2007 Chrysler Pacifica NHTSA Investigations
NHTSA Pacifica Defect Investigations
The following investigations on the Chrysler Pacifica have been announced by the ODI. Interested in how this information is collected? Read more about investigations by the NHTSA.
Recent 2007 Pacifica Investigations
-
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE Defect Investigation for the 2007 Pacifica
Vehicle Component: Electrical System*
Summary: The Agency has closed this investigation based on its review of consumer complaints, field reports, warranty claims and other data regarding engine compartment fires and power steering fluid leakage in model year (MY) 2007 Chrysler pacifica vehicles with 4.0L engines. The available evidence indicates that power steering fluid leaks in the subject vehicles and the fires that may result from these leaks, occurred early in the vehicle's service life. Moreover, changes in the assembly process appear to have remedied the condition causing the leaks. The available data confirms a declining trend for both complaints and warranty claims as the subject vehicles remain in service. The closing of this investigation does not constitute a finding by the Agency that a safety-related defect does not exist. The Agency reserves the right to take further action if warranted by the circumstances. (see document file for additional information regarding this resume.)
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #EA08006 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on April 15 2009 and no recall was issued.
* This defect investigation is filed under 5 related vehicle components.
-
ENGINE COMPARTMENT FIRE Defect Investigation for the 2007 Pacifica
Vehicle Component: Steering:Hydraulic Power Assist:Power Steering Fluid
Summary: Complainants allege that a fire erupted under the hood, near the front of the vehicle. In Chrysler's response to ODI's November 2, 2007 information request, Chrysler asserts that the alleged defect occurs only in the 4.0L engines and the consumer will experience a loss of power steering fluid or a noisy power steering pump before seeing any evidence of smoke or fire. Chrysler also states that "a tube nut on the high pressure power steering line was discovered to be cross threaded during the assembly process and did not allow proper sealing of the O-ring."the power steering system in the 4.0L engine is assembled at the Chrysler plant. The power steering system for the 3.8L engines arrives at the Chrysler plant pre-assembled. Chrysler found that in the 4.0L engine, "it was possible to cross-thread the tube nut on the high pressure line during its attachment to the steering gear, thus creating an improper seal."Chrysler implemented assembly plant process changes to eliminate the possibility of cross-threading, and applied additional quality control measures to detect power steering fluid leaks. Chrysler stated that "warranty and field data suggests that these process changes have minimized the possibility of cross-threading."with regard to the vehicles produced prior to the production change, a review of the warranty claims indicates that the alleged defect has not declined in the 4.0L population. ODI is upgrading this preliminary evaluation to an engineering analysis, EA08-006, to further evaluate the issue.
More Details: For detailed information & supporting documents, see the official NHTSA page concerning investigation #PE07052 »
Status of Investigation: This investigation was closed on February 21 2008 and no recall was issued.