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Chrysler and its parent company Stellantis are recalling nearly 20,000 plug-in hybrid minivans because of a possible risk of fires. The recall involves 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan models. The recall is so new that it is not yet listed on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
The Problem Forcing the Recall
An internal Chrysler investigation discovered 12 fires among model-year 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans. All of the vehicles were parked and turned off. Eight of the minivans were connected to chargers when the fires started.
No Injuries Reported from the Fires
In a statement about the recall, Stellantis says it is unaware of any injuries or accidents because of the problem. Unfortunately, Chrysler hasn’t been able to pinpoint what is causing the fires, nor are they able to fix the issue, yet. In the meantime, Chrysler is advising owners of these particular minivans to not recharge them, and to park them outside, away from structures and other vehicles.
The recall is limited to model-year 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids; no other Pacifica models are affected. The recall involves 19,808 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans from model years 2017 and 2018. The recall includes 16,741 vehicles in the U.S. It affects 2,317 minivans in Canada and another 750 outside North America. No other Pacifica models are affected. This recall also does not affect Jeep’s new 4xe plug-in hybrid models.
How Stellantis and Chrysler will Fix the Problem
Right now, Stellantis is trying to figure out what is causing the fires. Once the company figures out how to fix it, they will recall the vehicles and fix them free of charge. Stellantis and Chrysler will notify owners if their minivans are affected and also, when a fix for the issue is available.
According to Stellantis, U.S. customers with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403. Canadian customers may call 1-800-387-9983 (FR) or 1-800-465-2001 (EN).
Other Battery Issues?
The batteries for the 2017and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid were produced by LG Energy, the same South Korean company that built the batteries for the Chevrolet Bolts. GM was forced to recall all of the Bolts and Bolt EUVs after more than a dozen fires were reported. GM has managed to force LG Energy to reimburse it nearly $2 billion for the recall costs. GM still hasn’t been able to replace all of the batteries for the recalled Bolts and Bolt EUVs. It is unclear at this point what the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid fix will entail.
Chrysler Photo
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