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NHTSA safety investigation

NHTSA Investigation PE13016

Preliminary Evaluation · Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

ClosedPreliminary Evaluation

An investigation is not a finding that a defect exists.

NHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.

Model years namedModel years in our database that NHTSA associated with this inquiry. Being named in an investigation says nothing about whether an individual vehicle has any problem.
3
3 models
Opened
May 9, 2013
Preliminary Evaluation
Closed
Feb 10, 2014
No associated recall recorded

What NHTSA is examining

The agency's own description of the inquiry, quoted as published

Engine Stall

During PE13-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2005 through 2006 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Magnum vehicles equipped with 5.7L and 6.1L 8-cylinder HEMI engines that may result in engine stall after refueling when the vehicle is stopped or travelling at low speeds. According to Chrysler, the multifunction control valve (MFCV) fuel shutoff float integrated into 19-gallon fuel tanks can swell in a stuck open position allowing an overfill condition.This condition causes fuel to enter into the purge line which may result in engine stall after refueling.Chrysler's investigation determined that the problem was related to dimensional changes/swelling of the float when exposed to fuels with high ethanol content.Chrysler and its supplier, Stant, developed new fuel soak test requirements to address the condition and extended the warranty period on 19-gallon fuel tanks to lifetime coverage.The owner letter mailing began in January 2014.See the investigative file for copies of Chrysler's owner letter.The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed 1262 complaints related to engine stall that were provided by Chrysler or submitted to ODI from consumers.In total, there were 299 unique reports indicating that the fuel system allowed an overfill condition after refueling, and the predominant failure mode identified involved stalling when stopped or travelling at low speeds.The complaint counts shown in this resume include incidents in which enough detail was available to verify the symptoms were related to the defect condition identified by Chrysler.The condition that is causing the majority of stalling incidents in the subject vehicles occurs at a stop or low speed and allows the vehicle to be restarted immediately.The condition represents a low risk to motor vehicle safety and is adequately addressed by Chrysler's extended warranty. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/owners/SearchNHTSAID?targetCategory=C under the following identification numbers (ODI Nos.): 10507307, 10507200, 10505652, 10505171, 10504826, 10504737, 10504085, 10503965, 10502091, 10501842, 10499752, 10496037, 10495284, 10494434, 10494394, 10493452, 10493120, 10490388, 10489004, 10487504, 10483660, 10480828, 10480763, 10477973, 10477450, 10474702, 10474358, 10473974, 10466062, 10458709, 10457762, 10455763, 10453489, 10453283, 10451227, 10450065, 10449138, 10446316, 10442787, 10442594, 10440885, 10439373, 10415682, 10399601, 10384811, 10365159, 10340153, 10336288, 10275134, 10510152, 10509942, 10509026, 10506031, 10505862, 10534319, 10534148, 10531912, 10520561, 10525368, 10524698, 10520820, 10520097, 10520012, 10515715, 10519379, 10516140, 10515325, 10515134, 10520305, 10514678.

An investigation is a separate record from a recall and from a manufacturer communication. A manufacturer campaign to repair a safety defect or a failure to meet a federal safety standard.

Investigation details

Identifiers, dates and outcome as recorded by NHTSA

Action number
PE13016
Investigation type
Preliminary Evaluation (PE)
Status
Closed
Manufacturer
Chrysler (FCA US, LLC)
Component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
Opened
May 9, 2013
Closed
Feb 10, 2014
Associated recall campaign
None recorded

Vehicles named in this investigation

3 model years across 3 models

Being named here means NHTSA included the vehicle in the scope of its inquiry. It is not a statement that these vehicles have a defect.