Don't Plug In Pacifica Hybrids Until Recall Fix Is Complete, Chrysler Says
Minivans from the 2017 and 2018 model years are included in a new recall
By Keith Barry
After 12 reports of cars catching fire while parked, Chrysler is warning owners of 2017 and 2018 Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans not to charge their vehicles until a recall fix is performed. In addition, the vehicles shouldn’t be parked near structures or other vehicles. Nearly 20,000 minivans are affected by the recall.
In a statement, the automaker said it is “working to confirm the cause of the fires.” All of the 12 plug-in hybrid vehicles that caught fire were parked and turned off; eight were plugged in and charging. Chrysler says it’s unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall.
Although a fix was not immediately available, in October the automaker announced it will install a free software update that will better monitor the vehicle’s high-voltage battery, and dealerships will inspect those batteries for damage and replace them free of charge if necessary.
Chrysler already recalled 27,634 Pacifica plug-in hybrids for a different fire-related problem in 2020 and for a fuel-system problem in 2018.
The Details
Vehicles recalled: 19,808 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans from the 2017 and 2018 model years, manufactured between Aug. 12, 2016, and Aug. 7, 2018.
The problem: The vehicles may catch fire. In documents provided to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Chrysler says it still has not identified the root cause of the fires, or determined whether they are related to the high-voltage battery, but a Stellantis spokesperson told CR that “the remedy will enable customers to resume vehicle operation as outlined in their owners’ manuals.”
The fix: Chrysler dealerships will update the high-voltage battery software so that it does a better job of monitoring the battery pack for conditions that could lead to a fire in the battery pack assembly. Dealers will also inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly.
How to contact the manufacturer: Chrysler dealerships will notify owners of affected vehicles by mail starting on Oct. 11, 2022. Owners should contact their local Chrysler dealership to schedule a repair. They can also call Chrysler at 800-853-1403.
Check to see whether your vehicle has an open recall: NHTSA’s website will tell you whether your vehicle has any open recalls that need to be addressed.
If you plug your car’s 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) into NHTSA’s website and a recall doesn’t appear, it means your vehicle doesn’t currently have one. Because automakers issue recalls often, and for many older vehicles, we recommend checking back regularly.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on Oct. 5, 2022, to include new information from Chrysler about an available recall remedy.
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