Chrysler is recalling more than 10,000 Pacifica Hybrid minivans in North America over an engine control module issue that could lead to the vehicle stalling, or to an engine fire.
About 10,012 examples of the plug-in hybrid van from model years 2017 and 2018 are affected; an estimated 1,086 Pacifica Hybrids are covered by the recall in Canada
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When switching from electric mode to gasoline-engine-driven mode, the engine may mis-synchronize and start improperly, while the electric motor is still spinning. This could lead to the engine taking in extra fuel and dumping it, unburned, into the exhaust.
Unburned fuel in the exhaust system, specifically the catalytic converter, could increase the risk of a fire in the engine; or, alternatively, could cause the vehicle to stall while its in motion if the gasoline engine doesn’t start up properly.
The conditions for either incident to occur are rare, and while Chrysler has had three complaints of fire damage and a number of reported stalling issues, no injuries or accidents have been reported.
Beginning the second week of December, Chrysler will update the powertrain control module in affected vehicles and inspect the exhaust system’s catalytic converter; if necessary, it will replace that component.