The Best-Selling Minivan Consumer Reports Says Isn't Reliable

Even though the Chrysler Pacifica (including its hybrid model) ranked No. 1 in minivan sales in 2024 and No. 2 through the first half of 2025 (according to J.D. Power), Consumer Reports found that this popular hybrid vehicle has a concerning projected reliability rating. In fact, among seven other 2026 models, Consumer Reports gave the 2026 Pacifica Hybrid model the lowest overall rating score. Although Consumer Reports did give this minivan a high score in its road test ratings, the vehicle's predicted reliability score was just 26 out of 100.

To develop its predicted reliability score, Consumer Reports sends surveys to its members and asks them to list any problems they have experienced with their personal vehicles. For the 2025 surveys, the organization received information on 380,000 different vehicles, ranging in model years from 2000 to 2025. In the survey, Consumer Reports asked vehicle owners about 20 specific trouble areas commonly found in vehicles, while also allowing owners to explain any specific issues they might be having with the cars.

Consumer Reports regularly ranks new cars that are least reliable and most reliable, and often by using previous model years as predictors. For instance, the 2026 Pacifica Hybrid's predicted reliability score was largely weighted by data from both the 2023 and 2024 models. The most troublesome areas for recent Pacifica Hybrid minivan models include the in-car electronics system, the vehicle's powertrain, and the transmission. Other potential problems within the car include EV battery performance, general engine issues, and charging capabilities. 

The hybrid version of the Chrysler Pacifica initially appeared with the 2017 model year when Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) first introduced it. (FCA is now Stellantis, after it merged with Peugeot in 2021.) However, since the hybrid model's introduction, Consumer Reports has given it a poor reliability score every year. The most common reliability problems with the vehicle have involved the powertrain, EV battery, EV charging system, and in-car electronics. However, in a positive development, the 2023 and 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid model years did begin showing improvement in the reliability of the climate system, body hardware, paint, and trim compared to previous model years.

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid has also had several recalls throughout its relatively short history — making the non-hybrid version one of the worst cars for retirees. Meanwhile, the hybrid version's most recent recall occurred for the 2025 model year vehicle, which had problems with loose bolts in the braking system. This issue lead to brake fluid leaks and even a brake system failure for some vehicles. Recalls from previous model years mainly occurred with the hybrid propulsion system, however the 2017 through 2021 model years did have a defect in some battery packs that could have led to a short resulting in a battery fire. Plus, in the 2017 through 2020 model years the electrical system was at risk of overheating, leading to additional safety recalls. With all of this in mind it's no wonder that Chrysler ranks among the top car brands that retirees regret buying.