NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation: Transmission Fault Leading to Loss of Motive Power (PE22-008)

PE22-008 at a glance

What is NHTSA investigating in the Chrysler Pacifica?

From NHTSA’s investigation summary:

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 is a preliminary evaluation?

Preliminary Evaluation is the first stage of a federal defect investigation. NHTSA reviews complaints, crash reports and manufacturer data to decide whether a safety defect may exist. It can close with no action, be upgraded to an engineering analysis, or end with a recall.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Yes. NHTSA lists recall 23V010000 as the result of this investigation: 2021-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Inverter Recall (23V010).

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Chrysler Pacifica owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 895 owner complaints filed since 2020 for the vehicles in this investigation (all components). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

What should owners do?

1. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls for any open recall on your vehicle.
2. If you have the problem NHTSA is investigating, take the vehicle to a dealer now and get a repair order, even if the dealer cannot find anything.
3. Keep a log of every time the problem happens: date, mileage and what happened. Photos and videos help.
4. File your own complaint at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem. Owner complaints are what start and expand investigations.
5. If the problem keeps coming back, talk to a lemon law attorney.

Recalls on the same vehicles

• 2025-2026 Chrysler Voyager Stability Control Recall (26V561)
• 2026 Jeep Wrangler Backup Camera Recall (26V531)
• 2021-2022 Chrysler Pacifica High-Voltage Battery Recall (26V362)
• 2023-2026 Chrysler Pacifica Front Air Bag Recall (26V358)
• 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Backup Camera Recall (26V327)
• 2023-2026 Chrysler Pacifica Wheelchair Restraints Recall (26V296)
• 2022-2026 Chrysler Pacifica Curtain Air Bag Recall (26V189)
• 2025 GMC Yukon Latch and Anchor Recall (25V876)
• 2021-2026 Honda Odyssey Latch and Anchor Recall (25V877)
• 2025 Chrysler Pacifica Curtain Air Bag Recall (25V573)

Can a recall or defect investigation make my car a lemon in California?

Not by itself. What matters is whether a covered defect keeps coming back or keeps your vehicle at the dealer, and a federal investigation or recall is strong evidence that the problem is real.

Under California’s Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act, a manufacturer that cannot fix a warranty defect that substantially impairs a vehicle’s use, value or safety within a reasonable number of attempts may have to repurchase or replace it (Civ. Code 1793.2(d)). Within the first 18 months or 18,000 miles, the law presumes a reasonable number of attempts after two repairs of a defect likely to cause death or serious injury, four repairs of the same defect, or more than 30 days out of service (Civ. Code 1793.22(b)).

An owner who prevails can recover reasonable attorney fees and costs from the manufacturer (Civ. Code 1794(d)). You pay nothing, win or lose. We are paid only if you win, and the manufacturer pays our fees, including in settlements. If a case is lost, our firm covers the costs.

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