Fire Risk: Stellantis Recalls 24,000 Chrysler Vehicles

Automaker Stellantis is recalling about 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid minivans worldwide due to a fire risk. Owners are being asked to park the vehicles only outdoors and not near buildings until the potential defect is corrected.

Stellantis is aware of seven incidents involving parked vehicles, some of which occurred while charging, the company said yesterday. Four people also reported symptoms related to smoke inhalation.

According to the company, these incidents are related to a rare deviation from the standard in the individual cells of the battery pack. It said the risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted. Owners are also advised not to recharge the battery.

Stellantis said it is working on a software update to detect the anomaly. If found in vehicles, new batteries will be installed. Model years 2017 through 2021 are affected, accounting for about 19,500 of the roughly 24,000 eligible vehicles registered in the United States.