Chrysler Pacifica Class Action Lawsuit Filed Over Engine Stall Problems

A class action lawsuit has been filed on behalf of Chrysler Pacifica minivans, following a recall announced last month, due to a risk that the engines may suddenly stall. 

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Barbara Vaughn in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida on February 9, seeking class action status to represent tens of thousands of vehicle owners.

Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FIAT) announced a Chrysler Pacifica recall on January 12, due to a software defect that may cause the vehicle’s engine to stall, resulting in the loss of power steering and an increased auto accident risk. The recall came following an official investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To date, no injuries or crashes have been reported in relation to the recall. However, the NHTSA has received at least 57 consumer complaints of vehicles suddenly stalling without warning while in motion. It initially opened the investigation following a November petition by the Center for Auto Safety (CAS).

According to the NHTSA complaints, several customers reported the Chrysler Pacifica minivans stalled unexpectedly during low speeds of travel, while idling, or during long road trips.

The lawsuit indicates that Chrysler knew about the engine problem for some time and failed to act. The lawsuit also indicates that Chrysler misrepresented the safety of the vehicles, which the lawsuit indicates can become “death traps.”

“Chrysler has known of the common defect, yet has failed to disclose the existence of this defect to Plaintiff, other Class members, or the public,” Vaughn’s lawsuit notes. “Instead, Chrysler has downplayed and covered up the defect, and continued to equip the Subject Vehicles with the defective parts or systems.”

The recall affected about 160,000 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The lawsuit notes that the problem left many owners, who often used the vehicle to transport children and other family members, terrified to drive them even before the recall, and led to many demanding that the recall be issued.

Vaughn bought her vehicle in October 2017, unaware of the defects and believing the vehicle was safe. In addition, she says she would not have paid a premium price for the vehicle had she known of its true condition.

The lawsuit accuses FCA of breach of warranty and violating consumer protection laws. It calls on the court to declare the vehicles defective, require Chrysler to establish an inspection, repair and replacement program, and reward restitution and compensatory damages to owners.