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.

1.7

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
100,234 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 2 of 3)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #38

May 142014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 156,063 miles

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

I have had this vehicle into the dealership at least once a year over the last 3 years for various reasons. The rusting of the cradle was never mentioned. I find it interesting that now it is over the 150K mileage limit that Chrysler alerts me that the cradle needs to be replaced to the tune of several thousand dollars. I have owned several cars in excess of 10+ years each and never had a cradle rust problem. I also have come to find out that this is a known issue among Pacifica owners. I am curious to know what Chrysler's intentions are to cure this situation given the severity and danger present if unresolved...not only for me as an individual but other Pacifica owners as well.

- Reisterstown, MD, USA

problem #37

Apr 232014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 123,000 miles
Took my car to the mechanic to look at a front exhaust issue when I was informed my frame was rotting away. I did a google search and learned of many incidents with this year, make and model of car that has had many instances like this with no help from the mfg.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #36

Apr 262014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
A few years ago we were advised by my mechanic that the sub frame was corroding/rusting and they advised that should not happen. At that time, I contacted Chrysler. They recalled some of the 04-05 vehicles that were manufactured during a 6 week window only; my vehicle was manufactured outside of the 6 week window. Today we were advised that the car is completely unsafe to drive and I have pictures, the frame is almost completely rusted out. Nbc Chicago recently investigated the issue (the investigation can be found on google). Two individuals with the same issue as me wanted Chrysler to admit the unsafe problem and that they had knowledge of it prior to purchasing the vehicles. Before nbc investigated, Chrysler refused to fix the cars. After the program ran, Chrysler paid two the two individuals featured on the show to have their sub frames replaced. The other 300+ people that have requested Chrysler fix the problem remain without recourse. While 300+ are aware of the problem, there are many thousands of people that are unaware of the dangerous problem. I am herein requesting help in getting Chrysler to recall the vehicle to address the dangerous safety problem. Thank you for your help.

- Northbrook, IL, USA

problem #35

Apr 232014

Pacifica

  • 143,600 miles

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

I went to get a front end alignment on my vehicle and was informed that my vehicles sub frame is completely rusted through. I was told my vehicle is unsafe to drive and that my engine could fall out at any time. I called Chrysler and was told there are no recalls on my car specifically and that I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. I have done some research regarding this problem and have found that this is a common problem with my make model and year vehicle. I called Chrysler back and was told there was still nothing they could do even though this is a known issue. Only 6 weeks worth of my make model and year vehicle were recalled and that mine did not fall into that category because it was built 4 months prior to the recall dates. This part should be recalled as this is a common problem and as my mechanic pointed out it is most definitely a defect in the sub frame. If the dealer does not wish to resolve this issue I will be contacting a lawyer.

- Dover, DE, USA

problem #34

Mar 282014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 112,281 miles
I am almost verbatim submitting an identical complaint that you received a day after I was shown the exact same problem, after taking my Chrysler Pacifica in for a routine oil change. This is exactly what I was told too on March 28, 2014. I was told I have a subframe/engine cradle that is severely cracked and corroded on the passenger side of the vehicle and showing wear on the driver side. I was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle. I have submitted an email to Chrysler and am waiting their response but understand that customers are most often told there is nothing they can do to assist with the nearly $3000 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. And may I echo the entire last complaint that was submitted that I just read because it's exactly how I feel too. I have read that Chrysler also selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. If it is not their fault, why are they doing that" the nbc report also indicates that NHTSA sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern" you might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe Pacificas, so that they could report it. Please reconsider your recall decision, as Chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production. "

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

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problem #33

Mar 032014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
Discovered engine support has a rust through hole approx. 1 3/4 X 3/4. also showing other areas of rust damage. This auto is low mileage & garage kept. Have photos with tape measure if desired.

- St. Clair Shores , MI, USA

problem #32

Nov 052004

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 500 miles

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

Extensive rust formation on all suspension components and in particular the engine cradle. On the engine cradle, rust is most prominent on the weld seams and the lower portions where moisture probably is pooling on the inside and penetrating what must be unusually porous and/or untreated metal. I am the original owner and I noticed a rust color on the various suspension parts early in the ownership. I mentioned this coloration to the dealer and they explained it as a clay compound spray that is applied at the factory to protect undercarriage from corrosion during shipping. At the time, I accepted this explanation at face value but in hindsight it probably was premature rust. I can't find any information on the internet that suggests spraying clay is actually a real practice. Furthermore, the car was manufactured in Canada. Not much rust concerns between Canada and the us. Somewhat plausible if shipping overseas. Unless someone informs me otherwise on this clay spraying, I think I was duped. At first this rust was just an annoying cosmetic blemish but it has progressed to the point where I am concerned about safety.

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

problem #31

Dec 192013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 148,000 miles
The subframe is rusted out and the auto had only 148500 miles before we were informed by my repair man I called Chrysler and they told me that it is not covered but some Pacificas are covered which doesn't make sense the subframe caused the engine mounts to fall out and I am lucky my 10 year old daughter and wife didn't get hurt, after checking the problem out online I found out that many owners have the same problem.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #30

Nov 132013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
Yet another 2004 Chrysler Pacifica with a sub frame cradle assembly that is completely rusting out. The vehicle has been deemed very dangerous unsafe to drive. I have three kids under seven, so I am glad I was able to find the problem before a life-changing catastrophe. Very disappointed in Chrysler. Given that Chrysler has put such narrow parameters on the recall, this car is not within their guidelines of the recall. This will be the last Chrysler purchase ever. I had numerous reliability issues with a Jeep Cherokee and Grand Cherokee too. My word will spread to avoid Chrysler altogether, anytime and every time cartalk comes up in conversation.

- Windsor, WI, USA

problem #29

Nov 122013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 181,800 miles
Dealer discovered rusted front sub frame while performing inspection. There is very little other corrosion in that area of the vehicle, so it may be a design flaw. I have seen similar complaints on automotive forums.

- Wrentham, MA, USA

problem #28

Oct 172013

Pacifica

  • 60,000 miles

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

I took my wife's car in because there was some shaking in the suspension...the mechanic showed me the holes in the engine cradle and where the cradle was rusting through.

- Wilbraham, MA, USA

problem #27

Oct 092013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 108,310 miles
My garage told me that the engine cradle or sub frame has a substantial hole from rusting out.

- Ossipee, NH, USA

problem #26

Oct 082013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 116,444 miles
Went to go get an alignment mechanic told me the frame is rusted that I need to get it fixed before engine falls out very bad news to hear and they want $2000 to fix I go online to research and there's thousands of complaints Chrysler has unsafe cars on the road and no recalls the mechanic told me to complain and they should cover it but they refuse to help now what am I suppose to do.

- Framingham, MA, USA

problem #25

Oct 022013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 126,729 miles
I took the vehicle to good year for inspection and was informed that the engine cradle was rusted through and it was unsafe to drive.

- White Post, VA, USA

problem #24

Jul 132013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 116,527 miles
Our car suffered from a severely rusted front sub frame (engine cradle) that required replacement. We had the sub frame replaced, Chrysler refused to help or compensate in any way.

- Groveland, MA, USA

problem #23

Oct 312012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 196,076 miles
October 31, 2012; the Chrysler dealer service department noted the owner that the engine subframe (engine cradle) had rusted through and advised the owner that this could cause a serious damage to the vehicle and possible injury or death due to loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was purchased new at this dealership, registered, serviced, and driven in the Chrysler designated "salt belt" state of Ohio for its entire service life (still in service, still in Ohio, still owned by the original owner). Apparently there was a Chrysler customer satisfaction campaign letter in Nov. 2010 that went out to vehicle owners in this area for this year-model vehicle, regarding this potential condition. However, this owner was not notified. When this letter was issued, the vehicle would have been inside the 10 year/150,000 mile service window and qualified under the extended Chrysler warranty. Fortunately, no catastrophic failure occurred before this condition was corrected. The Chrysler dealer made an offer to repair the vehicle for $798, which was accepted and the vehicle made roadworthy once again. Chrysler should reimburse the owner for the repair charges since no notification was ever received by the owner regarding the warranty extension, the risk if not repaired, or the procedures necessary to mitigate the defect.

- South Vienna, OH, USA

problem #22

Aug 092013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 124,000 miles
The engine cradle or subframe has rusted through on the right side. I was told the condition the subframe is in my vehicle is unsafe to drive.

- Muskegon, MI, USA

problem #21

Jul 102013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 154,000 miles
Adding to previous complaint. I find there is an internal recall granted to only a few. I am over the mileage due to mechanic's failure to diagnose the problem. Took for a second opinion, was told that the car is unsafe and that the corrosion was obviously there for some time. Car is dangerous that engine can fall out at anytime. Did call Chrysler and they made no mention of recall letter or bulletins released on this problem. Basically said sol that there is no recall. There are how many Pacificas on the roads with drivers unaware that their vehicle is a death trap to themselves and others on the roads. There should be a recall issued immediately.

- Pelican Lake, WI, USA

problem #20

Oct 152012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
I was having Pacifica serviced at Goodyear store in newport, ky prior to driving to Florida. Mechanic called me to service area to see serious rust through on front frame rails and engine cradle. He said "do not drive the car to Florida. The engine could drop if frame breaks". I immediately went to wyler Chrysler and had the rusted frame replaced. I later found that Chrysler had extended their warranty to specifically cover this problem. I did file a claim with Chrysler and they did reimburse me 80% of the repair cost. I am now seeing, on edmunds.com chat site that there are many more owners having this same rust out problems with their Pacificas. A rusted frame breaking at highway speeds could be disastrous.

- Fort Thomas, KY, USA

problem #19

Jun 192013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 90,000 miles
The chassis is starting to rot out.

- Massapequa, NY, USA

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