Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) have discovered that a safety defect exists in certain 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. Chrysler advises owners to take additional safety measures until the problem can be fixed by their dealership.

“Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: Do not park inside of buildings, near structures or other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.”

According to the defect report, some 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may experience a high resistance electrical connection at the 12 volt isolator post. This high resistance could lead to prolonged heating and a potential vehicle fire even with the vehicle shut off.

A remedy for this recall is currently under development. In the meantime, notices will be sent out to owners instructing them to return to their dealers to have an interim inspection of this connection. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle until a fix is developed.

Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. FCA US LLC’s number for this recall is W46 and the NHTSA campaign number is 20V-334.

Chrysler will be contacting certain 2017 Fiat 500X owners about a safety problem affecting their vehicles. According to the defect report, the low tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not illuminate under certain circumstances. Driving on under inflated tires could result in reduced vehicle handling and in rare cases, the potential for complete tire failure.

Dealers will correct the problem by updating the instrument panel software. The recall is expected to begin April 21, 2017. Owners wanting more information about the problem are asked to contact Chrysler customer service at 1-800-853-1403. Chrysler’s number for this recall is T16 and the NHTSA campaign number is 17V-146.

After leasing a 2013 Fiat 500 Electric vehicle in February 2014, the owner found herself returning to an FCA dealership in September 2014 for repairs. She subsequently provided FCA four (4) more opportunities to fix problems, which kept her vehicle out of service for more than 67 days. When she contacted the Law Offices of Delsack & Associates P.C. she told us she was having problems with the:

  • Power Inverter Module (PIM)
  • ABS system
  • Regenerative Braking Controller (RBC)
  • Body Control Module (BCM)
  • On Board Charging Module (OBCM)
  • Propulsion Warning System

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Certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans, equipped with center third row seats or an optional three passenger second row seat, could experience a malfunction of the seat belt system. According to the defect report, the overhead seatbelt bezels could break and trap the seatbelt in the stowed position. Unbelted occupants could suffer additional injuries and/or become a projectile during a crash. Continue reading

Chrysler will be asking the owners of certain 2012-2016 Fiat 500 and 2013-2016 Fiat 500E vehicles to return to their dealerships to repair two separate problems that could result in loss of motive power.

2012-2016 Fiat 500: These vehicles are equipped with a C514 manual transmission which could experience a cracked or damaged clutch diaphragm spring. If the spring fails the driver will not be able to shift gears or the vehicle may lose motive power. Continue reading

Chrysler (FCA) will be asking the owners of certain 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee‘s to return to their dealership for a problem that could leave their vehicle stopped and unable to move. According to the defect report filed with the NHTSA, the affected Grand Cherokee’s may have been built with a brake transmission shift interlock (BTSI) solenoid wire harness that was incorrectly crimped. If electrical connection is lost to the solenoid, the transmission shifter may unexpectedly become locked in “park” or “neutral”. Continue reading

The Law Offices of Delsack & Associates P.C. were contacted by the owner of a 2014 Jeep Cherokee who was experiencing repeated problems with her vehicle. After numerous complaints to her FCA dealer, two safety recalls, and five (5) unsuccessful repair attempts, she decided to contact us for advice. We analyzed our client’s potential lemon law case by reviewing the repair orders and purchase contract, and determined that she had a valid claim to have the vehicle repurchased. Her list of problems included: Continue reading

A manufacturing error will have a small number of 2015 Fiat 500L owners returning to their dealership for repairs. According to reports filed with the NHTSA, the passenger airbags may have experienced irregularities during the folding process and may not meet the design specifications in accordance with FMVSS 208. During an accident which requires front passenger airbag deployment, the airbag may not inflate as intended, increasing the risk of injury to a front passenger in certain types of crashes. Continue reading