Nearly 50,000 Pacifica minivans recalled
Windsor Star
Kelly Steele, Windsor StarSep 20, 2017
Nearly 50,000 Windsor-made Pacifica minivans in the U.S. and Canada are being recalled by Fiat Chrysler.
The automaker is recalling 2017 and 2018 model year Pacifica vans, all with an eight-passenger seating option after testing showed one of the seat belts in the second row can come unlatched. An estimated 1,908 vehicles in Canada are affected.
“During testing, it was observed that an outboard seat belt in the second row could become inadvertently unlatched when the vehicle is subjected to extreme handling manoeuvres,” states a recall document on the FCA website. “This occurred when the buckle’s release button contacted that of an adjacent occupant’s buckle.”
The buckles only unlatched during aggressive driving tests.
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.”
The automaker is unaware of any related injuries, accidents, warranty claims or complaints. The customers affected will be advised when service becomes available to have the issue fixed. Until it’s repaired, they are urged to avoid using the second-row centre seat in conjunction with the other second-row positions.
The recall is limited to those vehicles equipped with optional eight-passenger seating. A document posted by the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration said dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin Oct. 20.
