VehicleVerdict

2006 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,056 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 3.2 times the median Pacifica year — the 2006 model ranks #5 of 17 Pacifica years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include 10 deaths and 42 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (251), body & structure (201), and transmission (111), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,056

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

4

Investigations

33

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

42

Injuries

10

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2006 compare to other Pacifica years?

Pacifica NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted2,315 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1,332 complaints2005: 1,802 complaints2006: 1,056 complaints2007: 481 complaints2008: 155 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 2,315 complaints2018: 1,303 complaints2019: 446 complaints2020: 255 complaints2021: 650 complaints2022: 326 complaints2023: 225 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 30 complaints2026: 9 complaints
Pacifica NHTSA complaints by model year, 2006 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pacifica years to avoid →

What are the most common 2006 Chrysler Pacifica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine25124%
Body & Structure20119%
Transmission11111%
Fuel System939%
Suspension868%
Other686%
Electrical System676%
Speed Control495%
Brakes394%
Steering374%
Airbags151%
Lighting141%
Tires & Wheels81%
Seats71%
Visibility & Wipers50%
Seat Belts40%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V432000TransmissionNovember 9, 2006 · 127,928 units

Defect

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SOFTWARE MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Consequence

THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy

DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR BRACKET AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WAS MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE STARTER AND IGNITED A FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · January 11, 2014 · fire

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR BRACKET AND THE MOTOR MOUNTS FRACTURED. AS A RESULT, THE ENGINE WAS MOUNTED ON TOP OF THE STARTER AND IGNITED A FIRE. THERE WERE NO INJURIES AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · January 11, 2014 · fire

“WHILE IN REVERSE IN PARKING LOT, CAR STALLED CAUSING LOSS OF BRAKING POWER AND VEHICLE ROLLED INTO ANOTHER PARKED VEHICLE. SINCE INCIDENT, WHEN VEHICLE IS PLACED INTO REVERSE, VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY STALLS. ALSO, MOTOR MOUNTS HAVE BROKEN AND THIS APPEARS TO BE A BIG ISSUE WITH THE PACIFICAS. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · June 29, 2012 · crash

“ENTERED THE FREEWAY AND AFTER REACHING SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 55-60 MPH I HEARD A LOUD SOUND THAT SOUNDED LIKE A SMALL EXPLOSION. SOMEONE DRIVING IN THE LANE NEXT TO ME BEGAN FRANTICALLY POINTING AT THE ENGINE OF MY CAR. IMMEDIATELY I SAW SMOKE AND FLAMES COMING FROM UNDERNEATH THE CAR'S HOOD. I…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · June 28, 2016 · fire

“ TRAVELING AT 35 - 40 MPH AND CARS CAME TO A STOP AND NO MATTER HOW HARD I PUSHED THE BRAKES, THE CAR WOULD NOT STOP. STEERING WHEEL AND UNDER STEERING WHEEL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED, BURNING MY SHIN. UPON STARTING THE CAR AT THE BODY SHOP, THE DASHBOARD CAUGHT ON FIRE DUE TO THE AIRBAG MODULAR. FIRE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · July 3, 2013 · crash · fire

2006 Chrysler Pacifica — common questions

Is the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,056 complaints put the 2006 model at #5 of 17 Pacifica years. It is one of the Pacifica years to avoid.

What are the most common 2006 Pacifica problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (251 complaints), body & structure (201 complaints), transmission (111 complaints).

Does the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 4 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Pacifica years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pacifica years to avoid are 2017, 2005, 2004, 2018, 2006, 2021, 2019, 2022, 2020, 2023. The cleanest record among Pacifica years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.