What do you do with a vehicle that cannot be operated safely and that should not even be parked in your garage? The complaint for this class action alleges that 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) from FCA US, LLC may experience explosions or fires, cannot be safely charged or parked inside structures, and, as of the filing of this complaint, cannot be repaired.
The Nationwide Class for this action is all individuals in the US who bought, leased, or owned a vehicle subject to recall number 22v-077. A California Subclass has also been defined for those in the above class in California.
The Chrysler Pacifica is a popular minivan, and Chrysler has come to offer a PHEV model, which it says is “America’s Only Plug-In Hybrid Minivan.”
The complaint calls PHEVs “a bridge between traditional gasoline powered vehicles and fully electric (i.e., battery powered) vehicles.” When the battery runs down, the vehicle can be run entirely on gasoline. Because the PHEV gets better mileage than the traditional Pacifica, the complaint alleges, many consumers have been willing to pay its higher purchase price, anticipating that they will save money in years to come.
Advertising for the vehicles focused on fuel economy, the complaint says, and also safety, for example, its “strategically placed dual-phase, high-strength, lightweight steel, resulting in a strong safety cage that contributes to impact protection.” The complaint also quotes a brochure as saying, “Your family’s safety and security are what matter most[.]” The complaint alleges that these kinds of statements caused consumers to believe that the vehicles “were not only generally safe but were exceptionally safe in relation to other vehicles.”
The complaint alleges that FCA “previously recalled 17,634 Pacifica PHEV for another fire related problem in 2020” which it says “put [FCA] on notice of potential issues” with the batteries.
The complaint alleges that, in the current round of problems, the battery or electrical systems may cause the vehicles to explode or catch fire even when the ignition is off.
FCA became aware of this round of fires in August 2021, the complaint alleges, and “repurchased two vehicle[s] for an origin and cause investigation.” In the next months, the complaint alleges, FCA learned of ten other fires and, on February 6, 2022, announced a voluntary safety recall of the vehicles.
The complaint alleges, “Not only did [FCA] not have a remedy for the issue[s], it didn’t even know what was causing [them]. [FCA] also warned owners that they should not charge the vehicles and should park them away from structures and other vehicles.” As of the filing date for this lawsuit, the complaint alleges that FCA has not found a fix for the problem.
Article Type: LawsuitTopic: Automobile
Most Recent Case Event
Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs Explosions and Fires Complaint
August 3, 2022
What do you do with a vehicle that cannot be operated safely and that should not even be parked in your garage? The complaint for this class action alleges that 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) from FCA US, LLC may experience explosions or fires, cannot be safely charged or parked inside structures, and, as of the filing of this complaint, cannot be repaired.
Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs Explosions and Fires ComplaintCase Event History
Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs Explosions and Fires Complaint
August 3, 2022
What do you do with a vehicle that cannot be operated safely and that should not even be parked in your garage? The complaint for this class action alleges that 2017-2018 Pacifica Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs) from FCA US, LLC may experience explosions or fires, cannot be safely charged or parked inside structures, and, as of the filing of this complaint, cannot be repaired.
Chrysler Pacifica PHEVs Explosions and Fires Complaint