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Is your VIN part of 03A

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Recall 03A An unexpected engine shut down resulting in a loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

34630 Views 387 Replies 90 Participants Last post by  ChryslerCares
Run your VIN to see if you are part of the recall.

Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSA

Jan 17,2023
Manufacturer Recall Number03A
NHTSA Recall Number23V-010
Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available
SummaryAn internal transmission wiring connector short could result in an unexpected engine shutdown under certain conditions.

Safety RiskAn unexpected engine shut down resulting in a loss of motive power can cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.

RemedyFCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to update the Power Inverter Module ("PIM") software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster ("IPC") software.

"Manufacturer's Notes"For more information, visit recalls.mopar.com or call 1-800-853-1403. Please have your VIN ready when calling.

Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles
(PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an
unexpected engine shutdown.

Number of potentially involved : 67,118

Estimated percentage with defect : 100 %

Vehicle Information :
Vehicle 1 : 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica
Vehicle Type :
Body Style : VAN
Power Train : NR
Descriptive Information : Some 2017-2023 MY Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEVs")
may experience a loss of motive power.
The suspect period began on August 12, 2016, when production of the Chrysler
Pacifica began, and ended on January 9, 2023, when FCA US LLC ("FCA US") began
containing suspect vehicles under plant control. The suspect period was determined
using field data and engineering change records.
Similar vehicles not included in this recall are not PHEVs or were built after the
suspect period.
Production Dates : AUG 12, 2016 - JAN 09, 2023

Description of Defect :
Description of the Defect : An internal transmission wiring connector short could result in an unexpected
engine shutdown under certain conditions.
FMVSS 1 : NR
FMVSS 2 : NR
Description of the Safety Risk : An unexpected engine shut down resulting in a loss of motive power can
cause a vehicle crash without prior warning.
Description of the Cause : NR

Involved Components :
Component Name 1 : Harness Assembly
Component Description : Low Voltage Wiring
Component Part Number : 05062444AI / 05062444AH / 05062444AG / 05062444AF / 05062444AE
Component Name 2 : Harness Assembly
Component Description : Low Voltage Wiring
Component Part Number : 05062444AD / 05062444AC / 05062444AB / 05062444AA

Supplier Identification :
Component Manufacturer
Name : General Cable Industries Inc.
Address : Industrial de las Maquiladoras 11
Nueva Nogales Foreign States 84094
Country : Mexico

Description of Remedy :

Description of Remedy Program : FCA US will conduct a voluntary safety recall on all affected vehicles to
update the Power Inverter Module ("PIM") software and, if necessary,
update the instrument panel cluster ("IPC") software.

FCA US has a longstanding policy and practice of reimbursing owners who
have incurred the cost of repairing a problem that subsequently becomes
the subject of a field action. To ensure consistency, FCA US, as part of the
owner letter, will request that customers send the original receipt and/or
other adequate proof of payment to the company for confirmation of the
expense.

How Remedy Component Differs from Recalled Component : Remedy is a PIM and IPC software update for 2017-2018 model year
vehicles and a PIM software update for 2019-2023 model year vehicles
providing messaging to the customer and sufficient drive time to exit
traffic.

Identify How/When Recall Condition was Corrected in Production : NR

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I am curious, does the vehicle start again after this unexpected shut down or is it permanently disabled? Has anyone had their vehicle not restart?
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I got my 2nd recall notice yesterday about this, saying it was ready to schedule. I called the local dealer and they said "Wait until you get your second notice." I told them I did, and they said there was no remedy yet. She said she could check with the parts department, and the remedy is there. Scheduled for Thursday, so we will see how it goes.
Not happy seeing there is a thread saying that this software update brings back an old software problem though. I will mention that to my service advisor.
Had the sudden loss of power issue a few weeks ago. Occurred twice while going around 70ish mph. Just had to pull over and shut down the engine for several seconds before I was able to drive again. Was able to drive it afterwards without an issue as long as I wasn't driving fast.

Had the recall software update yesterday. Decided to take a short day trip today. Loss power once when going 70+mph. On the way back, was going 50+mph when it loss power again. Not sure if it was just a coincidence, but these events occurred when the hybrid battery was close to if not completely depleted. A different warning message showed up when this happens, just like what everyone reported here. Noticed that it takes a little longer (maybe 30 secs or so) to turn on the engine before the turtle icon went away.
Plant Vehicle Speedometer Automotive design Steering part
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Why couldn't they have made the warning cooler?

Like "Game Over, please pull over & start again..."
  • Haha
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We have a 2022 with 8000 miles. Had recall work completed upon receipt of Recall notice about 2 weeks. ago. Last night had the warning message and power failed immediately after message while going 65 mph. Was able to coast to side of the highway with out problem thankfully. After a few minutes was able to restart, but still jerky. Back to dealer to what option we have now.
update: Dealer just called and said they did not find anything in the error logs and everything looks ok. How can the logs not show that at minimum the warning came on indicating an issue. This is very concerning. how do you prove lemon law if the system does not track it.
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update: Dealer just called and said they did not find anything in the error logs and everything looks ok. How can the logs not show that at minimum the warning came on indicating an issue. This is very concerning. how do you prove lemon law if the system does not track it.
@ChryslerCares how can you fix a problem if your system dosen't track it?
how can you fix a problem if your system dosen't track it?

Oh, it is probably in there... You just have to know which combination of keys to press to see it.
and good luck with that.
My appointment for the 03A recall repair was for tomorrow morning. I expected to sit in the waiting room while they updated the software. Today, I was told that I had to drop the car off and pick it up the next day. I am unable to do that.

So, I called another dealer who told me they would not be able to do the repair until the weather is consistently above 50ºF. And the repair takes 5-7 hours. He further explained that the reason the weather is important is because the battery has to remain above a certain constant temperature, or the upgrade will fail. If it fails, the vehicle becomes disabled. He said they have one that has been waiting over a month to get back operational because of such failure. He said they had one other customer, like me, waiting on the weather. Which will be mid-May probably (in Denver).

He, also, didn't seem concerned about the recall warning of "an unexpected shutdown that can cause a vehicle crash." He told me not to worry about it.

So, now, I am even more confused than I was before.
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My appointment for the 03A recall repair was for tomorrow morning. I expected to sit in the waiting room while they updated the software. Today, I was told that I had to drop the car off and pick it up the next day. I am unable to do that.

So, I called another dealer who told me they would not be able to do the repair until the weather is consistently above 50ºF. And the repair takes 5-7 hours. He further explained that the reason the weather is important is because the battery has to remain above a certain constant temperature, or the upgrade will fail. If it fails, the vehicle becomes disabled. He said they have one that has been waiting over a month to get back operational because of such failure. He said they had one other customer, like me, waiting on the weather. Which will be mid-May probably (in Denver).

He, also, didn't seem concerned about the recall warning of "an unexpected shutdown that can cause a vehicle crash." He told me not to worry about it.

So, now, I am even more confused than I was before.
The "other dealer" is talking about the Z11 recall -- a remedy for rare battery fires in 2017-2018 PacHy's. The 03A recall for "loss of motive power" is just a software update and has no ambient temperature requirements. In fact, evidence to date (several posts on this forum) is that 03A doesn't prevent the sudden loss of motive power anyway, so I'd wait until Chrysler realizes or admits that.
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@ChryslerCares how can you fix a problem if your system dosen't track it?
Hello,

Do you know if your dealer opened up a STAR case on this?

William
Chrysler Cares
Hello,

Do you know if your dealer opened up a STAR case on this?

William
Chrysler Cares
they did not open a STAR case, but they will be soon. Once I get it I will pass along.
The "other dealer" is talking about the Z11 recall -- a remedy for rare battery fires in 2017-2018 PacHy's. The 03A recall for "loss of motive power" is just a software update and has no ambient temperature requirements. In fact, evidence to date (several posts on this forum) is that 03A doesn't prevent the sudden loss of motive power anyway, so I'd wait until Chrysler realizes or admits that.
I called the "other" dealer back and a different service agent insisted that what I was told applies to the 03A fix. The vehicle that was disabled during an earlier attempt by them was while updating the 03A recall.

Do you have a source you can cite to confirm your statement?
Do you have a source you can cite to confirm your statement?
Sources:

Read about the Z11 recall (vehicle fire when parked) here: Safety Recall Z11 - HV Battery - 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV)

In the Z11 recall procedure you'll find this paragraph: NOTE: High voltage battery pack must maintain not less than (50°F)(10°C) temperature environment during testing and wiTECH routine, failure to maintain the temperature may cause repeat testing. That's where that requirement for warm ambient temperature comes from.

Read about the 03A recall (unexpected engine shutdown) is here: 03A Unexpected Engine Shutdown From Electrical Short - 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs)

If your VIN is due for BOTH recalls, then I could understand the dealer telling you they need to do Z11 first, and that requires the warm temperature. But if you only need 03A, then either the service writer is ill-informed, or you're being gaslit. If you read the Z11 recall you'll see it's complex and time-consuming; from what I've read here, Chrysler under-reimburses the dealer for the labor, and that could be the underlying story.
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they did not open a STAR case, but they will be soon. Once I get it I will pass along.
Thank you, please keep us posted.

William
Chrysler Cares
update: Dealer just called and said they did not find anything in the error logs and everything looks ok. How can the logs not show that at minimum the warning came on indicating an issue. This is very concerning. how do you prove lemon law if the system does not track it.
Try taking pictures once you pull over. Mine would clear the check engine light and other errors after a few miles of driving. Maybe even try to get someone from the dealer to go on a ride along with you. Sorry that's happening. It was like pulling teeth to get mine diagnosed. I'm waiting for a transmission which is currently backordered. So even if you need a new transmission, don't expect a quick resolution.
My appointment for the 03A recall repair was for tomorrow morning. I expected to sit in the waiting room while they updated the software. Today, I was told that I had to drop the car off and pick it up the next day. I am unable to do that.

So, I called another dealer who told me they would not be able to do the repair until the weather is consistently above 50ºF. And the repair takes 5-7 hours. He further explained that the reason the weather is important is because the battery has to remain above a certain constant temperature, or the upgrade will fail. If it fails, the vehicle becomes disabled. He said they have one that has been waiting over a month to get back operational because of such failure. He said they had one other customer, like me, waiting on the weather. Which will be mid-May probably (in Denver).

He, also, didn't seem concerned about the recall warning of "an unexpected shutdown that can cause a vehicle crash." He told me not to worry about it.

So, now, I am even more confused than I was before.
The recall software update doesn't prevent the problem. It only changes the messaging. Hopefully yours will never have the issue. Mine has been terrible.
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The "other dealer" is talking about the Z11 recall -- a remedy for rare battery fires in 2017-2018 PacHy's. The 03A recall for "loss of motive power" is just a software update and has no ambient temperature requirements. In fact, evidence to date (several posts on this forum) is that 03A doesn't prevent the sudden loss of motive power anyway, so I'd wait until Chrysler realizes or admits that.
Chrysler knows the software update doesn't prevent the issue. They stated so in the letter to NHTSA when the recall was announced. All it was intended to do was change the messaging.
Why couldn't they have made the warning cooler?

Like "Game Over, please pull over & start again..."
Right? Or some sort of game to play while you sit on the side of the road? Lol.
  • Haha
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Had the sudden loss of power issue a few weeks ago. Occurred twice while going around 70ish mph. Just had to pull over and shut down the engine for several seconds before I was able to drive again. Was able to drive it afterwards without an issue as long as I wasn't driving fast.

Had the recall software update yesterday. Decided to take a short day trip today. Loss power once when going 70+mph. On the way back, was going 50+mph when it loss power again. Not sure if it was just a coincidence, but these events occurred when the hybrid battery was close to if not completely depleted. A different warning message showed up when this happens, just like what everyone reported here. Noticed that it takes a little longer (maybe 30 secs or so) to turn on the engine before the turtle icon went away. View attachment 53136
You probably need a new transmission like I do. It was very difficult to get a diagnosis for mine. The transmission is backordered and the dealer is still waiting for it to arrive.
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