2017 Chrysler Pacifica Recall: Critical Seat Belt Safety Issue

Affected Vehicles

The recall specifically targets 2017 Chrysler Pacifica minivans manufactured between February 22 and April 28, 2016. These vehicles may contain a defective component in their seat belt systems that requires immediate attention.

The Safety Defect Explained

The recall centers on the center overhead seat belt stow clip in both the third-row and (if equipped) second-row center seating positions. Engineering analysis revealed that these components may:

• Fracture under stress: The plastic stow clip may break during normal use
• Prevent seat belt deployment: A damaged clip could make the seat belt inaccessible
• Compromise safety: Unrestrained passengers face higher injury risk during collisions

This defect particularly concerns families who frequently use the Pacifica's third-row seating, as children are often seated in these positions. The issue was discovered through warranty claims and subsequent FCA quality control investigations.

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Official Repair Solution

Fiat Chrysler has authorized dealerships to perform the following corrective actions at no cost to vehicle owners:

• Complete replacement of third-row overhead seat belt stow bezel
• Replacement of second-row center stow bezel (if equipped)
• Thorough inspection of all seat belt components

The repair procedure typically takes less than one hour to complete, though owners should schedule appointments in advance to ensure parts availability.

What Pacifica Owners Should Do

If you own a 2017 Chrysler Pacifica, follow these steps immediately:

1. Check your VIN: Visit MotorVero's recall lookup tool to verify if your vehicle is affected
2. Contact FCA: Call the FCA recall hotline at 800-853-1403 for specific information about your vehicle
3. Schedule service: Locate an authorized Chrysler dealership using MotorVero's dealer finder
4. Report concerns: Contact NHTSA at 888-327-4236 or safercar.gov if you experience difficulties

While awaiting repairs, FCA recommends minimizing use of affected seating positions when possible.

Understanding Your Rights

As a vehicle owner affected by this recall, you should know:

• All recall repairs must be performed free of charge by authorized dealers
• The repair does not affect your vehicle's warranty status
• You may be eligible for reimbursement if you previously paid for this repair
• Federal law requires manufacturers to fix safety defects

If a dealer attempts to charge for this repair or claims your vehicle isn't included, contact FCA directly for assistance.

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Additional Safety Resources

For more information about this and other vehicle recalls:

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.safercar.gov
• FCA US Recall Information Center
• MotorVero Recall Database (updated daily)
• Consumer Protection Safety Commission

Stay informed about vehicle safety issues by registering your Pacifica with NHTSA to receive direct alerts about future recalls.

Why This Recall Matters

Seat belt failures rank among the most dangerous vehicle defects because:

• Proper restraint use reduces fatal injury risk by 45% (NHTSA data)
• Third-row passengers already face higher crash risks due to rear-impact physics
• Minivan designs prioritize family safety, making this defect particularly concerning

This recall reflects FCA's commitment to addressing potential safety issues proactively, though owners must take action to complete repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my Pacifica is included?

Check your vehicle identification number (VIN) using MotorVero's recall tool or contact an FCA dealership with your VIN ready.

Is it safe to drive my Pacifica before the repair?

While the vehicle remains operable, FCA recommends avoiding use of affected seating positions until repaired.

How long will the repair take?

Most repairs are completed within one hour, but schedule an appointment to ensure parts availability.

What if I already paid for this repair?

You may qualify for reimbursement - contact FCA customer service with your repair receipts.