Chrysler Pacifica Long-Term Review: 35,000+ Miles of Real Ownership | MotorVero

Introduction: Why We Chose the Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica was hailed as a game-changer in the minivan segment when it debuted, and MotorVero proudly awarded it Best of the Year. To put our endorsement to the test, we purchased a 2017 Pacifica and subjected it to real-world use over an extended period. After over 35,000 miles of hauling gear, running errands, and family road trips, this is our comprehensive ownership review — uncovering the good, the bad, and everything in between.

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Cost of Ownership: Surprisingly Affordable

Over 30 months, the Pacifica’s maintenance costs came to a modest $423. This included four oil changes, a single tire rotation, wiper replacements, a taillight bulb, and a rear wiper adjustment. When you compare that to AAA’s estimated $3,000 for maintenance and tires over the same span, the Pacifica proves to be a budget-friendly choice. Even with four recalls and one service campaign, all warranty-related work was fully covered at no charge.

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Transmission Issues: A Common Complaint

Despite low maintenance costs, the Pacifica is not without faults. One persistent issue is rough shifting from the nine-speed automatic transmission — a gripe echoed by many owners on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. In our case, the minivan frequently jerked when upshifting into second gear under light to moderate acceleration.

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Diagnosing the Problem: Dealer Experience

We took the vehicle to a Chrysler dealership in suburban Chicago, reporting both the harsh shifting and a front suspension noise. While no suspension issue could be confirmed, the dealership did reflash the Transmission Control Module (TCM) as per a Chrysler service bulletin, even though no active error codes were present.

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Post-Service Observations

After the TCM reflash, shifting improved slightly. The severe jolts diminished, though mild lurching still occurred — notably when accelerating past 15 mph. Three separate drivers independently noticed these residual issues, though less frequently than before. This indicates the reflash offered partial but not complete relief.

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Transmission Reliability in the Broader Market

Chrysler’s nine-speed transmission has faced scrutiny beyond our own experience. Numerous Pacifica owners report inconsistent performance, particularly in urban stop-and-go conditions. FCA has issued multiple technical service bulletins (TSBs) addressing this gearbox, but results vary. It remains a blemish on an otherwise well-regarded minivan.

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Fuel Efficiency and Driving Dynamics

On the road, the Pacifica delivers a smooth, composed ride with above-average handling for a minivan. Our average fuel economy hovered around 22 MPG in mixed driving conditions — respectable for a vehicle of its size. The engine delivers ample power, though it’s held back by the aforementioned transmission quirks.

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Interior Quality and Family Friendliness

The cabin is one of the Pacifica’s strongest suits. With plush materials, versatile Stow 'n Go seating, and ample tech features, it accommodates families with ease. The rear-seat entertainment system, USB ports throughout, and built-in vacuum make it a road-trip favorite. Cargo space and seating flexibility continue to impress even after extended use.

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Technology and Infotainment

The Uconnect system is intuitive, fast, and integrates well with both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. Over-the-air updates and a responsive touchscreen make it future-proof. We experienced no glitches or software problems throughout our ownership — a testament to Chrysler’s focus on tech usability.

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Long-Term Durability: What Holds Up and What Doesn’t

After 35,000 miles, the Pacifica shows minimal interior wear and tear. Seat cushions, dashboard materials, and touch surfaces have aged gracefully. Externally, paint and trim remain in excellent condition. Apart from the transmission, no significant mechanical or cosmetic issues emerged — a sign of good overall build quality.

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Recalls and Service Campaigns

We dealt with four recall notices — typical for any modern vehicle. All were resolved efficiently and without cost. One service campaign addressed a software calibration, while others related to minor safety compliance issues. This demonstrates Chrysler’s proactive approach to reliability concerns.

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Ownership Verdict: Still Worth It?

Despite the transmission hiccups, the Pacifica remains a top pick for families. Its blend of comfort, functionality, and tech makes it a standout in the minivan segment. For buyers seeking a used minivan with proven family utility, the Pacifica delivers excellent value — particularly in light of its low ownership costs and high feature content.

Who Should Buy the Chrysler Pacifica?

• Families needing maximum seating and cargo flexibility
• Drivers looking for an affordable, well-equipped used minivan
• Buyers prioritizing interior tech and entertainment options
• Long-distance travelers seeking comfort and utility

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

While the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica is not without flaws, it offers compelling strengths that outweigh its shortcomings. For prospective buyers considering a reliable, spacious, and technology-rich family vehicle, the Pacifica deserves a test drive — just be aware of the transmission’s nuances and ask about any TCM software updates during inspection.