2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

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 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.

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.

The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V536000 (Hybrid Propulsion System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the battery had previously been replaced. The check engine warning light had illuminated. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11615657

Incident

Jul 24, 2024

Mileage

77,000 mi

Was driving smelled plastic burning parked it at my house now dash says service charging system. It wont turn on or go into drive. I am afraid its going to catch fire.

NHTSA ID

11590061

Incident

May 10, 2024

The car's lithium batteries caught fire to the point of smoldering. This happened at the end of the charge cycle. The car was parked in our garage and if the fire department did not come to help, the fire could have intensified and burned down our whole house. We are very thankful we caught it so quickly. No warnings or issues were apparent with the vehicle when it was parked and put on the charger.

NHTSA ID

11558139

Incident

Dec 2, 2023

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Internal charging system or vehicle battery pack malfunctioned & caught fire. Vehicle is available for inspection now, but not sure about when it is removed from our property. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - It was a big fire! Close to structures, vehicles & dry foliage – super lucky it didn't spread. Smoke was very noxious and affected our entire neighborhood. Neighbors have reported respiratory irritation since the fire. I now have a cough, burning throat and headaches. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - There's a burned out van at the end of my driveway... specific instance of this problem does not need confirmation Similar issues are reported on the internet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Not yet. Chrysler says it'll take 2-3 days for issue to be "escalated". Insurance is sending someone. Fire department HazMat crew verified that the battery pack is now "cold" but toxic chemicals are a public safety hazard. Oakland Fire incident #[XXX]. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - July 2022 the vehicle refused to charge & displayed a "turtle" icon. Took it to the dealer and told of the charging/fire recall. Stopped charging until all the recall parts were available which wasn't until August 2023. After repair, we were told the car was OK & it was safe to resume charging the car. Other details: - The vehicle caught fire while charging, engulfed in flames, had to be extinguished by Fire department, total loss. Car plugged in at ~4:30pm and we heard a "pop" at ~8:20pm. So the battery had reached 100%. Ran out and there was small fire dripping from middle underside of the car– quickly spread & consumed the entire car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I

NHTSA ID

11553283

Incident

Nov 1, 2023

The driver-side rear sliding door is not closed securely and it reopened while closing without any other button access and obstacles on the door. But seems like it was fixed with an ECU software update. I have a problem with that and it was fixed with a repair visit last week. That means it was a known issue, but I must pay the repair cost. I have a short video clip to show the problem and my dealership was able to reproduce same symptom while they doing a diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11525468

Incident

Apr 28, 2023

The vehicle's high voltage battery was being charged using a Siemens VG2 EVSE when an arcing sound was noticed and burning smell and smoking was seen. Looking back at our home energy monitor, it appears to have been arcing for close to an hour without any warnings being thrown until shortly after being noticed. The car did eventually show a charging system error, but the charging didn't stop until I physically unplugged it. The L1 pin on the vehicle and the EVSE showed scorch marks and damage from the arcing, but thankfully it was caught before a fire happened.

NHTSA ID

11523391

Incident

Apr 27, 2023

I have been trying to take care of this urgent safety recall since February 2023. The local dealership (4520 Shelbyville Rd, Louisville, KY 40207) keeps telling me that they don't have a "loaner" care to provide to me while my vehicle is being repaired. I am a single father with 7 year old and primary care giver to 77 year old mother with Alzheimers, I must have a replacement car while mine is being repaired especially since this is the manufacturer responsibility. Please help.

NHTSA ID

11522282

Incident

Feb 4, 2023

Car is making a scary noise when driving

NHTSA ID

11517455

Incident

Apr 14, 2023

Passive Entry O/S Dr Handle Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.

HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT

Calibration Requirements For The Power Sliding Door Module (PSDM).

Power Liftgate Intermittently Inoperative. Will Not Open/ Close. Liftgate/Hatch Ajar Message Displayed. Rev A

Outside Power Fold Rearview Mirror Noise Or Loose At Pivot. Mirror Contacts Door Window Glass In The Folded Position.

Prior to replacing an inoperative passive entry door handle, perform Star Online S2623000040.