NHTSA opens 2 probes involving Dodge Journey crossovers, Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrids

WASHINGTON — U.S. auto safety regulators have opened two probes over potential safety issues involving Stellantis' 2018-20 Dodge Journey crossovers and 2017-23 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans.

One of the probes — opened Tuesday and referred to as a preliminary evaluation — involves the loss of backup camera function in Dodge Journey vehicles.

About 26 vehicle owners have alleged they are experiencing "black screens, upside down images, flashing images or blurred images," according to a NHTSA document detailing the investigation.

The issue could involve more than 226,000 Dodge Journey vehicles in the U.S., according to NHTSA estimates.

With the safety probe, the agency will assess the scope and severity of the potential defect and other possible safety-related issues.

In another probe opened Tuesday, NHTSA said it was investigating Stellantis' handling of a January 2023 recall that covered about 67,000 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrids in the U.S.

Stellantis initially recalled those vehicles after NHTSA launched a 2022 investigation into complaints alleging a loss of motive power potentially caused by a transmission malfunction.

However, NHTSA said the recall fix — which involved updating the power inverter software and, if needed, also updating the instrument panel cluster software — did not replace the defective hardware and that the wiring connector short still exists on the vehicles.

In follow-up discussions with Stellantis, NHTSA said the automaker confirmed the fix "does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down."

NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation said it has opened the probe — called a "recall query" — to assess whether the recall fix is adequate.

Stellantis spokesperson Frank Matyok said the automaker is "cooperating with NHTSA on both investigations."

Most NHTSA investigations start as preliminary evaluations, in which agency engineers request information from the manufacturer, including data on complaints, injuries and warranty claims. The manufacturer also can present its view regarding the alleged defect and may issue a recall.

After the evaluation, NHTSA will either close the investigation or move into the next phase. If a safety-related defect exists, according to NHTSA, the agency might send a "recall request" letter to the manufacturer.