Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), an Italian-American automaker, is the latest company to conduct mass recalling of the latest vehicle models. Particularly, the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivan has been proven to suffer sudden engine stalling amidst driving.
Among its versions, the gas-powered model is the only one that experiences this problem. This excludes the hybrid gas-electric version as well.
FCA stated that the problem with the minivans lies in the engine control unit. The problem occurs due to the computer misreading the operations of the vehicle. Because of its misreadings, the control unit tasks the engine to shut down. This can happen anytime, potentially causing life-threatening accidents.
Fortunately, there have been no reports of grave accidents concerning Fiat Chrysler's minivan. Still, it is alarming, considering the sheer number of vehicles that were recalled.
Owners of the affected minivans are now asking for a refund from FCA after it was unable to detect the problem prior to selling. This caused the Center for Auto Safety to petition to the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration to conduct an open investigation. Over 50 people reportedly filed complaints with federal regulators.
"It is reasonable to conclude that the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica's loss of motive power — if left unaddressed — will result in a vehicular crash that could cause the grievous injury or death of a Pacifica driver, his or her passengers, and conceivably those with whom the Pacifica shares the road," Jason Levine, executive director of Center of Auto Safety, wrote in the petition.
The recalling of vehicles amounted to 154,000 sold units in the United States alone. It was estimated that another 8,000 units were recalled in other parts of the world.
After recalling, dealers of the minivan are expected to improve the engine control unit of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. FCA also noted of a free service after this, which would come around this April.
FCA advises owners to bring the minivans as soon as the service is readily available. According to the company, the free service would only take around 30 minutes from start to finish.
