Chrysler Pacifica Recall Issued Due to Risk Minivan May Stall Suddenly While Driving

More than 160,000 Chrysler minivans are being recalled by federal highway safety officials after the manufacturer recognized the potential for the vehicles to experience a sudden engine stall and loss of power steering hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. 

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 comes following an official investigation by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

To date, Chrysler stated 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 vehicles stalled unexpectedly during low speeds of travel, while idling, or during long road trips.

The NHTSA opened the investigation into the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans on December 1, 2017, and, through cooperation with the manufacturer, determined that under certain circumstances the vehicles engine control module may incorrectly assess the engine’s operating status and stall the vehicle.

The recall affects about 163,000 model year 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans that were manufactured at the Windsor Plant in Ontario, Canada and sold throughout the United States at licensed Fiat Chrysler dealers. An estimated 7,500 impacted vehicles were distributed for sale in Canada, and another 1,000 were sold in Mexico.

According to Chrysler, owners will receive a mailed notification warning them of the potential stalling issues. They will also receive instructions on how to schedule a free repair at their local dealer. Dealers will be instructed  update to the vehicle’s engine control software in order to fix the issue.

Customers with additional questions or concerns regarding the recall are encouraged to contact FCA’s recall information center at 1-800-853-1403.

This is the second major Pacifica recall in less than a year. In August, Chrysler issued a recall of nearly 50,000 model year 2017 and 2018 Pacifica minivans due to second row seat belts unexpectedly unlatching, posing an increased crash injury risk.