NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
What owners actually said
54 reports67,600 miles · Dec 3, 2011
Engine And Engine Cooling
HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A CLUNK FROM THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL FOR A FEW WEEKS. HAD MIDAS LOOK AT IT LAST WEEK WHILE REPLACING FRONT BRAKES, BUT THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. THIS WEEK, WAS GETTING OIL CHANGE AND TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. MENTIONED THE NOISE AGAIN, AND THIS TIME WAS TOLD THE NOISE WAS DUE TO ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE …
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HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A CLUNK FROM THE RIGHT WHEEL WELL FOR A FEW WEEKS. HAD MIDAS LOOK AT IT LAST WEEK WHILE REPLACING FRONT BRAKES, BUT THEY SAID THEY DIDN'T SEE ANYTHING. THIS WEEK, WAS GETTING OIL CHANGE AND TRANSMISSION FLUSHED. MENTIONED THE NOISE AGAIN, AND THIS TIME WAS TOLD THE NOISE WAS DUE TO ENGINE MOUNT FAILURE OF THE LEFT AND RIGHT ENGINE MOUNTS. I IN TURN CALLED MY LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALERSHIP SINCE I PURCHASED MY CAR WITH THE LIFETIME POWER TRAIN WARRANTY AS WELL AS AN EXTENDED WARRANTY, AND WAS TOLD THAT NEITHER ONE OF THESE WOULD COVER THE REPLACEMENT. THEN, CHRYSLER PROCEEDED TO QUOTE ME A REPLACEMENT COST THAT WAS $300 OVER MY MIDAS QUOTE. I ASKED THE TECHNICIAN, "DOESN'T THIS SEEM TO BE A PREMATURE FAILURE, SINCE I ONLY HAVE 67,000 MILES?" TO WHICH HE REPLIED, "YES IT DOES." HE ALSO SAID THE REASON THIS PART IS NOT COVERED IS BECAUSE IT IS CONSIDERED A "CONSUMABLE" PART. REALLY? CAN I BUY THAT WITH MY OIL? BUT, BASED ON ALL OF THE COMPLAINTS I HAVE SEEN ABOUT THIS ON NUMEROUS WEBSITES, ENGINE MOUNTS ARE AS CONSUMABLE AS BRAKE PADS WHERE CHRYSLER IS CONCERNED. NEEDLESS TO SAY, I TOLD THE TECHNICIAN THAT I WOULD NOT BE TAKING MY CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR THIS REPAIR. I CAME HOME AND DECIDED TO GOOGLE THIS PROBLEM TO SEE IF IT WAS A COMMON OCCURRENCE, AND OH MY! CHRYSLER NEEDS TO RECALL THE ENGINE MOUNTS AND REFUND THEIR CUSTOMERS WHO HAVE HAD TO PAY FOR THESE REPAIRS SINCE NONE OF THEIR WARRANTIES SEEM TO! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR PRODUCT. THIS WAS A $36,000 CAR! *TR
NHTSA ODI #10438475
33,000 miles · Apr 26, 2011
Power Train
THE SHIFT STICK/KNOB IS STUCK IN PARK. THE PINK BUTTON WILL NOT UNSTUCK IT. A MECHANIC HELPED AND THE PLASTIC MECHANISM THAT WILL HOLD THE SHIFT TO PARK FOR SAFETY BROKE. I NOW DO NOT HAVE THIS FEATURE WHERE I NEED TO STEP ON THE BRAKE TO RELEASE THE SHIFT. THE PARK SHIFT CAN NOW BE EASILY MOVED WHICH IS DANGEROUS. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10397493
Mileage unknown · Sep 26, 2010
Structure
HAVE A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA WHICH MOTOR MOUNTS ARE BREAKING REPLACED WITH NEW PARTS AND BROKE WITHIN A MONTH AGAIN. CURRENTLY WORKING ON AGAIN ONLY 55,000 MILES ON VEHICLE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10357744
32,000 miles · Sep 19, 2010
Engine And Engine CoolingFuel System, Gasoline
MY 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA STALLS WHILE DRIVING. WE HAVE ONLY OWNED IT FOR 9 MONTHS BUT IN THAT TIME WE HAVE HAD FIVE STALLING ISSUES. OUR LOCAL DEALERSHIP HAS TRIED CLEANING VARIOUS PARTS OF THE TRANSMISSION, BUT IT CONTINUES TO STALL. I NOTICED THAT 2003 TO 2006 PACIFICA'S WERE RECALLED FOR A SIMILAR ISSUE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10356340
61,000 miles · Jun 17, 2010
Engine And Engine Cooling
MY CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2007 AWD WITH A 4.0 ENGINE USES EXCESSIVE OIL. I DID NOT KNOW THIS. DUE TO THE CAR USING OIL-NO LEAKING, I NEARLY BLEW MY ENGINE. MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON TOO LATE WITH ONLY ABOUT 1 QT OF OIL REMAINING. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR A YEAR OLD AND IT IS PAST 36000 MILES, I AM STUCK WITH REPAIRS DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE. …
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MY CHRYSLER PACIFICA 2007 AWD WITH A 4.0 ENGINE USES EXCESSIVE OIL. I DID NOT KNOW THIS. DUE TO THE CAR USING OIL-NO LEAKING, I NEARLY BLEW MY ENGINE. MY OIL LIGHT CAME ON TOO LATE WITH ONLY ABOUT 1 QT OF OIL REMAINING. SINCE I BOUGHT THE CAR A YEAR OLD AND IT IS PAST 36000 MILES, I AM STUCK WITH REPAIRS DUE TO A FAULTY ENGINE. THE CAR IS AT THE MECHANIC WHO SAID IT HAS METAL IN THE OIL FROM THE ORDEAL AND MAY NEED THE WHOLE ENGINE REPLACED OR REBUILT. THIS MAY COST 1/2 WHAT THE CAR IS WORTH AND I STILL OWE PAYMENTS FOR 4 MORE YEARS. I HAVE CHECKED ONLINE FORUMS AND THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THE AWD MODELS, ESPECIALLY BUILT IN CANADA LIKE MINE. CHRYSLER NEEDS TO BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR THESE REPAIRS. THIS IS $40K VEHICLE. AT THE VERY LEAST THE ENGINE SHOULD LAST MORE THAN 5 YEARS. MY CAR IS ONLY 3 YEARS OLD AND I'M STUCK WITH BILLS I CAN'T AFFORD OR PAYING PAYMENTS ON A CAR I CAN'T DRIVE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336903
30,000 miles · Jun 14, 2010
Parking Brake
EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILURE - LEVER FOR ACTIVATING PARKING BRAKE CAME LOOSE FROM ASSEMBLY AND BECAME LODGED BETWEEN BRAKE DRUM AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED WHEEL TO STOP ROTATING. COULD PUT CAR IN REVERSE TEMPORARILY DISLODGING LEVER ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE FREELY. LEVER FINALLY LODGED COMPLETELY CAUSING WHEEL TO DRAG AND OVERHE…
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EMERGENCY BRAKE FAILURE - LEVER FOR ACTIVATING PARKING BRAKE CAME LOOSE FROM ASSEMBLY AND BECAME LODGED BETWEEN BRAKE DRUM AND BRAKE ASSEMBLY. THIS CAUSED WHEEL TO STOP ROTATING. COULD PUT CAR IN REVERSE TEMPORARILY DISLODGING LEVER ALLOWING VEHICLE TO MOVE FREELY. LEVER FINALLY LODGED COMPLETELY CAUSING WHEEL TO DRAG AND OVERHEAT. NEEDED TO REPLACE PARKING BRAKE ASSEMBLY IN THE AFFECTED WHEEL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10336224
13,500 miles · Jan 18, 2009
Fuel System, Gasoline
MY WIFE HIT A POTHOLE IN THE STREET WITH OUR 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE AFTER THE INCIDENT, BUT HER AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER SMELLED GASOLINE. THEY PROCEEDED TOWARD HOME AND NOTICED THE GAS GAUGE WAS GOING DOWN VERY QUICKLY. THEY GOT HOME WITH THE GAS GAUGE READING EMPTY, THEY HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 3 TO 4 MILES AND L…
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MY WIFE HIT A POTHOLE IN THE STREET WITH OUR 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CAR WAS DRIVABLE AFTER THE INCIDENT, BUT HER AND MY GRANDDAUGHTER SMELLED GASOLINE. THEY PROCEEDED TOWARD HOME AND NOTICED THE GAS GAUGE WAS GOING DOWN VERY QUICKLY. THEY GOT HOME WITH THE GAS GAUGE READING EMPTY, THEY HAD TRAVELED ABOUT 3 TO 4 MILES AND LOST 3/4 OF A TANK OF GAS. I LOOKED UNDER THE CAR AND SAW A GASH IN THE BOTTOM FRONT OF THE PLASTIC GAS TANK ABOUT 2" LONG. THIS WAS DISTURBING TO ME BECAUSE THE FRONT CORNER OF THE TANK HAS NO PROTECTION. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10255503
30,882 miles · Oct 17, 2008
Electrical System
RECURRING STARTING ISSUE WHEN HIGH HUMIDITY AND HEAVY MORNING CONDENSATION ARE PRESENT, VEHICLE WILL NOT START, AND POWER IS LOST TO PASSENGER SIDE (WINDOWS, MIRROR, LOCKS) AND BOTH FRONT SEATS LOSE POWER. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN 2 MONTHS OVER SUMMER, SOME PARTS REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING AFTERWARDS, OTHE…
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RECURRING STARTING ISSUE WHEN HIGH HUMIDITY AND HEAVY MORNING CONDENSATION ARE PRESENT, VEHICLE WILL NOT START, AND POWER IS LOST TO PASSENGER SIDE (WINDOWS, MIRROR, LOCKS) AND BOTH FRONT SEATS LOSE POWER. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALERSHIP 4 TIMES IN 2 MONTHS OVER SUMMER, SOME PARTS REPLACED, BUT PROBLEM STILL OCCURRING AFTERWARDS, OTHER TIMES THE VEHICLE WOULD START BY THE TIME IT WAS TOWED TO DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP NOT ABLE TO RECREATE PROBLEM, BUT MECHANICS AGREE THAT IT IS CONDENSATION RELATED TO CAUSING A SHORT SOMEWHERE. WHEN CONDENSATION EVAPORATES, VEHICLE WILL START JUST FINE. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10245789
25,200 miles · Oct 2, 2008
TiresWheels
I WAS DRIVING ON THE LEROY SELMAN EXPRESSWAY THROUGH THE SUNPASS LANE AT ABOUT 25-30 MILES PER HOUR WHEN I HEARD A BANG AND MY TIRE WENT FLAT. SOMETHING CAUSED A SLASH IN THE TIRE AND PUT A SOFTBALL SIZE HOLE IN MY METAL RIM. I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED BUT IT RUINED BOTH THE TIRE AND RIM. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10244227
6,700 miles · May 13, 2008
Engine And Engine CoolingFire
ON APRIL 15TH 2008 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:45AM I WAS DRIVING OUR BRAND NEW CHRYSLER PACIFICA LIMITED ADDITION. I PULLED INTO THE PARKING OF 2155 SUITE B ELECTRIC RD, ROANOKE, VA 24018. AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR WITH MY 2YR OLD DAUGHTER THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. IT CAUSED $5,000 OF DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING AS WELL AS DA…
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ON APRIL 15TH 2008 AT APPROXIMATELY 8:45AM I WAS DRIVING OUR BRAND NEW CHRYSLER PACIFICA LIMITED ADDITION. I PULLED INTO THE PARKING OF 2155 SUITE B ELECTRIC RD, ROANOKE, VA 24018. AS I GOT OUT OF THE CAR WITH MY 2YR OLD DAUGHTER THE CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE UNDERNEATH THE HOOD. IT CAUSED $5,000 OF DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING AS WELL AS DAMAGED THE CAR COMPLETELY(WE HAVE MANY PICTURES). THE FIRE DEPARTMENT ARRIVED AT THE SCENE WITHIN TWO MINUTES AND WAS ABLE TO PREVENT FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE BUILDING. OUR INSURANCE PRECEDED WITH AN INVESTIGATION AND FOUND THAT THE FIRE STARTED AROUND THE STEERING FLUID OR THE ANTI-FREEZE. THEIR FINDINGS CONCLUDED EVEN THOUGH IT WAS BURNED TO THE GROUND THAT IT WAS THE STEERING FLUID. CHRYSLER HAD THEIR OWN FORENSICS COME OUT AND ALL THEY DID WAS TAKE PICTURES AND REPORT BACK TO THEIR HEADQUARTERS. WITHIN A WEEK AND A HALF WE WERE INFORMED BY A LETTER THAT IT WAS NOT A MANUFACTURED DEFAULT. BUT WOULD NOT LET US KNOW WHAT "CAUSED" IT. IT WAS A BRAND NEW CHRYSLER WITH ONLY 6,700 MILES ON IT. WE BOUGHT IT BRAND NEW. IF YOU COULD PLEASE HELP US WITH ANY INFORMATION YOU HAVE WE WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE IT. WE HAVE NO CAR AND CHRYSLER DOES NOT WANT TO HELP US BUT IT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO KNOW WHAT "CAUSED" IT. IF IT ISN'T THE STEERING FLUID LEAK THAN WHAT CAUSED A BRAND NEW CAR TO CATCH FIRE AND GO UP IN FLAMES? SINCERELY, MARY-KATHRYN BAILEY *TR
NHTSA ODI #10227679
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.
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