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

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 6 of 11)

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problem #119

Feb 012016

Pacifica

  • 129,000 miles

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

The engine cradle has rotted out, which is a huge safety issue, the car has no signs of rust anywhere else, this is a factory defect with the undercoating. Called Chrysler and was told they do not care, nothing they will do. Looked on line and there are thousands of complaints, something needs to be done. This is a safety issue that will cause accident if not deaths.

- East Durham, NY, USA

problem #118

Jan 252016

Pacifica

  • 126,000 miles
My 2005 Pacifica is in for an inspection, and I get a call from my mechanic. The problem is, as the many compliant here that the sub frame / engine cradle is corroded, and my car is unsafe to drive. The cost is $ 2600. Properly more than the car is worth? I read that Chrysler first acknowledge that there is a problem with 2004 and 2005 models, but later only recall vehicle in a 6 weeks timeframe, January - March 2004 because of not properly coating the engine cradle. Looks like the timeframe should be more like two years.

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #117

Dec 312015

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles
I took my vehicle in for inspection and it failed due to the engine cradle being rusted out, the cost of repair is $2500-$4000. I googled "engine cradle rusted out" and the articles that were listed first all pertain to Chrysler Pacifica 2005. I proceeded to call Chrysler about my problem and was told they are not extending warranties to cover the problem but that they would "document" my call. I was also told that if I made any repairs to my vehicle pertaining to this problem that I should keep my receipts. I am a single mother trying to raise 3 teenagers and do not have this kind of money to put into repairing a vehicle that isn't even worth the cost to repair it. Furthermore, Chrysler knows about this problem and has not issued a recall to all Pacifica owners to fix it. They are allowing their customers to drive a vehicle that is extremely unsafe. I am very upset because I have allowed my teenage son to drive my car not knowing that it is literally a ticking time bomb, the engine could have fallen out at any time. Now I am stuck with a car I cannot drive because I can't get inspected and it is a hazard to me and other cars on the road to drive. I have read many complaints on this site alone pertaining to this same problem, so I am not the only one and it is not just a handful of cars affected. It is time for Chrysler to stand up and accept the blame for this and make it right for me and hundreds of others

- Hollidaysburg, PA, USA

problem #116

May 282015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 118,000 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 when the vehicle was taken for a regular inspection, the technician noticed the undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic informed the contact that the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 118,000. Updated 10/18/16 updated 05/14/18

- Worcester, VT, USA

problem #115

Sep 012015

Pacifica

  • 195,000 miles
Engine cradle is rusted out. Completely failed. Engine is near to falling out.

- Byron Center, MI, USA

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problem #114

Oct 152014

Pacifica

  • 92,080 miles
Rust through of engine cradle at various spots on engine cradle. I'm the original owner. The car had 92,080 miles. Contacted Chrysler/fca via email. Chrysler/fca says my Pacifica does not fit the narrowly defined manufacture date of 02/28/2004 to 03/31/2004, even though Chrysler form letter csc-10045080-7364 makes no mention of the narrowly defined manufacture date!. my Pacifica was purchased on 1/26/2005 and therefore does not qualify for extended warranty coverage per Chrysler customer assistance. My local fca dealer gave me an estimate of about $ 2600 to replace. This problem was noticed during a routine oil change recently. I reported this issue to Chrysler back on October 2014 email case #3052329, reference number 25794408, and they state not covered, that my car was apparently built on August 2, 2004 per Chrysler email response? Chrysler letter csc-10045080-7365 regarding the front engine cradle problem does not stipulate a specific 6 week period. Unable to get any assistance from Chrysler/fca I continued to drive this unsafe car. Brought to mechanic for oil change, tire rotation, and general maintenance and was informed again that the engine cradle is rusting through and now the motor mounts. Car now has only 95,544 miles. Contacted them prior to expiration of warranty and pushed off and off.

- North Attleboro, MA, USA

problem #113

Nov 022015

Pacifica

  • 142,000 miles

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

Took my car in for brakes and mechanic sent me pictures of car frame rusted through I had to have the whole frame replaced because it was unsafe to drive. I don't have a printer so I can't print out pictures to send you

- Saint Clair, MI, USA

problem #112

Nov 202015

Pacifica

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at approximately 35 mph, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the technician was not abe to inspect the vehicle; however, the technician stated that the cradle was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 170,000.

- Milford, MA, USA

problem #111

Nov 132015

Pacifica

  • 149,170 miles
I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and I was informed that my subframe is completely rusted and the engine is on the verge of falling out the vehicle. Mechanic stated that this is a very common issue with this particular vehicle. The mechanic told me that the vehicle is no longer safe to drive and the cost of this repair will be upwards of $3000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #110

Sep 282015

Pacifica

  • 108,000 miles
I went to get the 2005 chrystler Pacifica inspected and was told by the mechanic that the bottom was rusted so badly that the engine would fall out, and further that the year make and model was under recall for the same problem, the bottom rusting out horribly. I called chrystler with the VIN # and was told this 1 wasn't part of the recall even though it was the same year and make of the recall. I owe 4,400$ on the car and now am told the repairs would exceed 5,000$. I financed it for 6,455$ at the start. I'm disabled and greatly in need of help, I don't know what to do I have made a slew of calls to no avail at this point and continue to make payments as I don't want to ruin my credit, please help me, I don't know what to do.

- Worcester, VT, USA

problem #109

Nov 092015

Pacifica

  • 61,000 miles

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

I'm one of the victim of the engine cradle rot, that occurs in the 2004 and 2005 Pacifica. I found out about it when I jacked up the car to get under it, it was hidden. The failure of the cradle was 100%. it failed on the passenger's side of cradle and was rusted from front to back

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #108

Oct 202015

Pacifica

  • 138,000 miles
My 2005 Chrysler Pacifica is completely rotted out underneath. When my mechanic saw the carriage of my car he warned me that I was driving a death trap. He said it is completely unsafe and I should not be driving it any longer.

- New Britain, CT, USA

problem #107

Oct 182015

Pacifica

  • 88,500 miles
The complete undercarriage is rusted out & falling off

- Mason, OH, USA

problem #106

Mar 102015

Pacifica

  • miles
Rust corrosion of the engine cradle.

- West Branch, MI, USA

problem #105

May 012015

Pacifica

  • miles
Got word from my mechanic that the engine cradle is rotting and rusting and is a serious hazard to drive. He said it potentially could lead to the engine falling out of the vehicle.

- Clymer, PA, USA

problem #104

Jan 042014

Pacifica

  • 98,000 miles
Sub-frame engine cradle severely rusted. Same concern as documented in nbc news Chicago tv investigation report. Discovered during dealer service.

- Frankfort, IL, USA

problem #103

Aug 272015

Pacifica

  • 0 miles
My 2005 Chrysler Pacifica failed inspection due to the sub-frame rotting out. This vehicle is garage kept and in the 8 years I own it, I have driven it less than 25,000 miles. Apparently this is a real problem with this model. Is Chrysler offering any remedies or recalls for this sub-frame problem?

- Bethlehem, PA, USA

problem #102

Sep 252015

Pacifica

  • 151,000 miles
On the highway there were these vibrations in the pacific so my husband and I took the car to the mechanic which recommended new suspension so we got those. The problem wasn't fixed my husband took it to another mechanic for new tires, suspension and alignment to be told that our only means of transportation was not fit to drive because the subframe completely has rotted out. Thank god he did that, I'm horrified my child was in it all this time. My husband and I called the number 1 800-992-1997 DaimlerChrysler. To be told there is nothing that can be done for us the mileage of the car was outside warranty. The mechanic's quote for is over $2000. I'm not sure what to do right now to get to work and manage my usual weekly errands.

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #101

Sep 052015

Pacifica

  • 96,319 miles
This vehicle was appraised as a trade-in for another automobile. It was discovered that its engine cradle was corroded and the vehicle was declared unsafe for resale. This situation is identical to numerous other complaints regarding Chrysler Pacificas and is the currently the subject of a class-action lawsuit.

- West Chicago, IL, USA

problem #100

Aug 072015

Pacifica

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being serviced by an independent mechanic, the technician observed that the sub frame was rusted and had holes on the front passenger side floorboard. As a result, the technician diagnosed that the sub frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Akron, OH, USA

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