Investigations

Engine Stall

NHTSA Preliminary Evaluation PE13016 - closed, opened 2013-05-09 and involving the CHRYSLER CHRYSLER.

PE13016 Preliminary Evaluation Closed

Vehicle: CHRYSLER CHRYSLER View model page

NHTSA investigation PE13016 is a Preliminary Evaluation opened on 2013-05-09 and currently closed. The subject of record is CHRYSLER CHRYSLER, which places this file inside the Office of Defects Investigation queue for CHRYSLER. Latest activity on this investigation was logged on 2014-02-10 - NHTSA updates that field whenever an Information Request goes out, a supplement is filed, or a status change is recorded in the public docket.

A Preliminary Evaluation like PE13016 is the entry point of the federal defect-investigation process. NHTSA engineers scan complaint databases, field reports, and manufacturer data to decide whether an Engineering Analysis is warranted, whether a voluntary recall is already sufficient, or whether the pattern does not rise to a defect finding.

Investigators summarized the matter as follows: "During PE13-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2005 through 2006 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Magnum vehicles equipped with 5.7L and 6.1L 8-cylinder HEMI engines that may result in engine stall af..." Investigations are the early-warning layer of the federal auto-safety system, sitting upstream of formal recalls and defect orders. Whether this one closes without action or escalates into an Engineering Analysis, the full history stays in the ODI archive so researchers, litigators, and buyers can pull the paper trail at any time. Related CHRYSLER files, listed below, give context on whether this is an isolated concern or part of a broader pattern across the brand.

Status
Closed
Type
Preliminary Evaluation
Opened
2013-05-09
Latest Activity
2014-02-10

Investigation Summary

During PE13-016, Chrysler identified a condition in model year (MY) 2005 through 2006 Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger and Magnum vehicles equipped with 5.7L and 6.1L 8-cylinder HEMI engines that may result in engine stall after refueling when the vehicle is stopped or travelling at low speeds. According to Chrysler, the multifunction control valve (MFCV) fuel shutoff float integrated into 19-gallon fuel tanks can swell in a stuck open position allowing an overfill condition. This condition causes fuel to enter into the purge line which may result in engine stall after refueling. Chrysler's investigation determined that the problem was related to dimensional changes/swelling of the float when exposed to fuels with high ethanol content. Chrysler and its supplier, Stant, developed new fuel soak test requirements to address the condition and extended the warranty period on 19-gallon fuel tanks to lifetime coverage. The owner letter mailing began in January 2014. See the investigative file for copies of Chrysler's owner letter. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) analyzed 1262 complaints related to engine stall that were provided by Chrysler or submitted to ODI from consumers. In total, there were 299 unique reports indicating that the fuel system allowed an overfill condition after refueling, and the predominant failure mode identified involved stalling when stopped or travelling at low speeds. The complaint counts shown in this resume include incidents in which enough detail was available to verify the symptoms were related to the defect condition identified by Chrysler. The condition that is causing the majority of stalling incidents in the subject vehicles occurs at a stop or low speed and allows the vehicle to be restarted immediately. The condition represents a low risk to motor vehicle safety and is adequately addressed by Chrysler's extended warranty. This preliminary evaluation is closed. The ODI reports cited above can be viewed at "http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.g

About This Investigation Type

A Preliminary Evaluation (PE) is the first phase of NHTSA's investigation process. It is opened when the agency identifies a potential safety defect pattern, usually triggered by consumer complaints, manufacturer reports, or field monitoring. During a PE, NHTSA gathers information to determine whether a formal engineering analysis is warranted.

Other CHRYSLER Investigations

Data from NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Cross-references: NHTSA recall campaign API and NHTSA FARS where fatality records overlap. PlainCars does not rate or recommend vehicles. about how PlainCars sources NHTSA data.