by Automaker Chrysler has announced a large-scale service campaign related to a safety issue.
The Problem Centers on Safety
One might expect Chrysler, which in recent years has essentially sold only two models, to pay particular attention to detail, similar to supercar manufacturers. However, it turns out that nearly every vehicle made by the company in recent years may have a serious safety flaw. The automaker is recalling 178,246 Pacifica and Voyager minivans because their side curtain airbags may not function correctly in a collision.
Scale of the Recall
In total, 178,246 minivans are affected by the problem. This includes 154,367 Pacifica vehicles manufactured from May 17, 2022, to August 8, 2025, as well as 23,879 Voyager vehicles manufactured from May 17, 2022, to August 7, 2025.
Nature of the Defect
The problem centers on the curtain airbags, which may not maintain sufficient pressure after deployment. If this happens, they may deflate too quickly and will not be able to protect passengers inside the vehicle during a side impact or rollover. Simply put, the airbags may fail to do their job in a critical situation.
Federal regulations require that airbags prevent the movement of a crash test dummy’s head by more than 100 mm beyond the side window. According to Chrysler, some of these airbags failed this test due to improperly sealed seams.
Background and Investigation
The recall effectively began in May 2025, when Chrysler first recalled a smaller number of 2022-2025 Pacifica and Voyager models for similar airbag issues. However, after additional tests by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and a months-long investigation with supplier Autoliv, Chrysler found that the problem is much broader than initially thought.
Probability of Defect and Repair Process
Chrysler reports that approximately 30 percent of the recalled vehicles may actually have the defect. This means that over 53,000 minivans could be on the road with airbags that do not provide full protection. There are three separate recall campaigns depending on which airbag is affected. Some vehicles will require replacement of both curtain airbags, while others will need only the left or right one replaced.
Owners will begin receiving notification letters in mid-May. Dealers are expected to start checking VIN codes and performing repairs in early April. Chrysler states that the fix is simple. The defective curtain airbags will be replaced with updated parts that maintain proper pressure during deployment.
This situation once again raises questions about quality control in the automotive industry, especially when it comes to critical safety systems like airbags. The scale of the recall, covering a significant portion of production over several years, points to a systemic problem that might have gone unnoticed without regulatory intervention. For owners of the affected models, it is important to monitor official notifications and contact a dealer for a free repair to ensure full protection for themselves and their passengers.
