehicle has been good on gas, runs well and is comfortable for my family of 7 to ride in for traveling.
The van is reliable, but there were a few issues related to the electronics and paint. None of these issues made the van unable to be driven. It just required a trip back to the dealer.
I have owned this car for a year, the only problem I have encountered is both batteries went out at the same time and cost $400 to replace both.
It is very reliable! I have not had any problems with it since I bought it mechanical or otherwise.
The electric doors seem to be the most at risk for problems — sometimes they stick a bit or fail to open/close all the way — but it hasn't been a major problem in the 2 years I've had the car.
None. Have had this vehicle for over 3 years and it has never broken down or left me stranded. The only thing I don't like is it's color which is black (my former husband bought it, he is deceased now.
Yes it is very reliable. No I have not had problems so far. I would recommend it to a friend or family member.
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology is very good with a standard 5-inch touchscreen or a larger optional 8.4-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the dash. Safety technology is good as well, with a standard rearview camera. Optional driver assistance features include blind spot monitoring, rear parking sensors, rear cross-traffic alert, adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning, brake assist, parallel park assist, lane departure warning, lane keep assist, as well as a surround-view camera.
Is the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica a Good Value?
No, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a bad value since there are some expensive problems. Blue book prices range from $16,775 to $24,500, making it cheaper than a Honda Odyssey and similar to a Dodge Grand Caravan. When new, the price range was $28,995 to $42,895. Depreciation is worse than other vans, losing about 15% of its current value per year.
What are the Different Models of the Chrysler Pacifica?
There are five models of the Chrysler Pacifica offered in 2017, from the base LX all the way up to the Limited.
LX is the entry-level model with:
- 17-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Cloth Upholstery
- Stow ‘N Go Seats
- Eight Way Power Driver Seat
- Three-Zone Climate Control
- Bluetooth
- 5-Inch Touchscreen
- Rearview Camera
- USB Port
- Six Speaker Stereo System
Touring is a step up, adding:
- Power Sliding Rear Doors
- Automatic Headlights
- Satellite Radio
- Keyless Entry and Ignition
Touring-L is next in the lineup with:
- Power Liftgate
- Leather Upholstery
- Heated Front Seats
- Foglights
- Remote Engine Start
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Blind Spot Monitoring
- LED Tail Light
Touring-L Plus has features such as:
- Upgraded Leather Upholstery
- Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror
- Heated Steering Wheel
- Heated Second Row Seats
- 4-Inch Touchscreen
- 13-Speaker Stereo System
- Second Row Entertainment System With 10-inch Touchscreens
Limited is the flagship model which adds:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Hands-Free Liftgate
- Premium Leather Upholstery
- Xenon Headlights
- Ventilate Front Seats
- Vacuum Cleaner
- Power Folding Third Row
- Optional 20-Speaker Harmon Kardon Stereo
- Optional Driver Safety Package
What Engines Come In the Chrysler Pacifica?
The engine found in the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is a strong 3.6L V6 which makes 287 horsepower while getting up to 22 MPG. It’s paired with a nine-speed automatic transmission. Performance is good for a minivan, taking 7.7 seconds to go from 0-60 MPH.
What Colors Does the Chrysler Pacifica Come In?
How Comfortable Is the Chrysler Pacifica?
The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is an extremely comfortable minivan with seating for 7 to 8 passengers, depending on the configuration. Seating is very nice, offering a lot of cushioning and support for long drives.
Passenger room is fantastic throughout the cabin with plenty of room for adults in the rear seats as well.
How Much Storage Space Does the Chrysler Pacifica Have?
Cargo space is excellent, there’s enough space for 5-6 suitcases behind the third row, around 15 with the third row folded flat. There’s room for over 20 with all of the seats folded.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
The first generation of the Chrysler Pacifica minivan was introduced in 2017, and is still being made as of 2022.
2017: First generation introduced, replacing the outgoing Chrysler Town & Country with new styling, engines, and technology.
2018: New entry level L model, standard Appel CarPlay & Android auto, upgraded 8.4-inch Uconnect system.
2019: No major changes.
2020: All-wheel drive offered as an optional upgrade, minor interior styling changes.
2021: Minor exterior styling changes, wireless Apple CarPlay added, more standard driver safety technology.
2022: Amazon Fire TV integrated into rear-seat entertainment system.
How Does the Chrysler Pacifica Compare to the Competition?
The Chrysler Pacifica is worse than other minivans on the market from 2017 since there are expensive mechanical problems which show up as the van ages, making it one to avoid.
The Honda Odyssey is another minivan which costs around $2,000 more. Reliability ratings are much better on the Honda Odyssey, while the Chrysler Pacifica offers a nicer interior for the money. We recommend the Honda Odyssey since they are more affordable to own long-term.
The Dodge Grand Caravan is another competitor, which is available for $2,000 less. Interior materials are more durable in the Dodge Grand Caravan, while the Chrysler Pacifica offers better optional safety technology. We recommend the Dodge Grand Caravan since there are fewer mechanical problems reported by customers.
Do Owners Recommend the Chrysler Pacifica?
Yes. Has all the options I need. Comfortable, good gas mileage. Pleasure to drive. No mechanical issues.
Yes so far, the vehicle is spacious, has a lot of features, and good on gas. I love the trunk space compared to other vehicles with 3rd row seating.
Yes it is very comfortable, functional and drives great. It has had a few issues related to the electronics, but they have been resolved. There was also a paint issue that was repaired under warranty.
It is a great vehicle. There is plenty of space for my items being brought to the vendor shows I travel to as well as accommodates my family. We always have plenty of room traveling and are all comfortable.
Absolutely! I love the safety features including the rear view camera as well as the automatic brakes if the vehicle detects something on the camera. The leather interior also makes for easy clean up (who does not need that with small children). I also like that it has a navigation system integrated into the car that uses satellite instead of a card that you have to go to the dealership for.
Yes I love my Pacifica. I have the “base” model with no extra features and I love it. I only wish it had a bit more power
Yes, it is a good vehicle. Reliable, good space overall, and great tech items. Smooth ride and is dependable .
Yes. I love our minivan. It’s been reliable, safe, and comfortable. It is easy to drive and I love the backup camera.