The Pacifica Hybrid is a wonderful piece of technology but with zero track record on very new and somewhat complex technological choices and despite all the efforts Chrysler has put in development and testing, it sounds reasonable to expect a few problems on the first batch of PHEVs. I would think some of us on the verge of buying or ordering the hybrid must keep that in mind. The mere presence of ChryslerCares on this forum and their prompt replies to most posts involving Pacifica issues is quite reassuring but I am wondering how practically, flows & issues on early production models are handled by dealers. Is it typical for them to offer a loaner while the car is being repaired? That at the very least would give me some peace of mind and not worry of finding myself car-less.
PHEV pioneers
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I bought the Limited option, but included with the purchase, so long as the car is under warranty, they will provide a rental car if your repair warrants you to leave you vehicle in their possession. If you car is functioning and safe to operate, they will order the parts for you and let you leave in your vehicle. Then you would just go back for the actual repair when the parts come in. Now I am not sure if for instance, if the hybrid battery is not working and they have to order a new one, would they provide a rental car until it is fully fixed, or would they make you drive the van because it can still operate off of gas in the meantime or maybe there is not full battery override/solo gas option and then you would have no choice but to leave the van and get a rental from them.
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If a rental/loaner car is important to you, just get a Mopar extended warranty. Even the cheaper ones come with first day rental for warranty AND maintenance visits. That's one of the major reasons I get it. I get a free rental any time the car is at the dealer, even if it's just for an oil change.
Volvo introduced their new XC90 hybrid last year and has had an enormous number of software issues, to the point where I'm considering taking it off my list of cars to consider since the problems, although diminished, still exist. Point being, this is uncharted territory for FCA and no matter how many testing miles were driven, things are going to come up that weren't anticipated during design or experienced during testing.
Yeah.... the eFlite electrically variable transmission (EVT) really scares me when I looked at the schematics but in some ways, there seem to be quite less moving parts than in the even more complex 7-speed transmission on the gas-only model.
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The gas-only model actually has a 9 speed transmission.
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