Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Recalled Over Short Circuit Risk, Owners Advised To Park Outside

According to a report filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the Auburn Hills-based automaker started investigating said condition back on August 8. Through October, the Technical and Regulatory Compliance organization within FCA US LLC reviewed production data and met with the engineering department to understand the risks posed by an off-location 12V isolator post.

The short answer is… well… a short to ground in the 12-volt battery's positive circuit, which leads to a fire with the ignition either on or off. As a result, owners are urged to park outside and away from buildings and other automobiles until the repair is completed.

To be notified on December 29, dealers nationwide will modify the isolator to fit the anti-rotation stud correctly. December 29 is also when owner notification letters will be sent via first-class mail. An estimated 32 vehicles require said remedy, all of them produced for the 2023 model year between July 7 and July 8 at the Stellantis facility in Windsor, Ontario.

Windsor opened in 1928, yet minivan production at said plant started in 1983. The Pacifica started rolling off the assembly line in February 2016 for the 2017 model year. The Pacifica Hybrid – which, contrary to its name, is a plug-in hybrid – began production in December 2016. After the Pacifica runs its course, Windsor will be retooled for STLA Large vehicles.

With 112,198 examples moved in the United States in the first three quarters of 2023, the Pacifica is the best-selling minivan of the bunch. The Honda Odyssey clocked 56,359 sales, the Toyota Sienna sold 47,753 units, and the Kia Carnival is listed with 16,060 deliveries to its name from Q1 to Q3 2023.

Slowly but surely going extinct, minivans don't hold a candle to crossover utility vehicles. Not only do utilities ride a bit higher, but everyone and their dog wants one. With so many three-row crossovers available to configure nowadays, it shouldn't come as a surprise to see minivans going the way of the dodo by decade's end. At least in the US market, that is.

With Chrysler due to end production of the 300 sedan after the 2023 model year, the Pacifica will soldier on as the brand's only vehicle. Previewed by the Airflow concept, Chrysler's first-ever electric vehicle is expected to launch in 2025 on the STLA Large platform. The next-gen Dodge Charger is also going STLA Large, and yes, at least one internal combustion engine will join fully electric options.

Currently listed as a 2024 model on Chrysler's website, the Pacifica carries a sticker price of $39,090 for the FWD-only Touring. The pricier Touring L, Limited, and Pinnacle offer all-wheel drive as an optional extra. The Pacifica Hybrid is FWD by nature, and prices kick off at a whopping $51,095.