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Chrysler · NHTSA safety record

2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid

Every safety complaint, recall and defect investigation the US government holds on this vehicle.

115

Complaints

2

Crashes

0

Fires

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

Owners of the 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid have filed 115 safety complaints with NHTSA between June 2022 and June 2026. The most complained-about system is the power train, named in 55 of them (48%). The typical failure was reported at 31,035 miles, the median across the 14 complaints that gave an odometer reading.

No recall campaign was matched to this year, make and model. That is not the same as a clean vehicle: recalls are issued against production ranges, and the only reliable check is your own VIN.

Defect investigations (2)

An investigation means NHTSA has decided a pattern is worth examining. A preliminary evaluation is often closed with no action; an engineering analysis is the stage that usually precedes a recall.

Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.

RQ24004

Still open recall query · opened February 27, 2024

the electrical system

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV).  On January 17, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued safety recall (NHTSA Recall 23V-010) involving 2017-2023 Model Years (MY) Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016, through January 9, 2023. The recall states that the loss of motive power condition in these vehicles is caused by an internal transmission wiring connector that may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.  An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.  In discussions with FCA on Recall 23V-010, ODI confirmed the recall was related to investigation PE22-008.  The remedy for 23V-010 is to update the Power Inverter module (PIM) and/or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software to provide drivers a message stating “Stop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” followed by a chime and MIL, PRNDL blinking (on cluster and shifter knob), low SOC (State of Charge) warning and reduced power mode.  The recall remedy does not replace the defective hardware that was described in Recall 23V-010, and the wiring connector short still exists on these vehicles. To date, ODI has received 132 reports for the population of vehicles subject to recall 23V-010.  These reports allege a loss of motive power condition that reduces the vehicles speed, followed by dashboard warning lamps displaying messages associated with recall 23V-010.  The presence of these warning lamps and messages indicates the vehicle likely had the recall remedy applied. Follow up discussions with FCA confirm their remedy does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down.  When this occurs, FCA relies on the owner to transport the vehicle to a dealership after they experience a loss of motive power condition, at which time the defective hardware is replaced.  Furthermore, the dashboard messages introduced in the recall remedy may cause the driver to pull over in an unsafe location. Pulling over in an unsafe location may expose the occupants to undue harm. The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy, frequency, and safety consequence of the remedy for recall 23V-010.  To review the ODI reports cited in the opening resume ODI report identification number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

Transmission fault leading to loss of motive power

PE22008

Closed preliminary evaluation · opened July 22, 2022 · closed March 27, 2024 · led to recall 23V010

the power train

On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened PE22008 to investigate allegation of loss of motive power, potentially due to transmission malfunction, in certain Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. In a January 17, 2023 letter to NHTSA, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) submitted recall notice 23V-010 involving a transmission motor wiring defect in 67,118 model year (MY) 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) manufactured from August 12, 2016 through January 9, 2023. FCA determined that an internal transmission connector short could result in an unexpected engine shutdown under certain conditions. Follow up correspondence with FCA confirmed this defect results in an electric motor position trouble code that was the basis for opening PE22008, therefore NHTSA is closing this investigation. The 23V-010 recall remedy is a software update to address the hardware failure associated with PE22008. When a hardware failure is detected, the vehicle limits motive power while instructing the driver to pull over to a safe location. NHTSA is concerned that drivers will pull over to an unsafe location when the warning message associated with the recall remedy displays on the dashboard. Due to the nature of the recall remedy and related reports, NHTSA has opened Recall Query RQ24004 to assess the recall remedy. The reports and failure report summary values included with this closing action are related to allegations of Recall 23V-010 remedy inadequacy. The Agency reserves the right to take additional action if warranted by future circumstances. To review the ODI reports cited in the Closing Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.

What owners report

Complaints naming each system. One complaint can name several, so these add up to more than 115.

POWER TRAIN 55 48%
ENGINE 53 46%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 40 35%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 22 19%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 21 18%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL 10 9%
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM 7 6%
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE 3 3%
SERVICE BRAKES 3 3%
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES 1 1%
SEAT BELTS 1 1%
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 1 1%

When the complaints arrived

By the year NHTSA received them, which is not the year the failures happened. They peaked in 2023 at 49.

2022 2023 2026
2022 to 2026, the last of them a part year

In owners' own words

Quoted from NHTSA's complaint file. These are unverified accounts by the people who filed them, not findings of fault.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM

crash · towed · 9,000 miles

The contact owned a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while making a left turn, the accelerator pedal was depressed however, the engine failed to increase in speed. As a result, another vehicle crashed into the front passenger side of the contact’s vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The air bags deployed. No injuries were sustained. No medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a salvage yard and deemed a total loss by the insurance company. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact then stated that she became aware of the NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System) upon

NHTSA complaint 11506089, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SERVICE BRAKES

crash · towed

On Aug 26th, 2023, I was driving on NJ turnpike. under the speed limit of 65 mph. I was raining a bit and rain intensity picked up. I had both my hand on steering wheel. As I tap on the brakes a little bit to further slow down my vehicle, the brakes got locked and the vehicle started spinning and the went into the ditch divider between lanes. Fortunately nobody was hurt in the vehicle. It was a rental vehicle and I was driving it from 12th of August. I had driven that vehicle for about 12 days and I recollect that braking of that vehicle was always a bit odd. I've been driving for over 20 years and never had I ever had such braking experience. I thought it was atypical because I was not

NHTSA complaint 11552346, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER

towed · 3,100 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled without warning. The contact pulled over on the side of the road and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and the contact was informed that the power inverter module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 3,100.

NHTSA complaint 11499950. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

towed · 33,449 miles

The contact was an insurance agent who was filing a complaint on behalf of her client, who leased a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid from Enterprise Rental Car. The contact stated that while her client was driving 62 MPH, the engine seized, and the vehicle lost motive power. The client pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to an unknown location and was not yet diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. Upon investigation, the client was made aware of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V010000 (Electrical System, Hybrid Propulsion System) associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was approximately 33,449.

NHTSA complaint 11506568. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

SEAT BELTS

75,000 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In-Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH, another vehicle attempted to make a turn in front of the contact's vehicle. The contact engaged the parking brake, and the vehicle stopped abruptly; however, the passenger's side third-row seat belt failed to restrain the contact's daughter, causing the occupant to be propelled into the seat in front of her. The contact's daughter sustained soreness on the left shoulder, but no medical assistance was required. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that all three third-row seat belts were defective. The dealer determined that the seat belts needed to be replaced;

NHTSA complaint 11746018, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ENGINE

28,620 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the message "Vehicle was Shutting Down" and a "Red Turtle" symbol was displayed. The contact stated that the engine was running but gradually lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was turned off and restarted. The contact had driven the vehicle to a local dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but recurring. The contact stated that recently when the warning light illuminated, the vehicle shut off. The contact had taken the vehicle three times to the same dealer however, the

NHTSA complaint 11679811, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Both of my sliding doors suddenly stop working. Electrical malfunction, locking mechanism not working, door not locking in place.

NHTSA complaint 11649948. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN

37,000 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at undisclosed speeds, the transmission unexpectedly downshifted, with the image of a turtle displayed, and the message "Vehicle Speed May Be Limited" was displayed. The contact pulled over and waited for several minutes before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to two dealers to be diagnosed; however, the contact was not provided the diagnostic results by the dealers. The vehicle was not repaired. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Action Number: PE22008 (Power Train); for which an investigation was launched by the NHTSA to address the failure. The manufacturer was notified of

NHTSA complaint 11646438, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

52,000 miles

The contact owns a 2022 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in Hybrid Mode, the vehicle occasionally failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle failed to maintain speed, and gradually decelerated while the accelerator pedal was being depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was previously repaired several times by the local dealer. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer and remained with the dealer for further diagnostic tests and repair; however, the cause of the failure remained unknown. The manufacturer was made aware of the

NHTSA complaint 11645107, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

POWER TRAIN
this weekend my wife was driving my kids home from out of town and was on the highway when she got a warning that said "Stop Safely, Vehicle will shut off soon". we were able to get home and I scheduled the van to be looked at by the dealership. today the dealership was able to look at the van and told me that the code while stored as no longer showing as active and that they could not help me. they told me the best thing for me to do was to continue driving and bring it back when the warning comes back, or the vehicle does completely lose power. I tried to explain to them my understanding of the situation, that there were issues with vans stopping unexpectedly and suddenly in a way that

NHTSA complaint 11636342, quoted in part. Filed by an owner and not verified by NHTSA or by us.

Compare

Other years of the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid

Model year Complaints Recalls Deaths
2023 40 0
2021 26 1
2020 58 1
2019 45 1
2018 223 2
2017 79 1

Other 2022 Chrysler models

Every Chrysler on this site — 49 vehicles, 207 recall campaigns and 4 open investigation s.

If this is your car and a dealer keeps failing to fix it, your state's lemon law may require the manufacturer to replace it or buy it back. What each state asks for , read from the statutes.

Where these numbers come from

A complaint is one owner's account and has not been verified by NHTSA or by us. A vehicle with more complaints is not necessarily worse: models that sold in larger numbers collect more of them. How this is counted.

Compiled and maintained by
Independent developer and analyst