Recall 17V542 affects 47,927 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles with 8-passenger seating for a seat belt buckle defect. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
Chrysler is recalling 47,927 2017-2018 Pacifica minivans with the 8-passenger seating option because the second-row center seat belt buckle can unlatch the left outboard seat belt in certain seating situations. An unlatched belt raises injury risk in a crash, and Chrysler dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The second-row seat belt buckles in a 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 8-passenger seating option hold the rear passengers' belts locked during normal driving. The center buckle serves the middle seat, while the left outboard buckle serves the outside seat on the driver's side. Each buckle has to stay separate enough that one passenger's buckle does not disturb another passenger's latch.
On affected Pacifica minivans, the center buckle webbing is longer than the corrected design. Under certain seating setups, the center buckle can press against the release area for the left outboard buckle. That contact can unlatch the left seat belt even though it was buckled at the start of the trip.
There is no warning sign before failure. A belt that looks latched at first can release only when the seating setup creates this buckle contact, so any unexpected release from that left second-row position matches the recall defect.
Who's affected?
Covers the 2017 and 2018 Pacifica model years, with both tied to the rear seat belt component.
| 2017 Chrysler Pacifica | seat belt |
|---|---|
| 2018 Chrysler Pacifica | seat belt |
| Units affected | 47,927 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged no field incidents to date. |
A matching year and model does not guarantee inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific minivan.
What's the safety risk?
If the left outboard seat belt unlatches during a crash, that passenger loses proper restraint protection, which increases the risk of injury. Until the repair is complete, make sure every occupant is buckled and schedule the dealer repair soon. Repair is free at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica with the 8-passenger seating option is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the free shorter second-row seat belt buckle installation, which keeps the center buckle from unlatching the left outboard belt.
- Bring the recall notice if Chrysler mailed one. If not, reference recall number 17V542 when you call.
- Check that second-row seat belts are latched before driving until the repair is complete.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Chrysler technician installs a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge under the recall. The work is meant to keep the second-row center buckle from interfering with the left outboard seat belt latch. Chrysler's reimbursement program covers owners who already paid for the same problem before the recall repair. Send the original receipt or other adequate proof of payment to Chrysler for expense confirmation, as directed in the owner letter.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| August 31, 2017 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification began |
| October 20, 2017 | Dealer notification ended |
| October 20, 2017 | VIN-searchable in NHTSA's database — Check your VIN to see whether this recall applies to your specific vehicle. |
| October 20, 2017 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| October 26, 2017 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 17V542?
Recall 17V542 covers 47,927 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. The second-row center seat belt buckle can cause the left outboard seat belt to unlatch. Chrysler dealers will install a shorter second-row buckle for free.
What should I do if my 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific Pacifica is included in recall 17V542. If it is, contact a franchised Chrysler dealer to schedule the second-row seat belt buckle repair. Reference Chrysler recall number T54 when you call. The repair is free.
Does the recall repair cost anything?
No. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost, and Chrysler dealers will install the shorter second-row seat belt buckle free of charge. Parts and labor are covered at any franchised Chrysler dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 17V542?
The risk is that the left outboard seat belt can unlatch without the occupant intending it. If that happens during a crash, the belt does not provide the same restraint protection, increasing the risk of injury. The dealer repair corrects the buckle condition.
What if I bought my Chrysler Pacifica used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recalls follow the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your Pacifica is included, then call a franchised Chrysler dealer and reference recall 17V542 or Chrysler recall number T54.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/17V542000 |
|---|---|
| Chrysler customer service | 1-800-853-1403 |
| NHTSA recall # | 17V542 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 17V542000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Misc. Document (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →