Chrysler Pacifica Recall Issued for Electric Hybrid Minivans That May Catch Fire, Even When Parked

Recalled hybrid Chrysler Pacifica minivans have been linked to reports of engine fires due to battery problems, which were supposed to be addressed in a previous recall.

Owners of Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans are being advised to park their vehicles outside due to a risk of fires; which may result from battery problems that consumers were told was resolved by a software update two years ago, when the electric hybrid minivans were originally recalled.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced two separate Chrysler Pacifica Electric Hybrid recalls on July 22, indicating that there is a continuing risk that the vehicle battery packs may cause a fire when the vehicle is parked, despite the ignition being off.

According to the agency, the problem stems from a folded or torn anode tab in the battery, which can create lithium by-products over time. This defect, combined with another unknown issue, can cause an internal short circuit within the battery pack, potentially leading to a vehicle fire which can increase injury to occupants and cause severe property damage.

The largest of the two recalls involved certain Chrysler 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug in Hybrid Electric vehicles. These vehicles underwent the same recall two years ago and received a software update that was supposed to fix the issue. However, it appears that recall repai was not effective, as about 15,910 vehicles are being recalled again due to the faulty battery packs.

Another recall impacts certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles. These vehicles may have been built with high voltage (HV) battery packs containing cells with folded or torn anode tabs. Approximately 3,606 units are impacted by this recall.

The previous Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan recall repai involved updating the vehicle’s software to monitor the battery for fire risks. Recalled vehicles were also inspected, and battery packs were replaced if necessary.

The initial 2022 recall was issued after at least 12 fires were linked to the battery issue. Since then, seven more fires have occurred in Pacifica vehicles that received the fix. While no accidents have been reported, there have been four injuries.

Owners of impacted vehicles are being advised to not charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures until they are repaired.

Chrysler indicates certified dealers will update the software for the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM). They will also inspect the battery pack and replace it if needed, for free. Affected owners will begin receiving recall notification letters on September 6.

Owners can contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403, referencing recall number 72B.