Auburn Hills, MI – August 8, 2024 – Stellantis (NYSE:STLA), which owns the Chrysler brand, is recalling 19,516 2017-2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEV) that may catch fire while parked and turned off.
This recall comes on the heels of a U.S. government investigation and serves as an expansion and a replacement of a 2022 recall for the same issue. It appears that even with the new remedy the defect will not be fully resolved.
Recall summary
These minivans have a high-voltage battery, which powers the electric motor that assists the conventional engine. Due to a supplier error – and a second, “unidentified factor’’ – the batteries may develop an electric short and burst into flames.
Recall risks
A vehicle fire may result in injuries to its occupants, cause property damage and smoke inhalation issues for people in the area. In fact, this is exactly what happened in one of the accidents leading up to the recall where two family members of the affected owner experienced “adverse health consequences” following a fire which took “hours” to extinguish.
Safety tips
The manufacturer advises drivers to park the vehicles away from structures and “refrain from recharging them” until the issue is fixed.
Background of the recall
The 2017-2018 Pacificas were recalled for the same issue in 2022 on the back of multiple fires and a complaint that described one of the cars “exploding into a fireball,” as reported.
Leading up to the present recall, the manufacturer received reports of at least two fires and 14 customer complaints regarding both vehicles that were previously repaired and vehicles outside of the original recall. There have been at least four injuries related to the defect.
US government investigation
The repair
Dealers will update the battery software to equip with an ability to look for conditions that could lead to a fire. In addition, they will inspect the battery and replace it if needed. All repairs will be free of charge. However, it is not clear how the remedy will address the second, undetermined factor.
The owners should receive notifications on or around September 6, 2024.
Is your vehicle a part of this recall?
Nearly 20,000 hybrid minivans are affected by this Chrysler fire recall. To do a Chrysler recall check or check for other Chrysler recalls, please use MotorSafety’s free vehicle lookup tool.
