2017 Chrysler Pacifica Problems & Defect Complaints

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.

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.

NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 2021.On January 27, 2023, NHTSA opened Defect Petition (DP) 22-005 to evaluate the subject matter described in the petition. On June 24, 2023 and as supplemented on June 25, 2023, the petitioner notified NHTSA he was withdrawing his petition. The petitioner indicated that, based on his review of data, there is no justification for asserting potential benefits that could be derived from actions sought by my petition. Based on the petitioner's withdrawal, DP22-005 is closed. Closure of this DP does not represent a determination by NHTSA regarding the subject matter of the petition.

By letter dated November 30, 2017, the Center for Auto Safety (CAS) petitioned the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration requesting it open an investigation into allegations of engine stalling in the model year (MY) 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, a new vehicle platform. In support of its petition, CAS cited 57 NHTSA complaints alleging an engine stall in the subject Pacifica vehicles, in addition to other information it provided.On December 1, 2017, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation opened Defect Petition 17-003 as requested by CAS.ODI sent an information request letter to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), the manufacturer of the subject Pacifica vehicles, on December 12, 2017 requesting information related to engine stalling in Pacificas.The letter requested FCA provide the information by January 23, 2018.On January 11, 2018, and after technical discussions with ODI, FCA filed a defect information report advising the agency that it would conduct a safety recall of certain MY2017 Chrysler Pacificas to address a condition resulting in engine stalling without warning.The recall would address nearly 154,000 MY2017 Pacificas manufactured with engine control software that did not contain a routine intended to address loss of crankshaft position information required to keep the engine from stalling.FCA noted the condition could lead to a stall without illuminating a Malfunction Indicator Lamp, and without setting any Diagnostic Trouble Code.Given these conditions, dealer technicians would be unable to properly diagnose, much less correct the cause of the stalling, which resulted in additional stalling events and significant consumer frustration.ODI reviewed consumer complaints it received through the date of FCA's recall filing and identified 88 alleging engine stalling.The ODI complaints generally describe stalling that occurs at low engine (RPM) and/or vehicle speeds, and are consistent in that regard with most of the 445 reports FCA provided.Also both the ODI and FCA reports note that the engine could be readily restarted after stalling.Both circumstances are consistent with the root cause FCA identified and is conducting a recall to address.Additionally, FCA was able to identify an older vehicle population that used the same engine as the MY2017 Pacifica, however the vehicles were manufactured with the remedy level software; according to FCA reports of stalling in this population were significantly lower.No crash or injury reports were identified in either the ODI or FCA reports.Certain MY2017 and all MY2018 Pacificas were manufactured with the remedy level software and are thus not included in the recall action.In view of the recall action FCA has announced, ODI considers the petition moot and is closing the action without a grant or deny decision.The closing of the petition does not constitute a finding by NHTSA that a safety-related defect does not exist, and the agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances.Reference (ODI) numbers for the above NHTSA complaints:11060960, 11060808, 11060711, 11057809, 11057520, 11057493, 11057171, 11057169, 11057025, 11055566, 11055031, 11054808, 11054746, 11054717, 11054274, 11054085, 11053669, 11053588, 11053553, 11053322, 11052905, 11052892, 11052654, 11052336, 11051390, 11051158, 11048832, 11048728, 11048720, 11048661, 11048626, 11048175, 11047936, 11047831, 11047793, 11047687, 11047684, 11047399, 11045061, 11042619, 11040610, 11040502, 11040294, 11039494, 11035468, 11034698, 11033417, 11032016, 11030729, 11029903, 11025266, 11025119, 11023691, 11023539, 11022835, 11022154, 11021223, 11019457, 11016083, 1101