12 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids have burst into flames while in park and turned off recently. What is the deal with EVs and hybrids catching on fire? This Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid recall affects nearly 20,000 units from 2017 to 2018. Consumer Reports says, of the 12 fires reported thus far, eight were plugged in and charging. For this reason, Chrysler is urging affected Pacifica owners not to plug in their minivans until the cause of the fires is determined. 

Is there a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recall again? 

Yes. According to Consumer Reports, in a recent statement, Chrysler said it is “working to confirm the cause of the fires.” Chrysler says it’s unaware of any crashes or injuries related to the recall.

Although there is technically an official recall, Chrysler has yet to figure out the cause of the fires and, as such, hasn’t told owners when they can bring their vans to dealers for repair. If you recall, Chrysler has already recalled another 27,000 Pacificas in 2020 for 2018 models due to a fire-related issue stemming from the fuel system. 

What are the details of the Chrysler recall so far? 

Consumer Reports notes that 19,808 Pacifica Hybrid minivans from the 2017 and 2018 model years are thought to be at risk of mysteriously catching fire. Again, Chrysler has yet to figure out the cause of the fire, which means Pacifica owners will have to wait to have their vans safely repaired. 

Chrysler has told owners that they can keep using their vehicles but only use the ICE engine and refrain from using the electric power. This Pacifica Hybrid issue feels unsettlingly similar to the Chevy Bolt fires. Is there a fundamental issue with hybrid manufacturing? 

As soon as the manufacturer figures out the source of the blazes, owners will be notified of when and where to get the problem fixed. You may also check the NHTSA’s website to see if any open recalls exist for your car. 

Is the Chrysler Pacifica a good van? 

Although we here at MotorBiscuit love minivans in general and the Chrysler Pacifica specifically, some quality issues seemed to flag a recall like this. 

Consumer Reports gave the 2022 Pacifica a 57/100. Almost every aspect earned a score of four out of five across the board except for reliability, for which the Pacifica earned a one out of five. 

In the Consumer Reports grading scale, as with most customers, reliability is one of, if not the most important aspects of a car. Your car can be the fanciest, prettiest, and more powerful car in the universe, but none of that matters if you can’t depend on it to work. 

The 2022 Chrysler Pacifica has all the bells and whistles. It is supremely comfortable and more luxurious than most proper luxury cars. The hybrid models also yield phenomenal fuel economy for a vehicle of its size at 27 mpg. 

On paper, the Chrysler Pacifica is a no-brainer for anyone who needs to cart around piles of luggage and people in high-class safety and comfort. However, the lack of reliability is a serious weak spot for such a strong contender.