Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
With an overall Carivo score of 7.0/10, the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica earns a Good rating among the minivans we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.7/10, while Reliability at 6.1/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a capable but unexceptional minivan — stronger alternatives exist if you're willing to shop the segment carefully.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.1/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. Safety is a strength too — 8.7/10 by our scoring. As with any car, verify the official ratings for your specific trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Performance at 6.4/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.7/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $36,390–$45,887, 19 MPG, seating 8, the Chrysler Pacifica sits in the mid-market bracket of the minivan segment. Value lands at 7.0/10 — you get what you pay for, no more and no less, with a few rivals offering slightly better per-dollar returns. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Bottom line: There's a case for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica, but it needs the right buyer. Its technology and performance and reliability scores trail the class, and several higher-rated rivals sell for similar money — comparison-shop before committing.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Minivans
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica ranks #42 of 47 minivans in the Carivo database — better than 13% of the segment. Its 7.0/10 overall score is 0.6 points below the segment average of 7.6/10. Its $36,390 starting price is about 8% above the segment's median of $33,751.
$0 — 7 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Pacifica Year Should You Buy?
Smart-money pick: the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica scores 6.8/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.0 — and starts roughly $3,500 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
Top-tier safety scores across crash tests and driver-assistance tech
Broad dealer network supports easy servicing and parts availability
✗ Where it falls short
Below-average reliability data — factor in potential repair and maintenance costs
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Tech suite is functional but lags behind segment-best options; some features cost extra
Fuel economy at 19 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica (7 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Seats / Mid/rear assembly 24/03/2022 · 22V181000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Pacifica and 2021 Voyager vehicles. The second-row seat-to-floor mounting latch may bind and stick open, preventing the seat from properly securing to the floor. As such, these vehicles fail to comply…
Electrical system / Wiring / Connectors/plugs/receptacles 17/01/2023 · 23V010000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
Back over prevention / sensing system / camera 13/06/2024 · 24V436000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2021-2022 Dodge Durango, 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica, Jeep Grand Cherokee L, 2022 Ram 1500, 2500, 3500, Chrysler Voyager, 2022-2023 Jeep Compass, Grand Cherokee, Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, and Ram Promaster…
Air bags / Side/window / Curtain 24/10/2024 · 24V793000
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Pacifica and 2020-2021, 2023 Voyager vehicles. An improperly secured connector for the side curtain air bags may prevent the air bags from deploying. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the…
Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with…
Showing 5 of 7 campaigns — see the full list on NHTSA's site.
Own a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2021 Chrysler Pacifica
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
We rate the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica's reliability 6.1/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 7 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
7 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica worth buying?
It scores 7.0/10 overall, ranking #42 of 47 minivans in our database (better than 13% of the segment). Stronger-scoring alternatives exist at similar prices — use our compare tool before committing.
How much does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica cost?
The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica starts at $36,390 and ranges up to $45,887 across trims (MSRP when new). At 19 MPG, expect roughly $2,763/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Pacifica years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Pacifica years we've rated are 2017 (6.7/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (7.2/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica have?
The documented issues for the 2021 Chrysler Pacifica are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Seats, Electrical system, Back over prevention, Air bags (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Chrysler Pacifica
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Similar Minivan to Consider
Other minivans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
Representative photo — may show another model year
