What 223 owners told NHTSA about the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Phev

Vehicle states "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon" with a red turtle logo. I have restarted the vehicle, and the warning persists. I am bringing in the car to the dealer next.

NHTSA ODI 11639047

On [XXX], my vehicle produced a large red wrench and a turtle warning on a busy highway and I was forced to pull to the side with my [XXX] son in the car, as the vehicle lost motive power. It was towed to the dealer and after several days, they told me the issue was due to normal wear and tear in the transmission. I had to escalate to a service manager to even get a diagnosis after 5 days in the shop. I believe my transmission issue is due to a failure of the fix implemented in the 03A/NHTSA 23V-010 recall. It has been documented that the software update did not fix the issue. My vehicle experienced the exact series of failures described in the recall. Chrysler is refusing to fix my vehicle, even though they had extended the warranty on my Pacifica to unlimited miles/unlimited years because of all of the transmission issues the model has experienced. I would appreciate it if someone could look into this and Chrysler's unwillingness to stand behind their products and provide fixes for their recalls that work. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11629611

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure occurred immediately after the vehicle was repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System). The vehicle was taken back to the dealer. The dealer requested that the vehicle be diagnosed and provided the cost for the diagnostic test. The contact declined to pay for a diagnostic test. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 100,800.

NHTSA ODI 11608273

After refueling on a recent road trip the check engine light came on. After driving for a little bit to get to a hotel for the night white smoke started coming out the back of the car. To me the incident seems similar to the recall for other 2018 Chrysler Pacifica's, noted below, but did not apply to my VIN so wasn't completed for my car. The mpg's kept going down because I believe too much fuel was being fed to the engine resulting in the white smoke. When taken to the dealer there was a pending error code to the catalyst. It is currently at the Riser Chrysler Dealership in Hot Springs, AR awaiting further diagnostic and repair. NHTSA Campaign ID: 18V740000

NHTSA ODI 11603594

I was driving with my family on the interstate and was exiting when the car shuddered and I lost propulsion. Interior electrical power was still functional. This occurred as the car was switching to gas mode as I had been been driving about 30-35 miles on electric at that point. The gas motor never came on. I was able to roll into a gas station since we were on a bit of a downhill. Shut off car and waited a beat then started car again, battery showed 1% and was able to pull 2 more feet into gas station and off to side before it completely died again (battery at 0%). I feel extremely fortunate that this didn't happen a moment earlier when I was on the expressway and that were able to get off of a busy road. I had the vehicle towed to nearest Chrysler dealer and had a friend drive me and my family to a nearby car rental place. After two weeks at the dealer, we were informed that the issue was likely the Power Inverter Module. We are still without car and waiting for updates from service department.

NHTSA ODI 11600061

I was driving on the freeway and my engine suddenly stopped out of nowhere. A console message informed me to shift from Drive to Park. The accelerator did not work. This happened 4 times before I could get off the freeway. The first time I pulled into the shoulder, but I still had to get off the freeway. I had to wait about 10 minutes each time for the engine to start again until I could pull off the freeway and wait for AAA. I did not feel safe waiting on the freeway. I'm aware that there is a recall and that Chrysler has extended my engine warranty to 10 years. This is unacceptable because: 1. Replacing a part or wire does not ensure my transmission will not give out again. I was fortunate this last time, but I may not be so the next time this happens. I could die or cause harm to others, especially if I am travelling fast in the carpool or fast lane. 2. My car is paid off and has only 40,100 miles on it. But I have lost money and value in my car. 3. Chrysler knows there is a grave problem and should recall all affected vehicles to replace the entire transmission. The company is putting tens of thousands of people's lives at risk by not doing so.

NHTSA ODI 11596296

Warning message stating "stop safely, vehicle will shut off soon", which is followed by loss of power and vehicle will only go about 30 MPH. There is an open investigation according to the NHTS website, NHTSA Action Number: RQ24004. Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short. Dealer says that the fix is to replace the Power Inverter module (PIM), for which we are waiting for the part.

NHTSA ODI 11584816

Tried to start car. When start button was pressed the dash lit up like a Christmas tree. Multiple error messages. FCW unavailable, power steering unavailable, fuel door open, park brake unavailable, park sense unavailable, Service hybrid electric system, power steering unavailable. The gear indication, both on dash and by shifter was flashing. The car would not turn off. I had to open hood and disconnect 12v battery for the car to power off. Waited 10 seconds and connected 12v and it power on, but the check engine light is still active

NHTSA ODI 11570442

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the check engine warning illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the battery was replaced; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The approximate failure mileage was 55,000.

NHTSA ODI 11528390

My Pacifica Hybrid van has been at a Chrysler dealership (Castle Rock in Colorado) for over six weeks now to have the Z11 recall addressed. It is clear that neither Chrysler nor their dealers know how to properly fix this (potentially lethal) issue with their vehicle batteries. Chrysler have failed to provide a loaner vehicle, even though it is stated in their recall letter that they would, and their "Customer Care" hotline have been unable to assist in any way. No one will call me back or otherwise inform me of next steps.

NHTSA ODI 11528111

With Chrysler, recalls are never ending. Last year there was battery recall (Z11) that took 10 months to fix. Just after I got that fixed in Dec-2022, in Feb-2023, we have a new recall, where the vehicle is pretty much rendered useless as it can stop anytime on freeway. My friend who has the car had the vehicle suddenly lose traction and stop in freeway (this happened last week). Fortunately nothing happened as he was able to exit safely. Given it hit so close to home, I am scared to drive my Chrysler Pacifica car anymore. When i contact Chrysler for possible remedies like offering a rental assistance e.t.c they are adamant and refuse to help in anyway. I don't understand this ; I have brought a car in good faith and for no fault of mine , i need to spend on "rental car" now? In prior recalls, Chrysler did offer Rental assistance, but this time around they seem to refuse to entertain any such help. This is really a very precarious situation for me. My wife constantly uses this car to shuttle kids to/from school/activities and frequently needs to use it on freeway. I am really concerned for my family's safety and well being. I think this unfortunate stance by Chrysler is placing us in great danger. Pls help!!

NHTSA ODI 11520060

2018 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO PARTS BEING UNAVAILABLE TO PERFORM SAFETY RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11518592

I was driving with my family about 30mph and for no reason, the vehicle lost power and I coasted and braked to a stop on the side of the road. Nothing I did would bring any response from the vehicle while it was coasting. A short time later while stopped, I was able to turn the vehicle off and then was able to turn it back on. This happened about a year ago and I thought it was strange. It has not re-occurred. I did not seek out any resolution until I found out about the 03A recall (NHTSA 23V-010). That recall describes what happened to me. My vehicle is currently undergoing multiple attempts to perform the Z11 recall (NHTSA 22V-077) so I do not currently have access to my vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11515085

Check engine light stays on and car does not charge. Both recalls were done at the dealership

NHTSA ODI 11514439

While driving at a low speed in a neighborhood, received the message "Service Charging System" then within seconds car completely died. No engine power or electrical systems working, all lights and screens were black. Was able to pull over and park safely.

NHTSA ODI 11508762

The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle decelerated and failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact stated that the hybrid vehicle battery capacity warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the check engine warning light also remained illuminated. The cause was not yet determined. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer and local dealer were not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

NHTSA ODI 11495594

While driving an a well paved road, I received a check hybrid system alert on my dashboard. Then several lights bean to flash including the blind spot alerts on the side view mirrors and several other alert system. Adaptive cruise control and lane change failure alerts also went off. I was only two miles from home and managed to get back. The engine did not cut out. The next morning, it started up but just a few miles into testing it out, the same alerts and light appeared, but this time the engine died along with the power steering. I coasted to roadside, turned off the car, and waited for 5 to 10 minutes. I started it up and drove it home. The engine remained on but the lights and warning continued to flash. The emergency lights also cut out periodically. I managed to drive the car to a Chrysler dealership I've visited in the past. The diagnostic alert on the Mopar app said there was a problem with the Electronic Throttle control (ETC) and the service person that looked over the diagnostic saw several system failure and alerts when he viewed the diagnostic record. At this point, the dealership has had my car for the week and the problems persist and now it won't go into gear. They still cannot determine the source of the problem. I contacted the Chrysler support line to ask them to escalate the problem. There is an open recall on this vehicle, but the parts are still not available to fix it. It only has 101,000 miles on it. I've found several complaints from Pacifica Hybrid owners related to the same ETC alert.

NHTSA ODI 11486046

While traveling at 75+ mph on a multi-lane highway the vehicle shut off displaying warnings "Shift to P to Start" "Service Charging System" "Sliding Door Open" "Forward Collision Warning Unavailable" and large red turtle icons. With the van shut off the only option available was to coast to side of the road/shoulder while trying to avoid other high speed vehicles and while the other vehicles attempted to dodge me. The vehicle has been at the dealer 5 times. Various codes are always available but they are unable to recreate the problem. The first visit the 12v battery was replaced. The most recent visit (the van is still at the dealer) the dealership and the manufacturer tore apart the van and checked parts for 5 weeks and could not identify anything wrong. I have pictures and lists of conditions, codes and problems. There is no warning when this happens, the vehicle merely chimes and lets the driver know that it's no longer on.

NHTSA ODI 11476245

I was driving on I95 in Virginia doing 70mph and the car lost all power. I was able to glide to the side of the interstate and wait for a tow. I had 2 kids and our dog in the car. We live in Maryland and were far from home. It was a very dangerous situation on the should of I95. When the car lost power I got an error message to put the Van into park. The Van is under recall for a fire risk which still hasn't been fixed. This is another issue with the Van. It is currently at Ourisman Chrysler in Clarksville, MD. No answers yet.

NHTSA ODI 11473411

I was driving with the gas engine running when I lost power and then the engine shut off. I was able to get the engine restarted but it wouldn’t move forward or backwards under power.

NHTSA ODI 11454767

While driving at 60mph, vehicle shut off and would not allow me to accelerate. Error message displayed on speedometer, vehicle must be in park to shift gears. The PRNDL blue LED was flashing as well. Several indicator lights on my dashboard illuminated too. Vehicle has approximately 9300 miles on it. This is a pacifica e-hybrid. After pulling off the road I was able to restart and the van worked in “limp home” mode with the red turtle displayed. I then limped the van to a gas station, shut off the van, topped off the fuel tank which had been at 1/4 full, and after a few minutes restarted. After restart, only the yellow check engine light was displayed and the van operated normal. I have read a safety recall exists but Chrysler is saying it is not an active recall for my specific VIN even though I am experiencing the same problems as other owners. I am pretty sure it is associated with one of: 19V348000, 18V049000, or 18V524000. The dealer won’t repair this under recall since all my “active recalls” have been fixed. I can’t drive the vehicle safely but how can I get it fixed if Chrysler won’t repair the issue I am having. With no error codes saved, the dealer said unless it replicates while they have it they won’t be able to diagnose.

NHTSA ODI 11442778

Picked up Vehicle from Bayside Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram of Annapolis after we were told the problems were addressed. After driving about 50 miles home parking than driving the Van again about 5 miles, In the center lane of the road driving about 45 mph the van said "Shift to P to start". The van wouldn't accelerate forcing my wife to drift to the shoulder of the road. The van was turned off and attempted to turn back on, but the Van would not turn completely on to drive. After about five minutes the van was able to be restarted and turned on. The check engine light came on, the van was driven to Auto zone to have the check engine light read. "Power Train System - P0BFD" & " Secondary DTC".

NHTSA ODI 11427310

This happened the Day after we purchased the 2018 hybrid Pacifica limited.While Driving the van started to stall out (wouldn’t go when pushing gas) and said shift to P(park) to start. Pulled over turned off the van and restarted it, that didn’t fix the problem. Restarted again and it went back to normal but the check engine light is on. Also the battery is dying extremely fast. Within 5 miles it’ll go from 40% to 0%.

NHTSA ODI 11426922

This is the second time we have had this issue with our van. The first time was May 25, 2019. On June 4, 2021, my wife was driving down the highway with our two kids and as she began to exit toward the off ramp, several alarms and warning appeared on the driver’s dashboard including 'SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM', a red wrench with a lightning bolt through it, the orange engine warning light, and a message appeared saying 'SHIFT VEHICLE TO PARK'. The van stalled and when my wife pressed the accelerator, nothing happened. She was able to coast down the exit ramp and pull over to the shoulder. The van was out in park, shut off and we were able to restart it. The orange engine warning light remained on. We immediately drove to the dealership. They ran a diagnostic test and said no issues came up but there were twenty some software updates. The issue has not been reproduced by the dealer but we have had it happen two times. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11423716

This is the third and fourth time we have had this issue with our van. The previous two times were on May 25, 2019 and June 4, 2021. In this incident, my wife was driving our van with our two kids and I down Northwest Highway in Arlington Heights, IL. We were going about 35 miles per hour when several alarms and warnings appeared on the driver’s dashboard including 'SERVICE HYBRID SYSTEM', a red wrench with a red lightning bolt through it, the orange engine warning light, and red battery warning icon, and a message appeared saying 'SHIFT VEHICLE TO PARK'. (See attached photos.) When my wife pressed the accelerator pedal nothing happened. We were able to coast and turn down a side street. We put the vehicle in park, turned it off and we’re able to restart it. We immediately notified the dealership and drove it there. On the way to the dealership, we made a stop. When in a parking lot, my wife pressed the accelerator to drive and the same issue happened with the same warning lights and alarms. Once again, we shifted to park, turned the vehicle off and we’re able to restart it. We drove straight to the dealership, informed them of the repeated issue and left the van with them. The dealership indicated there were over twenty software updates. We were told the exact same thing on June 4th the last time this happened. They have not yet been able to tell us why this has happened or continues to happen. The problem has not been reproduced by the dealership but this is the third time this has happened. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ODI 11423721