--- title: "Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Fires Actually Increased After Recall: NHTSA" description: "The NHTSA is investigating a \"recent increase\" in thermal events involving the Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid, even after Stellantis' recall." date: "2024-01-18" modified: "2024-01-18" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-fires-actually-increased-after-recall-nhtsa" categories: - "Chrysler News" - "News" - "News by Brand" tags: - "Chrysler" - "pacifica" - "Van" --- # Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Fires Actually Increased After Recall: NHTSA ![]() *Stellantis* In February 2022, [Chrysler]() issued a recall for nearly 17,000 Pacifica Hybrid minivans following reports of fires. Now, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) says it has received even more fire reports *after* the recall fixes, leading the feds to open an investigation into Chrysler's initial campaign. Chrysler's 2022 recall was to address "ignition 'OFF' fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly," per the [NHTSA](). There was no publicly known root cause of the fires. All Chrysler shared was that the fires would happen with the car turned off and parked, potentially in someone's driveway or garage, and could cause injury and property damage. Strangely, though, four more [Pacifica Hybrid]() fires were reported to the NHTSA between December of 2022 and the same month a year later. After reviewing the incidents and discussing them with Stellantis to find a root cause, the NHTSA noticed that the "battery thermal event complaint rate now exceeds pre-recall levels." ![]() **Stellantis** One owner who suffered a fire in December 2023 told *[Automotive News]()* that the fire started without warning and in their garage. "This happened at the end of the charge cycle. The car was parked in our garage and if the fire department did not come to help, the fire could have intensified and burned down our whole house. We are very thankful we caught it so quickly." The NHTSA is looking into the effectiveness of the original recall and whether the pre-recall issue still exists, and the probe covers all 16,741 Pacifica Hybrids that were previously involved. In the meantime, while both the NHTSA and Stellantis investigate the issue, an interim software remedy is being installed on affected cars to help detect "thermal events" by using battery monitoring software. "In accordance with our standard practice, we are providing NHTSA with our full cooperation," a Stellantis spokesperson told *Automotive News*. "We are aware of a small number of additional reports, but vehicle inspections are not yet complete." *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()