Chrysler Pacifica Minivans at Risk of Engine Failure

Chrysler Pacifica drivers may want to check to see if their minivans are being recalled before getting behind the wheel.

Stellantis, the major automaker that owns the Chrysler brand, recently announced that it is calling back some 67,000 Pacifica vehicles. An electrical short could cause the engines to shut off without warning while the vehicles are in motion, the company told federal regulators.

“An unexpected engine shut down resulting in a loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning,” Stellantis said in a defect notice filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The recall covers certain Pacifica minivans from the model years 2017 to 2023. Stellantis told NHTSA it has received more than 300 warranty claims or customer complaints related to this issue, but so far no crashes or injuries have been reported. 

The company plans to notify owners of recalled cars by mail starting March 8, 2023. It will ask car owners to bring their vehicles to a local dealer for inspection and a software update designed to address the problem. Stellantis acknowledged, however, that the software fix is not yet available.

Stellantis also said it would cover repair and other costs related to the defect that have already been incurred by owners.

The Other Risk for Pacifica Owners: Fires

The new recall comes less than a year after Stellantis issued an important warning to nearly 20,000 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan owners: Do not charge your cars.

The automaker said a defect could cause the minivans to go up in flames. Stellantis cited at least 12 reports of minivans catching fires while parked and turned off. It also said at the time that the company still did not know how to fix the problem.

More recently, Stellantis told older Dodge vehicle owners to stop driving their cars. The company warned that controversial Takata airbags in those cars could rupture and explode, injuring people inside the vehicles and causing accidents.

Know Your California Lemon Law Rights

The good news for California car owners and lessors is that you have some significant rights and protections under the state’s lemon law.

The California lemon law generally requires car manufacturers to perform a wide range of repairs on vehicles while they are under warranty. It also forces the companies to buy back (or replace, in some cases) cars that they cannot or will not fix. That includes covering the vehicle’s purchase price and financing costs, as well as rental car and other related expenses.

There is no specific number of repair requests or attempts that must happen before the buyback requirement kicks in. That is one of several reasons why it is important to consult an experienced California lemon law attorney.

Talk with a California Lemon Law Attorney

If you have been stuck with a defective or malfunctioning vehicle, a California lemon law attorney at Bickel Sannipoli APC can help you fight back.  

Call us at (888) 800-1983 or contact us online to speak with a California lemon law attorney.