The 2020 Chrysler Pacifica is a minivan that straddles the fence between award-winning and scandalous. It’s a vehicle obviously geared toward families, and this minivan does offer many desirable features. But just how reliable is the 2020 Pacifica?

How the Pacifica ranks reliability-wise

The 2020 Pacifica isn’t flat out terrible, but it’s not the most reliable minivan you can buy. Based on extensive research and testing, Consumer Reports gave the Pacifica its lowest possible predicted reliability score. It is also worth mentioning that Chrysler is traditionally a lower-scoring brand when it comes to CR’s reliability rankings. To be fair, the carmaker did move up seven spots on CR’s most recent list of leading reliable car brands. Chrysler is now ranked 19/30. 

Chrysler’s Pacifica previously had issues with its in-car electronics features and with its transmission which is why CR gave this minivan such a low-reliability score. And also based on CR’s data results, the Pacifica is the least reliable minivan for the year. U.S. World and News Report also gave the Pacifica a below-average dependability rating. These rankings were before the Pacifica was recalled this year. 

The recalls on the 2020 Pacifica models

The Pacifica and the Pacifica Hybrid have both been recalled this year. Back in April, the Pacifica was recalled for a potentially distracting issue with its rearview camera. Also according to CR, Chrysler recalled the Pacifica Hybrid models from 2017 to 2020 in June for a concerning issue related to its electrical system. Chrysler notified Pacifica Hybrid owners of the potential issue which could increase the risk of fire. Owners were told not to drive this hybrid until the problem was resolved.

It’s not all bad

Like we mentioned earlier, the 2020 Pacifica isn’t all bad. This minivan offers a smooth ride quality and there’s plenty of comfort on the inside. Many consider the Pacifica’s car cabin to be the most lavish in its class. Desirable infotainment features come standard and there are lots of advanced safety features available too. 

The traditional gas-driven Pacifica has good fuel economy ratings for its class and the hybridized version is even better on fuel efficiency. If the Pacifica minivan variants are appealing to you, just make sure to address the recall issues with your auto dealer. You might even be able to negotiate a deal on the Pacifica. 

Other options to consider 

The Pacifica is a nice option overall but if you would rather shop amongst the more reliable minivan models, we understand that. CR currently ranks the 2020 Toyota Sienna as the most reliable midsize minivan. Furthermore, CR called the Sienna a “rational choice” that’s both comfortable and lively. Plus, the 2020 Sienna offers all-wheel-drive while the 2020 Pacifica does not. You should also know that the Sienna was recalled in July 2019 for a potential issue related to its steering but there have been no other concerns since then.