Engine. Review the 373 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Electrical System. Review the 287 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Steering. Review the 174 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

27 crash reports14 fire reports14 injury reports

What owners actually said

869 reports

Mileage unknown · Nov 22, 2024

EngineFuel/propulsion SystemUnknown Or Other

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I bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica limited about two years ago. It’s been the worst decision I’ve ever made. I have just about a 3% rate and with the amount of issues these things have I’m so far upside down it’s not even funny. This car with all of its known issues is depreciating faster than I can pay for it. I currently have about 129,000 miles on it. I couldn’t get rid of this thing if I tried. The Chrysler dealership I service it with said they would give me 4000.00 IF they were willing to buy it back. The engine build company my mechanic uses says they won't even build these engines at all because of how many issues they have. So no option other than to buy the exact same engine is has now through Chrysler and know it will do it again. I’m having stalling/accelerating issues (shop can’t figure it out, kids cry when it stalls in traffic.. I've been in for it about 9 times to two different place) Oil cooler housing unit replaced last year (taken it back in a few times for ongoing leak, now need a head gasket) Head gasket Batteries galore Ongoing start stop issues My AC went out the month I bought it (leak in the lines near the rear) 3000k to fix The shop says it needs lifters, cam shafts and rockers (might as well do the engine if I had the extra money after paying off the rest of the repairs) My heated and cooled seats have stopped working numerous times Dash comes on and off when it wants Back up camera stays on the screen while I drive as much as it doesnt My rear washer fluid sprays INSIDE the car onto my kids Rear power seats stopped working multiple times now Get in to head to work and it just won’t start…. Have to basically play a video game with the controls and key fob to miraculously start it up Starting to rust already We have owned 2 Durango’s, 2 dodge rams, a Chrysler Sebring and now this. Clearly we support Chrysler but after this my husband switched to a ford truck and I will be going back as soon as I can if this isn't resolved.

NHTSA ODI #11626797

Mileage unknown · Nov 21, 2024

Engine

74,121 miles head warped on engine. $4300 repair to replace head and head gasket.

NHTSA ODI #11626712

Mileage unknown · Nov 15, 2024

EnginePower TrainUnknown Or Other

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[XXX] [XXX] [XXX] National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE Washington, DC 20590 Subject: Complaint Regarding Recurrent Mechanical Issues and Potential Safety Concerns with 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Dear NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation, I am writing to formally report repeated mechanical issues with my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica (VIN [XXX] ), which have raised significant concerns regarding the vehicle’s reliability and safety. In 2023, my vehicle initially experienced a persistent ticking noise in the engine, leading to extensive repairs. These included replacing the tappets, rockers, and timing chain tensioner on the right bank of the engine. Following these repairs, the vehicle exhibited low oil pressure, ultimately requiring a complete long block replacement. These issues left the vehicle out of service for nearly two months, significantly disrupting our daily lives. Despite these major repairs, my Pacifica has recently developed overheating issues, necessitating the replacement of the radiator at an estimated cost of over $2,000. The vehicle has less than 60,000 miles, and I find it deeply concerning that such critical mechanical issues are occurring at such low mileage. These repeated failures suggest a potential underlying defect in the design or manufacturing of this vehicle, which could present a safety risk. An overheating engine, for instance, poses a potential hazard both to the occupants and to other road users. As a police officer and parent of three young children, I rely on this vehicle for my family’s safety and transportation. I respectfully request that the NHTSA investigate whether these issues are indicative of a broader defect in 2018 Chrysler Pacifica models. I believe an investigation could help identify potential safety risks to other owners and encourage Chrysler to address these problems proactively INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI #11625415

Mileage unknown · Nov 14, 2024

Electrical SystemEngineSteeringCrash

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The hybrid battery coolant heater (part 68443445AC) was confirmed a problem, however the dealership wont review ANY recalls on my vehicle until I pay $1700 to replace that part. However, there are MULTIPLE incidents online showing this is a problem with this vehicle and should be a recall as this is obviously defective within the first 150000 miles. My car has roughly 124K miles, making it just outside the warranty coverage. Shortly before this lamp warning (check engine) came on my steering wheel started "sticking" making it hard to steer in a curve, causing me to veer off the road. Within 7 days of this happening, is when my check engine light appeared, throwing code POE15. The heat now also takes much longer to warm up- like 30 minutes longer. The dealership said none of the issues are connected, however after online research I have determined that is not true.

NHTSA ODI #11625295

64,000 miles · Nov 13, 2024

Electrical System

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The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that since 2019, the "Auto START/STOP feature unavailable" message was displayed on the instrument panel. Due to the failure, the vehicle intermittently failed to start, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal, and the vehicle also shut-off unintendedly while driving at various speeds. The vehicle had been towed to a dealer on several occasions and the auxiliary and the main batteries replaced; however, the failure returned approximately a year and a half later. To prevent the failure from recurring, the contact disabled the Auto START/STOP feature to prevent the vehicle from stalling. The contact stated that numerous repairs had been performed on the vehicle and that the only other solutions would be to replace the transmission, perform a software update or replace a possible unknown sensor. Additionally, the contact stated that while turning off the vehicle there was an abnormal knocking sound coming from the engine. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was given a case number. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.

NHTSA ODI #11624947

Mileage unknown · Nov 11, 2024

Electrical SystemFire

There was a fire of unknown origin within the van. The fire was self extinguished and contained to the inside of the vehicle. No one was in the vehicle at the time of the fire, and it was found about 45 minutes after leaving the vehicle parked.

NHTSA ODI #11624500

Mileage unknown · Nov 9, 2024

EnginePower Train

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An engine fault code for P0303 has become active on my 2018 Pacifica. This code was confirmed by an independent service center and confirmed that the code is active. The service center ran a compression test and showed that cylinder three is low on compression. They then ran a hydrocarbon test and confirmed exhaust in the coolant. This diagnosis points to the common issue related to a bad head gasket potentially due to a warped head/block. The car has never overheated and all service maintained.

NHTSA ODI #11624336

Mileage unknown · Nov 8, 2024

Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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REPAIR ORDER DATE: 11/04/2024 MIKE PERRY CHRYLSER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: SHAKING WHILE IDLING/STOP-START NOT WORKING ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED SUPPORTS AND MOUNTS ENGINE SUPPORT – $105 TRANS MOUNT – $274 ENGINE MOUNT – $155 PARTS - $535 LABOR - $600 TOTAL - $1191 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 10/14/24 - MIKE PERRY CHRYSLER/NACOGDOCHES PROBLEMS: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON/ENGINE MISSING ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED GASGETS, GASGET FLANGE, CAMSHAFT, THERMOSTAT GASGET - $250 GASGET – $120 GASGET EXHAUST FLANGE - $43 CAMSHAFT INTAKE - $572 ANTIFREEZE COOLANT - $53 THERMOSTAT - $122 PARTS - $1014 LABOR - $3752 TOTAL - $5129 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 10/02/24/SOUTHERN CHRYSLER LUFKIN ISSUE: CAR WOULDN'T START ACTIONS TAKEN - REPLACED STARTER AND BATTERY FUSE FUSE BOX - $202 LABOR - $636 TOTAL - $855 REPAIR ORDER DATE: 9/25/24 /MIKE PERRY CHRYSLER /NACOGDOCHES ISSUE: CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON ACTIONS TAKEN: REPLACED SPARK PLUGS AND COILS IRIDIUM IX - $15 IGNITION COIL SET - $274 LABOR - $300 TOTAL - $710 SERVICES FROM 9/25/2024 THROUGH 11/04/2024 *Approximately 6 weeks TOTAL EXPENSES $7,855

NHTSA ODI #11624158

Mileage unknown · Nov 7, 2024

Electrical SystemEnginePower Train

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Vehicle just dies when you brake. This has now happened twice. Once in May 2024 and now Oct 2024. You have no steering and cannot be put into neutral or park. Must pull neutral cord to get pushed out of road. No codes pull up other than the neutral cord used. In May 2024 towed to dealer and they replaced starter but could not find anything else. In Oct 2024, took it to an independent car place and he could not find anything wrong, just re-boot computer. This is very dangerous; this is a handicap van modified for a wheelchair person to be put in through the back of the van. If I get hit in the back, I can't get my son out of the van. Extremely unsafe! I know the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica's were recalled for this and I believe the powertrain control module software was updated or the chip was replaced. This needs to be recalled for the 2018's also.

NHTSA ODI #11624001

Mileage unknown · Oct 21, 2024

Engine

Engine code misfire cylinder #3 and losing coolant. Took it to the mechanic who diagnosed it has a failed head gasket and coolant leaking into the cylinder. Vehicle had 85,000 miles at the time.

NHTSA ODI #11621160

Official recalls

25V876000 · Equipment Adaptive/mobility:wheelchair Restraints/securement:latch/anchor:

Dec 17, 2025

Rollx Vans (Rollx) is recalling certain GMC Yukon, Sierra, Chevrolet Express 2500, Ford Transit, E-250, Toyota Sienna, Sienna Hybrid, Honda Odyssey, Chrysler Town and Country, Voyager, Pacifica, Dodge Grand Caravan, and Ram Promaster vehicles equipped with QRT-Deluxe and QRT-Max wheelchair restraints. Please refer to Rollx's recall report for specific model year information. The retractors may not lock, preventing the wheelchair from being properly secured.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unsecured wheelchair can move during transit, increasing the risk of injury.

Remedy: Rollx will work with Q'Straint to inspect and replace the retractors as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 5, 2026. Owners may contact Rollx's customer service at 1-800-956-6668.

23V010000 · Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles; Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Jan 17, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Electrical System:wiring:connectors/plugs/receptacles

Consequence: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

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 charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.

Hybrid Propulsion System: Inverter

Consequence: An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.

19V886000 · Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera; Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Dec 12, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with an 8.4 inch radio display, 360 degree surround view camera system, and seat back video screens. A software error can cause the rearview camera image to remain displayed on the radio after the vehicle has been shifted out of reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rearview Mirrors."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE2.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera

Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the radio software, free of charge. The recall began January 9, 2020. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is VE2.

Equipment:electrical:radio/tape Deck/cd Etc.

Consequence: The lingering rearview image can distract the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.

19V348000 · Electrical SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V Battery

May 9, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V53.

19V143000 · Suspension:front:control Arm:lower Arm

Feb 28, 2019

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica hybrid vehicles. The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A control arm separation could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the right front knuckle and lower control arm for damage, replacing the components as necessary. The right front lower control arm knuckle pinch bolt will be replaced with a larger-diameter pinch bolt. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began April 26, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is V15.

18V524000 · Electrical System:wiring:front Underhood

Aug 9, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.

18V492000 · Power Train:automatic Transmission

Jul 26, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2019 Jeep Cherokee vehicles and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica non-hybrid vehicles. A component in the transmission may not have been welded properly, possibly causing the transmission to not transmit engine power to the wheels.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the transmission weld fails, the vehicle will stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the transmission, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin September 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U85.

18V493000 · Power Train:axle Assembly:axle Shaft

Jul 26, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The front axle halfshafts may have been incorrectly assembled, preventing the shaft from being properly secured to the constant-velocity (CV) joint.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the axle shaft disengages from the CV joint, the vehicle will have a loss of drive or allow the vehicle to move while in the "Park" position. Either condition may increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the left or right halfshaft assembly, free of charge. The recall began September 18, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U80.

18V395000 · Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module; EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT Devices

Jun 14, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The Manual Park Release (MPR) plug may be removed without a tool. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 114, "Theft Protection."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.

Additional source detail variants (2)

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:ANTI-THEFT Devices

Consequence: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the MPR plug, free of charge. The recall began July 9, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U50.

Electrical SYSTEM:IGNITION:ANTI-THEFT:CONTROL Module

Consequence: If the MPR is engaged unintentionally, the vehicle could roll away striking and injuring a bystander or cause a crash.

18V332000 · Electrical System:software; Electrical System:wiring; Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

May 17, 2018

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Additional source detail variants (3)

Electrical System:software

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.

Vehicle Speed Control:cruise Control

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

Electrical System:wiring

Consequence: If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.

17V824000 · Equipment

Dec 21, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling various Dodge, Chrysler, and RAM vehicles equipped with Kidde Plastic-Handle or Push Button 'Pindicator' Fire Extinguishers. A list of the affected trailer models is available at: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17V824-0103.pdf. These extinguishers may become clogged, preventing the extinguisher from discharging as expected or requiring excessive force to activate the extinguisher. Additionally, in certain models, the nozzle may detach from the valve assembly with enough force that it could cause injury and also render the product inoperable. For a full list of the affected fire extinguisher models visit: https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2017/RMISC-17E062-5427.pdf

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fire extinguisher does not function properly, it can increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners instructing them to contact Kidde for a replacement fire extinguisher, free of charge. The recall began February 14, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403 or Kidde customer service service toll-free at 1-855-262-3540, or online at www.kidde.com and click on "Product Safety Recall" for more information. Chrysler's number for this recall is T82.

17V542000 · Seat Belts:rear/other

Aug 31, 2017

Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with the 8-passenger seating option. In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: Inadvertent unlatching of the left outboard seat belt can increase the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

Remedy: Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall began October 26, 2017. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is T54.

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

PE25009 · Intermittent Loss Of Electric Power Steering

Opened Sep 5, 2025 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Steering:electric Power Assist System

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Preliminary Evaluation to assess the scope, frequency, and potential safety consequences of alleged defects related to the electric power steering (EPS) system in model year (MY) 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. ODI has received 94 Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) reporting a condition in which the steering system exhibits a sticking sensation during gradual turns, particularly when the steering wheel is positioned near the 11 o'clock or 1 o'clock position. Complainants allege that during these events, increased steering effort is required to return the wheel to center. In many cases, this is followed by a sudden reactivation of EPS assistance, which may result in an oversteer condition. This behavior could increase the risk of a crash, especially at higher speeds. ODI has identified multiple VOQs describing similar symptoms. This investigation will assess the frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged EPS malfunction. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

RQ24004 · Loss Of Motive Power Due To An Internal Wiring Connector Short.

Opened Feb 27, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:wiring

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). On January 17, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-010) involving 2017-2023 Model Years (MY) Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016, through January 9, 2023. The recall states that the loss of motive power condition in these vehicles is caused by an internal transmission wiring connector that may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown. An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In discussions with FCA on Recall 23V-010, ODI confirmed the recall was related to investigation PE22-008. The remedy for 23V-010 is to update the Power Inverter module (PIM) and/or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software to provide drivers a message stating “Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” followed by a chime and MIL, PRNDL blinking (on cluster and shifter knob), low SOC (State of Charge) warning and reduced power mode. The recall remedy does not replace the defective hardware that was described in Recall 23V-010, and the wiring connector short still exists on these vehicles. To date, ODI has received 132 reports for the population of vehicles subject to recall 23V-010. These reports allege a loss of motive power condition that reduces the vehicles speed, followed by dashboard warning lamps displaying messages associated with recall 23V-010. The presence of these warning lamps and messages indicates the vehicle likely had the recall remedy applied. Follow up discussions with FCA confirm their remedy does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down. When this occurs, FCA relies on the owner to transport the vehicle to a dealership after they experience a loss of motive power condition, at which time the defective hardware is replaced. Furthermore, the dashboard messages introduced in the recall remedy may cause the driver to pull over in an unsafe location. Pulling over in an unsafe location may expose the occupants to undue harm. The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy, frequency, and safety consequence of the remedy for recall 23V-010. To review the ODI reports cited in the opening resume ODI report identification number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

RQ24001 · Ignition-off High Voltage Battery Fire (remedy Effectiveness Of Recall 22V-077)

Opened Jan 16, 2024 · No close date supplied

Status: open (inferred from source dates) · Electrical System:propulsion System:traction Battery

On February 11, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-077) on all 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016 through August 7, 2018. The recall addresses ignition “OFF’ fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. At the time of the recall filing the root cause of the vehicle fires was unknown and under investigation by FCA and suppliers. A software remedy designed to improve thermal event detectability by monitoring battery diagnostics is currently being installed on subject vehicles as an interim remedy. As of November 23, 2023, the root cause of the battery failure is unknown. From December 2022 through December 2023, NHTSA has received four consumer complaints (VOQs) alleging vehicle thermal events involving recalled 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Additional information collected from complainants confirmed a thermal event originating near or at the HV battery pack after the Recall 22V077 remedy had been applied to the vehicle. Follow up meetings with FCA and suppliers in November and December 2023 to discuss the ongoing root cause investigation and post-recall remedy incidents indicated a recent increase in HV battery thermal events. Furthermore, a review of NHTSA complaint data indicated the post-recall HV battery thermal event complaint rate now exceeds pre-recall levels. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, understand the root cause of the battery fires, investigate additional reports of Pacifica PHEV HV battery fires, and to increase monitoring of the manufacturer root cause investigation. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

PE22008 · Transmission Fault Leading To Loss Of Motive Power

Opened Jul 22, 2022 · Closed Mar 27, 2024

Status: closed (inferred from source dates) · Power Train

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22008 to investigate allegation of loss of motive power, potentially due to transmission malfunction, in certain Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. In a January 17, 2023 letter to NHTSA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) submitted recall notice 23V-010 involving a transmission motor wiring defect in 67,118 model year (MY) 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) manufactured from August 12, 2016 through January 9, 2023. FCA determined that an internal transmission connector short could result in an unexpected engine shutdown under certain conditions. Follow up correspondence with FCA confirmed this defect results in an electric motor position trouble code that was the basis for opening PE22008, therefore NHTSA is closing this investigation. The 23V-010 recall remedy is a software update to address the hardware failure associated with PE22008. When a hardware failure is detected, the vehicle limits motive power while instructing the driver to pull over to a safe location. NHTSA is concerned that drivers will pull over to an unsafe location when the warning message associated with the recall remedy displays on the dashboard. Due to the nature of the recall remedy and related reports, NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ24004 to assess the recall remedy. The reports and failure report summary values included with this closing action are related to allegations of Recall 23V-010 remedy inadequacy. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.