avoid Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid

[koralis]

A friend of ours has had nothing but problems with a Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid for the past couple of years. Constantly in the shop, design flaws that they won't fix, etc. Word of warning in case you were considering it. Basically, hasn't been able to use the "Hybrid" portion of the van for nearly a year now due to some sort of cooling problem with the battery?


Here's a known problem that they're basically refusing to actually fix. They'll just tell you youi're about to have a crappy day. Amazing.

https://www.consumerreports.org/car...all-to-fix-engine-shutdown-issue-a8212128025/

Chrysler issued a recall for over 67,000 Pacifica Hybrid minivans from the 2017 through 2023 model years because the gas engine might suddenly stop while the car is moving, which could lead to a crash.

The problem involves an internal transmission wiring connector. If the connector has an electrical short, it could result in an unexpected engine shutdown. Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration that it is aware of 307 warranty claims and/or customer complaints related to this issue, but no crashes or injuries.

To fix the issue, Chrysler says that dealers will perform a software update that would warn drivers if their engine is about to shut off and give them enough time to safely pull over. A Chrysler spokesperson tells CR that if a short occurs in these circumstances, the connector itself is not affected. The software update is not yet available.
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And a lawsuit about fire risk. Apparently "recall" doesn't mean anything anymore. Now it's a notification, not a fix.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2022/chrysler-pacifica-hybrid-problems-class-action-lawsuit.shtml

Owners of 2017-2018 Pacific Hybrid minivans learned about problems when Chrysler announced a recall in February for more than 16,000 minivans in the U.S. Chrysler said it was aware of 12 fires that occurred while the vehicles were shut off, and eight fires occurred while the Pacifica Hybrids were charging.

Chrysler said no crashes or injuries had been reported, but the automaker also said it didn't know what was causing the fires or how to fix the minivans. While engineers try to find the cause of the fires, Chrysler warned customers to park outside and away from anything that could catch fire.

The Chrysler class action alleges Fiat Chrysler has not offered loaner vehicles to Pacifica Hybrid owners who are waiting for recall repairs, even though the automaker admits it doesn't know the root cause of the problems or how to repair the minivans.
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[koralis]

Further note, as an electrical engineer. A "short" is a hardware issue. If there IS a short as they are spinning it, then the connector is NOT fine as they claim, and the problem would be resolved by replacing the defective hardware that does not has an electrical short.

They are most likely flat out lying to NTSB, and it's a software problem that they don't know how to resolve, but they know what leads up to it, hence being able to warn people that it's likely to happen. Admitting software incompetence would call into question what other systems have pending fatalities embedded in them.

 

[Munkus]

As a general rule, I avoid everything under the Chrysler/Dodge/Jeep/Plymouth brand umbrella. I have never known anyone who owns those vehicles who are not constantly in the repair shop. Last time I rented a car, I got stuck with a Dodge Durango. Absolute garbage.

 

[KAC]

Avoid Chrysler.

 

[Selynehers]

The Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid is a plug-in hybrid minivan that gets an EPA-estimated 82 MPGe in electric mode and 32 MPG combined. It has a total driving range of 520 miles, with an electric range of 32 miles. The Pacifica Hybrid is also available with all-wheel drive.

The Pacifica Hybrid comes standard with several features, including a 10.1-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, a rearview camera, and a suite of safety features. It is also available with several optional features, including a Stow 'n Go seating system, a rear entertainment system, and a panoramic sunroof.

The Pacifica Hybrid has received positive reviews from critics, who have praised its fuel efficiency, spacious interior, and comfortable ride. However, some critics have noted that its performance is not as good as that of some of its rivals.