FCA Chrysler Pacifica Exploding Hybrid Minivans Class Action Lawsuit Overview:
- Who: Rodrigo Nieto Gomez filed a class action lawsuit against FCA US LLC.
- Why: Gomez claims Fiat Chrysler endangered consumers by selling 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivans that are prone to catch fire and explode.
- Where: The class action lawsuit was filed in California federal court.
Fiat Chrysler endangered the safety of consumers by selling model year 2017 and 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivans that are prone to catch fire and explode, a new class action lawsuit alleges.
Plaintiff Rodrigo Nieto Gomez claims FCA misleads consumers by advertising the vehicles as “designed to keep your family safe,” arguing they instead “pose a grave threat” to drivers, passengers and property.
The FCA initiated a recall for the affected Chrysler Pacificas in February on account of the defect, according to the class action lawsuit, which claims the company advised vehicle owners to stop charging them and to park them “away from structures and other vehicles.”
Nieto Gomez claims the risk of fire and explosion is present even when the vehicles are turned off, and that the FCA has admitted to not knowing what is causing the issue.
FCA ‘Knew Or Should Have Known’ Chrysler Pacifica Vehicles Had Safety Risks
FCA, meanwhile, “knew or should have known” that the vehicles presented “serious safety risks” since it conducts presale and quality control testing before they hit the market, the class action lawsuit alleges.
An issue with vehicle fires is also not new for FCA, according to the class action lawsuit, which says the company recalled more than 27,000 of its Pacific plug-in hybrid minivans in June 2020 after determining they posed a fire risk.
Nieto Gomez claims FCA is guilty of negligence, unjust enrichment and failure to recall and is in violation of California’s Consumer Legal Remedies Act, False Advertising Law, Unfair Competition Law, Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act and the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act.
Plaintiff is demanding a jury trial and requesting declaratory relief along with compensatory, statutory and exemplary damages for himself and all class members.
Nieto Gomez wants to represent a nationwide class and California subclass of consumers who purchased or leased a model year 2017 or 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid minivan for personal use.
A similar class action lawsuit was filed against FCA last month by a consumer also arguing the company failed to disclose that its 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles have a defect that can cause them to catch fire and explode.
Have you purchased a 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicle? Let us know in the comments!
The plaintiff is represented by David S. Casey Jr., Gayle M. Blatt, Jeremy Robinson, P. Camille Guerra and Michael J. Morphew of Casey Gerry Schenk Francavilla Blatt & Penfield, LLP.
The FCA Chrysler Pacifica Exploding Hybrid Minivans Class Action Lawsuit is Gomez v. FCA US LLC, Case No. 3:22-cv-02171, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California.
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38 thoughts onChrysler Pacifica Class Action Claims Plug-In Hybrid Minivans Prone To Catch Fire, Explode
I have a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica Hybrid the risk of fire and explosion recall to plug the vehicle in, yet to be fixed is outrageous. On the most basic level, people like myself are missing out on gas savings while not being able to charge out vehicle. Especially when prices have skyrocketed. At worst we were at risk of injury, damages and life threatening danger from this issue. This just cannot stand. We all deserve full compensation and replacement of these defective dangerous vans. I had a new baby in my Pacifica just before this recall happened. God forbid.
About a year and a half ago we purchased a used 2018 hybrid Pacifica to save on gas and to have a luxury mini van for our family. We reached out to the attorney general here in MA after waiting several months of a non-fulfilled very dangerous recall that was issued back in February. Stellantis (owner of Chrysler) agreed to let us rent a car month to month. We have to charge our credit card and then get reimbursed. We are still paying over $500 for a car loan a month for the Pacifica, which is sitting in the driveway taking up space. We are going on our third month of a rental, which is a very basic minivan with not many features, for which we are still paying for monthly. Not to mention, were were not reimbursed the full amount for our first month’s rental charge. I’ve contacted our Chrysler specialist a few times within this month to notify, and they have yet to respond. We are charging thousands to our credit card for a rental, so it’s very stressful to not hear back in a timely manner. This is becoming quite a hassle. We are expecting our third child in January, and I do not see this not a long term solution.
I bought my 2018 Chrysler Pacifica plug in hybrid in Orange County, CA and and very frustrated at not being able to plug it in and save on gas. It has 62K miles and recently I had to pay for an engine mount repair and oil injector seals. They had it > a week and when I got it back, it has since been lunging forward when ever I come to a stop and take my foot off the brake. I hear a knocking sound just prior to this. Took it back to the same dealer today and they say they need to keep it indefinitely to assess the problem and that I will likely have to pay for this repair too! I’m sick of it. They need to buy back these defective cars or replace them with new ones!!
Please include me on the lawsuit
We are in the same situation as all the others who commented here concerning the potential fire issue. Please inform us where the lawsuit stands and what we can do to be involved.
We purchased a 2017 pacifica hybrid. I found out about the battery issue today. I would like more information about what my options are.
We purchased a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid in Bellevue, Washington. We drove to the Midwest in 2018. We now live in Manchester, Missouri. It is our understanding that there are not very many people out here with hybrid Pacificas. Would you guys be able to represent us since it will be difficult for us to find a class action in the Midwest?
Yes, I have one too that I can’t store in my garage or charge…a truly significant diminishment of the value of what I thought I was buying. I want compensation too.
I purchased a 2018 Chrysler Pacifica hybrid and would like to be part of this lawsuit.