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.

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,495 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 4 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #20

May 192010

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 108,000 miles

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

After bringing my vehicle in for a clunking noise in the front end the mechanic discovered my engine cradle on my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica with 108,000 miles is falling apart and rusting through. I contacted Chrysler and they would not do anything as the vehicle is over their 5 year/100,000 mile warranty. Upon further research I have seen several cases of this same issue in Canada that is being completely fixed by Chrysler. Also there was a case in the United States that was repaired by Chrysler as well. At 6 years old and only 108,000 miles my vehicle can fall apart underneath at any moment and that is unacceptable, especially since this problem is being fixed without question in Canada.

- Gifford, PA, USA

problem #19

Apr 292010

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 94,550 miles
Flat tire led us to the mechanic only to find the sub-frame/engine cradle was completely rotted through on passenger side. It was also rotted and about to break on driver side.

- Stockholm, NJ, USA

problem #18

May 012010

Pacifica

  • 92,000 miles
I took my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, with 92,000 miles, to get new tires after failing inspection because of the tires. After they put new tires on, they discovered that they could not align them because the subframe was completely rusted through. The mechanic strongly advised that I not drive my car home because it was so unsafe and could break at any time. The only way to fix it is to have a new subframe put in. I have not decided whether it is worth spending thousands to replace the corroded frame.

- Brighton , MA, USA

problem #17

May 212009

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 38,000 miles

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

While having my front end inspected on my 2004 Chrysler pacific, the technician found the frame that holds the engine was rusted on the sub frame. He added not to drive vehicle, except to a dealer ship to have the frame fix. The dealer said it would cost around $4000 dollars and you could not drive the vehicle.

- Stoneham, MA, USA

problem #16

Jan 012009

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 91,000 miles
The sub frame is rotting, has a hole the size of my fist and a crack.

- New Haven, CT, USA

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problem #15

Dec 172009

Pacifica

  • 60,068 miles
I own a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and it just turned 60,000 miles this week. I brought the car in to my mechanic for an oil change. He called me 1/2 hour later an informed me that my car is unsafe to drive. He informed me he found that there was "severe frame corrosion" under the engine next to the steering rack bolt (there is a rust hole straight through). I would have to replace the whole front frame of the car before it can be driven. I made an appointment with Chrysler (spoke with service manager) and they will be looking at the car on Tuesday 12/22/2009 but they already informed me there is nothing they can do because it isn't a warranty problem. My fear is that other people with the same car are unaware of this problem and they could be seriously injured or die while driving the car. Please help!

- Smithtown, NY, USA

problem #14

Nov 012009

Pacifica

  • 70,000 miles

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

Complaint about my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. At 70,000 miles I discovered that the engine cradle corroded through is certain areas and heavily rusted in other areas. When discovered I was advised not to drive it any further for fear of the engine or suspension falling out. My first quote was for $4000 however, with the help of a nephew we accomplished the replacement of engine cradle for $2600. For this condition to develop almost seems criminal. I previously was a forensic photographer for personal injury claims and in fact worked for attorneys who represented Chrysler in law suits. It my many (35) years experience, I never witnessed this extensive corrosion on a relatively new vehicle. I hope this complaint will allow me to attach photos.

- Bethel, CT, USA

problem #13

Feb 192009

Pacifica

  • 43,780 miles
Frame at right front holding engine and wheel assembly rusted through on my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Something like this should never happen on a 4 1/2 year old car with 43,780 miles on it, and always kept in the garage, and promptly serviced at all times. The same problem happened recently to our friends on their 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, this definitely is a problem on those cars. I'm sure that if that happened on two cars there are most likely a lot more on the road waiting for a disaster to happen. The dealer and his staff that serviced my car advised me not to drive it any more. Since there was no new part available for several weeks I had to buy another car. Chrysler informed the dealer that part is not covered under warranty even under the extended warranty I purchased.

- Rockton, IL, USA

problem #12

Aug 302009

Pacifica

  • 60,631 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated there was a crack in the a frame on the vehicle. An auto center mechanic advised her that there was a crack in the a frame while changing the oil. The dealer confirmed that there was a crack in the a frame and the repair cost would be $1900. The contact stated that she could not afford to pay to have the frame repaired. The manufacturer will be notified. The failure mileage was 60,631.

- Roscoe, IL, USA

problem #11

Sep 042009

Pacifica

  • 75,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving he heard a grinding noise on the front passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for inspection. The technician concluded that the sub-frame cracked from corrosion. He then added that it would cost $3000 to replace the vehicle. No repairs were made. The manufacturer was notified, but because the warranty expired, no assistance was provided. The failure and current mileages were 75,000.

- Charles Town, WV, USA

problem #10

Sep 062009

Pacifica

  • 32,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. On September 6, 2009, while driving 45 mph, the front bumper fell off of the vehicle. The contact has not notified the dealer or manufacturer. The VIN was not available. The failure and the current mileages were 32,000.

- Morrison , CO, USA

problem #9

Sep 042009

Pacifica

  • 41,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The sub frame that holds the engine in place, the suspension and the steering are covered with rust. The mechanic confirmed that rust was on the sub frame. The dealer requested warranty information from the manufacturer and was advised that the warranty that covered rust had expired. The contact is responsible for paying the repair cost. The failure mileage was 41,000.

- Marshfield, WI, USA

problem #8

Jul 212009

Pacifica

  • 107,692 miles
We were told last week that the motor mounts on our 2004 Chrysler Pacifica were gone. Not broken.... gone. I had noticed some front end shaking when I hit the brakes at a high rate of speed. I also noticed that the engine was loud when I would hit the accelerator from a stop. Our mechanic discovered that the motor mounts were missing and causing the issues. Every time I hit the gas, the engine jumps up a couple of inches. My mechanic called around and was unable to get his hands on any motor mounts at this time. He was told that they are on backorder at this time. I have been doing some research and have found that this is a common problem with Pacificas. I have found a site, www.topix.com, has a forum open to list the issues with these cars. Over the last couple of years, many people have stated that this part is on back order and can't be found anywhere. One person also said that Chrysler is not making the part any more. I find this to be poor business on Chrysler's part. I try to buy american, but I have to be honest.... my confidence is failing here. I feel Chrysler should do the 'right thing' and make good to all the Pacifica owners who are having this same issue. At the very least, make the part!!!!!!

- Biddeford, ME, USA

problem #7

Jul 172009

Pacifica

  • 87,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact took her vehicle in for a routine inspection, but it failed due to excessive rust on the frame. The dealer referred her to a warranty specialist and was informed that the vehicle exceeded its warranty. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileages were 87,000.

- Springville, PA, USA

problem #6

Mar 052009

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 33,900 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. When the contact took the vehicle to the repair shop for a routine oil change, she was informed that the passenger side cradle was corroded. She took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the subframe would need to be replaced at the cost of $4,000. The current and failure mileages were 33,900. Updated 12/09/09 updated 12/10/09.

- Chicago , IL, USA

problem #5

Dec 282008

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 71,000 miles
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 #4

Dec 292008

Pacifica

  • miles
Went in for an oil change and was asked to come into the shop (tate) glenburnie, md and was shown the frame of my car on the passenger side was rusted out and actually split. Was told it's not covered by Chrysler and a new frame was $3,000 plus labor of about $1,000. Was told the car was unsafe to drive. Had to rent a car till I figure out what to do.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #3

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 #2

Jul 212008

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 126,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. He took the vehicle to a mechanic to inspect the transmission. The diagnosis was that the entire front end of the vehicle had rotted out and dropped two to three inches below the engine. The cost of the repair was $4,000, in which the dealer was willing to pay for half. The current and failure mileages were 126,000. Updated 09/17/08. Updated 09/25/08.

- Southington, CT, USA

problem #1

May 132005

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 14,121 miles
On Friday ther 13th of may I had a flat tire on my 2004 Pacifica (Chrysler), the jack failled and criple under the load of my car causing $2000 0F damage, I followed the manufacture manual.after looking further into this I notice that where the jack was position the frame bent ( probaly cause the jack to failled) I have picture I could email you. I contacted the dealership and Chrysler and both are not listening to my safety concerns. The general manager of my local dealership told me that a similar incident happened to him on his rear tire change...

- Murrieta , CA, USA

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