Chrysler, a leading automotive manufacturer, recently initiated a safety recall affecting close to 20,000 units of the plug-in hybrid Pacifica produced between 2017 and 2021. The safety concern involves a potential fire risk stemming from an issue with the drivetrain’s high-voltage battery pack.
While specific details from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) are pending, Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, approximates that 19,516 Pacifica plug-in models in the U.S. and an additional 2,912 in Canada are subject to the recall. The exact manufacturing dates of the affected vans have not been disclosed.
The root cause of the fire hazard has been identified as “a rare abnormality in individual cells of the high-voltage battery pack.” Although specifics on the ignition mechanism remain undisclosed, Chrysler is actively developing a software update capable of detecting the anomaly before a fire outbreak occurs. Vans diagnosed with cell-related issues will receive replacement battery packs.
Chrysler has confirmed seven fires and four instances of customers experiencing symptoms indicative of smoke inhalation. Fortunately, no accidents have been reported, with all fires starting when the vehicle was turned off. To minimize risk, owners of potentially affected Pacifica models are advised not to charge their vehicles, park outdoors away from structures, and refrain from parking near other vehicles. It should be noted that the vehicles remain safe to drive.
Affected owners will be contacted via mail, with some vans likely to have undergone prior recalls in 2020 and 2022 due to similar fire risks. Newer models have been deemed unaffected due to improved manufacturing processes.
Being proactive in ensuring customer safety, Chrysler continues to prioritize the well-being of its customers by swiftly addressing safety concerns and implementing necessary corrective measures.
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