Owners of certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) should be aware of a problem involving a potential high-voltage battery defect that could lead to a vehicle fire, even when the vehicle is parked and turned off. The recall affects vehicles equipped with specific high-voltage battery packs manufactured during a limited production period.
What Is the Problem?
According to Chrysler, some affected Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). Engineers have determined that these battery packs may experience an internal failure that can result in thermal runaway, a condition where battery cells rapidly overheat and potentially ignite. What makes this recall particularly concerning is that the fire risk may exist even when the vehicle is parked and the ignition is turned off.
Which Vehicles Are Affected?
The recall applies to certain 2020-2022 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrids. The affected vehicles were manufactured between August 5, 2020, and May 2, 2022, during the period when batteries containing cells from the alternative LG Energy Solution production line were installed. Vehicles built before or after this time frame, non-hybrid Pacifica models, and vehicles equipped with battery cells from LGES’s primary production line are not included in this recall.
How Was the Issue Discovered?
Federal regulators have been investigating reports of battery fires in Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs for more than two years. The timeline includes:
- January 17, 2024: NHTSA opened an investigation into battery-related thermal events in earlier model Pacifica PHEVs.
- March 27, 2026: The investigation expanded to include 2017-2026 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles.
- April 30, 2026: Chrysler launched its own internal investigation into fires involving 2020-2022 models.
- May 28, 2026: Chrysler concluded that a safety defect exists and initiated a recall.
How Many Fires Have Been Reported?
As of May 15, 2026, Chrysler reported:
- 4 confirmed field reports of fires
- 3 customer assistance records
- No reported injuries
- No reported crashes
While Chrysler describes the incidents as occurring at a very low frequency, each reported fire involved battery cells manufactured on the alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. Engineers have analyzed the one recovered battery pack involved in a fire, but the exact root cause has not yet been determined. Chrysler and LG Energy Solution continue to investigate.
What Should Owners Do?
Until repairs are completed, Chrysler is advising owners to take the following precautions:
- Do not charge the vehicle.
- Park the vehicle outside.
- Park away from homes, garages, and other structures.
These temporary precautions are intended to reduce the risk should a battery failure occur.
What Is the Repair?
Chrysler dealers will perform repairs including:
- Updating the high-voltage battery control module software
- Inspecting the high-voltage battery pack
- Replacing the battery pack if inspection determines replacement is necessary
Owner notification letters are expected to begin mailing June 23, 2026.
Recall Information
- Manufacturer Recall Number: 52D
- NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V-362
If your vehicle is included in this recall, it is important to follow Chrysler’s safety recommendations and schedule repairs as soon as they become available.
At Edzant Price LLP, we encourage vehicle owners to stay informed about manufacturer recalls and to document any issues they experience with their vehicles. If a defect results in property damage or personal injury, understanding your legal rights can be an important part of protecting yourself and your family.
