The engine cradle as well as the engine mounts along with the subframe have deteriorated uncommonly fast resulting in the vehicle involuntarily swerving into other lanes of traffic
2007 Chrysler Pacifica
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2007 Chrysler Pacifica do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 189.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Pacifica years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
285 reports with mileage · 41 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 88 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Engine. Review the 76 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Electrical System. Review the 51 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Structure complaints
20 reportsTHE BOTTOM FRAME IS RUSTED PAST REPAIR, IN MOTION/STATIONARY.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SOUTH OAK JEEP DODGE CHRYSLER RAM (4550 LINCOLN HWY, MATTESON, IL 60443, (708) …
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS UNDERGOING ROUTINE MAINTENANCE PERFORMED BY AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS RUSTED AND THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS VISIBLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO SOUTH OAK JEEP DODGE CHRYSLER RAM (4550 LINCOLN HWY, MATTESON, IL 60443, (708) 747-7950), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED THE CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 160,000. *LN*JB
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC UNDERGOING AN ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME HAD PREMATURE RUST. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENGINE FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE M…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC UNDERGOING AN ALIGNMENT, THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FRAME HAD PREMATURE RUST. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE ENGINE FALLING OUT OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING OR REPAIRS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150,000. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN.
2 ISSUES WITH MY 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. 1: THE FRAME IS MOSTLY RUST. THE MAIN PROBLEM WITH MY 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA IS THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. THE I HAVE HAD THE BATTERY TESTED AND IT IS GOOD. THE STARTER WAS REPLACED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO START FOR TWO MORE WEEKS BEFORE IT HASN'T STARTED SINCE.
ENGINE CRADLE IS RUSTED THRU AND CRACKING MAKING CAR DANGEROUS TO OPERATE KNOWN PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT RECALL CAR IS NOW WORTHLESS AS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING WORKS FINE . IF ENGINE CRADLE WHERE TO FAIL WHEN DRIVING TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD BE VERY LIKELY AS STEERING SHAFT AND SUSPENSIO…
Read full complaint
ENGINE CRADLE IS RUSTED THRU AND CRACKING MAKING CAR DANGEROUS TO OPERATE KNOWN PROBLEM ON THIS VEHICLE AND CHRYSLER WILL NOT RECALL CAR IS NOW WORTHLESS AS IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE EVEN THOUGH EVERYTHING WORKS FINE . IF ENGINE CRADLE WHERE TO FAIL WHEN DRIVING TOTAL LOSS OF CONTROL WOULD BE VERY LIKELY AS STEERING SHAFT AND SUSPENSION ARE ALL CONNECTED TO IT.
I PURCHASED MY 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA AT A DEALER SHIP IN FEBRUARY 2017. I HAVE JUST HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS. THE CAR HAD EVERYTHING RUNNING AND WHEN I SAY EVERYTHING RUNNING; I MEAN A/C WAS WORKING JUST FINE AS WELL AS THE HEATER AND ALL WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DOWN. I HAD EVERYTHING UPDATED ON THIS VEHICLE. NOW 5 MONTHS LAT…
Read full complaint
I PURCHASED MY 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA AT A DEALER SHIP IN FEBRUARY 2017. I HAVE JUST HAD THE VEHICLE FOR 5 MONTHS. THE CAR HAD EVERYTHING RUNNING AND WHEN I SAY EVERYTHING RUNNING; I MEAN A/C WAS WORKING JUST FINE AS WELL AS THE HEATER AND ALL WINDOWS ROLLED UP AND DOWN. I HAD EVERYTHING UPDATED ON THIS VEHICLE. NOW 5 MONTHS LATER, I HAVE NEIGHBORS ON 7/25/2017 AT AROUND 2PM THAT WITNESSED MY CAR CATCHING ON FIRE. HOW? I DON'T KNOW AND I AM CONFUSED AND WORRIED BECAUSE I HAD JUST PULLED UP TO MY HOME WITH MY FIANCE. OUR CAR CAUGHT ON FIRE ON 7/25/17 I HAD TO CALL THE FIRE FIGHTERS TO COME OUT AND PUT THE FIRE OUT. THIS WAS THE MOST SCARIEST THING I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED. I AM OVERWHELMED. THE FIRE FIGHTERS PUT THE FIRE OUT AND NOW I AM WITH NO VEHICLE. I AM A SINGLE MOTHER OF 3 THAT WORKS A DOUBLE SHIFT JUST TO MAKE A WAY IN LIFE. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN THIS EXPERIENCE AND FEAR FOR MY LIFE FROM HERE ON OUT. I AM SCARED TO DRIVE OR GET IN ANY CAR BECAUSE MIND YOU MY CAR HAD BEEN DRIVING PERFECTLY FINE. I AM DISGUSTED AT THE FACT THAT THERE ARE CRUEL PEOPLE OUT HERE WITH LICENSE DEALERSHIPS THAT ARE ABLE TO SELL VEHICLES WITH VEHICLES THAT CAN COST SOMEONE'S LIFE. THIS IS NOT ACCEPTABLE AND I AM REQUESTING AN EXPLANATION TO WHY THIS HAPPENED AND I WOULD LIKE SOME KIND OF REIMBURSEMENT FOR MY VEHICLE. ME AND MY CHILDREN DON'T HAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS TO THROW AWAY I PAID FOR THIS CAR CASH. IF YOU NEED PROOF OF MY CAR I CAN SEND PICTURES AND REPORT FROM FIRE FIGHTERS. I CAN SEND YOU PROOF OF ME OWNING THE VEHICLE. I LOOK FORWARD TO SPEAKING WITH YOU SOON YOU MAY REACH ME AT [XXX] MY NAME IS [XXX] YOU MAY ALSO CALL ME VIA TELEPHONE AT [XXX]. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME. I HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT DAY! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
I HAVE A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA TOURING THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MOTOR MOUNTS SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND THEN IN MOTION THE PROBLEM OCCURS. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE IT'S FULL POWER POTENTIAL BECAUSE ACCELERATION CAUSES THE ENGINE TO IMMEDIATELY RAISE UP AND THEN QUICKLY DROP DOWN. I HEAR THE …
Read full complaint
I HAVE A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA TOURING THAT I HAVE HAD TO REPAIR MOTOR MOUNTS SEVERAL TIMES. WHEN THE CAR IS STATIONARY AND THEN IN MOTION THE PROBLEM OCCURS. WHEN I ACCELERATE THE CAR DOES NOT HAVE IT'S FULL POWER POTENTIAL BECAUSE ACCELERATION CAUSES THE ENGINE TO IMMEDIATELY RAISE UP AND THEN QUICKLY DROP DOWN. I HEAR THE ENGINE HIT THE FRAME WITH A LOUD BANG WHEN IT DROPS. THIS HAPPENS IN MOTION, ON CITY STREETS, AND THE HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THIS HAS CAUSED OTHER ENGINE PROBLEMS THAT I HAVE REPAIRED OVER THE YEARS.MY MOTOR MOUNT REPLACEMENT YEARS ARE 2010,2012,2013, AND 2016. I HAVE RECEIPTS AND THE LAST SET OF MOUNTS. I DON'T LIKE TO DRIVE MY GRANDSON AROUND IN THIS CAR BECAUSE I FEEL IT IS NOT SAFE FOR HIM. I ALWAYS TRY TO USE MY OTHER VEHICLE TO TRANSPORT CHILDREN. I HAVE REQUESTED HELP WITH CHRYSLER AND WAS ADVISED THOUGH WE HELPED AND REPLACED YOUR MOUNTS UNDER WARRANTY IN 2013, WE WILL NO LONGER HELP YOU WITH MOUNT REPLACEMENT . WE CONSIDER IT NORMAL WARE AND TARE. CHRYSLER ALSO ADVISED THEY WILL NOT HELP BECAUSE OF THE CARS AGE AND MILEAGE. I HAVE THE RECORDING. IF THIS IS CONSIDERED NORMAL THAN I FEEL IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN LISTED IN THE CONSUMER VEHICLE MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR BOOK. HAD I KNOW I WOULD HAVE TO RE-SECURE MY ENGINE TO THE FRAME EVERY YEAR I WOULD HAVE NOT PURCHASED THIS VEHICLE. NOW CHRYSLER HAS RELEASED A NEW PACIFICA. I AM INTERESTED TO KNOW WILL THIS HAPPEN WITH THE NEW CHRYSLER PACIFICA. REGARDLESS, IT IS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE AROUND WITH THE ENGINE UNSECURED TO THE VEHICLE FRAME.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BE SERVICED, THE TECHNICIAN DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE CRADLE WAS CORRODED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000. UPDATED 02/05/16*LJ *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR LIFT GATE REACHED ITS MAXIMUM OPEN POSITION AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO CLOSE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE CONTACTS SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A CHRYSLER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FA…
Read full complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE LOADING THE VEHICLE, THE REAR LIFT GATE REACHED ITS MAXIMUM OPEN POSITION AND IMMEDIATELY BEGAN TO CLOSE MAKING CONTACT WITH THE CONTACTS SHOULDER. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO A CHRYSLER DEALER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 54,000. UPDATED 10/15/12 *CN THE CONSUMER STATED THE INCIDENT WAS DUE TO FAILED TAILGATE STRUTS. WHEN THE STRUTS FAILED, THE MECHANISM WENT INTO CLOSED MODE AND THERE WAS NO WAY TO STOP IT. UPDATED 10/22/12
Official recalls
0No recalls in this snapshot.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
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.
Illustration