2021 Chrysler Pacifica

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.

Both second-row seats in my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid have developed serious safety-related mechanical problems. While my children were seated in the second-row seats and the vehicle was being driven, the seat locking mechanism suddenly released. I heard a sudden release sound, the seat release lever moved, and the lower floor-locking mechanism disengaged, allowing the seat to become unsecured and move/slide while the vehicle was in motion. This problem affects both second-row seats. The seatbacks also do not remain securely locked in position. I am extremely concerned that if a second-row seat or seatback unexpectedly releases while a child is seated in it, the occupant may not be properly protected during normal driving, sudden braking, or a collision. I brought the vehicle to an authorized Chrysler dealership for inspection. The dealership provided an estimate of approximately $6,302 to repair the second-row seats. I was informed that because the vehicle has more than 100,000 miles, it was not eligible for Goodwill assistance. My concern is not simply the cost of an out-of-warranty repair. Both second-row seats have experienced locking/anchoring problems, including an actual incident in which the seat became unsecured while the vehicle was being driven with my children seated in the second row. I am asking NHTSA to investigate whether this represents a safety defect involving the second-row seat locking and anchoring mechanisms.

NHTSA ID

11763682

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

My vehicle has open Safety Recall 66B. My radio, navigation, and touchscreen worked normally until a recent dealership service that included a 12-volt battery replacement and high-voltage battery recall service. Immediately after I picked up the vehicle, the touchscreen developed a “ghost-touch” issue and began operating by itself. The dealership stated in writing that Recall 66B may address the issue, but that they have previously experienced radios locking up and becoming unusable while performing the recall software update. They stated that this was the reason they intentionally did not perform Recall 66B during my initial service visit. I asked the dealership to confirm with Stellantis or management who would be responsible if the radio became unusable while performing the safety recall. The dealership later told me that they had spoken with their manager and confirmed that if the recall caused the radio to lock up, replacement would be my financial responsibility because the vehicle is out of warranty. I am NOT declining Recall 66B. I want the safety recall completed. However, I do not believe I should be required to assume the financial risk of the radio becoming unusable as a result of the recall procedure itself. I am asking NHTSA to review this situation and the dealership’s handling of Safety Recall 66B.

NHTSA ID

11763677

Incident

Sep 3, 2026

I am reporting a critical manufacturer-imposed restriction that prevents the completion of a life-saving safety campaign, Recall 52D (NHTSA ID: 24V362), which carries a strict "Park Outside and Do Not Charge" advisory.My vehicle has an active fault code P0E15 (Electric Coolant Heater control performance), which is a well-known, widespread factory defect in Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids. When I took the vehicle to an authorized Stellantis/Chrysler dealership to perform the urgent 52D safety flash, the dealer officially refused to perform the recall. They stated that the manufacturer's diagnostic software (wiTECH) completely blocks the 52D software update from being uploaded if the P0E15 fault is present.I contacted FCA US Customer Care (Case Number: 97720299), and they officially replied that they will not issue a corporate override for their diagnostic software. They are conditioning the execution of a critical fire-safety recall on me privately paying for the repair of a separate known manufacturer defect (P0E15 heater), due to the vehicle's export status.This is a severe threat to public safety and an unacceptable corporate practice. A manufacturer should not be allowed to design diagnostic tools that block critical, life-saving safety recalls due to other unrelated factory defects, effectively forcing owners to drive potential fire hazards unless they pay for commercial repairs. I request NHTSA to investigate FCA US's refusal to deploy safety updates on vehicles with active P0E15 codes.

NHTSA ID

11762950

Incident

Sep 8, 2026

Rear view back -up camera fails to operate at least once a week. The computer screen does not come on. This problem was subject to a recall last year and supposedly fixed, but it seems to have failed again. This seems to be a radio interference software problem.This is a very serious problem that Chrysler needs to fix correctly. The dealer says unless the problem happens at his shop, they cannot fix it. But it happens occcaisionally so it would be difficult for me to reproduce this. I believe there is a recall on newer models from Chrysler.

NHTSA ID

11762336

Incident

Sep 2, 2026

I am writing about a mechanical failure on my 2021 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. Recently, I took my vehicle in for 2 recalls associated with this model. Recall #: 66B, pertaining to the rearview camera & 52D, which corresponds to the high voltage battery. Recall #: 52D could not be completed at the certified Chrysler dealership due to the failure of the Electric Coolant Heater, throwing diagnostic trouble code, (P0E15-00). Due to my vehicle being past its warranty period, at the time of service, by 9,190 miles, I had to pay $1356.70 for the Electric Coolant Heater to be replaced, before my No-charge Recall #52D could be completed. While my vehicle is technically past its warranty period by 10,387 miles], I am reaching out because this specific component, the Electric Coolant Heater, is a well-documented failure point across the Pacifica Hybrid community. The breakdown of this heater directly impacts the vehicle's cabin climate control and the proper thermal management of the hybrid battery system, creating a significant inconvenience and safety concern during cold weather. Section 6 of the NHTSA 26V362 manufacturer filing states that the required remedy includes a software flash to track the battery pack's thermal performance. Because the high-voltage coolant heater core regulates that thermal loop, it is functionally impossible to safely execute the software parameter updates while the module is malfunctioning or failing the dealership's "soak test".

NHTSA ID

11760367

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

Nothing exciting happened. It was a really bad rain/storm and I was driving as normal and I guess the front crash detection glitched out. I tried all the simple fixes tried to get it code tested and nothing pops up. So my front breaking doesn’t work meaning I can’t even use cruise control either. Also this maybe the a two for one. But the car was recalled for the backup camera and I went to get the recall done TWICE and it still didn’t fix the issue and Chrysler refuses to fix the issue.

NHTSA ID

11760201

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V436000 (BACK OVER PREVENTION); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was contacted and informed the contact that the part was no longer available. The contact had not experienced a failure.

NHTSA ID

11759698

Incident

Nov 17, 2025

I brought my vehicle to the dealer for safety recall 52D more than three weeks ago. They will not return the vehicle to me because they say the battery can explode. They have not offered enough money to cover the base model rental car. (I have since rented a slightly better car at my own expense. The allowance would not have covered the cheapest car, though.) No parts have been ordered. The dealer is not returning phone calls to Chrysler customer care. The dealer claims Chrysler technicians won't return their calls. No timeline for repair has been made. I do not believe they intend to return or repair my vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11758328

Incident

Jul 27, 2026

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

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

HOSE AND TUBE - EGR COOLANT

Backup Camera Poor Image Quality Inspection

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

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