WASHINGTON, July 18 (Reuters) - Stellantis ( STLA ) on Thursday

recalled about 24,000 Chrysler Pacifica plug-in hybrid minivans

worldwide because of fire risks, and urged owners to park

outside, away from structures. and not to recharge the vehicles

pending a software update.

Stellantis ( STLA ) said the recall of 2017 through 2021 model year

Chrysler Pacifica Hybrids includes about 19,500 vehicles in the

United States.

The company is aware of seven incidents that occurred when

the vehicles were turned off and some occurred while recharging,

as well as four customers who reported symptoms consistent with

smoke inhalation.

Stellantis ( STLA ) said the events are linked to a rare abnormality

in individual cells of the model's high-voltage battery pack.

Vehicle risk is reduced when the battery charge level is

depleted and the company said owners should refrain from

recharging pending the recall completion.

The company is working on a software update designed to

detect the abnormality and if found, dealers will replace the

vehicle's high-voltage battery.

The recall also includes about 3,000 vehicles in Canada and

1,700 outside North America.

The vehicles being recalled include minivans that may

have been previously remedied with a similar software update

while later models have an improved manufacturing process.

Owners can continue to drive the vehicles while awaiting the

software update.