2024 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 6, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · TX

A Concerning Safety Issue with the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Last week, I experienced a serious safety incident with my newly purchased Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid that I feel compelled to share. Just a mile from my home, my vehicle's dashboard displayed an alarming message: "Stop Safely Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon." Within moments, the van lost power and the steering wheel locked - fortunately while I was already stopping at a stop sign. The vehicle became completely unresponsive. After researching online, I found this was a known issue requiring a specific reset procedure: exiting the vehicle, multiple attempts with the start/stop button, and then restarting. While this eventually worked, both the Check Engine and battery warning lights remained illuminated during my careful drive home. My attempts to get assistance through Chrysler Assist were unsuccessful, with their only recommendation being to visit a dealer. At the dealership, they identified three diagnostic codes: B1945-13 B10EB-00 P0A78-00 While they performed a recall-related firmware update, the underlying concern remains: What if this failure had occurred on a freeway, in adverse weather conditions, or with my family aboard? More concerning is the discovery that this isn't an isolated incident. Similar reports are appearing across owner forums and social media, suggesting this is a widespread issue affecting Chrysler's hybrid vehicles. Despite apparent awareness of the problem, Chrysler has yet to implement a comprehensive fix. As a new hybrid vehicle owner, this experience raises serious questions about vehicle safety and manufacturer responsibility. While the automotive industry pushes toward electrification, ensuring basic safety and reliability should remain paramount.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Transmission · WI

I was driving the vehicle and exiting the highway when the transmission disengaged and i lost all engine power to the vehicle. Luckily i was able to pull over safely out of the way of traffic but was very lucky it didnt happen 5 minutes earlier as i was in a work zone on the highway with no pull off or it could have been a major issue and potential caused an accident. I took it to the dealer and they said the transmission error went into a stored state and there was nothing they could do but i should keep an eye on it. 2 days later it did it again and i almost got rear ended trying to get over to the shoulder safely. I took it to the dealer and told them i didnt want the car back until it was fixed because its a huge safety concern and i didnt feel safe with me or my family in the vehicle. They have put over 1000 miles on it since and havent been able to recreate the issue and crysler wont let them warranty the transmission. This was a known issue on models prior to 2024 and the dealer has a high confidence its the transmission that needs to be replaced but they aren't allowed to replace it until they can replicate it with their computer attached.

Filed Aug 20, 2024 · Transmission · WI

I purchased a 2024 Pacifica hybrid new off the lot (~1200 miles on it at time of purchase). Two weeks into ownership I was exiting the highway and I heard a clunk and lost all engine power on the vehicle and a warning screen came up telling me to pull over. I was able to pull over in a "safe" location where cars were able to see me and pull around me. I could not move anywhere else as the car has no power when I hit the accelerator pedal. I sat in the car for a few minutes and after a google search it told me to try turning it back on to regain power to limp it home and that worked (Check engine light still on). I took it to the nearest dealer and they told me that the code went into a stored state and they couldn't do anything and for me to just keep driving it and keep an eye on it. Two days later I had it happen again and i just barely made it to the shoulder but almost got rear ended. I took it into the dealer and told them they have to fix it as I don't feel safe in this car nor do I feel safe having my wife drive my children in it. They said this was a common issue with the transmission that was supposedly fixed in the 2024 but from what they are seeing it looked to be the same issues as prior years which requires a new transmission. They told me Chrysler wouldn't warranty it until they could replicate the issue with their computer attached. They have put 1000 miles on the car but haven't been able to replicate it. I have called Chrysler multiple times and they have a case file open but aren't taking action until the dealer can recreate this issue. This is a huge safety risk and could cause a major accident if it happened in a construction zone or somewhere where we couldn't pull off safely! This needs to be addressed and force Chrysler to fix these issues because I know I'm not the only one with this issue (according to many online forums).

Filed Jul 28, 2024 · Electrical, Engine · CA

Two children and I were put in a very dangerous situation when our Avis rental car (2024 Chrysler Pacifica) stopped suddenly, with hardly any notice, while in motion. As the driver, mid Uturn off a busy offramp near [XXX] in CA, I had a moment's notice before I lost all power to the vehicle. The engine light, battery light both went on and I lost all ability to move the car despite having 1/2 tank of gas. The car ended up in a precarious angle across a lane of traffic and put us at very serious risk of being hit from behind by other cars moving at high speed. The responding CHP officer stated in no uncertain terms was that vehicle to be driven on the freeway more that day. The tow truck operator remarked that I was the second driver of a Chrysler Pacifica that he picked up that week to report the exact same problem with the car stopping while in motion and leaving the driver with little time/space to maneuver the car to a safe position. It is commonly reported that these vehicles "reset" often soon after, with all warning lights back to normal, and so the next unsuspecting rental car customer would have no idea that they are at serious risk of rear end collision at high speeds if they are driving on the freeway in one of these vehicles. Please recall the 2024 Chrysler Pacifica to avoid serious injuries or fatalities. Repair techs should believe customers when they report this dangerous spontaneous shut down, regardless of how the car later presents at a maintenance visit. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed May 6, 2024 · Acceleration, Engine · IN

•What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The engine shut off and I lost the ability to accelerate. The issue only resolved when I turned off the vehicle and opened my car door while on the highway and had oncoming cars driving next to me at 55+ MPH. After shutting the car door and turning the vehicle back on, I was able to continue to drive home. The check engine light remains on while the vehicle is powered on, now. This vehicle is available for inspection upon request. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The engine lost power as my wife, two children, mother, and I were going down a ramp attached to the highway. We lost momentum and ability to accelerate and I had to stop on the side of the highway as cars had to drive around us as we were forced to stop half on the right highway shoulder and half in the right-most lane. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Not that I am aware of. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not as of 06May2924, I reached out to the Bachman Jeffersonville Indiana dealer that I purchased this vehicle from to collect the vehicle’s issue code(s). •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? “Stop Safety Vehicle Will Shut Off Soon” appeared when the vehicle first had the issue occur. Now the check engine light remains on when the vehicle is powered on.