Stellantis warns owners of plug-in hybrid vans to not park inside due to battery fire risk

Automaker Stellantis is warning owners of its plug-in hybrid minivans not to park the vehicles inside or close to buildings due to the possibility of the battery catching fire. 

The company announced Thursday that it is recalling some 2017 through 2021 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrids, primarily in North America due to a fire hazard resulting from a rare abnormality in individual fuel cells. 

Seven fires within the group of vans being recalled have been reported, all of which happened while the vehicles weren’t running or while they were charging, Stellantis said. 

The company's engineers are continuing to investigate and testing a remedy involving a software update capable of detecting the abnormality. 

Plug-in hybrids primarily use a battery powered motor, and the battery can be charged. If the battery is depleted, an internal combustion engine can power the car.