Own a 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicle? A defect means your engine could spontaneously shut down, causing your vehicle to suddenly lose power. Fill out the form to find out your rights »
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
According to the lawsuit, over 67,000 Chrysler plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) are at risk for spontaneous power loss while the vehicle is in motion, due to a serious wiring defect in the transmission of the gasoline-driven portion of the powertrain. Plaintiffs say that the automaker's response to this potentially life-threatening issue falls short, leaving Chrysler customers with little recourse. According to a recall report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in January 2023, 100% of 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs are at risk for sudden engine shutoff due to this defect. According to the complaint, loss of motive power is total and comes without warning, giving drivers little or no opportunity to maneuver vehicles to safety, and can occur while moving at highway speeds.
CHRYSLER’S RESPONSE
Chrysler’s proposed solution to the defect, outlined in its January recall report to the the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA), is to install a software update designed to warn drivers when shutdown is imminent, ostensibly providing them the opportunity to maneuver out of traffic before total power loss. Hagens Berman does not consider this an adequate response to a potentially life-threatening automotive defect. According to the lawsuit, it is at best an inadequate stopgap that does nothing to prevent the engine shutoff from occurring, and places the burden on consumers to protect themselves from a dangerously faulty product. Plaintiffs say it is the responsibility of automakers to ensure their vehicles are functional and safe, not the responsibility of consumers to shield themselves from the fallout of failed engineering. Chrysler has issued a stop sale order, but attorneys say this does nothing to compensate current owners.
VEHICLE OWNERS’ RIGHTS
Hagens Berman believes vehicle owners deserve more, and that this automaker should be held accountable. The lawsuit seeks to bring immediate help to those impacted by the defect.
MULTIPLE LAWSUITS AGAINST CHRYSLER
The firm has a pending lawsuit against Chrysler for another dangerous defect associated with the 2017-2018 Pacifica PHEVs, which can cause vehicles to spontaneously catch fire while parked and turned off. Owners of 2017-2018 Pacifica hybrids are affected by both defects. We believe vehicle owners deserve safety and peace of mind.
HOW CAN A CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT HELP?
Through a class-action lawsuit, individual consumers can collectively bring claims against large corporations that would otherwise have the upper hand, like Chrysler. A class-action lawsuit seeks to level the playing field, bringing strength to collective action to change corrupt practices and negligent responses to customers. Though these measures do not bring immediate relief, they are a time-tested method of holding companies accountable for wrongdoing, including automakers’ failure to sell safe and reliable vehicles to their customers.
TOP AUTO LITIGATION FIRM
Hagens Berman is one of the most successful auto litigation law firms in the U.S. with a success record of more than $21 billion in settlements against automakers for safety defects and emissions-cheating claims. Your claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in automotive consumer law.
NO COST TO YOU
In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the legal team for the class.
