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:
1 / 3
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
76,692 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 1 of 4)

problem #78

Sep 162013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Upon inspection for noise related to the front struts, I notice that the engine cradle, leading edge was rusted almost completely away. I parked the vehicle and looked on "https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/VIN/vinlookup" website and entered the VIN ([xxx]), but didn't find a recall notice. I have had no fewer than 4 individuals who previously owned a 1994 Pacifica tell me that there was a recall and that the dealer fixed the problem by replacing the cradle with a new one. Can anyone help me? I am hesitant to drive the vehicle in its current condition and have been advised by 2 mechanics not to. I bought the vehicle used in 2008 and drove it for almost 5 years, but it's been parked since 2013. Looking for advice on preserving my $13,000 investment. I was expecting to get 200,000 miles out of this vehicle. It has ~115,000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #77

Apr 182015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 80,200 miles
The engine cradle of the 2004 Pacifica has rusted severely. One side appears to be all the way through while the other side is about 3/4 of the way through. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.

- Circleville, OH, USA

problem #76

Oct 152014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
The engine cradle, was riddled with corrosion and rust. During the driving the vehicles vibrate. My car in for routine maintenance, we are discovering that subframe and engine cradle rust. This is actually driving time bombs.

- Athens, OH, USA

problem #75

Dec 012014

Pacifica

  • 154,826 miles

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

Engine cradle has rusted a big whole through.

- Ashcamp, KY, USA

problem #74

Jan 052015

Pacifica

  • 160,000 miles
During a routine oil change, it was noted that the engine sub frame is rusted through and needs replaced. I have searched and this seems to be a common problem that the company isn't dealing with in a fair manor.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

problem #73

Jul 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
I been having my Chrysler Pacifica 2004 for 7 months. I had to fix my left passenger axle, shock, water pump, radiator, passenger upper motor mount, the tank for the water, fuel injector line, two tune ups, air filter, fuses, brake lights and tires. Thing that is broke, the passenger window elevator, and my ac.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #72

Sep 262014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 127,068 miles

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

Had a vibration. Took the vehicle in for inspection and the front subframe/ engine cradle is corroded and has a huge rust hole. A friend of mine has one of these. They got theirs inspected and theirs has an issue too!!

- Indian River, MI, USA

problem #71

Sep 192014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 105,048 miles
Sept 27, 2014. 3 days ago I was informed that the underside (engine crdle subframe) of my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was seriously rotted. 3 mechanics agreed that I definitely avoid driving it any longer. Nbc news reported that this is a problem with at least 7000 Pacifica models. The car has barely 105K miles and is in otherwise excellent condition. VIN# is [xxx]. what may I expect in terms of assistance for repair costs? please let me know the date of manufacture for this VIN#. nbc reported that models built between Feb 23 and Mar 31, 2004 are eligible for total repair cost assistance. However, assistance is supposedly not limited to these dates. Please advise as soon as you can what I should do to resolve this. Thx information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Avon, CT, USA

problem #70

Apr 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Had car on hoist notice that the engine cradle/ frame is rusted out, was advise not safe to drive.

- Rudolph, WI, USA

problem #69

Sep 082014

Pacifica

  • 109,479 miles
I was just advised today by three different auto shops that I have a rusted engine cradle/suspension. I was shocked to find this out and then after doing research found that this seems to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle. I called Chrysler to validate a recall and/or an extended warranty that had been posted covering up to 10 years 150K miles. My car falls into this category was advised that there is no such warranty or recall for my vehicle. It is an obvious safety hazard and an expense that should be covered by the manufacturer. This belongs to my teen daughter and I cannot have her unsafe!

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #68

Aug 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

The engine cradle has significant rust and should be replaced by Chrysler.

- Saint Louis Park, MN, USA

problem #67

Mar 122014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 124,900 miles
Upon inspection by multiple certified mechanics they notified me that Chrysler issued a recall for engine cradle failure due to excessive rust. Tsb # 13-001-12. For some unknown reason Chrysler has declared the problem only exist for certain months in 2004 however my car was built in late 2003 and has the same rusted and failing parts. So my complaint is how can a car maker say the faulty parts condition not exist before they found it" also, how the recall window is limited to such a small window of time when the problems exist long before they responded? this makes absolutely no sense to me. This is the first time in my life I bought a car that has a chassis part failure and yet no effort or willingness by the manufacturer to notify owners. I'd like to know if the NHTSA has any fatality reports due to this parts failure or why it was issued in the first place? since my car does not have the 150K miles this recall applies to how long will the car be safe to drive"

- Carmel, IN, USA

problem #66

Mar 302014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
I took my car to my mechanic for required annual state safety inspection, which it failed because the engine cradle was rusted through with holes, and the engine mounting loose. There had been no evidence of this at his previous servicing of the car, which is done regularly. I researched online and found many postings of other Pacifica owners with the same issues, and a copy of a letter from Chrysler to some original owners regarding an extended warranty for the repairs. Many people stated that they could not get Chrysler to comply with their requests for reimbursement due to the specific manufacturing time limitations outlined in that warranty (26). I called Chrysler and was told by representative [xxx] that my car would be covered, even though my car was not manufactured between those specified dates, and to take my car to a Chrysler dealer so that I wouldn't have to wait for reimbursement, and that if they had a problem they could call Chrysler. I did so. The dealer called Chrysler, and was told that Chrysler would not honor the original determination to cover my car. I called Chrysler a second time, and was told by [xxx] that a supervisor had decided that [xxx] had been wrong in telling me they would cover my car's repairs, and that this decision was final. I was not permitted to speak with any supervisor, and [xxx] refused to give me her last name. She admitted that my case file (number 24783867) showed that I had been told my car would be covered, and that the call had been recorded. I was then told that the repairs would have to be made at my own expense, for which I have been quoted an approx. Amount of $2100. Chrysler does not intend any recalls for this issue. My car is unsafe to drive, and will not pass state safety inspection, unless the required repairs are made. Chrysler should be made to make amends for their unsafe product. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Yardley, PA, USA

problem #65

Apr 052014

Pacifica

  • 127,000 miles
Engine cradle is rusted in many spots car is unsafe to use.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #64

Nov 072013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 112,820 miles
Engine cradle is rusted to the point it will not support the engine.

- Stanton, KY, USA

problem #63

Jul 012013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 165,000 miles
My certified mechanic has informed me and shown me that my engine cradle also know as the sub-frame has severe corrosion and is very dangerous! at anytime the frame may completely snap causing the engine to collapse and or lose complete control of vehicle if an incident occurs while driving. I have researched this issue and found that this is a very common problem for my vehicle model and year. Sources: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-Chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html www.pacificaworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=2506.0 www.change.org/petitions/Chrysler-recall-all-Pacificas-for-engine-cradle-corrosion-2 www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/chrysler_pacifica.html forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/4117762.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #62

Aug 012013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I was having my vehicle inspected and was informed that my engine cradle was rusting. I pursued this problem on line and found out that this is a recognized problem with 2004 Pacifica's and that Chrysler has offered an extended warranty due to manufactures defect. However there is only a one month period (in-service date) that applies to the warranty. It is apparent that this is a common safety problem that could result in serious injury and Chrysler not only made no attempt to contact buyers, but also fails to accept responsibility for the manufactures defect.

- Warren, PA, USA

problem #61

Jan 142014

Pacifica

  • 91,000 miles
Engine cradle is rusting out from inside frame out, popping large holes in the frame. Had to replace.Chrysler won't help at all with parts or cost.

- Wheeling, WV, USA

problem #60

Jan 112014

Pacifica

  • 64,000 miles
The engine cradle cross member of my vehicle has rotted to the point that the car is unsafe to drive. There is a service note for a small window of Pacificas included on a warranty for the same problem, but only for the cars built within a certain date. Chrysler is aware of the problem, but will do nothing to correct it. The cradle incorporates the engine mounts, lower control arms, and steering. If it is not replaced, and breaks while driving, there will be a complete loss of control of the vehicle. I know that my vehicle is not the only one with such a serious issue.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

problem #59

Jan 062014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 97,284 miles
My 2004 chrylser Pacifica was purchased new in Aug 2003. I brought the car in for an oil change at dealership. Dealer contacts me to have me see the car while on a lift so that I may view the extensive rot of the engine cradle. The underside of the vehicle is totally fine as far as rust except the cradle that is full of holes. Cost to fix $2400. Contacted representative at Chrysler - two representatives stated that although there was a bulletin sent out to extend warranties on some 2003 and 2004 Pacificas, mine is not one of those included and since it was an extension of warranty up to 10 years, it would not be considered under that extension anyway. Clearly this is a defective part. Chrysler knows this as evidenced by the extension to fix these in the first place. A clear safety concern as the engine is not secured. This should be a recall!

- Newburgh, NY, USA

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