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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,946 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 suspension problems

suspension problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 8 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #38

Jan 202014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 111,000 miles

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

Found out in December 2013 getting tires, that engine cradle had serious rust and to watch it. Engine light came on in January 2014, and car needed transmission work. Mechanic took frame off and it rained rust particles from the horribly corroded engine cradle frame. Called Chrysler, wanting to speak with supervisor. I was told that a supervisor would call me within 24 hrs. Never happened. Called again a week later, and that operator found out my original message was never delivered to a supervisor. And now I"M waiting again for 24 hrs for someone to call me.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #37

Jan 252014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 104,400 miles
Excessive rusting of engine cradle. Possibility of front end of subframe falling out of the car.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #36

Jan 172014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 123,000 miles
My Chrysler Pacifica was diagnosed with a bad engine cradle, cradle is rusted, has a long rust hole about 7 inches long, will need a cradle replacement, frame is unsafe. Some 04's-05's were recalled for same problem, mine wasn't included in the recall for some reason, I'm having the same problem everyone else is. Contacted Chrysler and said there wasn't anything they could do for me, its definitely a safety issue.

- Massillon, OH, USA

problem #35

Dec 272013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 113,647 miles

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

I have had my vehicle since 2008. I took it in for a oil change and was told that the subframe/engine cradle was rotted and unsafe. I live in oh. And was told by Chrysler, since my vehicle was originally sold in AZ. That it is not covered to have the engine cradle replaced. The vehicle is a 2005 and have been in a "salt state" for 5 years. I located a letter online that was sent out and it doesn't state where the vehicle was purchase would be covered, but place of operation. To me 5 years of oh winters and salt has been the place of operation. After searching out the problem concerning the engine cradle, I have found that it has been a big problem.

- Lorain, OH, USA

problem #34

Sep 232013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
We bought our 05 Pacifica a couple months ago used we were aware of the engine cradle being lose we then found out it was corrode out on the right side of the motor and steering rack problem and was wondering if there is a recall on either of these items we see that alot of 05 have the same problem were can I take my car to get it fixed.

- Cadiz, OH, USA

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problem #33

Nov 152013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 162,929 miles
When driving the vehicle it shakes on passenger side some awful, scary too feels like its gonna fall down on the street or the tire is gonna fall off.

- Virginia Beach, VA, USA

problem #32

Nov 122013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 127,359 miles

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

On November 12th 2013, I took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica to be inspected. I was told the vehicle could not pass inspection since the front sub frame was rotted and the vehicle should not be driven. I was also told rear sub frame bushings and the frame itself was weak. The car only has 127359 miles on it. This is unreal !!!!!!! I called Chrysler to no avail. I was wondering has anyone thought class action suit ??

- Jim Thorpe, PA, USA

problem #31

Oct 292013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 153,000 miles
Vehicle was submitted to authorized New York inspection station for yearly state-required inspection. Vehicle failed inspection. Inspector cited multiple holes in the "cradle" frame member supporting engine, steering, and suspension parts. "cradle" was completely perforated in several places by corrosion, and showed signs of additional corrosion which would ultimately lead to more holes. Cradle was judged structurally compromised. Inspection station consulted NY dmv and it was determined and reported to me that vehicle is unsafe, and that replacement of cradle would be required to return vehicle to service and to pass New York state inspection. It was explained to me that a minor impact -- such as encountering a pothole at speed, or hitting an object with the frame or body of the vehicle -- could cause collapse of the front end structure of the vehicle, loss of steering control, loss of the engine from the engine compartment, collapse of the suspension system, and potential resultant fire, explosion, and injury or loss of life to occupants of vehicle or others in the vicinity. The consumer stated the vehicle left his wife stranded. She was unable to steer or brake while driving many times, the previous year. On one occasion while driving, the engine light illuminated, and the vehicle just stopped, leaving his wife in the middle of the road. The consumer replaced a faulty sensor. Updated 03/27/14

- Stony Point, NY, USA

problem #30

Oct 212013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 101,869 miles
While in for repairs, our mechanic diagnosed that the engine cradle of our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica touring AWD sports tourer 4-dr has rusted almost completely through and advised that the vehicle is unsafe to drive without immediate repairs. According the mechanic, the engine cradle supports both the engine and the front steering/suspension assembly components, that could cause the driver to lose control upon failure, and cause a crash. After conducting research on various websites, I found that numerous consumers/owners of Pacifica models manufactured between 2004 and 2006 are reporting this issue and Chrysler is aware of this specific problem and listed it as a possible defective part. In response, Chrysler has issued an extended warranty, limited to certain states (which they refer to as 'salt belt states") covering repairs for this problem. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where we purchased it, examined and submitted a request to Chrysler for coverage, which was denied. We were told that our vehicle was not covered because we did not live in one of these defined "salt state zones". despite offering to provide evidence from kydot and local county transportation offices verifying that our area does in fact experience a high volume of roadway salt use, Chrysler continues to deny extending any coverage for the affected vehicle. Given the seriousness of the problem, and the large number of consumers potentially affected, I would ask that NHTSA & ODI conduct an independent investigation and negotiate with Chrysler to broaden the coverage to include any Pacifica exhibiting signs of this defect.

- Florence, KY, USA

problem #29

Sep 042013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
Was informed by our mechanic that the front crossmember/engine cradle/K-frame had rusted through and that this was a common problem with this make/model/year vehicle. Chrysler issued a recall due to this defect, but it only covered manufacturing dates up to March 31, 2004 and our vehicle was manufactured in June of 2004. I have seen that this continued to be a very common problem with vehicles after the March manufacture date and called Chrysler to see what could be done as this is a very expensive repair of a known issue that had been recalled on other vehicles. Chrysler stated that this was not covered by recall and there was nothing they were willing to do to assist us.

- Old Orchard Beach, ME, USA

problem #28

Sep 062013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 142,000 miles

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

I have a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica and I was experiencing problems with a "clicking noise" coming from underneath the front end of my car. Upon inspection by my mechanic it became evident that the "engine cradle" which holds up engine was completely rotted through with about 80% of visible corrosion (I really wish I could actual attach pictures of corrosion provided to me by my mechanic). Upon further investigation, I discovered that this "engine cradle" corrosion problem has been acknowledged by Chrysler and an extended warranty was issued to repair this part for 04 and 05 Pacifica's. extended warranty letter id is: 0004617/#45543/X26...however, when I contacted Chrysler, I was informed that based on the VIN # of my car, I did not qualify for Chrysler extended warranty for this issue (10 yrs or 150,000 miles) - the letter Chrysler issued for this extended warranty clearly states that it covers 2004-2005 Chrysler Pacifica's, and even though I fall within the model year, geographical region, and the 10yr/150,000mile guidelines of extended warranty, Chrysler claims that my 2005 was not manufactured within some narrow manufacturing window to qualify for this extended warranty. In closing, unfortunately, due to financial constraints, and the costly nature of this repair (2-3K), I have no choice but to drive this car the way it is at the moment - I do understand that it is clearly unsafe to drive this car and it probably shouldn't be on the road - however, I do have a valid state inspection sticker from previous year, so my car is "legal to drive", and I really have no choice but to continue to utilize this car until I can come up with a resolution (all I can do at this point is keep my fingers crossed and pray that I don't cause any harm to myself or anybody else). What should I / can I do to next? can you please help me and advise accordingly. Thank you sincerely [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Melrose, MA, USA

problem #27

Aug 212013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
I recently took my 2005 Chrysler pacficia to the shop to have the pulleys changed on the engine for the serpentine belt, and new tires and alignment. When the car was on the lift, my mechanic pointed out to me that the engine cradle is rusted and will need to be replaced at a cost of $5000. The car only has 94K miles on it. This seems to be a wide spread issue. I am the 2nd owner, the 1st was a lease through Chrysler and I purchased the car from a local Chrysler dealer in 2008. Going to start contacting Chrysler and the attorney generals office in MA to see what can be done since there is no recall on this.

- Stoughton, MA, USA

problem #26

Jun 062013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 107,300 miles
2005 Chrysler Pacifica 107000 miles rusted engine cradle. Garage kept and serviced only at a Chrysler dealership, service dept never told me the engine cradle was extremely rusted and cracked. After several calls and emails to Chrysler corporation they refused to work out any financial assistance on repair bills.

- Geneva, IL, USA

problem #25

Aug 012013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
I took my Pacifica in to get the tires rotated and was told I had a cracked frame and they would not rotate them. I checked to see if I had a recall and I did not. Now I have a car that is worth less than what it would cost to fix it. Judging by all the complaints this is a serious problem and I am just thankful my family didn't get hurt because of it. I was told the subframe hold the engine so it is not safe to drive because of the crack.

- Three Rivers , MI, USA

problem #24

May 302013

Pacifica

  • miles
I just bought the car end of May 2013, when ever I hit speeds 45 or above I get shaking from front end.brought to garage had tires balanced, still did it so I went back. Had all 4 tiers rotated and balanced.seemed better but as my speed increased and more I drive it gets worst.I feel very unsafe driving, it feels like wheels are coming off.I do a lot of driving and with my dogs and grandchildren almost daily.can't afford to fix expensive issue when making weekly payments on my new/used car. At a loss of problem and resolving it.can I bring it to manufacturer or garage and make Chrysler pay for the problems from what ever the obvious defects are?

- Laconia, NH, USA

problem #23

Aug 192013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 134,000 miles
Last year at time of inspection my repair guy said the subframe looked good - he had seen a lot of complaints about them lately. This year is a whole different story - the subframe is rusting out even though my car has the electronic rust inhibitor installed since I bought in 2007. I called to check my VIN and of course no recalls are listed. For the amount of complaints you would think that they would revisit this issue.

- Binghamton, NY, USA

problem #22

Jul 082013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 126,000 miles
Car was taken to local repair shop for minor front end work. Mechanic reported that there was rusting of the cradle and that it would have to be replaced. Cost estimated @ $2,000. Spoke to dealer and Chrysler customer service and was told that the service bulletin covered cars made 2/23/2004 through 3/31/2004. Mine was made 3/14/2005. This was an executive car that I bought used with 18,000 miles on it. Now has 126,000. There are many complaints about this issue and it does not seem credible that the problem stopped on 3/31/2004. I have been a loyal Chrysler customer so, maybe that will help based upon some other items I have read.

- Brecksville, OH, USA

problem #21

Jun 172013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Subframe corrosion - rust.

- Belmont, MA, USA

problem #20

Jun 302010

Pacifica

  • 63,000 miles
In June of 2010 my wives 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with about 63000 miles began to make funny noises from the front end it was taken to her uncle who is a mechanic. Upon inspection he noticed that the engine cradle had several large holes rusted through the cradle, one was so large that it was 6" X 3" he stated that this is not normal for a part to rust like this and should take it to the dealer where we bought it so the following day we took to roberts Chrysler and told that this is not a safety issue and they would replace the craddle for $3500 and when I asked about other Pacificas with the same issue is was told that this part is only covered in high salt areas of the us. I live in Connecticut. So I contacted Chrysler and gave them the VIN number and was told that my car was not covered by any warranty. I had then searched online again found many many Pacificas with the same issue and several Pacificas that had there registrations pulled because the state inspections would not allow these Pacificas on the roads because the engines will fall out if this is not a safety issue then what is ? since then the car has had to have the entire front end replaced including ball joint both sides upper and lower all tie rods. In May 2013 my wife called me and told me that she had broken down on the highway doing about 65mph and was stuck in the travel lane and lost the steering and she could not turn the wheel the ct state police arrived and the could see the that she had to really fight to turn the wheel I any direction. We called aaa and was able to get the car off to the shoulder

- Meriden, CT, USA

problem #19

May 072013

Pacifica

  • 100,000 miles
Sub-frame is totally rotted out!!!!!!!!!!!

- Coventry, RI, USA

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