We all know minivans bring out a driver’s inner beast. Here at TTAC, hardly a day goes by where we’re not discussing which minivan is best suited for an impromptu spin around the track. Seriously.
However, if exploring the limits of your minivan’s handling abilities tops your short list of things to do today, Chrysler Pacifica drivers had best hold off — at least if you’ve got a crowded backseat. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles doesn’t want owners driving aggressively until they’ve taken their van in for a voluntary recall.
The automaker claims 47,927 2017 and 2018 Pacificas equipped with the optional three-person second-row seat contain a flaw that can cause the left outboard seatbelt to become unbuckled during very spirited driving. The culprit? The center seat seatbelt buckle.
“This defect may, in certain cases, result in a compromised safety system for a buckled left second-row passenger,” FCA stated in its recall. “In certain passenger seating and vehicle situations, the second-row center seating position seat belt buckle could cause the left outboard seat belt to become unlatched.”
The situation? During “extreme handling manoeuvres.”
Seven-passenger Pacificas aren’t affected by the issue for obvious reasons. FCA claims the affected models were built from the beginning of production until August 24th of this year. The remedy involves installing a shortened second-row buckle.
While it’s not likely an occurrence a Pacifica driver is likely to see, it would occur at a moment when a passenger will really need that seatbelt. FCA engineers first noticed the issue on May 12th, when a water ballast dummy broke free during testing. The company’s U.S. Vehicle Dynamics Group staged a repeat of the test, and the dummy again found itself unharnessed.
According to FCA, the buckles shouldn’t pose an issue during regular, or even spirited, driving. Speaking to the Windsor Star, FCA media relations manager Eric Mayne said, “sporty driving does not describe the extreme nature of the manoeuvre that was performed for this to happen.”
This actually isn’t the first seatbelt-related recall for the Pacifica. Last year, FCA recalled a small number of early production models after discovering that the “center overhead seat belt stow clip may fracture and prevent use of the seat belt in the third-row and/or second-row center passenger seat.”
[Image: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles]
“You kids stop fighting or I will engage in some spirited driving!”
(seriously, my kids use the term “rockets” for quick acceleration and love the expression “tight turns.” Doing these in the wife’s van makes for some extra body-rolling drama, especially when the crappy stock Michelins start squealing.)
How do you expect me to take this minivan seriously if I can’t performance drive with 3 passengers in the second row. This is an outrage. I am going to buy an Odyssey.
Saw two new Pacifica’s driving into work this morning. What a great looking design. Would help if Chrysler offered awd. But it sure looks better than the mismatched pieces of the Odyssey.
Agreed. I’d go so far as to say the Pacifica is one of the best designs on the road (of any bodystyle). Hands down the nicest-looking minivan.
My wife spotted a Pacifica picking up a kid from the in-home daycare down the street.
Her: “That looks nice, what is that?”
Me: “It’s the new Chrysler Pacif…”
Her: “Oh, I wouldn’t want a Chrysler. Wait, does it tow any more than the Odyssey?”
Me: “Yeah, 100 lbs more.”
Her: “Nevermind.”
My son just bought a 2018 Pacifica. Very practical vehicle if you have kids.
I must admit, I’m glad to see they keep testing AFTER the initial model rolls out. If I read correctly, this flaw was found by INTERNAL testing, not some lawsuit, and they are issuing a recall because of it. Good on them!
(I’m sure there’s regulations requiring them to make this a recall, but I’m glad they’re still testing!)
My uncle told the story of when, in the 1950s, he had his car’s bench seats relined with alligator skin. Upon taking a turn too fast, his date slid clear across the seat, struck the door, and flew out of the car.
He should have turned the other direction.
My grandfather used to open the door to spit when chewing tobacco while rolling down the road.
One of my aunts emulated this as a small child, with predictable results.
Thankfully they were a mile or two down the road before they asked where she was. They drove back and found her safe and sound in a ditch beside the road.
Does trying to avoid an accident count as driving aggressively for purposes of the recall?
I’m stuck with a Sienna. I have 2 hockey players in the family, mounds of hockey gear and (usually) a couple of friends or more bumming a ride. It actually isn’t that bad. It’s a pig on gas, but it gets around pretty well. It is actually a pretty good highway car for when the future stars are off to another city for a tournament. I wouldn’t buy one if I didn’t need it, but I’m happy with what I’ve got. And, the quality is great. Not a single complaint.