Hybrid Vans Recalled Over Fire Danger
Stellantis warns owners to park them away from structures till it works out a fix.

Owners can check whether their vans are included in the recall after July 24.
Stellantis
Owners of about 20,000 Chrysler minivans are being urged to park them outside, uncharged and away from structures and other objects due to fire risk.
The 2017 to 2021 Pacifica plug-in hybrids are being recalled while the carmaker prepares a repair remedy. It had found evidence of seven fires among the recalled vans when they were turned off, some of them during recharging.
Though the company says it’s unaware of any accidents related to the issue, it said four people reported “symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation.”
Some of the vans in question may have previously got similar software updates, Stellantis said, pointing out that later models were made under an improved process.
It said the problem appears to be connected to a “rare abnormality” in the vans’ battery cells. Since fire risk is diminished when the battery is uncharged, the carmaker is warning owners to refrain from recharging until their vans are repaired.
The carmaker was in the process of finalizing a repair remedy involving a software update to locate the battery issue in vans where it presents. Dealers will replace batteries in affected vans.
Owners can check whether their vans are included in the recall after July 24. The recall includes an additional 2,900 vans in Canada and about 1,700 outside North America.
Originally posted on Auto Dealer Today
More Industry

Autos More Appealing
Consumers gave new cars better scores again this year for design, performance and more as mass-market brands kept gaining on premium lineups, JD Power found in an annual poll.
Read More →
Used EVs Defy Overall Market
While the used-car market saw three months of price declines or stagnation, the used EV segment did the opposite – rising for three straight months.
Read More →
Gone to the Dogs
A Stellantis brand decided to have some fun with one of its SUVs’ design to address growing emphasis on family pets.
Read More →
OEM Poll Sees Industry Evolution
Kerrigan Advisors’ survey of automakers finds that tariffs, technology, network tightening and other factors are poised to reshape auto retail.
Read More →
Luxe N.C. Dealerships Change Hands
A collection of Italian and English brand franchises were handed off to the owner’s friend in the business and include the Carolinas’ only Ferrari retail stores.
Read More →
Exposure Drives Interest in Chinese Cars
At a recent demonstration, consumers had the chance to ride in a Chinese-branded vehicle, a firsthand experience that improved their perceptions and purchase intent.
Read More →
Automotive Consumers Sink Further in Debt
Most financing metrics hit records in the second quarter as more buyers locked themselves into long terms and high monthly payments.
Read More →
Agent Advocate
Rob Mancuso, who comes from a long line of auto dealers, values general agents’ place in the industry and makes a case for them taking an even bigger seat at the table.
Read More →
Driving Under Distraction
Though consumers gave higher marks to new vehicles in JD Power’s most recent initial-quality poll, high-tech interference worsened, pointing to craving for simplicity.
Read More →
Affordable New Cars a Thing of the Past
More than one out of five new vehicles sell for more than $60,000, according to Edmunds. That's up 7% compared to prepandemic 2019.
Read More →