NHTSA Complaint #11556729 — 2017 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

Check Engine light came on in October 2023. Code indicated misfire cylinder #5. Dealer could not reproduce problem in shop. Returned vehicle with instructions to drive until check engine light came back on. 800 miles later light came back on. Dealer reported code was misfire cylinder #5 again on Nov. 22, 2023. Also found coolant in cylinder indicating blown head gasket. Recommended repair was engine replacement as Chrysler did not recommend head gasket repair. Cost $11,500. Engine has 56,000 miles on it. Power train warranty was 5 years/60,000 miles, so just out of warranty for time but not mileage. Problem could result in total engine failure while driving, putting driver and passengers at risk of injury or worse. Problem was confirmed by dealer on November 22, 2023 and vehicle is currently at dealer service center awaiting repair decision. My research shows that there have been many reported failures of this vehicles' engines with the identical symptoms and repair recommendations. Many Owners who opted for head gasket repair often ended up having to have engines replaced anyway. My vehicle has been dealer-maintained on schedule since I purchased it, as I had an oil change and basic maintenance contract on it that expired September 2023. It gave no indication of any problems before the initial check engine light in October. Never overheated or any other warnings that it had a failing engine. A properly maintained engine should not fail at 56,000 miles.