Class action launched against Fiat Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid
by CM Staff
Multiple plaintiffs suffered the loss of their vehicles due to spontaneous fires.
TORONTO and MONTREAL — Class actions have been commenced on behalf of all Canadian owners and/or lessees of 2017-2020 Model Year Chrysler Pacifica Plug-In Hybrid vehicles affected by a dangerous electrical system defect which can cause spontaneous and catastrophic fires. These vehicles are subject to Transport Canada Recall 2020-254.
The claims have been brought by Marisa Chong and Eric Fabroa of Aurora, Ontario, Emil Florea and Jeffrey Hall of Montreal, Quebec, and David Wilson of Elmira, Ontario. Each plaintiff suffered the loss of their Chrysler Pacific Plug-In Hybrid minivan during a spontaneous fire. The Plaintiffs allege that these fires were caused by a dangerous defect in the electrical system of their vehicles.
On June 10, 2020, Transport Canada issued a recall for 3,404 Chrysler Pacific Plug-In Hybrid vehicles. The recall documentation noted that the vehicles were affected by a dangerous electrical system defect which can cause spontaneous fires without warning, whether the vehicle is on or off.
Joel P. Rochon, a partner at Rochon Genova LLP who has issued the claims in Toronto and Montreal, stated: “Canadian consumers expect that the cars they put their families in will be reasonably safe to operate and free from dangerous defects. They are entitled to timely and warnings from manufacturers who know, or ought to know, that their products are dangerously defective. We are concerned by the unexplained inaction by Fiat Chrysler following numerous reports of spontaneous vehicle fires in the months prior to Transport Canada ordering its recall. Car manufacturers need to do more to prioritize consumers and the safety of their vehicles.”
