NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Engine complaints
18 reportsClear category filter120,000 miles · Apr 19, 2019
Electrical SystemEngineSteering
THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND IT CRANKS BACK UP. IT DOES THIS ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY. NO CODES COME ON THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF. I KNOW THIS IS AN OLDER CAR AND I JUST BOUGHT IT BUT THIS IS A HAZARD CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE. AFTER LOOKING ON…
Read full complaint
THE CAR SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. I TURN THE IGNITION OFF AND IT CRANKS BACK UP. IT DOES THIS ALMOST EVERY OTHER DAY. NO CODES COME ON THE WARNING LIGHTS DO NOT COME ON THE CAR JUST SHUTS OFF. I KNOW THIS IS AN OLDER CAR AND I JUST BOUGHT IT BUT THIS IS A HAZARD CAN CAUSE AN ACCIDENT AND POTENTIALLY KILL SOMEONE. AFTER LOOKING ONLINE THIS SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE CARS EVEN THE NEW MODELS AND I CAN'T UNDERSTAND STAND WHY THERE HASN'T BEEN A RECALL TO FIX THIS ISSUE.
NHTSA ODI #11197281
107,000 miles · Aug 17, 2016
Electrical SystemElectronic Stability Control (esc)Engine
07 PACIFICIA WILL JUST DIE WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. NO WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON. YOU LOSE ALL CONTROL OF THE CAR. YOU CAN PUT THE CAR PARK OR NETURAL IS WILL START. YOU CAN DRIVE FOR COUPLE DAYS AND WILL DO IT AGAIN WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU TAKE TO SHOP AND THEY CAN SCAN IT DO TO NO WARNING LIGHT. THIS HAPPEN WHEN YOU TURN OR GO…
Read full complaint
07 PACIFICIA WILL JUST DIE WHEN DRIVING AT LOW SPEED. NO WARNING LIGHTS COMES ON. YOU LOSE ALL CONTROL OF THE CAR. YOU CAN PUT THE CAR PARK OR NETURAL IS WILL START. YOU CAN DRIVE FOR COUPLE DAYS AND WILL DO IT AGAIN WITHOUT NOTICE. YOU TAKE TO SHOP AND THEY CAN SCAN IT DO TO NO WARNING LIGHT. THIS HAPPEN WHEN YOU TURN OR GO STRAIGHT AT A SLOW SPEED. THEY HAVE NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS FOR THIS AND NO KNOWN ANSWER IT FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR ONLY HAS 107000 MILES ON IT
NHTSA ODI #10896669
Mileage unknown · Jan 27, 2016
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteering
MY DAUGHTER GAVE ME THIS CAR FOR MY BIRTHDAY IN 2007 WITH A RED BOW ON IT. I WAS VERY SURPRISE. AFTER THE FIRST 6 MONTHS I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING NOW IS SOMETHING THAT WAS REPAIRED BEFORE. I HAD THIS ISSUE ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. WHILE I AM DRIVING, THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF, STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC…
Read full complaint
MY DAUGHTER GAVE ME THIS CAR FOR MY BIRTHDAY IN 2007 WITH A RED BOW ON IT. I WAS VERY SURPRISE. AFTER THE FIRST 6 MONTHS I BEGAN HAVING PROBLEMS. THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING NOW IS SOMETHING THAT WAS REPAIRED BEFORE. I HAD THIS ISSUE ABOUT 3 YEARS AGO. WHILE I AM DRIVING, THE CAR JUST SHUT OFF, STALLING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRAFFIC. THE STEERING BECOMES VERY HARD. MANY TIMES I WAS IN FEAR OF AN ACCIDENT MANY TIMES. I AM DISAPPOINTED WITH THIS CAR.
NHTSA ODI #10822619
60,000 miles · Mar 8, 2015
EngineSteering
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND I NOTICED MY ENGINE HAD ALSO STOPPED. I STRUGGLED TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE KEY OFF (THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY OFF). I WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE COULD NOT F…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH WHEN MY POWER STEERING STOPPED WORKING AND I NOTICED MY ENGINE HAD ALSO STOPPED. I STRUGGLED TO STEER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. I TURNED THE KEY OFF (THE ENGINE WAS ALREADY OFF). I WAITED A MINUTE AND STARTED THE VEHICLE WITHOUT A PROBLEM. I DROVE DIRECTLY TO MY MECHANIC WHERE HE COULD NOT FIND A PROBLEM. THIS HAS HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES (FOR A TOTAL OF 3 TIMES). ALL WHEN I WAS DRIVING BETWEEN 30 - 40 MPH. THE FIRST INDICATION OF A PROBLEM IS WHEN I LOOSE POWER STEERING AND NOTICE THE ENGINE HAS CUT-OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10692778
97,000 miles · Nov 29, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering
WHILE DRIVING FROM COLD START VEHICLE DIES EVERY MORNING AT LEAST ONE TIME LOOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES MAKES IT HARD TO COME TO A STOP OR TURN THIS I SEE IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHERS SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THIS CHECKED OUT. NO CHECK ENG LIGHT OR ANY WARNING I'M ABLE TO POP IT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART BUT AM AFRAID TO LET WIFE DRIV…
Read full complaint
WHILE DRIVING FROM COLD START VEHICLE DIES EVERY MORNING AT LEAST ONE TIME LOOSE POWER STEERING AND BRAKES MAKES IT HARD TO COME TO A STOP OR TURN THIS I SEE IS A PROBLEM WITH OTHERS SOMEONE NEEDS TO GET THIS CHECKED OUT. NO CHECK ENG LIGHT OR ANY WARNING I'M ABLE TO POP IT INTO NEUTRAL AND RESTART BUT AM AFRAID TO LET WIFE DRIVE DUE TO HER LACK OF EXPERIENCE.. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10661251
79,625 miles · Oct 2, 2014
EngineService BrakesSteering
I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO YIELD AT A ROTARY AND MY CAR SUDDENLY SHUT DOWN CAUSING THE BRAKES AND STEERING TO NOT WORK ALMOST CAUSING A MAJOR ACCIDENT. THE SAME THING OCCURRED SEVERAL MINUTES LATER. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10640812
99,000 miles · Jun 6, 2014
EngineFuel System, GasolineService BrakesCrashFire
CAR KEPT SHUTTING DOWN REGARDLESS OF SPEED. CHRYSLER SENT SPECIALIST TO DEFLECT SHIP AND REPLACED FUEL PUMPS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT CRASHED ON THE WAY. CAR SHUT DOWN ON A CURVE, STEERING FAILED, BRAKES LOCKED HE HIT A TREE. THIS ACCIDENT COULD'VE BEEN A F…
Read full complaint
CAR KEPT SHUTTING DOWN REGARDLESS OF SPEED. CHRYSLER SENT SPECIALIST TO DEFLECT SHIP AND REPLACED FUEL PUMPS. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO SHUT DOWN WHILE DRIVING. ATTEMPTED TO DRIVE TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, BUT CRASHED ON THE WAY. CAR SHUT DOWN ON A CURVE, STEERING FAILED, BRAKES LOCKED HE HIT A TREE. THIS ACCIDENT COULD'VE BEEN A FATALITY. CAR WAS TOTALED! CHRYSLER IS NOT ASSUMING ANY RESPONSIBILITY AND CLOSED THE CASE. I WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER ONE!!!! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10596739
76,000 miles · Mar 27, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR THE VEH WAS DRIVING VERY SLUGGISH AND WOULD NOT RESUME NORMAL UNTIL REACHING 50MPH, THEN THE NEXT WEEK WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35MPH THE VEH BEGAN SHAKING VERY BAD FORCING ME TO DROP SPEED TO ABOUT 15MPH. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND ENGINE MOUNTS AND FROM WHAT I HEAR THIS…
Read full complaint
ABOUT A WEEK PRIOR THE VEH WAS DRIVING VERY SLUGGISH AND WOULD NOT RESUME NORMAL UNTIL REACHING 50MPH, THEN THE NEXT WEEK WHILE DRIVING AT ABOUT 35MPH THE VEH BEGAN SHAKING VERY BAD FORCING ME TO DROP SPEED TO ABOUT 15MPH. TOOK IT TO A MECHANIC AND WAS TOLD I NEEDED A REAR DRIVE SHAFT AND ENGINE MOUNTS AND FROM WHAT I HEAR THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THESE VEHS. DRIVE SHAFT IS WELL OVER $1000.00 NOT TO MENTION LABOR, SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10575114
95,000 miles · Mar 19, 2014
Engine
THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES SINCE FEBRUARY 1, 2014 (A PERIOD OF ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS). EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IN SPITE OF THE LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEM EACH TIME. ALSO, THE ENGINE SPONTA…
Read full complaint
THE VEHICLE SHUTS OFF WHILE DRIVING. THIS HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES SINCE FEBRUARY 1, 2014 (A PERIOD OF ABOUT SEVEN WEEKS). EACH TIME I HAVE BEEN LUCKY ENOUGH TO GUIDE THE VEHICLE OFF TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, IN SPITE OF THE LOSS OF STEERING AND BRAKING. THE VEHICLE RESTARTED WITH NO MAJOR PROBLEM EACH TIME. ALSO, THE ENGINE SPONTANEOUSLY REVVED AS THE VEHICLE LOST FORWARD MOMENTUM ON ONE OCCASION (ON A DATE PRECEDING THE FIFTH SHUTOFF EVENT), BUT REGAINED NORMAL OPERATION WITHIN SECONDS. ON THAT OCCASION I TOOK THE VEHICLE IMMEDIATELY TO THE DEALER FOR ANALYSIS; THEY UPDATED A COMPUTER MODULE. THE SHUTOFF HAS OCCURRED TWICE SINCE THE DEALER FIXED THE COMPUTER COMPONENT. ALL EVENTS OCCURRED WITHIN TWO TO FIVE MINUTES OF DRIVING THE CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN SITTING FOR SEVERAL HOURS (COLD START?). MY RESEARCH SHOWS THAT THIS IS A FREQUENTLY REPORTED PROBLEM WITH THE 2007 PACIFICA, AND THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RECALLED FOR THE PROBLEM IN MODEL YEARS 2004 - 2006. I PROVIDED A PRINTOUT OF MY RESEARCH TO THE DEALER, AND THEY HAVE HAD THE VEHICLE FOR FIVE BUSINESS DAYS WITHOUT BEING ABLE TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. I REPORTED THE PROBLEM BY PHONE TO CHRYSLER, BUT THEIR COMPLAINT LINE DOES NOT OFFER SOLUTIONS (AND APPARENTLY DOES NOT PROVIDE FEEDBACK). *TR
NHTSA ODI #10573374
85,794 miles · Mar 1, 2014
EnginePower TrainService Brakes, Hydraulic
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO THE GAS STATION TO PUT GAS IN IT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AS I WAS PULLING UP TO THE GAS STATION AND THERE WAS A CAR COMING TOWARDS ME AND THE CAR HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY. I HAD TO LITERALLY STOP MY CAR AND RUN TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR THAT WAS COMING TOWARDS ME IN ORDER TO PREVENT AND ACCIDENT OF THE CAR RUN…
Read full complaint
I WAS DRIVING THE CAR TO THE GAS STATION TO PUT GAS IN IT AND THE CAR SHUT OFF AS I WAS PULLING UP TO THE GAS STATION AND THERE WAS A CAR COMING TOWARDS ME AND THE CAR HAD THE RIGHT OF WAY. I HAD TO LITERALLY STOP MY CAR AND RUN TO THE FRONT OF THE CAR THAT WAS COMING TOWARDS ME IN ORDER TO PREVENT AND ACCIDENT OF THE CAR RUNNING INTO MY CAR. I KNOW IT HAD ENOUGH FUEL I KEEP MY TANK FULL AND JUST WANTED TO FILL IT ALL THE WAY UP SINCE I HAD EXTRA FUNDS THAT WEEK. EVER SINCE THE SHUT OFF THE CAR HAD BEEN SPUTTERING AND HAVING TROUBLE SWITCHING GEARS. I JUST PURCHASED THIS CAR AND IT HAS BEEN A DISAPPOINTMENT, ONE AFTER THE OTHER!!!!! THEN THERE'S AN ISSUE WITH THE FRONT END WHERE YOU HEAR A POPPING SOUND IF YOU SHOULD HAVE TO UNEXPECTEDLY HAVE TO HIT THE BRAKES OR IF YOU GO OVER A SPEED BUMP. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10566641
NHTSA investigations
2EA08006 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Feb 21, 2008 · Closed Apr 15, 2009
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System; Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood; Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash; Engine And Engine Cooling; Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
Additional source detail variants (5)
Electrical System
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
Electrical System:wiring:interior/under Dash
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
Engine And Engine Cooling
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
THE AGENCY HAS CLOSED THIS INVESTIGATION BASED ON ITS REVIEW OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS, FIELD REPORTS, WARRANTY CLAIMS AND OTHER DATA REGARDING ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRES AND POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKAGE IN MODEL YEAR (MY) 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA VEHICLES WITH 4.0L ENGINES.THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE INDICATES THAT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS IN THE SUBJECT VEHICLES AND THE FIRES THAT MAY RESULT FROM THESE LEAKS, OCCURRED EARLY IN THE VEHICLE'S SERVICE LIFE.MOREOVER, CHANGES IN THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS APPEAR TO HAVE REMEDIED THE CONDITION CAUSING THE LEAKS.THE AVAILABLE DATA CONFIRMS A DECLINING TREND FOR BOTH COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS AS THE SUBJECT VEHICLES REMAIN IN SERVICE. THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY THE AGENCY THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. (SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.)
PE07052 · Engine Compartment Fire
Opened Oct 19, 2007 · Closed Feb 21, 2008
Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Steering:hydraulic Power Assist:power Steering Fluid
COMPLAINANTS ALLEGE THAT A FIRE ERUPTED UNDER THE HOOD, NEAR THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE.IN CHRYSLER'S RESPONSE TO ODI'S NOVEMBER 2, 2007 INFORMATION REQUEST, CHRYSLER ASSERTS THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT OCCURS ONLY IN THE 4.0L ENGINES AND THE CONSUMER WILL EXPERIENCE A LOSS OF POWER STEERING FLUID OR A NOISY POWER STEERING PUMP BEFORE SEEING ANY EVIDENCE OF SMOKE OR FIRE.CHRYSLER ALSO STATES THAT A TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING LINE WAS DISCOVERED TO BE CROSS THREADED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS AND DID NOT ALLOW PROPER SEALING OF THE O-RING.THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM IN THE 4.0L ENGINE IS ASSEMBLED AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT.THE POWER STEERING SYSTEM FOR THE 3.8L ENGINES ARRIVES AT THE CHRYSLER PLANT PRE-ASSEMBLED.CHRYSLER FOUND THAT IN THE 4.0L ENGINE, IT WAS POSSIBLE TO CROSS-THREAD THE TUBE NUT ON THE HIGH PRESSURE LINE DURING ITS ATTACHMENT TO THE STEERING GEAR, THUS CREATING AN IMPROPER SEAL.CHRYSLER IMPLEMENTED ASSEMBLY PLANT PROCESS CHANGES TO ELIMINATE THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING, AND APPLIED ADDITIONAL QUALITY CONTROL MEASURES TO DETECT POWER STEERING FLUID LEAKS.CHRYSLER STATED THAT WARRANTY AND FIELD DATA SUGGESTS THAT THESE PROCESS CHANGES HAVE MINIMIZED THE POSSIBILITY OF CROSS-THREADING.WITH REGARD TO THE VEHICLES PRODUCED PRIOR TO THE PRODUCTION CHANGE, A REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY CLAIMS INDICATES THAT THE ALLEGED DEFECT HAS NOT DECLINED IN THE 4.0L POPULATION.ODI IS UPGRADING THIS PRELIMINARY EVALUATION TO AN ENGINEERING ANALYSIS, EA08-006, TO FURTHER EVALUATE THE ISSUE.