The 2017 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid was designed to accomplish several goals for Fiat-Chrysler Automobiles, including revitalizing the struggling minivan market, improving fuel efficiency across its fleet, and ultimately generating significant profits as the first hybrid minivan in the industry. However, achieving these ambitions hinges on getting the vehicles into dealership showrooms.
According to a recent report from The Wall Street Journal, Fiat-Chrysler is facing potential challenges in the coming weeks. Earlier in the month, the company openly announced a voluntary recall affecting all 1,677 Pacifica Hybrid units sold in the U.S. and Canada due to unexpected power loss. This recall has led to a complete stop in production at their Ontario facility as the company works to resolve the issue.
In straightforward terms, this situation is less than ideal. Although Fiat-Chrysler initially attributed the problem to defective inverter diodes in the battery, it appears the solution is more complex and the safety implications are serious enough that the automaker felt compelled to pause one of its most anticipated product launches of the year, frustrating both dealers and customers. A Chrysler dealer characterized the troubled rollout as a “black eye” for the brand, adding that Chrysler consistently struggles with launching new products effectively.
Production of the $42,000 Pacifica Hybrid commenced late last year, with plans for the first vehicles to arrive at dealerships by spring. However, delays in delivery led the automaker to offer free Level 2 EV chargers and $500 Visa gift cards to impatient buyers as “gestures of goodwill” in April. Despite these efforts, one individual who had placed an order in March expressed to the Wall Street Journal that he has experienced complete “radio silence” since the recall announcement.
As the number of waiting customers continues to rise, Fiat-Chrysler officials remain optimistic, stating that they expect production to resume soon to fulfill all existing orders. A company spokesperson indicated that they are adhering to the stop-sale directive affecting all recalled vehicles currently being produced and are actively communicating with customers.
It’s crucial for this plan to succeed, especially for one notable buyer—Waymo, the self-driving car division of Google/Alphabet. Waymo has chosen the Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid as the primary model for testing its autonomous technology, with approximately 100 units already in operation and an order for an additional 500 vehicles pending..
