Calling all Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid owners! If your minivan falls between model years 2017 and 2021, you might be part of a recent recall due to a potential fire risk stemming from the hybrid battery pack. This isn't a situation to take lightly, but fret not – Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, is taking action.
Here's the lowdown: the recall covers a total of 24,111 Pacifica Hybrids across the globe, with nearly 20,000 units in the US alone. The remaining affected vehicles are scattered across Canada and other international markets.
The cause for concern? A series of unfortunate incidents – Stellantis identified seven fires involving the Pacifica Hybrid after reviewing warranty data. These fires all occurred when the vehicles were switched off, and worryingly, some even happened during the charging process. Even more concerning, four owners reported experiencing symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation after a fire broke out in their minivans.
While the investigation is ongoing, Stellantis engineers suspect a "rare abnormality" within individual cells of the high-voltage battery pack as the culprit. Here's the good news: the fire risk seems to be lower when the battery is depleted. This is why Stellantis urges owners of affected vehicles to hold off on charging their minivans until a fix is available. They also recommend parking these Pacificas "away from structures or other vehicles" as a precautionary measure, but assure them that the vehicles are still considered "safe to drive" for now.
The solution to this issue lies in a software update. This update will be able to detect the abnormality within the battery pack. If your Pacifica is flagged by the software, you'll be entitled to a free battery replacement at your local dealership. Interestingly, Stellantis notes that some affected vehicles might have already received a similar software update in the past.
So, how do you find out if your Pacifica Hybrid is part of the recall? Starting July 24th, you can simply enter your vehicle identification number (VIN) on the recalls.mopar.com or checktoprotect.org websites. If your minivan is affected, Stellantis will be contacting you directly via mail. They also encourage anyone with further questions to reach out to their customer care line.
Remember, acting promptly is key. By taking these precautions and staying informed, you can ensure the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and your Pacifica Hybrid.