This recall affects earlier Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid models — 2022 and newer models are not included.
On Thursday, Stellantis (Chrysler’s parent company) recalled 19,516 U.S.-market plug-in hybrid minivans due to a fire risk with their high-voltage battery packs. The company specifically mentions in its release that they may be “a rare abnormality in individual cells of the model’s [battery pack].” At the moment, we do not know exactly when the affected vans were built, but this voluntary safety recall does span the 2017 through 2021 model years.
Stellantis says it is aware of seven fires related to the problem. Of those, four customers reported symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation, and all the fires occurred when the vehicles were turned off. Some occurred while recharging, but again the automaker did not specify how many. No accidents related to this condition were reported.
The recall population includes vehicles that may have undergone the software update from an earlier recall. Later models — 2022 and newer — “benefit from an improved manufacturing process and account for the majority of Pacifica Hybrid production”, according to the company’s statement. It further says fire risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted.
To that end, Stellantis is urging its customers not to recharge their vans until repairs are completed, and to park away from structures and other vehicles.
Engineers are working to validate a fix, which includes a software update to detect an abnormality in the battery pack. If it fines one, the automaker will replace the vehicle’s high-voltage battery with a new one, free of charge.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has not yet published its own documents related to this recall. However, Stellantis says customers can check its recall site or checktoprotect.org for more information after Thursday, July 24. The company will also send out notices to owners via first-class mail.
Of the total 19,516-unit recall population, this campaign does include approximately 2,912 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans sold in Canada, as well as 1,683 sold in markets outside North America.