January 3, 2022 Update – Chrysler has remedied issues with 171,465 models of the 2017-2019 Chrysler Pacifica dealing with ground connection issues. Additionally, 1,152 of these models have been categorized as unreachable and 1,187 have been removed from the recall. Three groups of Chrysler Pacifica models were remedied in 2019, and Three more were remedied in 2020 due to Engine Stall or Loss of Power Steering Assist caused by these ground connection failures.
Laguna Hills, CA – May 18, 2019 – Chrysler is recalling certain 2017 – 2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with stop/start systems. A loose battery to ground connection may lead to an occasional loss of power steering assist as well as intermittent stalling.
If this happens, there is a greater chance of a crash. As many as 198,731 vehicles could be affected by this problem. It’s not the first time that these 2017 Chrysler Pacifica have had problems with defective batteries.
The defect
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report on this issue, the affected vehicles could have a loose connection between battery and ground, which may cause the driver to lose power steering or even experience stalling of the vehicle.
Either of these situations could result in a crash that, added to reports of defective seat belts found on 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica models, could result in even more serious accidents.
Timeline of events
Chrysler’s Vehicle Safety and Regulatory Compliance office received field study reports January 23, 2019 of 14 vehicles experiencing power steering problems potentially caused by loose ground connections. A similar issue to the 2019 recall when over 150,000 Chrysler RAM 1500 DT vehicles had ground connection issues due to manufacturing faults.
Chrysler began investigating the issue between February and March, examining field and warranty data.
The automaker’s engineering and manufacturing experts determined in April that the wire harness manufacturing process may have deposited sealer on the harness tab, leading to an accumulation that could eventually cause a loss of clamp load over a period of time.
When that happens, intermittent electrical connection could result.
As of April 26, Chrysler had received several complaints and field reports concerning this issue, but said that it was unaware of any related accidents or injuries.
Consequently, the automaker’s Vehicle Regulations Committee decided May 2 to launch a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.
The solution
The recall is expected to begin June 28, 2019. Chrysler will notify owners, informing them to take their vehicles to the nearest dealership, so that dealers can inspect battery ground surfaces, clean contacts as required and correctly reassemble the ground connection, at no cost to owners.
The NHTSA Campaign Number for this recall is 19V348000.
Is your vehicle part of this recall?
Over 195,000 vehicles are included in this Chrysler recall. To see if your car is one of them, use MotorSafety’s free vehicle recall lookup tool.
