Category Archives: Chrysler

News about Chrysler automobile manufacturer. News about Chrysler recalls, technical service bulletins (TSB), and problems regarding Chrysler vehicles.

A Dangerous Problem Worth Repeating
“Fire Warning For Chrysler Pacifica PHEV”

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Chrysler recommends that owners of select model year 2017-2018 Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles park their vehicles outdoors and away from other vehicles or structures due to a risk of fire, even if the vehicle is turned off. Owners are advised to NOT charge their vehicles and continue to park outside until a remedy is identified.

In August 2021, Chrysler Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance Organization opened an investigation into a reported trend of fires in certain Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Since August 2021, there have been five customer records and twelve field reports relating to this issue. The potentially affected vehicles include 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs manufactured between August 12, 2016, when production of Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs began, and ended on August 7, 2018, when the 2018 model year production ended. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles.

Although the automaker is still investigating the cause, the fire risk is likely due to corrosion of an electrical connection inside the Pacifica’s 12-volt battery system. This system is used to power auxiliary features, including radios and garage door openers, and is not part of the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid propulsion system. However, only hybrid vehicles are included in this recall.

According to the NHTSA defect report, “Certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a fire, even with the ignition in the “OFF” mode. A vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage.”

Because the remedy is under development, Chrysler is advising owners of these hybrid vehicles to refrain from recharging them and to park them away from structures and other vehicles. Owners can keep operating the vehicles using the internal combustion engine.

Fire Warning For Chrysler Pacifica PHEV

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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) will be contacting the owners of certain 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) for a problem that could result in a vehicle fire.

In August 2021, Chrysler Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance Organization opened an investigation into a reported trend of fires in certain Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Since August 2021, there have been five customer records and twelve field reports relating to this issue. The potentially affected vehicles include 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs manufactured between August 12, 2016, when production of Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs began, and ended on August 7, 2018, when the 2018 model year production ended. Chrysler will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles.

Although the automaker is still investigating the cause, the fire risk is likely due to corrosion of an electrical connection inside the Pacifica’s 12-volt battery system. This system is used to power auxiliary features, including radios and garage door openers, and is not part of the vehicle’s plug-in hybrid propulsion system. However, only hybrid vehicles are included in this recall.

According to the NHTSA defect report, “Certain 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a fire, even with the ignition in the “OFF” mode. A vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage.”

Because the remedy is under development, Chrysler is advising owners of these hybrid vehicles to refrain from recharging them and to park them away from structures and other vehicles. Owners can keep operating the vehicles using the internal combustion engine.

Letters notifying owners of the safety risk are expected to be mailed later this month. Second letters will be mailed once the remedy is available. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is Z11 and the NHTSA campaign number is 22V-077.

Don’t live with a Lemon, especially if the problems you are having is safety related. If you have any questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 888-395-3666 for some great Lemon Law advice.

Chrysler, Alfa Romeo And RAM Fuel System Failure

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Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) will be contacting owners of certain Chrysler, Alfa Romeo, and RAM vehicles for a problem affecting the fuel system. In total, approximately 236 000 vehicles are being recalled.

2020-2021 Alfa Romeo Stelvio and Alfa Romeo Giulia vehicles fuel line sensor housing may crack and leak fuel. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-878

The problem was traced to September 11, 2020, when defective fuel sensors were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on May 25, 2021, when the fuel sensors from the suspect batches were no longer used. The suspect population was determined using part traceability and vehicle production records.

According to the defect report, a leak in the fuel line sensor may cause fuel starvation of the engine and in rare circumstances, if the leaked fuel comes in contact with an ignition source, a fire could occur. A vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury and/or injury to persons outside the vehicle, as well as property damage. Fuel starvation could also result in an unexpected loss of motive power.

2019 Fiat 124 Spider fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-879

The suspect period began on April 6, 2018, when the defective fuel delivery module (FDMs) were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on October 18, 2018, when FDMs with improved molding of the impellers were implemented in vehicle production.

Some 2019 Fiat 124 Spider vehicles may have been manufactured with a fuel delivery module (FDM) with impellers that could deform. An FDM with a deformed impeller may interfere with other fuel pump components which can inhibit the operation of the fuel pump potentially causing fuel starvation. : Fuel starvation may result in an unexpected loss of motive power.

2019-2020 RAM 2500, 3500, 4500, and 5500 diesel trucks fuel pump failure may cause an engine stall. NHTSA Campaign Number: 21V-880

The suspect period began on October 11, 2018, when Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were introduced into vehicle production, and ended on November 13, 2020, when Cummins 6.7L Turbo Diesel engines with suspect HPFPs were no longer used in vehicle production.

According to the defect report, the high-pressure fuel pump could fail and introduce debris into the fuel system. Fuel starvation and an unexpected loss of motive power could result without prior warning. Vehicle occupants may notice an illuminated Malfunction Indicator Lamp, a fuel leak or smell, abnormal engine noises, or a change in drive quality.

Jeep Cherokee And Wagoneer Air Bags Disabled With No Warning

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During a configuration review at the supplier for an unrelated manufacturing issue, FCA US LLC Product Engineering became aware of an error with an airbag squib driver circuit that identified three internal faults not mapped to a diagnostic trouble code (DTC). An investigation was opened and it was discovered that some 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, 2022 Jeep Wagoneer, and 2022 Jeep Grand Wagoneer vehicles may not set a DTC, and the airbag warning indicator may not illuminate.

The problem started in February 2021, when occupant restraint controllers (ORCs) with an incorrect software version were introduced into vehicle production, through to November 1, 2021, when the suspect ORCs were no longer used in vehicle production. Vehicle and supplier production records were used to determine the vehicles included in the recall population.

According to the defect report, “If specific ORC internal faults are active then a DTC will not be set and the airbag warning indicator may not illuminate. The internal faults will disable deployment of both the driver and passenger airbag squib 3 (related to airbag venting post-deployment) and knee airbags. The airbag warning indicator may not illuminate to notify the driver of possible compromised airbag system functionality. Reduced occupant protection in the event of a crash may result in an increased risk of injury to motor vehicle occupants.”

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their FCA dealers to have the occupant restraint controller reprogrammed with the correct software version that maps subject internal faults to a DTC. FCA US, LLC’s number for this recall is Y79 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-873.

If you purchased or leased a defective vehicle in California, it has turned out to be a lemon, and you need help to get rid of it, just fill out the above contact form or call us now at 1-888-395-3666 for a free case evaluation.

RAM Trucks Fuel Pump Failure Investigation

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The NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) have opened up an investigation into certain 2019-2020 RAM trucks after receiving 22 complaints and 2 field reports alleging incidents of stalling and loss of engine power. The vehicles affected are equipped with 6.7L Cummins turbo diesel engines. According to the investigation report, the complaints found that most stall/loss of motive power incident allegations occurred at speeds above 25 MPH and resulted in permanent disablement of the vehicle.

The Vehicles Affected Include:
2019-2020 Ram 2500
2019-2020 Ram 3500
2019-2020 Ram 4500
2019-2020 Ram 5500

In November 2019, FCA issued Warranty Bulletin D-19-02 to announce to its dealers a Fast Feedback Program wherein they were notified of a campaign to collect, monitor, and correct quality issues on certain 2018-2020 Ram trucks equipped with the 6.7L Cummins engine. As a result of this campaign, high-pressure fuel pumps have been collected and inspected by the manufacturer and pump manufacturer.

ODI is opening this investigation to further assess the scope, frequency, root cause, and potential safety-related consequences of the alleged defect leading to stall/loss of motive power on 2019-2020MY RAM heavy-duty trucks.

2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lemon Law Buyback

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Our client purchased a new 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

The first visit for service was on January 8, 2018 because the regeneration light was turning on and off and they needed to replace the key battery.

The next visit was on February 5th as the vehicle was still regenerating and having fumes coming into the cabin. The vehicle had regenerated 4 times in less than 1000 miles.

On May 22nd the Exhaust regeneration message came on the dash.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee was back in the shop on June 5th because after performing an oil change the vehicle was being prompted to regenerate after 150 miles.

Our client was back at the authorized dealership on September 18th for service as the Check engine light was on.

November 3rd the check engine light was on again, the throttle light was on and the exhaust filter was 100% full.

The last visit was on November 27th and the check engine light was on again and the message, “The exhaust filter is nearly full” came on.

It was at this point that our client looked into the California Lemon Law and called our firm, The Law Office of Barry L. Edzant and spoke with the attorney. He requested that some documents be emailed over for his review. After discussing the potential Lemon Law case with the gentleman, he decided to sign a retainer agreement.

A demand letter was sent to FCA, USA to buy back the 2015 Jeep Grand Cherokee under the California Lemon Law. FCA, USA decided to buy it back and reimbursed the client for their down payment, any payments made thus far, registration and pay off the balance of the loan minus a usage fee the manufacturer is entitled to under the Lemon Law. They also paid attorney fees.

Our client was very happy with the buyback. If you are having problems with your vehicle and think you may be driving a lemon, please contact our offices at 888-395-3666.

California Lemon Law Buyback
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

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Our client purchased a 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

On September 28, 2018 he took his Jeep Grand Cherokee in for service because the A/C was not blowing cold air.

On March 19, 2019 he brought it back to the dealership because the A/C was not blowing cold air again.

On June 14th it was back at the dealership because there was a Freon or a chemical type smell upon turning the A/C on. The A/C was also making a loud hissing sound and would not get cooler as the day got hotter. Sometimes the A/C would not even turn on at all.

July 15th he brought it back to the dealership because the A/C would stop working after about an hour and there was still a hissing sound coming out of it.

It was at this point that he called our office for a free consultation with California Lemon Law Attorney, Barry L Edzant. After speaking with Mr. Edzant he sent in some paperwork to be reviewed. He signed on as a client and a demand letter was sent in to FCA, USA.

FCA, USA decided to buy back the vehicle under the California Lemon Law and reimbursed our client for his down payment, all payments made, his registration and paid off the vehicle minus a usage fee that manufacturer is entitled to under the law. They also paid the attorney fees. Our client was very happy with the result.

If you are having problem with your vehicle and have questions about your rights and the California Lemon Law, please call our office at 888-395-3666.

2021 Jeep Cherokee Transmission Leak

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transmission hose leakIn March 2021, Chrysler / FCA USA Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance (VSRC) organization received information about a potential trend in engine fires in certain Jeep Cherokee vehicles equipped with automatic transmissions.

The investigation found the problem to be that certain 2021 Jeep Cherokee SUVs were manufactured with transmission oil cooler (TOC) hoses with rubber that had been incorrectly cured. The suspect period began on January 19, 2021 and ended on March 8, 2021, when all suspect TOC hoses were removed from vehicle production.

According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, incorrectly cured rubber could allow the hose to weaken and rupture. Transmission fluid leaking from the ruptured hose could contact an ignition source and lead to a vehicle fire. A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury to occupants, persons outside the vehicle and could result in property damage.

Owners receiving notices will be asked to return to their dealerships to have the TOC hoses inspected and replaced as necessary. Chrysler’s number for this recall is Y18 and the NHTSA campaign number is 21V-310.