The car's lithium batteries caught fire to the point of smoldering. 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. No warnings or issues were apparent with the vehicle when it was parked and put on the charger.
2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical problems
31 complaints (39% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 16,240.
- owner complaints
- 31
- of this car's complaints
- 39%
- typical mileage
- 16,240
- crashes
- 0
- recalls
- 1
Which part fails
- 12v/24v/48v battery1
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+
Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
Electrical system: wiring: interior/under dash
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2020 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles ("PHEV"). The 12 volt isolator post located behind the driver's seat may develop high resistance.
- Risk
- A high resistance electrical connection may result in the connection overheating, increasing the risk of a fire with the vehicle on or off.
- Remedy
- FCA will conduct a voluntary safety recall on affected vehicles to increase the torque and install a waterproof gasket to the 12v isolator post, the post will also be inspected for signs of contamination. In the event the post is compromised, the 12v isolator post and associated cables will be replaced. Until the final remedy is available, customers should bring their vehicles to dealers for an interim inspection of this joint. The recall remedy is currently under development. FCA US LLC will notify owners, and dealers will perform an interim inspection of this joint. If the inspection indicates the joint is compromised, owners will receive a loaner vehicle, until a final remedy is developed. Interim notifications are expected to begin around June 22, 2020. The recall began July 30, 2020. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is W46. Note: Consumers are advised to exercise the following precautions until the vehicle has the final repair completed: do not park these vehicles inside of buildings or structures, or near other vehicles. Additionally, keep liquids out of the backseat area, including but not limited to beverages, wet items, umbrellas, or bottled liquids that may leak.
Recall number 20V334000 · Recall details
Related investigations
Loss of motive power due to an internal wiring connector short.
On July 22, 2022, the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened investigation PE22-008 regarding complaints alleging a loss of motive power condition potentially due to a transmission malfunction in Model Years 2019-2021 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV). On January 17, 2023, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall 23V‑010) involving 2017-2023 Model Years (MY) Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016, through January 9, 2023. The recall states that the loss of motive power condition in these vehicles is caused by an internal transmission wiring connector that may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown. An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash. In discussions with FCA on Recall 23V‑010, ODI confirmed the recall was related to investigation PE22-008.  The remedy for 23V‑010 is to update the Power Inverter module (PIM) and/or Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) software to provide drivers a message stating âStop Safely - Vehicle Will Shut Off Soonâ followed by a chime and MIL, PRNDL blinking (on cluster and shifter knob), low SOC (State of Charge) warning and reduced power mode. The recall remedy does not replace the defective hardware that was described in Recall 23V‑010, and the wiring connector short still exists on these vehicles. To date, ODI has received 132 reports for the population of vehicles subject to recall 23V‑010. These reports allege a loss of motive power condition that reduces the vehicles speed, followed by dashboard warning lamps displaying messages associated with recall 23V‑010. The presence of these warning lamps and messages indicates the vehicle likely had the recall remedy applied. Follow up discussions with FCA confirm their remedy does not prevent a loss of motive power, but instead limits torque to the engine and after an unspecified number of miles or period of time, the engine will shut down. When this occurs, FCA relies on the owner to transport the vehicle to a dealership after they experience a loss of motive power condition, at which time the defective hardware is replaced.  Furthermore, the dashboard messages introduced in the recall remedy may cause the driver to pull over in an unsafe location. Pulling over in an unsafe location may expose the occupants to undue harm. The Office of Defects Investigation is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to assess the adequacy, frequency, and safety consequence of the remedy for recall 23V‑010. To review the ODI reports cited in the opening resume ODI report identification number document, go to
RQ24004
Ignition-off high voltage battery fire (Remedy effectiveness of Recall 22V‑077)
On February 11, 2022, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) issued a safety recall (the federal safety agency Recall 22V‑077) on all 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEV) produced between August 12, 2016 through August 7, 2018. The recall addresses ignition “OFF’ fires that originate at the high voltage (HV) battery pack assembly. An ignition ‘OFF’ vehicle fire can result in an increased risk of occupant injury, injury to persons outside the vehicle, and property damage, with little to no warning. At the time of the recall filing the root cause of the vehicle fires was unknown and under investigation by FCA and suppliers. A software remedy designed to improve thermal event detectability by monitoring battery diagnostics is currently being installed on subject vehicles as an interim remedy. As of November 23, 2023, the root cause of the battery failure is unknown. From December 2022 through December 2023, the federal safety agency has received four consumer complaints (VOQs) alleging vehicle thermal events involving recalled 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs. Additional information collected from complainants confirmed a thermal event originating near or at the HV battery pack after the Recall 22V077 remedy had been applied to the vehicle. Follow up meetings with FCA and suppliers in November and December 2023 to discuss the ongoing root cause investigation and post-recall remedy incidents indicated a recent increase in HV battery thermal events. Furthermore, a review of the federal safety agency complaint data indicated the post-recall HV battery thermal event complaint rate now exceeds pre-recall levels. The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) is opening this Recall Query (RQ) to review the effectiveness of the original recall remedy, understand the root cause of the battery fires, investigate additional reports of Pacifica PHEV HV battery fires, and to increase monitoring of the manufacturer root cause investigation. To review the ODI reports cited in the Opening Resume ODI Report Identification Number document, go to
RQ24001
What 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Internal charging system or vehicle battery pack malfunctioned & caught fire. Vehicle is available for inspection now, but not sure about when it is removed from our property. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - It was a big fire! Close to structures, vehicles & dry foliage – super lucky it didn't spread. Smoke was very noxious and affected our entire neighborhood. Neighbors have reported respiratory irritation since the fire. I now have a cough, burning throat and headaches. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - There's a burned out van at the end of my driveway... specific instance of this problem does not need confirmation Similar issues are reported on the internet. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Not yet. Chrysler says it'll take 2-3 days for issue to be "escalated". Insurance is sending someone. Fire department HazMat crew verified that the battery pack is now "cold" but toxic chemicals are a public safety hazard. Oakland Fire incident #[XXX]. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - July 2022 the vehicle refused to charge & displayed a "turtle" icon. Took it to the dealer and told of the charging/fire recall. Stopped charging until all the recall parts were available which wasn't until August 2023. After repair, we were told the car was OK & it was safe to resume charging the car. Other details: - The vehicle caught fire while charging, engulfed in flames, had to be extinguished by Fire department, total loss. Car plugged in at ~4:30pm and we heard a "pop" at ~8:20pm. So the battery had reached 100%. Ran out and there was small fire dripping from middle underside of the car– quickly spread & consumed the entire car INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF I
The vehicle's high voltage battery was being charged using a Siemens VG2 EVSE when an arcing sound was noticed and burning smell and smoking was seen. Looking back at our home energy monitor, it appears to have been arcing for close to an hour without any warnings being thrown until shortly after being noticed. The car did eventually show a charging system error, but the charging didn't stop until I physically unplugged it. The L1 pin on the vehicle and the EVSE showed scorch marks and damage from the arcing, but thankfully it was caught before a fire happened.
We had the FCA Recall #Z11, the federal safety agency Recall #22V‑077 repaired on this vehicle. One week later, the plug-in hybrid Pacifica was parked in the garage, plugged in but done charging. In the middle of the night, the battery spontaneously combusted. We heard a loud boom sound and found the car smoldering and emitting significant amounts of smoke. The car then burst into flames. The fire department soaked the car with water but it continued to reignite for approximately two hours despite the fire department’s best efforts to extinguish the fire. The car was completely destroyed. It also caused significant chemical smoke damage to our garage and home. As soon as we found it smoking, we rolled it out of the garage, which saved our house from catching on fire. Luckily our children were not in or next to the car at the time the battery combusted. There were no warning signs in the car prior to this incident. The vehicle has been inspected by insurance and is available for further inspection. At least two members of the family experienced adverse health consequences following the smoke exposure.
The contact owns a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid. The contact stated that after starting the vehicle, the parking brake inadvertently engaged and the passenger's and driver's side rear sliding doors were unable to unlock. The contact disconnected the battery to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 66,000.
Risk of Fire and no information forthcoming as to remedy. Recall was first advised in February. If the vehicle is defective then it either needs to be fixed or bought back by the manufacturer. If it isn’t then retract the recall. Do something.
Recall Z11 was announced in early February 2022 due to fire risk which prompted Chrysler to issue a recommendation that owners not charge their plug-in hybrid Pacifica Hybrids and to park them outside until the fix was completed. More than six months have passed without subsequent update to resolve this recall, and not only is no part or remedy identified, the underlying cause has yet to be identified. This is after two previous recalls, U94 in October 2018 and W46 in June 2020, which were also announced by Chrysler due to fire risk for the Pacifica Hybrid. Chrysler's guidance of parking the vehicle outside and not plugging it in to charge is unsatisfactory and illogical. The normal operation of the plug-in hybrid system leads to the gasoline engine and regenerative braking charging the high-voltage battery during its "Hybrid Mode" operation even when the vehicle has not been plugged in to charge the high-voltage battery. Based upon other recent fire risk recalls related to vehicles with high-voltage batteries such as the Chevrolet Bolt EV--which has led to numerous manufacturer repurchases and complete battery replacement for all affected models--Chrysler's response is neither timely nor sufficient. It is past time that definitive resolution be provided to owners of vans that have already been affected by two prior fire risk recalls and now have been waiting six months with recommendation to not use the vehicle as designed, marketed, and advertised at the time of sell. Given the unresolved nature of recall Z11, I request action be taken to require manufacturer buybacks of the affected products at this time.
I received a letter from Chrysler instructing not to charge Pacifica hybrid and to park it away from the house because they have experienced several fire. I paid a high price to purchase a plug in hybrid, and when gas prices are at their highest, I am unable to use the electric battery. Most of my driving is done within range of the battery and not being able to charge and use it is very costly.
Recall was issued February 18, 2022. Have not been able to park in garage or plug in charger since recall. Numerous calls and letters and emails have resulted in nothing but sympathy. This recall is definitely not being handled in a timely manner! This idiocy needs to get more attention….quickly!
Fire recall is over 6 months old. No word on a fix from Chrysler. I can't charge or park near house due to possible fire from battery. Fix it or buy the car back! The vehicle is a plug in hybrid. Before the recall we would charge every day and fill up the tank every 2-3 months. Now we fill every week. Help.
Questions about the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical
Does the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid have electrical problems?
Owners have filed 31 complaints about the electrical of the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid, 39% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 16,240 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid electrical?
Yes, 1 recall: 20V334000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid have the most electrical problems?
The Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid model years with the most electrical complaints are 2018 (84 complaints), 2022 (40 complaints) and 2017 (31 complaints).
Other 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid problems
Fuel system 37Engine 19Transmission 15Steering 5Brakes 4Driver assistance 3Airbags 1Body 1Visibility 1
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