BraunAbility Recalls 1,571 Chrysler Pacifica Wheelchair Vans Over Restraint Issue
Faulty Wheelchair Retractors May Fail To Lock, Posing A Serious Safety Risk
BraunAbility, a leading manufacturer of wheelchair-accessible vehicles, has issued a safety recall for 1,571 units of its Chrysler Pacifica wheelchair vans from model years 2021 through 2025. The recall is part of a broader campaign affecting about 2,810 vehicles in total, including select Toyota Sienna (2022–2025) and Honda Odyssey (2022–2026) models modified for wheelchair use.
At the heart of the issue are wheelchair restraint retractors that may fail to lock properly. These retractors, supplied by Q’Straint — a sister company to BraunAbility — are designed to secure the wheelchair in place during travel. Due to friction between internal components, the auto-release mechanism may stick, preventing the retractor from locking. This defect could allow a wheelchair to move unexpectedly during normal driving, sudden maneuvers, or a crash, greatly increasing the risk of injury or death to the occupant.
BraunAbility stated that it was informed of the problem by Q’Straint on October 24, 2025, and immediately began its own recall process with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Vehicles produced after that date were inspected to ensure no defective components were installed, and any suspect material still in-house was quarantined.
The defect can often be detected during a standard functional inspection or if abnormal wheelchair movement is observed. According to Q’Straint’s user manual, owners and operators should check that the retractor locks as intended before each trip.
Owners of affected Pacifica wheelchair vans will receive official notification letters starting November 19, 2025. Dealers will inspect and replace any faulty retractors free of charge.
For more information, owners can contact Q’Straint’s customer service at 1-800-987-9987 or BraunAbility’s customer service at 1-800-488-0359. They can also reach out to the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit www.nhtsa.gov for further details.
This recall highlights the importance of routine safety checks, especially for mobility-adapted vehicles that transport passengers with disabilities. Ensuring wheelchair restraints function properly is critical to maintaining occupant safety and preventing serious injuries.
