2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid

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 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.

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle attempted to make a turn in front of the contact's vehicle. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped abruptly; however, the passenger's side third-row seat belt failed to restrain the contact's daughter, causing the occupant to be propelled into the seat in front of her. The contact's daughter sustained soreness on the left shoulder, but no medical assistance was required. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that all three third-row seat belts were defective. The dealer determined that the seat belts needed to be replaced; however, the parts were not available. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that no assistance would be provided because the VIN was not associated with a related recall. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

NHTSA ID

11746018

Incident

Jun 20, 2026

Mileage

75,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Vehicle was Shutting Down" and a "Red Turtle" symbol was displayed. The contact stated that the engine was running but gradually lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurring. The contact stated that recently when the warning light illuminated, the vehicle shut off. The contact had taken the vehicle three times to the same dealer however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and advised the contact that a case manager would call back and provided a case number. The failure mileage was 28,620.

NHTSA ID

11679811

Incident

Jun 5, 2025

Mileage

28,620 mi

Both of my sliding doors suddenly stop working. Electrical malfunction, locking mechanism not working, door not locking in place.

NHTSA ID

11649948

Incident

Mar 22, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the image of a turtle displayed, and the message "Vehicle Speed May Be Limited" was displayed. The contact pulled over and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two dealers to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not provided the diagnostic results by the dealers. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: PE22008 (Power Train); for which an investigation was launched by the NHTSA to address the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was provided a case number. The failure mileage was approximately 37,000.

NHTSA ID

11646438

Incident

Jan 17, 2025

Mileage

37,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle occasionally failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain speed, and gradually decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired several times by the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for further diagnostic tests and repair; however, the cause of the failure remained unknown. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA ID

11645107

Incident

Dec 14, 2024

Mileage

52,000 mi

this weekend my wife was driving my kids home from out of town and was on the highway when she got a warning that said "Stop Safely, Vehicle will shut off soon". we were able to get home and I scheduled the van to be looked at by the dealership. today the dealership was able to look at the van and told me that the code while stored as no longer showing as active and that they could not help me. they told me the best thing for me to do was to continue driving and bring it back when the warning comes back, or the vehicle does completely lose power. I tried to explain to them my understanding of the situation, that there were issues with vans stopping unexpectedly and suddenly in a way that was unsafe. the recall (03A/NHTSA 23V-010) was not a fix to the underlying issue but merely provided ample warning to safely get the van off the road. I feel like the instructions I was given are a direct disregard for the recall in place. basically ignoring the warning that was put in place and asking me to continue driving until the event that triggered the recall happens anyway. This all seems to be confirmed by the NHTSA investigation that was started February of last year (Investigation: RQ24004 ) that confirms that the solution to the recall did nothing to stop the event, but only provided a better warning.

NHTSA ID

11636342

Incident

Jan 11, 2025

While driving on the interstate in heavy traffic car displayed "Stop Safely - Vehicle will shut off soon" power was reduced and van started slowing down. Turning the vehicle off and on again cleared the problem. Dealer installed a software update and informed us the issue was corrected. Problem persists, happened again at interstate speeds in traffic. Vehicle is now again in the shop for diagnosis.

NHTSA ID

11633717

Incident

Dec 3, 2024

Within a 48 hour period, the vehicle twice displayed "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" and immediately lost engine power at highway speeds when driving with my two young children in the car. Narrowly escaped major accidents while trying to pull over to side of road. Car is at dealer now and they suspect transmission problem.

NHTSA ID

11633298

Incident

Dec 29, 2024

EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING

EVAPORATOR - AIR CONDITIONING

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

HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT

Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) and Radio Compass Display has Dashes (--)

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection