NHTSA Recall Query: Loss of Motive Power Due to an Internal Wiring Connector… (RQ24-004)

RQ24-004 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 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.

What is a recall query?

Recall Query is a review of whether an earlier recall actually fixed the problem or covered all the vehicles it should have. A recall query is opened when owners keep reporting the same failure after the recall repair.

Did this investigation lead to a recall?

Not yet. The investigation is still open, and NHTSA has not listed a recall from it. Investigations can take months. If your vehicle already has the problem, document every dealer visit now.

Which vehicles are part of this investigation?

What are Chrysler Pacifica owners reporting to NHTSA?

NHTSA’s public database lists 918 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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