CarComplaints.com Notes: Engine cradle rot is a serious problem in the 2004-05 Chrysler Pacifica. Chrysler admits they didn't apply enough coating to the vehicle's sub-frame during assembly, but only offered to cover a very small portion of the vehicles they messed up.

So what happens when your engine cradle rots? Well, the engine could fall out for starters. It could also cause problems with the suspension and other components but did I mention THE ENGINE CAN FALL OUT? The worst part is you might not know because there's no way to see the problem without getting under the car.

If you have a 2004-05 Pacifica, make sure to have your mechanic inspect your sub-frame for rust and corrosion.

10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,640 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 3 of 7)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #89

May 152015

Pacifica

  • 126,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance at an independent mechanic, the contact was informed that the subframe of the vehicle was severely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe and should not be driven. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 126,000.

- Plano, IL, USA

problem #88

May 172016

Pacifica

  • 168,300 miles
Front frame separated from chassis. We had the sub frame replaced on June 18th 2014 at 151178 miles now on May 17th 2016 at 168326 miles the subframe has separated from the body of the car. I am very lucky this happened at a low rate of speed 25 mph on my street and not on the highway. I had the car towed to the dealer how sold us the car and who has done all the work on it from new. I was advised the repair from 2014 is our of warranty. I had the car repaired by a 3rd party after the dealer told us the repair could not be done. When the car was being repaired I was advised by the shop the dealer repair was missing key parts. After looking at the repair invoice one of the five parts need for the repair was not listed on the invoice lower rebound plate.

- Timonium, MD, USA

problem #87

Jul 012016

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
In April 2016 I had the brakes replaced on my car, while at the repair shop they noticed the engine cradle was rusted. I was told that the motor could fall out but the repair should be covered by Chrysler. I called the dealer and was told it was not covered, I continued to look online and found a number to call for recalls. I called on July 1st and was told it was built 3 days out of warranty but he would see what he could do and would call me back. On July 6th after I made numerous phone calls I was told they are unwilling to help me. I asked to speak to a supervisor but was told they couldn't transfer calls but one will call be back. I still have not received a phone call nor do I expect any help from them. I do question how they can put a time limit on a warranty when they failed to undercoat my car properly even if it was 3 days out of their time frame. I also don't understand why I wasn't notified of the problem even if they will no fix it as it can cause an accident! if you are able to help me in anyway I would appreciate it, I truly do not know what to do at this point because I am unable to pay for the repair! thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Copley, OH, USA

problem #86

Jun 102016

Pacifica

  • 112,067 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

We took our very well maintained 2004 Chrysler Pacifica into the mechanic to replace the shocks (thinking that might be the cluncking noise we heard) and he called us and told us the car's engine frame was completely rotted out and the car was horribly unsafe to drive and didn't want us to even drive it home. He told us the frame replacement would be in the range of $4,000 to $5,000. Our car was in otherwise perfect condition and perfectly maintained (I have the records to prove it). My husband called Chrysler to complain about the situation and was basically told to take a hike by a customer service rep there named "leah" and wouldn't put us in contact with any superiors, etc. No notice from Chrysler about this horrible/deadly issues whatsoever. I've been driving our child around in this car with all of his friends, on the highways all around chicagoland. This is a vehicle that is purchased by families with children. How in the world can Chrysler think it's ok to not warn people they are driving around a time bomb that could kill their entire family and possible everyone driving around them. We had to run out and immediately buy a new vehicle without being able to sell the Pacifica. This is a total nightmare for our family. I can only be grateful something much worse didn't happen and our mechanic probably saved our lives. This car needs to be recalled immediately!!!!

- Brookfield, IL, USA

problem #85

Apr 092016

Pacifica

  • 133,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for an oil change and was informed that the subframe was badly rusted. The vehicle was not included in a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.

- Hastings, MI, USA

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problem #84

May 172016

Pacifica

  • 167,500 miles
I had the sub frame replaced due to rust. Last week the sub frame fell off the car, the isolators busshings failed and pulled thru and the frame dropped. The frame was replaced 17,000 miles ago. I pulled the invoice and looked at the list of parts replaced then, I looked at the parts schematic on the Chrysler web-site. It appears when the repair was done the isolator. Cradle, crossmember. Lower rebound plate, was not replaced. After looking under the car I do not find this part. The frame failed when my wife was driving the car, she was driving on a residential road at about 25 mph.

- Timonium, MD, USA

problem #83

May 062016

Pacifica

  • 140,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The Pacifica became nearly impossible to steer. The engine cradle has failed due to premature corrosion or material failure. Due to this failure, the bolts and bushings holding the rear of the engine cradle have fallen thru and the rear of the engine cradle is inches from the ground causing the engine to no longer be supported. This makes the car impossible to steer because the driveline angle is changed. Engine resting on the rack and pinion damages this device also. Vehicle is not drive able. Cost estimate from local Chrysler dealer is over 4000$

- Pasco, WA, USA

problem #82

Aug 102015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Took our 2004 Pacifica in today for an alignment to fix the shaking when the car is driven on the highway and was told that an alignment would be a waste of money due to the rusted out frame under the car. Hadn't heard a single word about this issue until today. We've had this car since 2005, bought with 12, 000 miles on it and now it has 85, 000. Still not bad for a car that is 11 years old and the body and interior are in very good shape. Now what to do?!!! thank you Firestone for being honest and not charging us for your time. (can I mention that the car has been in for repairs about a year ago for another issue to a Chrysler dealership and not a word was spoken about this!!!) the engine mounts, K-frame is badly rusted to the point the suspension is out of alignment and cannot be adjusted. The car is unsafe to drive.

- Solon, OH, USA

problem #81

Mar 092016

Pacifica

  • 98,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. After the vehicle was taken to be inspected by an independent mechanic, the technician observed that the subframe was fractured and deteriorating. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was confirmed that the subframe was fractured and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 98,000.

- Levittown, PA, USA

problem #80

May 022016

Pacifica

  • 82,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. When the vehicle was taken to a local dealer for an alignment, the technician noted that the frame was rotted out and recommended it be replaced. There was no warning indicator. The contact made the manufacturer aware of the failure and was advised to contact NHTSA to file a complaint. The failure mileage was 82,000.

- Zanesville, OH, USA

problem #79

Apr 282016

Pacifica

  • 68,285 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Engine cradle severely rusted and perforated, causing front wheel alignment problems. A replacement cradle is needed as engine may drop..

- Duluth, MN, USA

problem #78

Mar 252016

Pacifica

  • miles
I took car in for some exhaust work and the manager took me to have a look under the car and showed me the entire subframe was rotted to the point that my cars engine could fall out at any time. I have 4 children! I see Chrysler is being sued over this. I contacted them and they refuse to help me!?

- Danvers, MA, USA

problem #77

Mar 042016

Pacifica

  • 200,000 miles
My car started making loud noises when I hit a pot hole. I took it to my mechanic he said the frame is rusting trough.

- Rapid City, MI, USA

problem #76

Jan 042016

Pacifica

  • 115,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that frame of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that frame was completely rusted and that the engine was soon to detach from the vehicle. The technician recommended that the vehicle not be driven until the frame was repaired. The manufactured was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 115,000. The VIN was not available.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #75

Dec 212015

Pacifica

  • 114,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler pacific. The contact stated that while replacing tires on the vehicle by a service station, it was informed that the engine cradle of the vehicle had corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 114,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #74

Dec 012015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, it was discovered that the sub frame had rusted and corroded. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 120,000. Updated 02/18/16; updated 05/02/18

- Medfield, MA, USA

problem #73

Nov 102015

Pacifica

  • 101,300 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for routine maintenance and it was discovered that the engine cradle had excessive rust and fractures and needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 101,300.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #72

Nov 102015

Pacifica

  • 101,300 miles
Took in Pacifica for general maintenance. Upon inspection, it was brought to my attention that my frame or cradle was severely corroded. Chrysler customer care said there is nothing they will do for me. It is a $2800 repair through the Chrysler dealership. Not acceptable!!! I have a vehicle that is too dangerous to be on the road and Chrysler will acknowledge nothing! I have photo's of corrosion from dealership!

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #71

Oct 312015

Pacifica

  • miles
Vehicle subframe severely rusted and corroded, informed unsafe to drive, many other owners with this issue. Motor could fall out and no help at all from Chrysler.

- Hagerstown, MD, USA

problem #70

Oct 272015

Pacifica

  • miles
Took vehicle in for service and was told the undercarriage was rusting out, is this not a recall??

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

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