Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan recalled over fire risk

• Chrysler issued a recall for about 24,000 Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans
• A battery-cell abnormality is the root cause of the issue, which could lead to a fire
• Until the fix is implemented, which is a software update initially, owners are asked to park outside and not charge their minvians

Stellantis on Thursday recalled about 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid minivans due to a fire risk stemming from issues with battery cells.

Reuters reports that Stellantis is advising owners to park outside and away from structures, as well as avoid charging, until a software update to address the issue is ready. That issue is linked to a battery cell abnormality, the automaker said.

The recall population includes Pacifica Hybrid minivans from model years 2017 to 2021, including about 19,500 vehicles in the U.S., about 3,000 in Canada, and 1,700 outside North America. Launched as a 2017 model, the Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid version of the Pacifica minivan that is currently the only Chrysler-branded vehicle sold in the U.S.

Stellantis is reportedly aware of seven incidents related to this issue, which occurred while vehicles were turned off and, in some cases, while charging. Four customers also reported symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation, Reuters reported, adding that Stellantis believes the fire risk is lower when the battery charge is depleted.

Stellantis is working on a software update to detect the battery abnormality that has been identified as the root cause of this issue. The automaker will inform customers when the update is ready, as well as when to take their vehicles to dealerships to have battery packs inspected and—if necessary—replaced, free of charge.

Pacifica Hybrid minivans from model years 2017 and 2018 were previously recalled for another fire-related issue in 2022, with a software fix released later that year. The following year, Stellantis recalled every Pacifica Hybrid made to date for engine power loss. That issue was also remedied with a software update.