Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids Fire Risk, Recalls, Class Action Lawsuit

Owners of 2017, 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans cannot park or recharge the vehicle near their home due to a fire risk — and there’s no remedy in sight.

The immediate risk of these minivans catching fire prompted Stellantis NV, the parent company of the Chrysler brand, to issue a recall on Feb. 11th. The recall covers 2017 and 2018 models of plug-in hybrid vans manufactured between August 2016 and August 2018.

The recall affects 16,741 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans in the United States. Another 2,317 vehicles are in Canada and 750 are located outside North America, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Owners of these minivans are naturally frustrated and they don’t feel safe driving the vehicle. Some have joined a class-action lawsuit filed Monday on behalf of a Chula Vista man who bought his minivan to transport his disabled son. Other consumers are opting to hire their own attorney and file a separate lemon law claim.

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Fire Risk

Until the automaker has a way to repair the issue, owners should not recharge or park the minivan close to any structures or other vehicles, Chrysler says. There are at least a dozen reports of these vehicles catching on fire while they were parked and turned off. At the time of the fire, eight of the 12 vehicles were plugged in and charging. However, there are no reports of collisions related to the problem.

However, owners may continue to drive the minivans using its combustion engine. Most vehicle owners find the option is costly at a time when gas prices are through the roof.

While Chrysler doesn’t know what is causing the fires, it is working on a solution. The auto manufacturer will offer free repairs once they have a fix.

Meanwhile, Stellantis is not the only automaker dealing with battery fire issues. Indeed, there are similar issues with the Bolt EV and Bolt EUV made by General Motors.

5 Recalls for 2018 Chrysler Pacifica

Also, this is not the first time the Pacifica plug-in hybrid was recalled for a fire-related issue. Stellantis recalled roughly 23,079 vehicles in 2020 for an electrical system issue. They also recalled 10,260 vehicles in 2018 for a fuel-system problem. Overall, the vehicle has 62 complaints to the NHTSA and a total of five recalls.

August 2018 — The powertrain control module may be equipped with a defective voltage regulator chip in the circuit board. If it fails, the vehicle could stall or may not start.

October 2018 — After the vehicle has been operating in PHEV propulsion mode, the gas-fueled engine may not restart properly. This could result in unburned fuel entering the exhaust catalyst.

February 2019 — The right front lower control arm may separate from the steering knuckle.

June 2020 —  The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver’s seat may develop high resistance.

February 2022 — A vehicle fire can occur when parked, even with the ignition in the “Off” position.

Chrysler Pacifica owners may find more details at the NHTSA recalls site. or they can call Chrysler at ​​800-853-1403.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson

If you purchased a defective Chrysler Pacifica minivan and have repeated problems, it may be time to call for help.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson will review your case and let you know if it qualifies as a lemon.

We recommend that you obtain an invoice for all repairs and recall visits from the dealership. These documents will support your potential case. Should the vehicle experience repeated issues or become a safety risk, these documents support the Lemon Law Claim. Contact us for a free case review at 800-558-1087.