We took our van in for the 52d recall of the battery being defective and can catch on fire!! for our 2021 crysler pasifica hybrid van for them to update the software for the hybrid battery and to monitor it. Not even a month later we had to take it back to the dealership mechanic because the check engine light came on. They said the hybrid battery is bad and its under the recall 52d. We reached out to Stellantis and went back and forth because they didnt want to honor it. In the mean time we have been out of a primary vehicle. Stellantis has finally agreed to order a new hybrid battery and cover our vehicle under the recall 52 and have the dealership mechanic install it 100% free. That was Monday. We have tried to reach out to our star case person Mariah, which she had a lady named Monica call us and we were not able to speak to her, she left a voice mail saying only on the message the part has been ordered? We reached out to the dealership mechanic and he has been more than helpful by letting us know the battery was ordered which he had to look it up when we called because Stellantis didnt not reach out to Auto Nation about our van being approved for the battery recall 52d replacement. Mariah told us last week that when we get approved for the battery that we would need to call her for them to get us a rental. We have been calling leaving messages and no response. Its now week 3 without a vehicle and we have children that have to go to school and the adults have to go to work. But have to ask other people to give us a ride and somtimes are not able to find a ride. When clearly the recall paper states that a loaner vehicle will be provided 100% and we will be takin care of. Please help with them honoring this recall all the way through until it is completed. This has become an inconvenience for our family of 8, because of their mistakes. Were asking you to look into this matter to help us and other people that are dealing with the same recall 52d on their pasific
Chrysler Pacifica fire or smoke problems
111 of the 7,082 owner complaints about the Chrysler Pacifica describe fire, smoke or burning smell, most of them for the 2018 model year.
- owner complaints
- 111
- worst model year
- 2018
- typical mileage
- 77,000
By model year
Often reported together
Check engine light 20Stalling 10Engine failure 8Overheating 7Misfire 5Won't start 3Power steering loss 3Jerking 3
Trouble codes mentioned
P258B 1P0303 1P000B 1
What owners say
On 8/9/2026, two days after purchasing the aforementioned brand-new vehicle (8/7/2026), the vehicle experienced a fire in the undercarriage below the engine while I was driving with my wife and our [XXX] daughter in the vehicle. While driving in traffic, we noticed a strong smell that appeared to be burning rubber but did not initially realize the vehicle was on fire as the smell dissipated. There were no warnings or other signs of a problem. A Good Samaritan driving a truck observed the situation, turned around, followed us, and flagged us down at a gas station to alert us that our vehicle was on fire. We immediately stopped and inspected the vehicle. We took photographs documenting the vehicle and apparent fire-related damage immediately following the incident, and those photographs have been preserved. By the time we arrived home several minutes afterward, the fire was no longer active. We have not driven the vehicle since the incident. The incident is particularly concerning because the vehicle was only two days old and my wife, our baby, and I were inside when the fire occurred. Prior to the fire, the vehicle had been driven no more than 15 minutes total leading up to the incident, with one stop for an errand during that time. We are concerned that the vehicle's occupants were not initially aware that a fire was occurring and that an outside motorist had to alert us. We are requesting that the federal safety agency document and investigate this safety incident and determine the cause of the fire, including whether there may be a defect or recurring safety issue involving the vehicle or its undercarriage components. We are concerned about the potential for an undercarriage fire to occur without the occupants immediately recognizing the danger and request that this incident be included in the federal safety agency's safety records and evaluated for any broader safety implications. The vehicle is now at Brad Deery Motors [XXX]. A representative for Chrysler has inspected the vehicle. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (
The contact owned a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence and unoccupied for over 24 hours, the contact's son smelled smoke, looked out the bedroom window, and observed flames coming from the tailgate and the rear of the vehicle. The contact's son notified 911, and the fire department responded and extinguished the fire. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to Next Gear Auto Sales (Easton, PA). The vehicle was destroyed. The vehicle was not insured. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
The contact owns a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 MPH, there was white smoke coming from the front of the vehicle. The check engine warning light was illuminated. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed, and it was determined that coolant was leaking into cylinder #3, and the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle warranty had expired. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
The vehicle caught fire earlier morning of 7/9/2026. It was sitting in front of house unoccupied. The alarm went off twice which pressing the key fob shut it off until the third time when the alarm would continue until it died down. I went to my door to check and noticed the car was on fire.
This is related to the 23V‑010 / XE1 recall and extended warranty for the 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited. The manufacturer is refusing the recall remedy because the catastrophic nature of the failure (transmission rupture) makes it impossible for the dealer to pull diagnostic codes. This creates an impossible standard for the consumer and effectively nullifies a federal safety recall. On XXX, I brought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid Limited to DâAmbrosio Service in Downingtown, PA. Â I reported that the car was making a sound during acceleration. On April 16, I was advised that the noise was the rubbing of the heat shield which was reportedly adjusted and tested that the noise was gone. Â On April 19 I sent a message to DâAmbrosio that the noise remained however I never received a response. Â I believe that the noise was misdiagnosed and was actually warning signs of an imminent transmission failure. Â On XXX, while driving, my wife and I heard a pop, saw smoke pouring out the back and immediately pulled over to discover a large amount of fluid spilling out of the bottom of the vehicle. Â The vehicle was towed to DâAmbrosio service in [XXX] where it has remained unaddressed until June 10. On XXX I received a phone call from DâAmbrosio that the vehicle transmission had a hole in it (quote from service advisor "internal failure of the transmission, which has caused components to puncture the casing") and would need to be replaced at my cost. Â When I inquired about the XE1 warranty extension, I was told that the lack of diagnostic codes didnât justify the warranty. Â I then asked that the issue be escalated INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
My 2018 Pacifica Hybrid suffered a catastrophic suspension separation while driving—the exact failure described in Safety Recall V15. The driver fortunately arrived at home safely only seeing smoke coming out form the tire rubbing against the wheel hood. Although my VIN isn't showing as 'active,' this is clearly a safety defect. I would like to open a case for a Goodwill Repair or a 'Special Policy' adjustment because this is a known dangerous failure.
Due to faulty plastic fuel neck hose . When pumping gas the gas tank piece broke off .which now I have hard time putting gas in , I can never get it filled up with gas because it keeps stopping as if it’s full , which in this case it’s not . And I have to hold the piece to get fuel in . This can be dangerous it could cause over fill gas to flow over or even on one’s skin or instance catch on fire . This part needs to be stronger as in metal not plastic fuel neck. Also without warning no lamp lights showed up .
Vehicle was plugged into an outlet inside the resident's garage when smoke began to come from the battery located in the center floor board. Fire crews responded and unplugged the vehicle and pushed it out of the garage and cooled the battery that registered 350 degrees using a thermal imaging camera. No flames were present. National Fire Reporting Incident Number: 25-2040031
On Thursday, July 3, we were on our way out of town and had just gotten on a highway when I smelled something burning, saw smoke (we thought was steam at the time) coming from the hood and heard the engine making a grinding, or rattling noise so we pulled over immediately. My husband got out of the car to start to take a look when another vehicle who had just passed us backed up and motioned frantically saying “Your car is on fire!” So we got out and looked under the front of the car and sure enough, there was liquid spilling onto the ground and fire coming from underneath. So we quickly got away from the car and called 911. Another gentleman who had been going West also stopped to make sure everyone was okay and was also calling 911. Within 10-14 minutes the front of the car was totally engulfed in flames.
Related recalls
Electrical system: propulsion system: traction battery
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2020-2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles. The battery pack may cause a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked with the ignition in the "Off" position.
- Risk
- A vehicle fire increases the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised not to charge their vehicles, and to park outside and away from structures, until their vehicle is repaired. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module software. In addition, dealers will inspect and replace the battery pack assembly, as necessary. All repairs will be performed free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed beginning June 23, 2026. Owners may contact FCA US LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US LLC's number for this recall is 52D. The Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on on June 11, 2026.
Recall number 26V362000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2023 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. An electrical short may occur due to an incorrectly installed 12-volt battery isolator post, resulting in a fire while parked or driving.
- Risk
- A fire while parked or driving can increase the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Owners are advised to park outside and away from structures until the recall repair is complete. Dealers will correct the isolator to fit the anti-rotation stud, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed November 28, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is B0A.
Recall number 23V753000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: connectors/plugs/receptacles
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US, LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric vehicles (PHEVs). An internal transmission wiring connector may short circuit, resulting in an unexpected engine shutdown.
- Risk
- An unexpected engine shutdown can cause a loss of drive power, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will update the Power Inverter Module (PIM) software and, if necessary, update the instrument panel cluster (IPC) and the electronic control module (ECM) software, free of charge. FCA US will notify dealers and begin notifying owners on or about: 03/21/2023 for 2021 model year vehicles, 05/02/2023 for 2019-2020 model year vehicles, and 06/15/2023 for 2017-2018 model year vehicles. FCA began notifying owners on February 23, 2023. Owners may contact FCA US, LLC customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US, LLC's number for this recall is 03A.
Recall number 23V010000 · Recall details
Electrical system: 12v/24v/48v battery
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017-2019 Pacifica vehicles equipped with engine stop/start systems. A loose battery ground connection may result in an intermittent loss of power steering assist and/or a stall.
- Risk
- A loss of power steering assist or a stall can increase the risk of crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the battery ground surfaces, clean the contact surfaces as needed, and properly reassemble the ground connection, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. FCA US' number for this recall is V53.
Recall number 19V348000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring: front underhood
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2018 Jeep Renegade, Compass and Grand Cherokee, RAM 1500 and Promaster, Fiat 500x, Dodge Journey, Challenger, Charger and Durango and Chrysler 300x vehicles, 2017-2018 Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Grand Caravan and Chrysler Town and Country vehicles and 2018-2019 Jeep Cherokee and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica and Pacifica Hybrid vehicles. The powertrain control module may be equipped with a voltage regulator chip in the circuit board that may fail, causing a stall or a no start condition.
- Risk
- A vehicle stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will replace the powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began October 2, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U87.
Recall number 18V524000 · Recall details
Electrical system: wiring
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2014-2018 Dodge Journey, Charger and Durango, RAM 2500, 3500, 3500 Cab Chassis (more than 10,000lb), 4500 Cab Chassis and 5500 Cab Chassis, Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee and Chrysler 300, 2014-2019 RAM 1500, 2015-2018 Dodge Challenger, 2015-2017 Chrysler 200, 2016-2018 RAM 3500 Cab Chassis (less than 10,000 lb), 2017-2018 Chrysler Pacifica and 2018 Jeep Wrangler vehicles. These vehicles are being recalled to address a defect that could prevent the cruise control system from disengaging. If, when using cruise control, there is a short circuit within the vehicle's wiring, the driver may not be able to shut off the cruise control either by depressing the brake pedal or manually turning the system off once it has been engaged, resulting in either the vehicle maintaining its current speed or possibly accelerating.
- Risk
- If the vehicle maintains its speed or accelerates despite attempts to deactivate the cruise control, there would be an increased risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the software, and perform a software flash on the engine or powertrain control module, free of charge. The recall began June 4, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Note: Owners are advised to stop using cruise control until the software update has been performed. In the event that cruise control cannot be disengaged while driving, owners should firmly and steadily apply the brakes and shift the transmission to neutral, placing the vehicle in park once it has stopped.
Recall number 18V332000 · Recall details
Electrical system: software
- What is wrong
- Chrysler (FCA US LLC) is recalling certain 2017 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles equipped with a 3.6l engine. The engine control software may become out of sync with the crankshaft position sensor, possibly resulting in an engine stall.
- Risk
- An engine stall can increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Chrysler will notify owners, and dealers will update the engine control software, free of charge. The recall began March 7, 2018. Owners may contact Chrysler customer service at 1‑800‑853‑1403. Chrysler's number for this recall is U01.
Recall number 18V049000 · Recall details
Questions about the Chrysler Pacifica fire or smoke
Which Chrysler Pacifica years have fire, smoke or burning smell problems?
The model years with the most reports are 2018 (24 complaints), 2004 (20 complaints) and 2017 (18 complaints).
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