Stellantis recalls some Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans for fire risk

Worries about a potential fire risk have prompted Stellantis to warn owners of certain Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid minivans not to park them near structures or vehicles and not to recharge them.

The company, which owns Chrysler, Jeep, Ram, Dodge and Fiat, has issued a voluntary recall covering 19,808 plug-in hybrid 2017 and 2018 model year Pacificas after “a routine company review of customer data led to an internal investigation that discovered 12 fires” involving those vehicles, according to a news release.

All of the minivans were parked and turned off, and eight were connected to chargers, the release said.

The company said it’s unaware of any related injuries or accidents. The company said no other Pacifica models are affected.

“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,” the release said.

When asked whether the issue has any connection to a recall of certain Pacifica Hybrid minivans from June 2020, spokesman Eric Mayne pointed a reporter back to the news release, which says the company is working to confirm the cause of the current fires. That earlier recall involved a fire risk related to an electrical connection in the minivans.

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Stellantis isn’t the only company dealing with fire concerns. Kia and its sister brand, Hyundai, announced recalls this week covering almost 485,000 vehicles, telling owners to park outside and away from homes because of a fire risk. Both brands have struggled with engine fire issues in recent years.