NHTSA opens recall query into 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid: Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V-077)
On January 16, 2024, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened a Recall Query (RQ24001) into 2017–2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid, concerning the electrical system. A Recall Query examines an earlier recall, for example whether its repair works or whether it covers every affected vehicle. As of NHTSA’s latest data it is still open.
- Action
- RQ24001 (Recall Query)
- Status
- Open
- Component
- Electrical System: Propulsion System: Traction Battery
- Listed
- 4 make/model/year entries in NHTSA’s file
Vehicles under investigation
| Make | Chrysler |
|---|---|
| Models | Pacifica, Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid |
| Model years | 2017–2018 |
As listed in NHTSA’s investigation file. Not every vehicle of a listed model is necessarily affected.
What ODI says
On February 11, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a safety recall (NHTSA Recall 22V-077) on all 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016 through August 7, 2018. The recall addresses ignition “OFF’ fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. At the time of the recall filing the root cause of the vehicle fires was unknown and under investigation by FCA and suppliers. A software remedy designed to improve thermal event detectability by monitoring battery diagnostics is currently being installed on subject vehicles as an interim remedy. As of November 23, 2023, the root cause of the battery failure is unknown. From December 2022 through December 2023, NHTSA has received four consumer complaints (VOQs) alleging vehicle thermal events involving recalled 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Additional information collected from complainants confirmed a thermal event originating near or at the HV battery pack after the Recall 22V077 remedy had been applied to the vehicle. Follow up meetings with FCA and suppliers in November and December 2023 to discuss the ongoing root cause investigation and post-recall remedy incidents indicated a recent increase in HV battery thermal events. Furthermore, a review of NHTSA complaint data indicated the post-recall HV battery thermal event complaint rate now exceeds pre-recall levels. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, understand the root cause of the battery fires, investigate additional reports of Pacifica PHEV HV battery fires, and to increase monitoring of the manufacturer root cause investigation. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to NHTSA.gov.
Official summary by NHTSA’s Office of Defects Investigation for RQ24001, quoted in full (U.S. government work, public domain).
What owners have reported
Owners filed 2,706 complaints with NHTSA about the model years in this investigation, reporting 77 crashes, 41 fires, 60 injuries. These are all complaints on file for those vehicles, about any problem, not only this one; complaints are unverified owner reports.
| Vehicle | Complaints | Crashes | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 Pacifica | 1,526 | 46 | 37 | 0 |
| 2018 Pacifica | 878 | 27 | 15 | 0 |
| 2017 Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid | 79 | 1 | 4 | 0 |
| 2018 Pacifica Plug-IN Hybrid | 223 | 3 | 4 | 0 |
Recalls and problems for these vehicles
Related recalls
NHTSA links these recall campaigns to RQ24001.
Timeline
- ODI opens recall query RQ24001
- NHTSA recall 26V362000 (recall date)
- OpenNo closing date yet
What this means for owners
- An investigation is not a recall. NHTSA has not made a defect finding here, and owners are not asked to do anything yet. If a safety defect is confirmed, the manufacturer recalls the vehicles and the repair is free.
- Check your vehicle for open recalls with a free VIN recall check.
- Had this problem? File a complaint with NHTSA. Owner complaints are the evidence ODI uses to open and expand investigations.
Official record: search RQ24001 or your vehicle at NHTSA.gov/recalls, which lists investigations alongside recalls. Data: NHTSA ODI investigations file, updated daily. All NHTSA investigations.