Vehicles Affected: Approximately 48,000 model-year 2017-18 Chrysler Pacifica minivans equipped with the eight-passenger seating option
The Problem: 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, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.
Chrysler manufacturer Fiat Chrysler Automobiles noted that it is unaware of any injuries, accidents, warranty claims or complaints related to this problem. “During testing, it was observed that an outboard seat belt buckle in the second row could become inadvertently unlatched when the vehicle is subjected to extreme handling maneuvers,” FCA stated. “This occurred when the buckle’s release button contacted that of an adjacent occupant’s buckle.”
The Fix: Dealers will install a shorter second-row seat belt buckle for free.
Former Assistant Managing Editor-News Matt Schmitz is a veteran Chicago journalist indulging his curiosity for all things auto while helping to inform car shoppers.