Car manufacturer warns: Avoid charging due to risk of explosion

Stellantis is recalling an estimated 19,808 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans from the 2017 and 2018 model years because of a fire risk, and is advising owners to avoid charging until further notice.

A company regular review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 12 fires among the affected vehicles, Stellantis said in a press release. The company said all were parked and shutdown, while eight were connected to chargers, the company said, adding that it was not aware of any related injuries or accidents.

The automaker also notes that this recall does not affect newer Pacifica Hybrid models, or Jeep 4xe plug-in hybrid models. Stellantis launched Jeep Wrangler 4xe as a 2021 model, while 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe It is expected to arrive in showrooms later this year.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

Stellantis is still trying to figure out the cause of the fires, but in the meantime, it advises owners not to charge and park their cars away from structures and other vehicles. . When determining the cause and offering remedies, the car company will contact the car owners so that they can repair the car for free.

This is the latest in a series of recalls for the Pacifica Hybrid and not the first involving a potential fire hazard.

The previous 2017-2018 models were recalled in 2018 for an issue where the gasoline engine might not restart properly after operating in the plug-in (electrical) mode. is also considered a fire hazard.

2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

The previous recall involved a defective part in the inverter module, potentially resulting in a thruster shutdown. In 2020, that leads to recall all models 2017-2020 for problems involving 12 volt accessory battery connections also present a fire hazard.

Pacifica Hybrid is Green Car Report’ Best car to buy 2018and in the updates since then, we’ve noticed that it easily meets its 32 mile electric range and charm with the simplicity of the driving experience.