— A 2017 Chrysler Pacifica recall makes a petition to investigate stalling problems unnecessary, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Federal safety regulators say the January 2018 recall of 154,000 minivans will hopefully be good enough to prevent additional complaints about engine stall in the Fiat Chrysler (FCA US) vehicles.
The Center for Auto Safety petitioned NHTSA to open an investigation into 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans after 57 complaints were filed about engines that stalled without activating warning lights or causing diagnostic trouble codes. The condition made it difficult for Chrysler technicians to correctly diagnose and fix the problem.
NHTSA contacted FCA and requested information related to engines that stalled in the Pacificas and received 445 reports about incidents that typically occurred at low engine speeds, but most owners said the minivans could easily be restarted.
Chrysler says the minivans stalled because the engine control software didn't work correctly with the crankshafts.
By the time FCA issued the recall, NHTSA had received 88 complaints about engines that stalled in the minivans and caused at least one crash, but no injuries.
NHTSA believes the recall will make additional actions unnecessary unless customers continue to complain after the minivans are repaired.
Following the petition for a federal investigation, FCA was served noticed about a proposed class-action lawsuit alleging engines stalled in 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica minivans equipped with 3.6-liter V6 engines and 9-speed 948TE automatic transmissions.
