Category Archives: Electric Cars

2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV Issues: Could Your Vehicle Be a Lemon?

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The 2024 Mazda CX-90 Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) is facing serious concerns from owners, with a reported 130 complaints, 10 recalls, and 303 manufacturer communications. As this model hits the market, many drivers are voicing their frustration over problems that range from safety-critical issues to major mechanical failures. The list of concerns brings into question whether some of these vehicles could qualify for a buyback under California’s Lemon Law. Here’s an in-depth look at the problems plaguing the 2024 CX-90 PHEV.

Top Complaints About the 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV

Consumer reports and complaints have highlighted four major areas of concern: forward collision avoidance, engine performance, electrical systems, and steering. These issues are not just minor inconveniences; they could pose significant safety hazards for drivers and passengers.

  1. Forward Collision Avoidance: Numerous drivers have reported malfunctioning collision-avoidance systems, with false positives causing the brakes to activate unexpectedly. The risk of being rear-ended due to this sudden and unnecessary braking is a valid concern, especially on busy roads or highways.
  2. Engine Issues: Many drivers have experienced engine problems, with some vehicles failing to restart after the i-stop feature engages, and others reporting a complete shutdown while in motion. This kind of unreliability in the engine system poses a clear danger, especially at high speeds.
  3. Electrical Problems: Complaints about electrical malfunctions are widespread. The Dash Electrical Supply Unit (ESU) has been known to fail, affecting vital functions like the defroster, seat belt warnings, and battery cooling systems. Given the reliance of PHEVs on complex electrical systems, these issues are alarming and inconvenient.
  4. Steering Concerns: A sudden loss of power steering assist is a particularly dangerous defect, making it difficult for drivers to control the vehicle. This kind of failure can occur without warning, putting both the driver and surrounding traffic at risk.

Recalls Highlight Safety and Reliability Concerns

The 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV has been subject to a staggering 10 recalls, indicating widespread problems that extend beyond individual cases. Here are some of the most notable recalls:

  • Engine Restart Failures: The i-stop feature, which automatically shuts off the engine to save fuel when idling, may prevent the engine from restarting, leading to potential stranding.
  • High-Voltage Battery Cooling System Issues: Faulty software in the ESU may lead to critical functions, including battery cooling and safety alerts, failing during startup.
  • PCM and ECM Software Malfunctions: Problems with the powertrain and engine control modules can illuminate warning lights and result in a sudden loss of drive power.
  • Inverter Software Errors: In plug-in hybrid models, improper software may lead to a total power loss when driving in electric mode.
  • Sudden Braking: The automatic braking system has a tendency to activate unexpectedly, posing a serious collision risk.
  • Power Steering Failures: An assembly issue with the worm gear can cause power steering assist to be lost without warning, making the vehicle difficult to steer.
  • Camera Malfunctions: Rear view and side cameras may not display properly due to software errors, which is a clear safety compliance issue.
  • Unexpected Engine and Motor Shutdown: Critical errors in the hybrid system software can cause both the engine and electric motor to shut down unexpectedly.
  • Pedestrian Warning Sounds: Missing software in the AVAS amplifier can result in incorrect pedestrian alert sounds, failing to meet federal safety standards for hybrid and electric vehicles.

California Lemon Law: What You Need to Know

California has some of the strongest Lemon Law protections for consumers. If your vehicle has repeated, unresolved problems that impair its use, safety, or value, you may be entitled to a buyback or replacement. Under the California Lemon Law, a car manufacturer must either replace your vehicle or refund your money if they cannot fix a substantial defect within a reasonable number of attempts.

So, what counts as a substantial defect? Issues that compromise your safety or significantly impact the car’s performance typically qualify. For instance, if your 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV loses power while driving, suddenly engages the brakes, or suffers from major electrical failures, these could be considered substantial defects.

If you’ve taken your vehicle in for multiple repairs for the same issue without a permanent fix, you might have grounds for a Lemon Law claim. It’s important to keep detailed records of all service visits, recall repairs, and communication with Mazda to strengthen your case.

Next Steps for Owners

If you’re dealing with repeated, unresolved issues with your 2024 Mazda CX-90 PHEV, consulting with a Lemon Law attorney can help clarify your options. California’s Lemon Law is designed to protect you from being stuck with a faulty vehicle. Given the ongoing recalls and widespread complaints, many owners may find themselves in a position to take advantage of these consumer protections.

2021-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Problems

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The Hyundai Santa Fe is a popular choice for families and adventurers alike, known for its spacious design, modern features, and reasonable price point. However, recent models (2021-2024) have experienced a series of issues that have frustrated owners and raised safety concerns. These common problems affect Santa Fe vehicles with GDI engines.

Common Issues Affecting the 2021-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

  1. Fuel Injector Problems Leading to Stalling
    A major concern for many Santa Fe owners is the vehicle’s fuel injector system. Faulty fuel injectors can cause the engine to stall unexpectedly, especially in models with GDI (Gasoline Direct Injection) engines. These issues have led to numerous complaints of the vehicle stalling while driving, creating hazardous situations on busy roads.
  2. Loss of Power
    Some owners report a sudden loss of power while driving, particularly when accelerating or maintaining speed on the highway. This loss of power can be alarming and dangerous, especially in situations where acceleration is necessary, such as merging or overtaking. Many drivers have reported that their Santa Fe either stalls entirely or hesitates significantly before regaining power, often triggering check engine or warning lights.
  3. Persistent Check Engine Light
    For Santa Fe models across 2021-2024, the check engine light has become a frequent visitor. Many owners report that the light comes on without clear resolution, even after multiple trips to the dealership. While the check engine light could signify any number of issues, the combination of repeated lights and related powertrain issues has led to frustration and concerns about reliability.

Complaints and Recalls for Each Model Year

2021 Hyundai Santa Fe

Owners of the 2021 model have raised concerns about fuel system problems, including fuel leaks at the pipe connection and improperly tightened fuel pipes. Powertrain complaints are also prevalent, with owners describing issues such as failure to accelerate and hesitation while driving. Recalls include:

  • Tow Hitch Harness Fire Hazard: Due to water accumulation, an electrical short could lead to a fire.
  • Loss of Drive Power: A transmission oil pump malfunction can cause total power loss.
  • Inadequate Windshield Bonding: Improper bonding during manufacturing may cause the windshield to detach in a crash.

2022 Hyundai Santa Fe

The 2022 Santa Fe has seen similar powertrain issues, with some owners reporting a sudden inability to accelerate and warning lights like “Check Hybrid System.” The “phantom braking” issue has also emerged, where the emergency braking system activates without reason, nearly causing accidents. Recalls for the 2022 model include:

  • Tow Hitch Harness Fire Hazard
  • Loss of Drive Power
  • Turbocharger Oil Supply Pipe Leak: A cracked oil supply pipe could lead to leaks in the engine compartment.

2023 Hyundai Santa Fe PHEV

In the 2023 plug-in hybrid models, forward collision avoidance issues have led to abrupt braking in traffic. Complaints also include poor acceleration response, with significant delay or lag from the time the accelerator is pressed to when the vehicle actually moves. Key recalls include:

  • Tow Hitch Harness Fire Hazard
  • Seat Belt Pretensioners May Explode: This recall affects the front seat belt pretensioners, which may explode upon deployment in a crash.

2024 Hyundai Santa Fe

For the latest 2024 model, powertrain and electrical issues are significant. Some drivers report the vehicle losing motive power and experiencing flickering dashboard screens. Complaints include blacked-out instrument panels, “Transmission System Check” warnings, and persistent audio issues that continue even when the vehicle is off. Recalls for this model include:

  • Unintentional Airbag Deployment or Deactivation: Damaged wiring harnesses can lead to unintended airbag activation or deactivation.
  • Vehicle Roll Away from Software Error: A transmission software error may result in a roll-away when the vehicle is parked.
  • Obstructed Rear-View Camera Image: A trailer parking assist message may obstruct the rear-view camera, violating rear visibility standards.

Should You Be Concerned?

These issues have led to frustration for many Hyundai Santa Fe owners. If you’re experiencing any of the above problems, it’s essential to address them promptly for your safety. Keep an eye out for any recalls or technical service bulletins (TSBs) from Hyundai, and report any persistent issues to your dealer.

What’s Next?

The 2021-2024 Hyundai Santa Fe offers many attractive features but has also faced considerable challenges, particularly with its powertrain and fuel injector systems. If you’re dealing with ongoing issues, it’s crucial to know your rights, especially if repairs have been ineffective. Lemon laws may protect you if your vehicle has recurring problems that affect its performance or safety. Consider consulting with a lemon law professional to discuss options if repairs haven’t resolved the issue.

Owning a car should be about convenience and freedom – not worry over performance and safety. If you’re having trouble with your Santa Fe, stay informed, stay safe, and know your options.

Investigation into Fire Hazards of Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 Residential EV Chargers

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Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 residential EV chargersThe National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has launched an investigation into potential fire hazards associated with Enel X Way USA’s JuiceBox Level 2 residential EV chargers. Prompted by several complaints received by the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI), this evaluation aims to determine the extent and safety implications of electrical arcing and thermal incidents reported by users of these chargers. This probe focuses on the potential for fire risks arising from electrical malfunctions and the company’s recent operational shutdown announcement.

Summary of Complaints Filed with ODI

ODI has received six Vehicle Owner Questionnaires (VOQs) concerning alleged incidents involving the JuiceBox Level 2 charger. These complaints raise serious concerns regarding potential fire hazards that may arise while charging electric vehicles at home. The following highlights from the complaints showcase the range of issues reported:

  1. Total Home Loss Due to Explosion: One complaint involves a significant incident where a vehicle owner claims that charging their EV with a JuiceBox led to an explosion in their garage. This catastrophic event resulted in a fire that destroyed the home entirely.
  2. Car Fire in Driveway: Another complaint describes an incident where a vehicle caught fire in the driveway while connected to a JuiceBox charger. The details of this incident underscore concerns about charger reliability and the potential for dangerous outcomes.
  3. Electrical Malfunctions and Circuit Breaker Issues: Four additional complaints describe issues with electrical malfunctions that caused circuit breakers to trip and charging cycles to be disrupted. These electrical disruptions may indicate underlying issues with the chargers’ compatibility or durability under varying conditions.

Enel X Way’s Operational Shutdown and Potential Impact on User Safety

In an unexpected development, Enel X Way North America announced its intention to cease operations in the United States and Canada by October 11, 2024. A notification was sent to JuiceBox owners on October 2, 2024, which was also posted on the company’s website. This cessation of operations could potentially impact several aspects of the product’s performance and user experience:

  • Software and App Support: As Enel X Way discontinues its North American presence, questions remain about the continuity of the charging app and supporting software. Given that many smart chargers rely on connected software for updates and safety monitoring, the lack of support could leave users with outdated or unsupported technology.
  • Customer Support and Warranty Services: The cessation of operations may also impact the company’s ability to provide customer support, particularly regarding ongoing technical issues, troubleshooting, or warranty claims for JuiceBox chargers.

ODI Preliminary Evaluation and Safety Scope

In response to these serious complaints, ODI has opened a Preliminary Evaluation to examine the safety and reliability of JuiceBox Level 2 chargers. The purpose of this evaluation is to assess the scope, frequency, and potential hazards associated with these products. The investigation seeks to determine:

  • Risk of Fire and Explosion: By evaluating complaints of thermal events, such as the explosion in the garage and the driveway car fire, ODI aims to understand the risk factors and whether the JuiceBox charger’s design or operational faults are contributing factors.
  • Electrical Stability and Safety Consequences: ODI’s analysis will also delve into the frequency of electrical malfunctions and whether these events pose a risk of property damage, personal injury, or loss of life.
  • Impact of Software and Operational Changes: With the discontinuation of Enel X Way North America’s operations, ODI is concerned about the potential safety implications arising from the lack of app and software support. The investigation will evaluate if and how this operational change might exacerbate existing safety concerns or introduce new risks.

Affected Vehicles and Part Numbers

The ODI investigation includes a review of incidents involving various EV models that utilized the JuiceBox Level 2 charger. The vehicles associated with these complaints include:

  • Chevrolet Bolt EV (2018)
  • Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid (2018)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 5 (2022)
  • Hyundai Ioniq 6 (2023)

Additionally, the specific product part under scrutiny is the Enel X JuiceBox Level 2 Charger.

Steps for Consumers and Further Information

For EV owners who currently use the JuiceBox Level 2 charger, awareness of this investigation is crucial. Users are encouraged to follow any guidance issued by the NHTSA and consider consulting with licensed electricians to ensure proper installation and safe operation of their EV chargers.

Porsche Taycan Potential Battery Fire

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Certain Porsche Taycan models from 2021 to 2024 may face issues with their high-voltage batteries, specifically the potential for short circuits within the battery modules. These short circuits could result in thermal events, including the risk of overheating or even fires in extreme cases. The root cause of this issue has been traced back to potential manufacturing problems from the battery supplier, which, in rare instances, increase the likelihood of internal short circuits.

This latest recall builds on earlier recalls that were issued for similar battery-related problems, namely 23V-840 (manufacturer recall code APB5), 24V-215 (code ARA4), and 24V-217 (code ARA5). Porsche has been using data analytics and conducting hardware tests to better understand the extent of the issue. On September 23, 2024, the company determined that additional Taycan vehicles might be at risk due to potential battery defects, even though no confirmed data anomalies have been identified in these vehicles so far. As a result, Porsche launched a new recall with the identification codes ARB6 and ARB7.

Breakdown of ARB6 and ARB7 Recalls

  • ARB6: This recall covers a group of vehicles for which Porsche does not have enough data to determine whether there are issues with the high-voltage batteries. Since there isn’t sufficient information, Porsche is taking precautionary measures. Owners of vehicles in this group will receive a notification advising them to limit their battery’s charging capacity to a maximum of 80%. This is intended as a temporary solution while further analysis is conducted to either confirm the presence of battery anomalies or clear the vehicle of any issues. This interim step is designed to reduce the risk of thermal events while Porsche continues its investigation.
  • ARB7: In contrast, ARB7 applies to a set of vehicles for which Porsche has gathered sufficient battery data, and current diagnostics show no data anomalies in the high-voltage battery. As a result, there is no need to restrict battery charging for these vehicles to 80%. What sets this group apart is that these vehicles allow Porsche to continuously monitor the battery health via over-the-air updates. This real-time data monitoring enables Porsche to detect any future battery module issues quickly. If an anomaly is detected later, Porsche will notify owners, replace the affected battery module, and advise them to limit charging to 80% until the replacement is completed.

As part of this recall process, Porsche is implementing a series of steps to address the potential battery issues:

  • For ARB6 Vehicles: Owners are advised to cap their battery charging at 80% until a more permanent solution is available. This is purely a precautionary measure while Porsche continues to analyze the vehicles and gather more data on the potential risks.
  • For ARB7 Vehicles: Since Porsche already has access to these vehicles’ battery data via over-the-air diagnostics, there is no need for an 80% charging limit unless future data shows a problem. Porsche’s real-time monitoring will automatically detect any battery module anomalies. Should a problem arise, the company will issue a notification to the owner, and the affected battery modules will be replaced. In the meantime, Porsche will advise affected owners to limit charging to 80% as a safeguard.

For both ARB6 and ARB7, the final remedy will involve installing an advanced on-board diagnostic software on all affected vehicles. This software will be capable of detecting potential battery anomalies before they become serious. However, before this software is installed, Porsche will conduct an analysis of the battery modules in each vehicle. If the analysis shows that no problems are present, the software will be installed immediately. If the analysis detects any issues, Porsche will replace the faulty battery module(s) before proceeding with the installation of the diagnostic software.

Once the new on-board diagnostic software is installed, it will continuously monitor the vehicle’s high-voltage battery using advanced data analytics. If the software detects an anomaly in any of the battery modules, it will send a warning message to the vehicle’s head unit, alerting the driver. In this case, the battery’s charging capacity will be automatically limited in stages: first to 80%, and eventually to a lower limit, likely around 50%, depending on the severity of the detected anomaly. This stepwise reduction in charging capacity helps prevent thermal events and gives the driver time to seek service. If necessary, Porsche will replace the affected battery modules to restore the vehicle’s full functionality. Since the battery consists of multiple modules, it is possible that different modules could show issues at different times, requiring multiple replacements over the vehicle’s lifetime.

Porsche plans to roll out this advanced diagnostic software as the final remedy in the first quarter of 2025. In the meantime, dealers will be prepared to install interim software and address any battery concerns as they arise. Owners of affected vehicles will receive notification letters starting on November 29, 2024. These letters will provide detailed instructions on what steps to take next and how to proceed with repairs or updates.

The recall numbers for this issue are ARB6 and ARB7. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has assigned campaign numbers 24V-731 and 24V-732 to these recalls. These recalls build on and replace the earlier recalls 23V-840, 24V-215, and 24V-217, expanding the affected vehicle population as Porsche continues its investigation.

Nissan Leaf Fire Risk From Quick Charging Battery

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Nissan Leaf Smoking BatteryCertain 2019-2020 Nissan Leaf vehicles, specifically those equipped with quick charge ports for Level 3 charging using the CHAdeMO connector, are facing a potential issue where the battery could overheat during quick charging. This issue is serious, as it significantly raises the risk of a vehicle fire, which could lead to injury or property damage. The affected LEAF models were produced at Nissan’s Smyrna, Tennessee plant between August 29, 2018, and November 3, 2020. Nissan has identified this issue through their production records, confirming that it is limited to these specific Model Year 2019-2020 LEAF vehicles. Importantly, no other Nissan or INFINITI vehicles are known to be impacted by this defect, offering some reassurance to owners of other Nissan models.

Nissan is actively investigating the cause of this issue. Preliminary findings suggest that the problem stems from excessive lithium deposits forming inside the lithium-ion battery cells of these vehicles. These deposits increase the electrical resistance within the battery, which can cause fluctuations in the battery’s state of charge. This elevated resistance becomes particularly problematic during Level 3 quick charging, as it may result in the battery heating up more rapidly than intended. If the charging session continues under these conditions, the risk of a battery fire is significantly heightened, posing a serious safety concern.

Drivers may notice several warning signs during Level 3 charging that indicate something is wrong. These include the presence of smoke, unusual noises, interrupted charging sessions, or strange thermal odors emanating from the vehicle’s battery compartment. If any of these signs are observed, Nissan strongly advises stopping the charging process immediately and avoiding Level 3 charging altogether until the problem can be resolved.

Nissan is developing a solution for this issue in the form of a software update for the affected vehicles. Once available, this software update will be installed by dealers and is designed to correct the problem by managing the battery’s charging process more effectively. Nissan is taking steps to notify affected vehicle owners. Interim letters, alerting them to the safety risk, are expected to be mailed in October 2024. A second notice will follow once the software remedy is ready for deployment.

Until the fix is in place, Nissan advises owners to avoid using Level 3 quick charging stations and instead rely on slower charging methods, which do not present the same risk. For those affected, Nissan’s recall number is R24B2, and the corresponding NHTSA campaign number is 24V-700.

Jaguar I-Pace Battery Could Overheat

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Jaguar Land Rover North America, LLC (Jaguar) are reaching out to the owners of specific 2019 Jaguar I-PACE vehicles regarding a significant safety concern involving the high-voltage battery. The issue, which could potentially cause the battery to overheat, has prompted a recall to ensure the safety of the vehicle owners.

This recall comes after a series of events beginning in July 2024, when Ford’s Critical Concern Review Group identified a problem related to a warranty report. The issue involved a fuel injector with a missing o-ring support disc, which could lead to fuel system malfunctions. Ford’s Supplier Technical Assistance team, in collaboration with the supplier, conducted an in-depth review of images taken during the production of all fuel injectors to pinpoint the parts that could be affected. They then compared these findings to vehicle production records to identify the specific vehicles at risk.

On August 16, 2024, Ford’s Field Review Committee evaluated the concern and decided to approve a field action to address the problem. Up to that date, Ford had identified 10 reports of vehicles with fuel injectors missing the crucial o-ring support disc. Fortunately, there have been no reports of fires, accidents, or injuries related to this condition. However, the potential risk was significant enough to warrant immediate action.

Jaguar is advising all affected vehicle owners to take precautionary measures until the recall repair is completed. Specifically, owners are urged to park and charge their vehicles outdoors and away from any structures. This precaution should continue for 30 days even after the repair has been completed, ensuring the safety of both the owners and their surroundings.

As an interim solution, Jaguar dealerships will update the software of the battery energy control module to help mitigate the risk. However, the final, long-term remedy for the issue is still being developed. Jaguar plans to send out official owner notification letters by October 18, 2024, providing detailed instructions on the next steps. For reference, Jaguar has assigned the recall number H514, and it has been registered with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the campaign number 24V-633.

It’s important to note that this isn’t the first recall related to this issue. The same vehicles were previously recalled under multiple recall numbers, including 24V-085 (H471), 23V-709 (H459), and 23V-369 (H441). If you own one of these vehicles, you will need to have the latest remedy performed, even if your vehicle has already undergone previous repairs for this issue.

Hyundai Santa Fe Air Bag Warning Light

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In April 2024, Hyundai became aware of a significant safety issue involving the main floor wiring harness in certain 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and Santa Fe Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) models. This issue was first identified following reports of an inadvertent rear seat side airbag deployment in a Santa Fe vehicle in South Korea. As a result, Hyundai initiated a preliminary investigation, which was subsequently extended to include the North American market.

The defect centers on the main floor wire harness, which in the affected vehicles is susceptible to damage due to contact with the passenger-side, second-row bench seat’s folding hinge assembly. This contact can result in the wire harness becoming chafed, leading to several potential hazards:

  • Illumination of the Air Bag Warning Light: A damaged wire harness can trigger the air bag warning light on the vehicle’s dashboard, indicating a malfunction.
  • Inadvertent Air Bag Deployment: The damage can cause the airbags to deploy unintentionally, posing a significant risk to vehicle occupants.
  • Failure to Deploy Air Bags During a Crash: Conversely, the damage could also prevent the airbags from deploying in the event of a crash, reducing the effectiveness of this critical safety feature.

Hyundai’s investigation revealed eight unique incidents related to this defect in the U.S. market. These findings prompted the company to take immediate action to address the issue and ensure the safety of its customers.

Hyundai will notify affected vehicle owners via first-class mail, instructing them to bring their vehicles to an authorized Hyundai dealer for inspection and repair. The repair process will involve:

  1. Inspection of the Wire Harness: Dealers will check the condition of the main floor wire harness for any signs of damage.
  2. Securing the Wire Harness: If no damage is found, the harness will be properly secured to prevent future contact with the seat’s folding hinge assembly.
  3. Replacement of Damaged Wire Harness: If damage is detected, the wire harness will be replaced with a new one to ensure the vehicle’s safety systems function correctly.


As a precaution, Hyundai advises vehicle owners to be vigilant for any of the warning symptoms mentioned in the defect report, such as the air bag warning light illuminating. If any of these symptoms are present, owners are urged to immediately go for diagnosis and the necessary repairs.

Owner notification letters are scheduled to be mailed out on September 23, 2024. Hyundai has assigned the internal recall number 265 to this campaign, while the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has designated it as campaign number 24V-561.

Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Battery Fire Warning

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Chrysler Pacifica Battery FireChrysler (FCA US, LLC) has found a problem with some 2019-2021 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric (PHEV) vehicles, as well as some 2017-2018 Pacifica PHEVs that got a software update under a previous recall (NHTSA recall number 22V-077). The issue is with the battery pack, which could cause a fire even when the car is parked and the ignition is off.

Chrysler first learned about this issue in February 2022 through the Vehicle Regulations Committee, which led them to start a voluntary safety recall on certain Pacifica PHEVs, known as recall Z11.

Since then, Chrysler and LG Energy Solution (LGES) have been working to figure out the root cause of the problem. They’ve analyzed field reports, bought back vehicles, looked at vehicle data, conducted thermal tests, and torn down battery packs to get to the bottom of it.

In November 2022, the Technical Safety and Regulatory Compliance (TSRC) team at Chrysler was informed about a battery fire in a Pacifica PHEV that had already been fixed under recall Z11.

From June 2023 to December 2023, TSRC learned about five more fires involving the HV battery in some Pacifica PHEVs that had the Z11 remedy. They tried to buy back these vehicles to analyze if the recall fix was working.

In April 2024, Chrysler received a Pacifica PHEV with a post-Z11 remedy fire in the battery pack. After analyzing the vehicle and battery pack, they sent the battery back to the supplier for further inspection. They found a torn anode tab in one of the cells, but couldn’t identify a second factor causing the fires. This confirmed that the Z11 remedy wasn’t effective.

A folded or torn anode tab can lead to lithium by-product build-up over time. This defect, combined with another unknown factor, can cause an internal short in the battery pack, potentially resulting in a vehicle fire.

Chrysler advises owners not to charge their vehicles and to park them outside and away from structures until repairs are made. Dealers will update the high voltage battery pack control module (BPCM) software, and if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. The recall numbers are 72B and 73B, and the NHTSA campaign numbers are 24V-356 and 24V-358. Vehicles previously repaired under recall 22V-077 will need to have the new fix applied.