Stellantis finds fix for Chrysler Pacifica PHEV fire issue

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After many months, it seems that Stellantis has found a fix for the February recall of its Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivan. It was previously recalled due to reports of 12 fires while the plug-in hybrids were parked and turned off — non-PHEVs were not affected. While all minivans were off at the time of the fires, in eight of the occurrences, the Pacificas were charging; this prompted Stellantis to advise Pacifica Hybrid owners to discontinue recharging the minivan and to park away from structures and other vehicles.

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Now, Chrysler says it has a solution to the problem, though the company told Green Car Reports the root cause is still unknown. So, what does that mean for Pacifica Hybrid owners?

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Well, according to Stellantis, it has identified specific conditions that can lead to a fire and therefore the company has been able to identify a fix — a software update to the battery pack for the High Voltage Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM). While the root cause remains a mystery, Stellantis confirmed the update will return the minivan to its normal operation.

Pacifica Hybrid owners are being notified to take their minivan to a dealer where an upgraded software is to be installed, free of charge. In addition, the battery pack will be inspected and replaced, if necessary, also free of charge. Until the fix is complete, owners are still advised to refrain from charging the minivan, as well as continuing to park outside, away from structures and other vehicles.

The recall covers the 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans, affecting 16,741 vehicles in the U.S., 2,317 in Canada, and another 750 outside North America.

You can check online at Transport Canada, using your VIN, to see if your vehicle has been recalled.