ChryslerPacifica2021Overview/chrysler/pacifica/2021/base/

2021 Chrysler Pacifica

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 Pacifica.

Transmission Automatic 9-spd

The 2021 Chrysler Pacifica features a nine‑speed automatic transmission and a power‑train that requires five quarts of 0W‑20 oil, delivering an EPA‑rated 19/28/22 mpg. With 349 total owner complaints reported and six recall actions, its reliability profile sits above the historical low of a single complaint in 2003 but below the peak of 1,482 complaints recorded in 2017, indicating a moderate level of owner‑reported issues for the model year. The most frequent complaint clusters around the power‑train, reflecting ongoing scrutiny of that component.

Model year202620252024202320222021202020062004

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity5.0 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque100 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy19/28/22 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI H7 · 730 CCA battery, OE oil filter 68191349AC. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.

Battery groupBCI H7 · 730 CCAOEM · verified
Tire size235/60R18 103HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter68191349AC
Engine air filter68214516AA alt 68235291AB
Spark plugSP225755AB
Battery56029759AB alt 56029758AB
Front wiper blades68197138AC alt 68316740AA
Thermostat68217305AH
Cabin air filter68606186AA

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic 9-spd

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length204.3 in
Overall width79.5 in
Overall height70.1 in
Wheelbase121.7 in
Curb weight4883 lb
Track (front / rear)68.5 / 68.5 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)55/45

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined19 / 28 / 22 mpg
DrivetrainFront-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelRegular Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the Pacifica of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

7.8–8.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 7.80 sec — 2021 S Limited
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2021S Limited 3.6L V67.80 sec16.00 sec287 hpAWD
2021eHybrid Pinnacle 3.6L V6 + Elec 16-kWh7.90 sec16.10 sec260 hpFWD
2021Pinnacle 3.6L V67.90 sec16.10 sec287 hpAWD
2021Pinnacle 3.6L V68.00 sec16.20 sec287 hpAWD
2021S Limited 3.6L V68.30 sec16.30 sec287 hpAWD
2022Hybrid Limited 3.6L V6 + Elec 16-kWh7.80 sec16.20 sec260 hpFWD
2019S Limited 3.6L V67.60 sec15.90 sec287 hpFWD
2018Limited 3.6L V67.30 sec15.60 sec287 hpFWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 5.0 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, 70W-80 in the differential, DOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-2-3-4-5-6.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity5.3 qt
Automatic Transmission FluidATF
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity6.35 qt
Brake FluidDOT 3 · DOT 4 · DOT 3
Differential Gear Oil70W-80
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity5.0 qt

Engine torques

Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)7.14 ft-lbs
Crankshaft Position (CKP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Position (CMP) Sensor Bolt(s)9.0 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.14 ft-lbs
Camshaft Bearing/Carrier Cap Bolts or Studs7.14 ft-lbs
Engine Coolant Temperature (ECT) Sensor Bolt(s)Clockwise 1.4 turn by hand ft-lbs
Oxygen (O2S) Sensor Bolt(s)30.0 ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Lug Nuts100 ft-lbs
Transfer Case Fill Plug30.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Automatic Transmission Drain Plug26.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubUse a new Hub Nut: 120.0 ft-lbs
Front Wheel HubUse a new Hub Nut: 120.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Cylinder Firing Order1-2-3-4-5-6
Ignition Coil Primary Resistance0.6-0.9 ohms
Ignition Coil Secondary Resistance6,000-9,000 ohms
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar
Spark Plug Gap0.043 in
Spark Plug Torque13.0 ft-lbs
Spark Plug ManufacturerMopar

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Refrigerant Capacity2.0 lbs
Oil GroupPOE
Oil TypeMopar
Oil Capacity7.61 oz
RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil TypePSD-1

Service checks

Regulated Fuel System Pressure (With Vacuum)58.0 + or - 5.0 psi

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier TorqueFront: 27.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 19.0 ft-lbs
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueFront: 149.0 ft-lbs; Rear: 110.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.3
Minimum Pad Thickness.040 in
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness after RefinishFront: 1.040; Rear: .409
Variation from Parallelism Thickness VariationFront: .0004; Rear: .0003 /; Front: .0004; Rear: .0003
Maximum Rotor Runout.0008

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Inspection Procedure (Lower) — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Tire and wheel assembly can now be removed. Step 3: Attach a dial indicator mount to the steering knuckle and align the plunger in the direction of the ball joint stud axis. Plunger should be touching the rear of the ball joint socket in lower control arm. Step 4: Zero dial indicator by pushing up on the lower control arm. Use care to not damage the ball joint seal boot when applying pressure to the knuckle. Step 5: Insert a pry bar between lower control arm and knuckle resting on the lower control arm from the front of vehicle. Step 6: Push up the knuckle from the lower control arm until the needle of the indicator stops moving. Step 7: Document reading on dial and replace lower ball joint if reading exceeds .039”. End play is acceptable as long as it does not exceed the .039” back to back.
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130 ft. lbs., step 2: 10530 ft. lbs
Crankshaft Pulley and/or Damper Bolts — tightening sequence 1 stages
130.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 105°30 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: Do not use a torque wrench for this step: 125°, Step 5: Loosen all fasteners., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: Do not use a torque wrench: 130°.22 ft. lbs
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
122.0 ft. lbs., Step 2: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 3: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 4: 125° do not use a torque wrench for this step., Step 5: Loosen all fasteners., Step 6: 22.0 ft. lbs., Step 7: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 8: 33.0 ft. lbs., Step 9: 130° do not use a torque wrench for this step. ***Step 4 can be completed in 2 steps: Step 1: 35°, Step 2: 90°. ***Step 9 can be completed in 2 steps: Step 1: 40°, Step 2: 90°.22 ft. lbs

Factory maintenance schedule OEM · verified

Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.

Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter every 10,000 mi; spark plugs every 100,000 mi; coolant every 10,000 mi. The big-interval services (every 10,000 mi for coolant, and the transmission fluid) are the ones owners most often skip — on a lower-mileage example, assume the original fluids are still in it and check them first.

Every 10,000 miBattery (inspect) · Brake System (inspect) · CV Joint Boot (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (inspect fluid level) · Engine Coolant System Hoses (inspect) · Engine Oil (drain & refill)
Every 20,000 miBrake Linings (inspect) · Cabin Air Filter (replace) · Parking Brake System (inspect) · Suspension System (inspect) · Tie Rod (inspect)
Every 30,000 miEngine Air Filter Element (replace)
Every 100,000 miPCV Valve (replace) · Spark Plugs (replace)
At 150,000 miDrive Belt (replace) · Drive Belt Tensioner (inspect) · Engine Coolant System (drain, flush & refill) · Hybrid Inverter (drain, flush & refill coolant)

Owner how-tos

Condensed service procedures for routine maintenance. Procedures that require dealer diagnostic equipment are identified and summarized only.

Common procedures

Key fob — remote (RKE) programming programming new fob buttons Dealer tool OEM · verified
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool (dealer / locksmith)
WhyTransmitter codes are written into the receiver in the passenger door module
Anti-theft (SKIS) — module initialization after immobilizer module replacement Dealer tool OEM · verified
When neededAfter Sentry Key Immobilizer Module (SKIM) replacement
Tool requiredDRBIII scan tool
Also requiredThe vehicle's four-digit PIN code

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 model year interrupts a four-year decline in complaints observed from 2017 through 2020, with federal filings jumping to 349 from the previous year's 162, while recalls increased modestly from five to six. Positioned mid-cycle in the second generation, 2021 carries the highest volume of technical service bulletins (672) in the dataset, indicating extensive manufacturer-directed repairs, though the specific root causes for the powertrain and electrical complaints dominating the filings remain unspecified in the federal record. Compared to both the prior year and the subsequent 2022 model, which saw complaints fall to 192, 2021 represents a temporary regression in the model's reliability arc before the trend resumed its downward trajectory. With crash-related complaints at eleven and fire complaints at one, the safety incident rate remains relatively contained despite the elevated service activity. Given the anomalous spike in consumer complaints and peak TSB count relative to adjacent model years, 2021 is not the strongest candidate in this generation, with 2020 presenting a more stable alternative.

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
672
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
2
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
349
Owner complaints
11 involved a crash · 1 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 349 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Power Train28
Power Train,Electrical System,Engine28
Engine26
Unknown Or Other25
Back Over Prevention17
Electrical System,Engine,Fuel/Propulsion System17
Electrical System,Engine17
Electrical System16

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 7 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

22V181000Seats:Mid/Rear AssemblyReported 24/03/2022

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… Remedy: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the second-row seat cushion frame, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 7, 2022. Owners may contact FCA US…

23V010000Electrical System:Wiring:Connectors/Plugs/ReceptaclesReported 17/01/2023

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. Remedy: Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 672 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
S2208000045 REV.D2026-06-26StructureBackup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection
S26230000462026-06-25StructureCalibration Requirements For The Power Sliding Door Module (PSDM).
S2623000041 REV.A2026-06-19StructurePower Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar…
S268A0000142026-06-17Electrical SystemRadio/ETM is Adding Approximately 27mA Draw to Vehicle When in Logistics Mode
1128572026-06-15Unknown Or OtherHEATER - ELECTRIC COOLANT

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific Pacifica. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 Pacifica take?

5.0 qt of Mopar 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 Pacifica have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the Pacifica get?

EPA figures are 19 city / 28 highway / 22 combined mpg.