Chrysler Recalls America’s Only Plug-In Hybrid Minivan, Tells Owners To Park Outside

The automaker is advising Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid owners to refrain from charging their cars, as it could lead to a battery fire.

By: Iulian Dnistran

Jun 10, at 6:49am ET

Add InsideEVs as a preferred source in Google

Comment

Over 17,000 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid models are being recalled.
Known as America’s first and only plug-in hybrid minivan, the Pacifica’s high-voltage battery pack may catch fire.
The automaker is advising owners to park outside and to refrain from charging.

The Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivan is being recalled over a potential issue with the high-voltage battery pack, which may catch fire even when the vehicle is turned off.

In total, 17,277 vehicles built between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, are involved in the recall. According to official documents published by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), Chrysler has discovered that the affected minivans’ high-voltage batteries may have been manufactured with cells that may fail internally, resulting in thermal runaway.

Gallery: 2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The official recall report says that LG Energy Solutions (LGES) produced the potentially faulty cells on an alternative assembly line, and that vehicles that were fitted with batteries built on LGES’s main production line are not affected by the issue.

Chrysler is advising owners to park their vehicles outside and to refrain from charging their batteries from a Level 1 or Level 2 charger, which defeats the purpose of driving a plug-in hybrid. When new, the Pacifica PHEV had an all-electric range of 32 miles with a full battery.

To try to fix the problem, the American automaker will install a revised battery monitoring software. If necessary, the battery pack will be replaced free of charge. Additionally, the warranty of all affected vehicles will be extended to cover unlimited mileage and unlimited years.

So far, Chrysler is aware of three customer assistance records and four field reports related to this issue, with no accidents, injuries, or deaths associated.

The Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid was America’s first and only minivan with a plug, but now that title has been retired, as Stellantis, Chrysler’s parent company, has discontinued the plug-in hybrid version starting with the 2026 model.

What do you think?

View

Comments

Powered by a 3.6-liter V-6 engine and two electric motors, the electrified Pacifica is front-wheel drive and has a maximum output of 260 horsepower. The 16-kilowatt-hour battery pack can be replenished at up to 6.6 kW from a mobile or home charger.

Along with the Pacifica plug-in hybrid, Stellantis axed all of its other PHEVs in North America, including the Jeep Wrangler 4xe, Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe, and Alfa Romeo Tonale PHEV. The Dodge Hornet, which is a rebadged Tonale and was also available as a plug-in hybrid, has been discontinued completely.