Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Multiple Problems, Recalls, Complaints

Chrysler Pacifica Engine Shutdowns, Fires and More

Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid owners were sold on expectations of the easy-going van life.

However, the dream of carefree cruising hit a speed bump recently after real life problems such as engine fires and shutdowns brought the fun to a screeching halt.

Whether it’s catching fire, not charging or the check engine light staying on, owners have told us that their Chrysler minivan hasn’t been the joyful experience they expected.

Indeed, Chrysler’s parent company Stellantis recently recalled 76,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles worldwide due to a problem involving transmission wiring connections. Specifically, these are the 2017 to 2023 models and apparently an electrical short may cause the engine to shut down without warning.

Chrysler is aware of roughly 307 warranty claims and customer complaints regarding this problem, but so far there are no known crashes or injuries.

Chrysler is asking owners of the affected vehicles to take the minivan to the dealership where they will perform a software update. This will provide motorists a warning if their engine is about to shut off. Hopefully, this will provide the driver sufficient time to pull over safely and avoid a collision.

Fire Risk Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid vehicle (PHEV) was previously recalled due to a fire risk.

Back in February 2022, Stellantis recalled roughly 20,000 of its 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans due to the fire risk and asked them to park them away from any structures. The automaker received 12 reports from owners about their vehicles catching on fire while parked and charging. 

Owners were temporarily unable to plug in their vehicles and charge them, but the problem was eventually resolved.

NHTSA Complaints

Furthermore, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) has accrued dozens of complaints regarding a transmission problem among other issues.

Also, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received 40 complaints alleging incidents of stall/loss of motive power, potentially due to transmission malfunction, in certain model year (MY) 2019 through 2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).

Finally, Johnson Attorneys Group is handling a case for the owner of a 2019 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid who has been grappling with numerous issues such as the engine catching on fire, check engine light and the vehicle not charging. The minivan, which has just 40,000 miles on it, has spent at least 34 days in the shop dealing with these issues.

California Lemon Law Attorney James Johnson

If you purchased a defective Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivan or any vehicle with repeated problems or a safety issue, 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 1-800-235-6801.

Published on April 7, 2023

Disclaimer: This article provides general information about vehicles that may be covered by the California lemon law. However, the lemon law has very specific requirements that must be met for your vehicle to be considered a lemon. Every case has a unique set of circumstances and there are specific criteria that must be met for the lemon law to apply. It is imperative that you take immediate action if you believe your vehicle may qualify.