Recall announced on 2017-1018 Pacifica Hybrids!

chrashing said:

Wondering what changed post 2018 that fixed the problem. Has Chrysler they been watching for 3 years to see if the problem was actually fixed before calling this recall fix?

Click to expand...

I don't think it's a matter of Chrysler "fixing" the issue post 2018. It may well be like GM's recall of the Bolt, which started with just a couple of the earlier model years, but then eventually had to be expanded to encompass all Bolt's that were sold, even including the redesigned Bolt EUV. The Pacifica Hybrid uses batteries from the same Holland Michigan LG factory that made the later model year Bolt batteries that were also subject to recall.

So right now Chrysler and LG techs and executives are probably frantically trying to determine if the manufacturing defect that plagued the Bolt batteries is also in the PacHy batteries, and if so then the PacHy recall may well expand to later model years since the LG manufacturing issue wasn't identified (and hopefully fixed) until after mid-2021.

Hi Everyone,

Thank you for your attention on this important notice. The VIN list for affected vehicles will be released on 2/18/22 and we will share additional information as updates become available.

Here is more background information in the meantime:

Stellantis is recalling an estimated 19,808 plug-in hybrid minivans from model years 2017 and 2018, to resolve a potential fire risk.

A routine Company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 12 fires among model-year 2017 and 2018 vehicles. All were parked and turned off, while eight were connected to chargers.

Stellantis is unaware of any related injuries or accidents.

The recall is limited to model-year 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids; no other Pacifica models are affected. Until further notice, the Company is advising owners of these hybrid vehicles to refrain from recharging them and to park them away from structures and other vehicles.

Stellantis is working to confirm the cause of the fires. The remedy, when developed, will be provided free of charge, and affected customers will be advised when they may schedule service.

Jeep®-brand plug-in hybrid vehicles with 4xe technology are unaffected.

The recall comprises vehicles in the U.S. (est. 16,741), Canada (est. 2,317) and another 750 outside North America.

Stellantis will contact customers if their vehicles are affected; notification by mail is expected to begin this month.

U.S. customers with additional questions or concerns may call 1-800-853-1403. Canadian customers may call 1-800-387-9983 (FR) or 1-800-465-2001 (EN).

Chrysler Cares

Following this thread to see what the process is in case there's a wider recall.

If anyone's curious - there were two LG Battery defects, both of which needed to occur in a cell to cause the issue + combination with age/usage, etc.

Stellantis has only stated a recall, and is "working to confirm the cause". Going though my legal translator, that sounds to me that they have a strong indication of what the cause might be, but are reserving the final decision or at least a public statement until more research is done. I think finding the cause and correcting it as this is a safety issue, is top priority.

However, the statement also has "The recall is limited to model-year 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids; no other Pacifica models are affected" - which is up for interpretation - are they not affected because there's been no fires? or did something change in manufacturing that would mean we're not at risk?

Is anyone on this forum a part of the recall? Any info on what's happening next?