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.

3.1

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
44,108 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 steering problems

steering problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments

problem #14

Mar 082013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Driving around 40 the vehicle started to shake. I thought maybe a wheel bearing or tie rod was the issue. Upon taking it to the shop to get checked I was told that the engine cradle was rusted to the point of almost failing. I am currently having the cradle replaced. Had that occurred at a higher speed I hat to think what may have happened. I called Chrysler and was told there is a replacement program for vehicles built between Feb 23rd and mar31st 2004. Because my vehicle was built January 23rd 2004 it was not covered and I received no letter. Despite the fact I was driving a vehicle with the same problem in a very dangerous state. There should be a nationwide safety recall.

- Brighton, MI, USA

problem #13

Mar 262005

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Consumer states several problems with vehicle related to the engine, air conditioner blower and alternator the consumer stated when the vehicle was first purchased, the air conditioner blower was not working properly and had to be replaced. Later that year, there was a whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle near the engine, however the dealer was unable to find the source and to this day, the noise is still present. The consumer stated there was a whining sound coming from or near the power steering pump which was eventually replaced, however the noise continued. The motor mounts, tie rods and rocker arms were replaced.

- Temple Hills, MD, USA

problem #12

May 042009

Pacifica

  • 62,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact took her vehicle to the dealer because the steering wheel shakes while driving 65 mph. In addition, a nail was found in the tire. The dealer stated that inner tie rods and tire balancing were needed. They further stated that the engine cradle was corroded. The dealer took pictures to send to the manufacturer so they could be advised on how to proceed. The contact is currently waiting on a return phone call from the manufacturer. The failure mileage was 62,000.

- South Euclid, OH, USA

problem #11

Dec 282008

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 71,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact has been taking his vehicle to the dealer for an oil change and service ever since it was purchased. The dealer stated that the frame of his vehicle was rusted through and failed. The vehicle was unable to be driven and the contact must pay for the repair costs. The dealer never warned him of any failures. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist. The vehicle is still at the dealer awaiting repair. The failure mileage was 71,000. Updated 02/06/09 the vehicle pulled to the left. The dealer performed an alignment and replaced the tie rod ends. Updated 02/06/09.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #10

Aug 182008

Pacifica

  • 52,000 miles
2004 chrylser Pacifica engine cradle rusted out, tie rod replaced about one yr ago. Dealer won't cover cost D/T warranty expired. 53,000 miles on car. Major safety issue D/T engine/trans could fall out while driving. Instructed only to drive car if necessary. Avoid bumps! have found multiple C/O on internet on same matter. I should not have to pay for poor quality of metal used on frame work.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

problem #9

Nov 102007

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 37,450 miles
Car fights steering.

- Oak Creek, WI, USA

problem #8

Mar 162007

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 36,256 miles

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

Had to have my 2004 Pacifica state inspection done, it failed inspection for the front right tie rod. The mechanic showed me that it was completely woren out and the whole wheel shook back and forth. This put my children in danger everyday. There is no reason for this to have worn out.

- Remington, VA, USA

problem #7

Dec 222006

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,000 miles
Right front inner tie rod end was found to have too much play to do an alignment after replacement of tires. No parts available. Quoted $1500 for service by Chrysler. Vehicle has 53,000 miles- no way major suspension components should be in need of replacement. Tie rod end not replaceable by itself- entire steering arm, tie rod ends and steering box must be replaced at a parts cost of over $750!

- Morgan Hill, CA, USA

problem #6

Jan 222007

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 52,000 miles
When driving at highway speeds or slower, when slowing down car would shake bad, took to dealer, said bad tires. Replaced tires keep doing it, back to dealer 3 weeks later left tire rod was bad. Dealer replaced brakes, rotors at 25,000 miles, we now have 53,000 when rod goes out. Help also transmission problems resulting in loose bolts in front axles loud clunk back again.

- Greendale, IN, USA

problem #5

Jul 012006

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 30,000 miles
At my 3 year NY state inspection (30K miles+/-) we were informed that the tie rods would not pass safety inspection. We luckily had 1 month left on the warranty & chyrsler replaced the one side in question, but would do nothing on the other side.

- Phoenix, NY, USA

problem #4

Mar 042006

Pacifica 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 67,900 miles

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

: the contact stated the rear control arm fractured. It was driven on the faulty control arm to an independent repair shop. The vehicle was inspected by the mechanic and repaired. It was taken for state inspection and failed due the inner tie rods needing replaced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection or repairs.

- East Stroudsburg, PA, USA

problem #3

Jan 182006

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,000 miles
It was found via NY state inspection at aprox. 27,000 miles that the right front tie rod end was worn to the point of near failure which would have the potential to cause the front right wheel to fall off. I was advised to not drive the vehicle at all. Vehicle was towed to Chrysler dealer for repair.

- South Huntington, NY, USA

problem #2

Sep 302004

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 18,911 miles
Failure of left outer tie rod end (worn and excessively loose) was discovered when car was being serviced for strange front-end noises. Service department indicated that the car was unsafe to drive left outer tie rod end had to be replaced after only 18,911 miles.

- Albany, NY, USA

problem #1

Apr 012004

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
While driving front tires shifted one at a time upon making left or right turns. This problem was very noticeable the problem was reported to the manufacturer. Front tires bounce from one to the other. The consumer spoke with Chrysler Corp about the incident. While switching lanes the vehicle began bouncing from one tire to the other the other vehicles slowed down arond the consumers vehicles.

- Texarkana, TX, USA

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