Chrysler Pacifica hybrid recalled due to fire risk

Another automaker has had to recall an electric vehicle due to fire risk. On Feb. 14, 2022, Road Show reported that Chrysler is recalling nearly 20,000 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans due to a potential fire risk.

Road Show noted:

“A routine company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 12 fires among model-year 2017 and 2018 vehicles,” Stellantis said in a statement. “All were parked and turned off, while eight were connected to chargers.”

Because of this, Stellantis is urging owners to not plug in these hybrids, and to avoid parking them near structures or other vehicles. Once a fix is found, owners will be alerted to schedule a free service at a Chrysler dealer.

A total of 19,808 minivans are included in this recall, with 16,741 in the US, 2,317 in Canada and an additional 750 in places outside North America. Stellantis also confirmed that none of its Jeep 4xe plug-in hybrid models are affected by this problem.

The news comes after 141,000 Chevy Bolts were recalled last August. The problem was so pervasive that Chevy suspended manufacturing the Bolt, and production will only continue in April of this year.

Americans have the right to purchase and drive whichever type of vehicle they want, be it gasoline, diesel, or electric vehicles. However, it is fair to wonder if government mandates for electric vehicles are causing automakers to rush the product before it is ready for prime time, increasing the risk of malfunctions.

Allowing EVs to compete in the marketplace, and win market share by building a better mousetrap, is the best way to avoid botching the rollout of these technologies.