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.

1.6

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,892 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.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica body / paint problems

body / paint problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 8 of 11)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #79

Jan 162015

Pacifica

  • 70,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle's frame was rusted, which weakened the motor mount. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Northfield, OH, USA

problem #78

Jan 232015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 143,000 miles
My 10 year old Chrysler Pacifica has rot in the subframe. My mechanic informed me during a routine check.

- Wilkes Barre, PA, USA

problem #77

Jan 022015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 133,237 miles
While changing oil I observed that the frame had corroded and there were rust holes in the frame. I contacted Chrysler group customer care and was told there is no recall for this on my vehicle.

- Bohemia, NY, USA

problem #76

Jul 072014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Brought my vehicle in to my trusted local repair shop for a review and tune up and request to review rotors due to vehicle shake. When on the lift, it was discovered that the entire engine cradle was rusted to a point where it was barely attached to the vehicle. Initial technical service bulletins published (12-001-10 in Oct 2010) state that this condition could affect all 2004 - 05 Pacificas. It was later superceded by the current bulletin 13-001-12 dated March 16, 2012 which limits affected population to an ~6 week range of vins, which my car does not fall under and I have been told that I am out of warranty. Comparing photos to other complaints as well as the story on nbcchicago.com (see reference story below), my vehicle condition and the material defect is undeniably the same as what Chrysler is currently considering as the "affected population" and is at a point where my vehicle has been considered unsafe to drive. This condition is extremely unsafe and I have been met with 4 months worth of arguments and side stepping from Chrysler customer care at this time regarding acknowledgement of the material defect, the safety implications to myself, my family and other drivers of this model, and especially the $2,600 quote to replace the cradle and hardware at a Chrysler dealership, which effectively scraps my vehicle. I am aghast that all of the complaints filed for this condition on this site and elsewhere have not resulted in a more through review of this clear trend from the NHTSA. References: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-Chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html.

- Springfield, MA, USA

problem #75

Dec 302014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 111,000 miles
Friend of mine had an issue with Pacifica where motor just fell off while she was driving. I took my car to the shop and found something I did not had idea what was happening with my car, undercarriage corrosion too. The bottom is just paper thin, everything is rotten. I have 115,000 miles on my car, 2005 Pacifica. I cannot believe that car looks fine from outside but engine cradle was rusting out to the point you could almost put hand in the hole. It rusted to the point that the engine could fall out. I cannot believe there was no recalls on this car. They will start dealing with issues when drivers start killing themselves on the highway because they lost an engine at 70mph.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...

problem #74

Dec 242014

Pacifica

  • 141,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the sub frame rusted prematurely to the point of corrosion. The contact mentioned that the sub frame might fracture. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, who diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 141,000.

- Edgerton, WI, USA

problem #73

Oct 132014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110 miles

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

The entire undercarriage in rotten, including but not limited to the motor mount and lift points are completely rotted away. I was told it is very dangerous and should not be driving this vehicle but I still owe 7K.

- Fitchburg, MA, USA

problem #72

Nov 142014

Pacifica

  • 97,000 miles
Subframe (engine cradle?) is rusting. My mechanic pointed this out when I was having my oil changed. It is not visible unless you crawl under the car or lift it up in a shop. I contacted Chrysler and they told me that the car is out of warranty and that they will not cover the cost of replacement. Researching this issue on the web, I see that this is a common problem for this model and that in some instances Chrysler has covered the costs of having this fixed.

- Scarsdale, NY, USA

problem #71

Dec 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 93,036 miles
I took my vehicle in for routine nys inspection and was told it wouldn't pass due to the bad subframe. The mechanic showed me the problem and I couldn't believe that the vehicle that I bought thinking it was a safe dependable vehicle was rotting out from underneath me! I've always performed required routine maintenance on it as I am a single working mother and need a safe reliable vehicle. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place because I can't afford to pay the $3,000 to fix it, to buy a new vehicle or to be without a car! I still owe on it and I can't drive it! is there anything you can do to make Chrysler make this right?

- Oswego, NY, USA

problem #70

Nov 022014

Pacifica

  • 112,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While an authorized mechanic was performing a state inspection on the vehicle, it was discovered that the engine cradle and front subframe were corroded with holes. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 112,000.

- Woburn , MA, USA

problem #69

Oct 252014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 65,200 miles

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

Went to the dealer for a routine oil change and was told that the subframe on the vehicle is rusted out and will need to be replaced. Apparently this is quite common with these vehicles. The dealer I took my vehicle to actually gave me pictures of the subframe and it showed cracks and holes in the subframe. Something needs to be done with this. I do not mind paying for maintenance, but I believe this goes far beyond maintenance.

- Naperville, IL, USA

problem #68

Oct 012014

Pacifica

  • 100,000 miles
I have maintained this vehicle extremely well. No visible rust on body, vehicle appears to be in excellent condition. I took vehicle in for routine maintenance and the technician stated that the engine cradle and passenger side sub frame is nearly rusted in half. I was shocked because it is not my primary winter vehicle, and salt exposure is minimal. The technician explained that it is not safe to drive the vehicle because of the risk of drive train falling out when the engine cradle fails to support the engine and transmission. Also, the car could break in half if the sub frame fails. How can a vehicle that has been well maintained, looks and drives like new, be unsafe because it isn't structurally sound. The vehicle is driven only about 10000 miles per year. An online search revealed that this is a known issue on this make/model. I cannot understand how this vehicle is not recalled. I have been driving this vehicle, thinking it would keep my family and I safe. This is very dangerous, and millions of people are undoubtedly driving Chrysler Pacificas that are not structurally safe. I hope that the NHTSA will investigate this.

- Bellville, OH, USA

problem #67

Oct 172014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 167,000 miles
Unusual rusting of the frame and underbody of the car.

- Glen Mills, PA, USA

problem #66

Dec 022013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Numerous complaints from owners of Chrysler Pacifica (2004 - 2005). The sub -frame of the vehicle was not treated properly for rust or corrosion. The motor mounts to the sub-frame and if the sub-frame is compromised the engine could drop down and destroy all braking and steering capabilities; as well as, catastrophic issues including death. What does it take for Chrysler to realize that this is a problem. How does Chrysler issue an extended warranty and then rescind the letter. Corporate greed at its best. This is a "family vehicle" that we afraid to drive because you do not know when the sub-frame will "give-way" and possibly kill everyone in side or someone else. Can I get some help!! please !!

- Whaton , IL, USA

problem #65

Oct 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 125,000 miles
Went for routine state inspection and was notified that the subframe has significant rust on the passenger side (engine cradle). This vehicle only has 125,000 miles on it and the subframe should not be rusted out. Have called Chrysler and although they issued an extended warranty in 2010 which included my vehicle they have since refined this to vehicles made in a 6 week window in 2004. My vehicle was made in June 2004 just a few weeks outside their window. It is obviously a bigger problem as there are tons of similar complaints - rust on the subframe on the passenger side (see full list of complaints at NHTSA and all over the web). This needs to be addressed asap by Chrysler. It has left me and my family in a very difficult situation - never mind the safety problem I have exposed my family to over the past year.

- Merrimack, NH, USA

problem #64

Sep 232014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 82,400 miles
My Pacifica 2005 started making popping grinding noises while stopping and taking off plus while turning. I called Chrysler and was told that it was the axle gasket and that it was safe to drive but to take care of the problem quickly. Well come to find out it was a rotting subframe. There is a recall for this issue for 2008 and up. I called Chrysler back and they said sorry wrong year. I could have killed my family because of this issue that Chrysler won't admit too. I only have 82,400 miles on my car.

- West Henrietta, NY, USA

problem #63

Sep 222014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 61,000 miles
Went to get my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica inspected and was told the front sub-frame was rusted through.

- East Greenville, PA, USA

problem #62

Sep 242014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
When taking the car for an oil change, it was pointed out that our engine cradle was very corroded and rusted through. We have since discovered that this is a known issue with this year, make, and model of car. However, our car was manufactured outside the very narrow range of dates for which an extended 10 year, 150K mile warranty on the engine cradle was made available. The body shop has quoted us $4000 to repair the vehicle, and said the car is very unsafe to drive in it's current condition. Given that this issue is so common for this car, it is only a matter of time before someone is killed driving one. Chrysler should be forced to issue a recall on all 2004 and 2005 Pacificas in order to repair this problem before it is too late for some family.

- Morgantown, WV, USA

problem #61

Aug 282014

Pacifica

  • 146,875 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 65 mph, the vehicle began to shake and vibrate. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered severe corrosion on the subframe and engine cradle, which needed to be replaced. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer stated that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's recall. The recall number was unknown. The approximate failure mileage was 146,875.

- North Attleborough, MA, USA

problem #60

Sep 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
Rusted/rotted subframe/cradle.

- Columbus , OH, USA

Read the next 20 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?