Chrysler has recalled nearly 24,000 Pacifica plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), urging owners to cease charging the cars and park them outdoors due to a potential fire risk.

Stellantis announced that it would temporarily halt operations worldwide due to the heightened risk posed by a fire threat.

Stellantis has advised homeowners of certain vehicles to cease driving them and wait for a software update to address a problem linked to a faulty sensor.

The fleet of recalled vehicles comprises approximately 24,200 units, including around 19,500 Pacifica Hybrids in the United States, about 3,000 in Canada, and 1,700 outside North America. The Pacifica Hybrid stands alone as the sole plug-in hybrid minivan available in the US market, while the Pacifica remains the sole vehicle bearing the Chrysler badge currently in production.

According to reports, Stellantis has documented seven cases of issues related to this problem, with occurrences noted when the vehicle’s engine was shut down, as well as during the charging process. Four more clients reported symptoms consistent with smoke inhalation, according to a Reuters report. Does the likelihood of a fire risk decline as the battery charge depletes?

Stellantis is working to identify the root cause of battery abnormalities that are causing the issue. The automaker will promptly inform customers once replacement parts are ready, as well as schedule inspections for minivan battery packs and cover any necessary replacements at no additional cost through authorized dealerships.

Stellantis has issued a recall for the second time, warning homeowners to refrain from charging their vehicles. In 2022, the automaker issued a recall for approximately 20,000 plug-in hybrid vehicles from model years 2017 and 2018 due to a potential fire hazard, subsequently releasing a repair in the same year. In 2020, the Pacifica Hybrid underwent a recall due to a fire risk, but this time it was caused by a faulty 12-volt accessory battery connection.