Chrysler Launches Recall for the Pacifica Hybrid Due to Fire Hazard

What: The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) minivan

Who: Chrysler (Stellantis North America FCA US, LLC)

Why: An improperly extruded fuel line could cause a fuel leak into the engine compartment presenting a risk of fire and injury to occupants, bystanders, and property

When: July 14th, 2023

Where: The recall is taking place in the United States

How Can I Identify The Recalled Product?: Vehicle owners can identify if their vehicle has been recalled by entering their car's 17-digit vehicle identification number (VIN) on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website or by contacting their local Chrysler dealership. 

On July 14th, 2023, Stellantis (FCA US, LLC) announced a voluntary safety recall of approximately 967 units of its 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid plug-in hybrid (PHEV) minivans. According to the Safety Recall Report posted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), some of the 2023 MY Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEVs") may experience a fuel line leak due to an improperly extruded fuel line.

The vehicle maker began to suspect the issue back on February 22nd, 2023, when the suspect fuel lines were introduced in vehicle production and ended on March 8th, 2023, when the fuel lines were no longer used in the vehicle's production. According to the NHTSA report in March, Chrysler's Technical Safety Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization opened an investigation to get to the root of the problem. The vehicle company looked at fuel line leaks, vehicle histories, and the supplier records and discovered that the line may have been improperly extruded.

As a result of that manufacturing error, it was discovered that fuel could leak into the engine compartment. If the fuel comes into contact with a hot surface, it could catch fire, which could lead to an increased risk of injury for the occupants of the vehicle, as well as an increased risk of injury or damage to bystanders and property. Owners of the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica should look for signs of the issue by inspecting their vehicles for fuel odor, spills, or drips. 

The investigation also determined that owners with similar vehicles should not suspect if their cars have been affected by this recall. The similar hybrids not included in the recall were either built before or after the suspected time period where the fuel line was used and do not include the suspect fuel line in their build. However, if drivers are worried that their vehicle may include a faulty fuel line, they are urged to contact their local Chrysler dealership. 

The 2023 Chrysler Pacifica Recall Timeline

Provided by the NHTSA is the chronological timeline for the 2023 Chrysler Pacifica recall:

• March 28th, 2023: The FCA US LLC (FCA US) Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) organization opened an investigation into 2023 the Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs that were built with an improperly extruded fuel line.

• March 2023 through June 2023: The FCA US TSRC conducted an analysis of fuel line leaks, the vehicle histories, and reviewed supplier data.

• July 5th, 2023: The FCA US has identified zero customer assistance records, two warranty claims, and zero field reports potentially related to this issue for all markets with dates of receipt ranging from April 25th, 2023, through June 2nd, 2023.

• July 5th, 2023: The FCA US is not aware of any accidents or injuries potentially related to this issue for all markets.

• July 14th, 2023: The FCA US determined, through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, to conduct a voluntary safety recall of the affected vehicles.

This is not the first time Chrysler has issued a recall into the Chrysler Pacifica. While this is the smallest Pacifica Hybrid fire recall that Chrysler has initiated so far. In 2022, the company inspected over 16 thousand of their hybrid vehicles due to the 12-volt battery system, which could be shorted by liquids in the cabin. In 2020, Chrysler inspected 27,634 vehicles globally due to the same issue. 

Drivers Can Expect Repairs Free of Charge

Owners of the affected Chrysler vehicles will be notified by mail on September 8th, 2023. Owners are advised to contact their nearest dealership to schedule an inspection and potential fuel line replacement free of charge. The automaker only suspects about one percent of the recalled vehicles will need the fuel line replacement. Until then, customers can reach FCA US, LLC customer service at 1-800-853-1403 for inquiries or concerns using recall number 77A.

Vehicle owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153) or visit the NHTSA's website for further details regarding the recall. The NHTSA has this recall listed under the number 23V-500. If you own one of the recalled Chrysler Pacifica vehicles, you may be eligible for financial compensation. For more information, contact a Morgan & Morgan attorney today and schedule your free, no-obligation case evaluation.