Chrysler is recalling 17,277 model year 2020–2022 Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicles because the high-voltage battery pack can fail internally and cause a fire, even when the minivan is parked with the ignition off. FCA US, LLC filed the action under NHTSA campaign number 26V362 after determining a safety defect exists in packs built with cells from an alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line. The company estimates about 1% of the affected vehicles may carry the defect. Owners can confirm whether their vehicle is included through the NHTSA recall lookup, where the involved VINs become searchable June 11, 2026.
Highlights
- The recall covers 17,277 model year 2020–2022 Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs built between August 5, 2020 and May 2, 2022; FCA US estimates about 1% may have the defect.
- High-voltage battery cells from an alternative LG Energy Solution assembly line may fail internally and cause thermal runaway; the company has logged four battery fires since August 2023, with no reported injuries.
- The free remedy updates the Battery Pack Control Module software and inspects or replaces the battery pack as needed, with the battery warranty extended to unlimited years and unlimited mileage.
- Owners are advised to park outside, away from structures, and to stop charging; owner notification letters begin around June 23, 2026.
What’s Wrong With the Battery
FCA US says certain Pacifica PHEVs were built with high-voltage battery cells produced on an alternative assembly line at LG Energy Solution (LGES). According to the filing, these packs may fail internally and enter thermal runaway, which can lead to a vehicle fire. The affected component is the hybrid battery, part number 68488189AA, supplied by LG Energy Solution Michigan, Inc. of Holland, Michigan. FCA US estimates roughly 1% of the 17,277 vehicles in the recall population may carry the defect.
Since August 2023, the company reports four fires originating from the high-voltage battery, all in vehicles with cells from the alternative LGES line. FCA US says these incidents occur at very low frequency and that it secured only one vehicle for analysis after attempting to repurchase the affected cars. LGES analyzed that pack and the cause of the fire remains undetermined; root-cause investigation continues. As of May 15, 2026, FCA US was not aware of any accidents or injuries tied to the issue.
How the Recall Came About
The recall grew out of federal scrutiny of Pacifica plug-in hybrid battery fires. NHTSA opened a recall query in January 2024 into 2017–2018 model year vehicles with thermal events near the high-voltage battery, then expanded it in March 2026 to cover the 2017 through 2026 model years. FCA US opened its own investigation into 2020–2022 Pacifica PHEV battery fires on April 30, 2026, and its Vehicle Regulations Committee determined a safety defect existed on May 28, 2026.
The Repair
FCA US will repair affected vehicles at no charge. Dealers will update the high-voltage Battery Pack Control Module (BPCM) with revised software that monitors the pack for conditions that could lead to a fire, and will inspect and, if necessary, replace the battery pack assembly. The company is also extending the battery warranty to unlimited years and unlimited mileage for affected owners who experience defect-related messaging and need a battery replacement.
What Should Pacifica PHEV Owners Do?
Until the repair is complete, FCA US advises owners to park outside and away from structures and other vehicles, and to stop charging the minivans. The recall carries a Park Outside advisory; it does not instruct owners to stop driving. Dealer notification was set for around June 11, 2026, with owner letters beginning around June 23, 2026 — final letters for 2020 and 2021 models and interim letters for 2022 models. Involved VINs become searchable on NHTSA.gov on June 11, 2026, and owners can reach FCA US customer service at 1-800-853-1403, referencing recall number 52D.
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