Stellantis Reports Battery Fire Risk for Hybrid Minivans

Stellantis has issued a recall for over 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans due to potential battery fire risks. The recall affects 2017 to 2021 models, primarily in North America, some of which are being recalled for the second time. The company has linked the issue to rare abnormalities in individual battery cells, leading to a fire hazard, particularly while charging or even when the vehicles are turned off. Stellantis has reported seven instances of fires, four of which resulted in smoke inhalation for customers. To address the issue, engineers are developing a software update to detect these battery abnormalities, and if a problem is identified, dealerships will replace the high-voltage battery at no cost. Owners will be notified by mail when they can take their vehicles for servicing. Later models that were manufactured with improved processes are not part of the recall. This action follows an ongoing investigation by U.S. safety regulators into a previous recall of nearly 17,000 of the same models, focusing on the effectiveness of that recall and the underlying causes of the battery issues. In the realm of transportation, this situation underscores the critical need for rigorous testing and quality control in the production of electric and hybrid vehicles, particularly concerning battery technology. Battery fires have been a concern in the electric vehicle sector, highlighting the importance of advances in safety features, predictive technology, and robust emergency protocols. With the growing adoption of these vehicles, manufacturers must prioritize safety to maintain consumer trust and support the transition to sustainable transportation solutions.