What 39 owners told NHTSA about the 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Phev

While driving the car down a busy 4 lane road at 55mph on [XXX] around [XXX] in Irvine, CA, the car began to shake as the steering locked up and alerts came up on the dash that the power steering had failed. After turning the car off and on it did not fix it. Leaving it off for 15 mins seemed to make the error go away. We had it towed to Tustin Tuttle Chrysler dealership for service. The dealership found the fault code in the log, it was a power steering control failure. They could not replicate the circumstance and insist on releasing the car as safe to drive; putting my family and the public at great risk. The dealership refuse to even run diagnostics on the faulty identified part. They said if they cannot recreate the problem they won’t fix it, even though they see the error code on their scanner. They shouldn’t be telling me the car is safe when it is clearly not. They only drove it 30 miles and did not check wiring or even pop the hood. They have done no work to deem it safe and this is fraud. Rochelle, the service manager, has told us over the phone that she will not work on the car, because she believes she will not be reimbursed for the work. She has said she has had the car for too long and wants it picked up. Her service advisor Erik, has read us the codes found over the phone and also told us that no one has worked on it and only has test driven it. Our greatest concern is the dealership is not servicing or repairing vehicles and putting very dangerous cars on the road. This is a public safety issue for all of Southern California. Additionally, this car was purchased with a full manufacturer’s bumper-to-bumper warranty, of which it is still in its covered in the next 3 years or 40,000 miles. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11628082

Chrysler issued recall 72B back in July but has failed to provide a repair solution to the issue of a high voltage battery fire. They have advised to park the vehicle away from structures and to not charge. It's disappointing not to have a resolution or fix for this issue, especially going into the colder months and not being able to use the vehicle as intended.

NHTSA ODI 11624172

The electrical system for the Chrysler Pacificas are dangerous. Beyond the other dangerous recalls, my Horn and cruise control no long work intermittently. I learned this while trying to warn a driver that was cutting into my lane without seeing my vehicle and I couldn’t warn them that they were about to hit me. Also Cruise control stops randomly. This all started after previous recall repairs. Since I am unable to use my horn in an emergency, I am nervous that my airbag no longer functions. This is a common issue reported online. This all started after previous recall repairs

NHTSA ODI 11568907

While driving a message appeared on the dash "SERVICE CHARGING SYSTEM" and vehicle doesn't even accelerate(we stay in Des Moines and visited my cousin in Dallas,TX, this is where this issue happened). Luckily I was on local road I was able to pull off, what would be the situation if it happens on interstate with such high speed travelling vehicles behind me. I was driving with my 2 kids and wife and I feel it's more dangerous to take a trip with this vehicle. Please try to find a solution or issue an recall and doesn't want this situation to happen to anybody.

NHTSA ODI 11562818

Loss of Motive Power reoccurrences (2 incidents) AFTER 1803A182 Safety Recall 03A correction was performed, 9 May 2023, by reprogramming Hybrid Control Processor/Aux Hybrid Control Processor on 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid (mileage: 35,180) Experienced a sudden loss of power twice; 16 and 17 September 2023. - 16 SEPTEMBER: Having just merged into one lane from two and speeding up hill (from approx. 20 mph) to merge onto highway, a sudden loss of power occurred without an adequate shoulder to pull off, resulting in time critical crash avoidance maneuvers by all vehicles behind us. No known crashes occurred within our viewing range. ADDITIONAL DETAILS: Unable to shut down vehicle for 2-3 minutes Check Engine Light illuminated Dash Diagnostic screen: “Service Charging System” error Electric Power available: 56% Fuel: 3/8th) - 17 SEPTEMBER: After running a preliminary diagnostic test with my personal OBD tester, I noticed that the Check Engine Light turned off after the connection activated. I did NOT clear any codes. After printing the list of faults generated from the evening prior, I chose to take it for a short test drive. While waiting at a stop light within a mile from my house, the same issue occurred again, “Service Charging System” error followed by two additional alternating notification on the dash, “Service Shifter” error and “Service Shifter Stop Safely Shut Off Vehicle to Engage Park,” with the transmission indicator selector knob lost illumination and became non-responsive. (as seen in attached pictures from previous incidents) Luckily, everyone was stopped this time. Within 20-30 seconds, the entire vehicle, including dashboard went completely dead then blipped back on as if nothing had happened, allowing me to make it home safely.

NHTSA ODI 11545450

While driving down the road at approximately 45 mph, the car suddenly shut down with no power. The display said there was a charging error and to put the vehicle in park. I parked the vehicle on the shoulder, turned it off, and restarted. The engine started and I drove off, but 5 minutes later it suddenly shut off once again. I repeated this process 2 times until the final time, the vehicle would not restart, and we were stranded on the shoulder of a busy road in icy conditions. A mechanic ran a diagnostic on the vehicle and there are no error codes, but it will not start and says there is a charging error, even though it is not plugged in. The sudden stops are very dangerous, especially in snowy/icy conditions. We are 600 miles away from home and do not feel safe operating this vehicle on a long road trip on busy highways.

NHTSA ODI 11509125

2019 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO NHTSA SAFETY RECALL 23V-010. THE CONSUMER STATED THE REMEDY FOR THE RECALL UPDATING THE PIM SOFTWARE UPDATE OPPOSED TO REPAIRING THE WIRE HARNESS IS UNSATISFACTORY.

NHTSA ODI 11506556

On Dec 5th, as I was driving downhill on Hwy 54 in Peachtree City, GA, the van jerked, made a beeping noise, and the dash lit up. The van had completely shut off. It said "service charging system" and "shift to park". I was able to get the van off the roadway and into a parking lot by coasting. Despite turning it off, it kept turning back on with the ac on full blast. It finally stopped turning back on after I opened the driver door and left it open. It restarted and my husband drove it home. I called Chrysler when I got home. They said to call the local dealership to get recall fixed and have them look at the engine. I called the dealership first thing the next morning. He said the first available appointment would be Dec 28th. They no longer have a loaner program so I had to contact Chrysler cares back regarding rental. I sent them a message asking about a rental. They recommended I try to find an appt at another dealership. They also stated they couldn't speak to if it was safe to drive the van until seen at the dealership. On Friday Dec 9, I had to use the van. It stalled 5 times. I was able to get it off the roadway and restarted immediately. I contacted Chrysler again to request they contact the dealer to try to get me in sooner and they need to provide me a rental. This is a huge safety concern, and this is an issue that has been impacting their vans for a long time now. We love the van, but so disappointed that it is failing us and doesn't even have 50k miles on it! Their customer service is terrible. They are aware of these issues!!!

NHTSA ODI 11496719

Driving on the Highway with my entire family of 6 people (with 2 young kids) and my Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid 2019 suddenly stops. When I press the accelerator the vehicle doesn't respond. When I shut it off, wait for a couple of minutes and turn it on again, it gives an error saying service charging system. I had to shut it down on the highway and get it towed to the nearest dealer. I see several customer complaints with the same issue. I also see a NTHSA investigation of the same :- https://www.autoevolution.com/news/nhtsa-investigates-transmission-issue-affecting-chrysler-pacifica-phev-194678.html This is a fairly new vehicle (~40000 miles) with full service and maintenance done. Last month I took it for service at Chrysler dealership and they did service with 20 point inspection and no one identified or mentioned anything wrong with the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11494428

On two occasions, my Pacifica Hybrid van lost electrical power and stalled while driving at high speed on the highway. In each case I was able to safely coast the vehicle over to a breakdown lane but the experiences were terrifying for my family and I. After stalling the vehicle remained frozen in a strange electrical system status and would not restart. Eventually I was able to get the system to restart by pulling and replacing fuses. To do this in a narrow breakdown lane while semi trucks are flying by at high speed was, again, terrifying.

NHTSA ODI 11492881

Total loss of propulsion at 35 mph and vehicle could not move in the middle of an intersection. Warnings included “Service Charging System” , “Service Hybrid System”, “Shift into Park”. Dealer replaced the inverter, check engine light and codes came back, and then dealership replaced transmission. Errors come back intermittently after transmission replaced. Has us seriously questioning the the safety of our van with 2 young kids.

NHTSA ODI 11492399

On rare occasion, but enough to be concerning, the rear backup camera image will not remove from the screen after putting the van in Drive from Reverse. The last image will freeze on the screen and nothing can be done to clear the screen but stop the vehicle, turn it off fully, and then restart. Not only is it confusing to the driver to still see a non-realtime image of the back of the vehicle, any and all controls are locked out from the main infotainment screen. This has not be replicated at the dealer as it's unpredictable and somewhat infrequent. But given that there are times a full reboot of the van aren't possible (highway driving), this could be a major safety issue. No warnings are given or report from the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11485158

Driving along on Aug 2nd and at about 30 mph all electrical systems turned off, acc, blind spot, automatic braking etc, it went into limp mode and I had to pull over. The dealer installed a few updates and reset the codes. I drove it three more days and then it happened all over again this past Sunday the 7th

NHTSA ODI 11478576

Vehicle lost all traction power and vehicle display on the dash indicated "Service Charging System"

NHTSA ODI 11451060

THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM IN THE VEHICLE SHOWED AN INCORRECT LOCATION BY SEVERAL HUNDRED MILES. I TOOK THE VEHICLE IN FOR WARRANTY SERVICE AND THE DEALER ATTEMPTED TO PERFORM AN UPDATE. ACCORDING TO THE DEALER THE UPDATE FAILED AND THEY WOULD NEED TO CONTACT CHRYSLER FOR REPAIR. I HAVE CONTACTED FCA MULTIPLE TIMES WITH NO RESPONSE. I NOW HAVE NO RADIO WHATSOEVER, NO CLIMATE SYSTEM, NO BACKUP CAMERA OR ANY OTHER FEATURES THAT OPERATE THRU THE RADIO TOUCHSCREEN.

NHTSA ODI 11297170

ON INTERSTATE HIGHWAY LEFT LANE AT 65MPH, CHECK ENGINE LIGHT COMES ON, RED PLUG-IN LIGHT COMES ON, AND CAR SLOWS TO A STOP IN LANE. CAR DOES NOT TURN BACK ON AFTER SEVERAL ATTEMPTS. AFTER FIVE MINUTES, CAR STARTS AGAIN. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT REMAINS ON. STALLING RECALL NOT FOUND FOR THIS VIN, BUT IS IN MANUFACTURE DATE RANGE OF RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11254291

THE HANDS-FREE AND BLUETOOTH FEATURE OF MY RADIO STOPPED WORKING 3 MONTHS AGO. I HAVE BEEN IN TO CHRYSLER SERVICE IN FORT COLLINS FIVE TIMES TO HAVE IT FIXED. THE LAST TIME WAS TWO WEEKS AGO AND THEY SAID THEY WERE GOING TO JUST ORDER A NEW RADIO. I STILL HAVEN'T HEARD ANYTHING FROM THEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER, BOB LEE, SAYS IT'S CHRYSLER'S FAULT. I JUST WANT THIS THING FIXED. 3 MONTHS IS JUST RIDICULOUS. THIS IS AS MUCH A SAFETY PROBLEM AS IT IS AN INCONVENIENCE.

NHTSA ODI 11234476

SMOKE AND FOUL ROTTEN EGG SMELL COMING FROM DRIVER REAR QUARTER PANEL WHERE BATTERY SITS. FIRE DEPARTMENT CAME OUT AND REMOVED PANELING AND BATTERY WAS FOUND TO BE EXTREMELY OVERHEATED. VEHICLE WAS PLUGGED IN CHARGING WHEN THIS COURTED IN OUR GARAGE. I IMMEDIATELY UNPLUGGED IT AND CALLED 911

NHTSA ODI 11181367