Written By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Legally Reviewed By: Jessica Anvar Stotz
Several model years of the Chrysler Pacifica have been included in recalls that pertain to an increased risk of vehicle fire. Chrysler’s parent company Stellantis recently announced two different recalls that include certain model years of the Chrysler Pacifica.
2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recalls
On July 18, 2024, Stellantis initiated two separate recalls with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
The first recall involves specific 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles that had previously received a software update under NHTSA recall number 22V-077, announced in 2022.
There is a risk of the battery pack causing a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off. This recall affects approximately 15,000 Pacifica vehicles and is identified by NHTSA’s campaign number 24V536.
On the same day, Stellantis also announced a second recall for certain 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles.
Like the first recall, these vehicles are at risk of a fire due to manufacturing issues involving the battery pack. Affected vehicles may have battery packs that contain cells manufactured with a folded or torn anode tab.
This recall, identified by NHTSA’s number 24V538, affects around 3,000 vehicles.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall 2022
In February 2022, Stellantis recalled 19,808 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans due to fire risk. Following an internal investigation, the automaker discovered 12 fires in 2017 and 2018 Pacifica vehicles that could be linked to battery issues.
All twelve vehicles were parked and turned off, while eight were connected to chargers. Stellantis says that it is not aware of any injuries or accidents related to this issue.
As a precautionary measure, Pacifica drivers were advised to refrain from charging their vehicles and to park them far away from other vehicles or structures until the issue could be resolved. Stellantis announced that it will be replacing the affected battery components at no cost to the affected customers.
The company also urged Pacifica owners to contact their dealer or Stellantis customer service for further information and to schedule a service appointment.
Months following the Pacifica recall, a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid class action lawsuit was filed against Stellantis, in April 2022. The lawsuit accuses the auto manufacturer of knowingly producing and selling vehicles that are prone to catching on fire, an issue that has resulted in two recalls, the recall in 2022 and a recall in June 2020 which also followed reports of vehicle fires in 2017-2020 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids.
The recall blamed the fire issue on corrosion that affected the 12-bolt battery isolator posts close to the rear seats. The 2022 lawsuit also claims that Stellantis was negligent in its design, manufacturing, and testing of the Pacifica Hybrid, and that the automaker failed to provide adequate warnings or instructions to consumers about the fire risk.
Stellantis has directed dealers to replace the batteries in affected Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles as needed. This repair is expected to take between one to two days and will be provided at no charge to Chrysler owners or lessees.
In the meantime, Chrysler is recommending that Pacifica drivers park their vehicles away from buildings and refrain from charging them until the repair is completed at a certified dealership.
Owners of the affected vehicles will receive notification by mail with instructions on how to schedule an appointment for the recall repair.
What causes the Chrysler Pacifica battery issues?
The root cause for the battery issues in 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles has not been determined. Stellantis claims to have identified the conditions that may potentially precede a fire.
It is believed that the issue may be caused by a failure in Pacifica’s battery management system, which could lead to overcharging and overheating of the battery cells. The 2022 recall attributes the battery issues to corrosion that affects the rear isolator posts of the 12-bolt battery.
Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall 2023
In January 2023, Chrysler recalled over 67,000 Pacifica Hybrid minivans from the 2017 to 2023 model years. The recall was initiated due to a safety concern related to an internal transmission wiring connector, which could potentially short-circuit and cause the engine to shut down unexpectedly while driving.
The recall fix includes both a power inverter software update and a potential update to the software of the instrument panel cluster if necessary.
What causes the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid problem?
The issue related to the 2023 Pacifica Hybrid recall is caused by a defective wiring connector inside of the vehicle’s transmission. The transmission wiring connector can short-circuit, causing the vehicle to stall out or the engine to shut off.
Chrysler began notifying customers of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall via mail starting March 8, 2023.
Does Chrysler have a fix?
Chrysler has proposed a potential solution for the 2024 recalls, which includes software updates. Vehicles that had previously been repaired under recall 22V-077 will require the new remedy to be implemented. Until the repairs are completed, owners are advised not to charge their vehicles and to park them outdoors and away from structures. Dealers will update the software for the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM).
Chrysler has instructed dealers to inspect the battery pack assembly and replace it if necessary. These repairs will be provided at no cost to the owners. Notification letters are expected to be sent to owners by September 6, 2024.
For more information, owners can contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403, referencing recall number 73B.
Regarding the 2024 recall affecting 2019-2021 models, Chrysler has suggested a similar solution. Drivers are advised not to charge their vehicles and to park them outdoors and away from structures until the necessary repairs are made.
Dealers will update the BPCM software and replace the battery pack assembly if needed. These repairs will also be free of charge, with notification letters expected to be sent out by September 6, 2024. The reference number for this recall is 72B.
Which Chrysler makes are affected?
Certain 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid vehicles may be affected by the battery issue. The July 18, 2024 Pacifica Recalls specifically include certain 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles and certain 2017-2018 Pacifica PHEV vehicles respectively.
The Pacifica Hybrid uses a battery manufactured by LG, the same company that has produced batteries in certain Chevrolet Bolt and Hyundai Kona EVS, which were both recalled for battery problems and fire risk.
A new technical service bulletin released in June 12, 2024, by Chrysler includes a possible repair fix for certain 2017-2023 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles. The automaker is instructing dealers to replace the vehicle’s transmission if necessary. Vehicles included in this TSB now have a warranty extension.
The 2022 Pacifica Hybrid Recall includes 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans manufactured between August 12, 2016, and August 7, 2018. The 2023 Pacifica Hybrid Recall includes Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans from model years 2017-2023.
To know if your vehicle is included in a recall, you can plug your car’s vehicle identification number (VIN) into this tool provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
What are my options?
What are my options?
In the event you purchased or leased a Chrysler Pacifica in the State of California and you have presented your vehicle for repeat repairs related to the battery issue or any other issue, your vehicle may be a lemon! In the event your vehicle is a lemon, you are entitled to a vehicle repurchase or replacement vehicle under the California Lemon Law.
If you have experienced battery, electrical, engine, transmission or any other repeat issues with your Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid, you should consider filing an individual lemon law claim against the auto manufacturer, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
An individual lemon law claim can offer you control over the outcome of your case, and the opportunity to present the specific circumstances of your situation to be addressed. This can result in a more personalized remedy that is tailored to your specific needs.
What remedies are available under the California Lemon Law?
If your vehicle is deemed a lemon under the California lemon law, the following remedies may be available to you:
- Lemon Law Repurchase
A lemon law refund consists of the reimbursement of all monies you spent on the vehicle including your down payment, monthly payments (minus a usage fee for when you drove the vehicle without any problems), the reimbursement of all incidental expenses related to the lemon and the payoff of any remaining loan balance or remaining lease payments.
- Lemon Law Replacement Vehicle
This remedy consists of doing a collateral exchange for the vehicle that is deemed a lemon to one that is substantially similar. The consumer will be responsible for the usage fee and any difference in price between the two vehicles.
- Cash and Keep
This remedy is where you retain possession of the vehicle and get cash compensation for the issues you experienced with it.
- Attorneys Fees and Costs
As the prevailing party, the auto manufacturer is responsible to pay for your attorneys fees and costs! This makes your representation at no out of pocket expense to you! This is why pursuing a California Lemon Law claim is the right and easy decision!
What are the next steps?
To maximize your outcome, a highly skilled lemon law attorney can assist you in building the strongest case possible against the auto manufacturer. If you live in the state of California and are searching for exceptional lemon law legal assistance, we can help.
If you are interested in pursuing an individual claim against the auto manufacturer, we recommend consulting with an experienced lemon law attorney who can review your case and help you determine what you could be eligible to receive in recovery. At the conclusion of a lemon law case, you could stand to receive cash compensation, a replacement vehicle, or a lemon law refund.
The Lemon Law Experts hold a deep understanding of the laws and regulations concerning defective vehicles. Our attorneys are experts in California lemon law with a proven track record of success in cases against a wide range of auto manufacturers.
We have helped thousands of clients across the state receive the compensation they were entitled to. Our team is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome for our clients and we will work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice that you deserve.
If you have any questions about your case, please let us know. Our firm offers a free initial consultation and case evaluation. This means that you can discuss your case with one of our experts to get a better understanding of your rights and potential recovery without any obligation or upfront fee. Call us or fill out an online case evaluation form on our website to get started today.
Citations
“Recalled Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids Finally Get a Fix.” Consumer Reports, 2024. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/recalled-chrysler-pacifica-hybrids-finally-get-a-fix-a1086718683/.
“Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall to Fix Engine Shutdown Issue.” Consumer Reports, 2024. https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/car-recalls-defects/chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-recall-to-fix-engine-shutdown-issue-a8212128025/.
“Class Action Filed After Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids Recalled for Fire Risk.” org, 2024. https://www.classaction.org/blog/class-action-filed-after-chrysler-pacifica-plug-in-hybrids-recalled-for-fire-risk.
“Recall Report 22V-077.” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2022. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V077-3486.PDF.
“2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall (24V-538).” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2024. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V538.
“2024 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall (24V-536).” National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 2024. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=24V536.