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 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,767 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 5 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #143

Jan 012015

Pacifica

  • 140,000 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 while driving approximately 25 mph and when turning on the defroster, the vehicle leaks freon onto the passenger side floor and stalled without warning. The vehicle was able to restart. The failure recurred on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.

- Gloucester, VA, USA

problem #142

Jul 012015

Pacifica

  • 150,555 miles
Went to have vibration in the front checked and the mechanic discovered the big hole from the rot on the engine cradle went to a local body shop to get repaired. A new cradle is 3600 $ a used one is 600 we opted to order a used one and hopefully my wife and children and grandchildren will be safe. No thanks to Chrysler negligence in ignoring the issues. They seem to forget who made them a company the consumer.

- Avilla , IN, USA

problem #141

May 012015

Pacifica

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle restarted after the second attempt and the engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Gulfport, MS, USA

problem #140

Jul 012015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

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

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 craddle rotts" 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. Updated 12/9/2015

- Lake Zurich, IL, USA

problem #139

May 122015

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was undergoing routine maintenance, an independent mechanic noticed rust on the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the engine cradle was rusted out and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 120,000.

- Adams, MA, USA

problem #138

Jun 152015

Pacifica

  • 148,500 miles
During an oil change, massive rust was found in the engine craddle, sub frame. Failure of these parts would be catastrop. Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with a small subset of these cars but clearly applies to all as similar symptoms are showing in cars outside the group sleected for relief. This is wrong, this is not safe, this is not fair.

- Ballwin, MO, USA

problem #137

Jun 172015

Pacifica

  • 73,000 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 entire front subframe and engine cradle were excessively corroded. Both the manufacturer and dealer were made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #136

Jun 152015

Pacifica

  • 142,589 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle at an independent mechanic for an inspection, the mechanic diagnosed that the engine sub frame had corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 142,589.

- Victor, NY, USA

problem #135

Jun 052015

Pacifica

  • 122,000 miles
Vehicle subframe (engine cradle) is rotted out and vehicle is unsafe to drive. Chrysler issued a recall for this but only for a 6 week period for 2004 models. Looking online I see hundreds of complaints of the 2005 Pacifica. I have photos. Subframe is about to fall apart and this will cause the engine to drop. This is a major defect. Chrysler needs to address this issue. How many owners look under their car at the subframe? it's a hidden defect that will kill someone one day. Subframes are not supposed to rot away at the 10 year point. This is a major major defect. Please let me send you photos.

- Elk Grove Village, IL, USA

problem #134

May 242015

Pacifica

  • 137,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 5 mph and making a left turn, a clicking sound emitted from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions whenever the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine cradle had excessive rust and was fractured. As a result, the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

- Aurora, IL, USA

problem #133

Feb 012014

Pacifica

  • 101,000 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 and shifting coming from underneath the front end of my car. Upon inspection by my mechanic it became clear that the "engine cradle" or subframe was completely rotted through with visible corrosion. 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 2004 and 2005 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, 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.

- Austintown, OH, USA

problem #132

May 162013

Pacifica

  • 140,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 20 mph, the engine stalled. The vehicle was able to be restarted and was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the fuel pump module needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

- Horn Lake, MS, USA

problem #131

Nov 212014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 125,841 miles
My check engine light came on and the car was vibrating and making noises, had it checked by a mechanic. I was told my engine was about to fall out of my car due to rusting. The total cost of repairs was more than I wanted to spend however the mechanic said it wasn't safe to even drive off the lot a mile down the road to trade it in. So I had no choice but to pay to have it fixed. This could have caused a serious accident and had I waited a day later to have it checked out myself and my kids could have been seriously injured. Chrysler doesn't want to take responsibility for not properly coating the engine cradles and some of us live in the snowbelt!!!

- Lake City, PA, USA

problem #130

May 042015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Took the car to the shop to have a shorted wire repaired/replaced and was told that the engine cradle was rusted out and needed to be replaced, and that the car is unsafe to drive.

- Romulus , MI, USA

problem #129

Apr 142015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 138,600 miles
I took my 2005 Pacifica for a routine oil change last week, and our mechanic discovered a large area of the engine cradle was completely rotted away on the passenger side of the undercarriage. He said it's not safe to drive until something is done to fix it, because the engine could fall out of the car at any time. After doing some research online, we discovered that we are not the only ones who have this problem on this make and model. We took the car to our local Chrysler dealer, and they will have to install a new engine cradle at an estimated cost of $2300. I then contacted Chrysler customer care, and they took a stance of plausible deniability, telling me that this is a problem unique to my Pacifica. I explained that there is irrefutable proof that it isn't unique to my vehicle. All Pacificas are prone to this failure. When I asked about the extension Chrysler issued for the warranty on Pacificas because of this very issue and why owners were never notified, the representative did not deny there was an extension; however, he informed me that my car is too old and well past any warranty mileage (which it isn't at 138,600 miles). At that point the representative became rude. When I asked to speak with a superior, he informed me there was no one else I could speak to on this issue and there is nothing Chrysler will do to assist me in the matter. All in all, I'm (1) alarmed that Chrysler is not addressing this significant safety hazard in this model, and (2) frustrated that they refuse to do anything to correct the problem. I'd even be happy with a compromise, for instance, if they would supply the part and we would pay for the labor, but they shut the door in my face. Hoping the NHTSA can investigate and call them to account for such shoddy construction.

- Tustin, MI, USA

problem #128

Apr 082015

Pacifica

  • 102,530 miles
2005 Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle is rusted out and the engine could fall out of the car. I find the car to be unsafe to drive. That is the only thing is rusted out on the car, this needs to be fix by Chrysler.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #127

Apr 082015

Pacifica

  • miles
The engine sub frame has and is rusted out.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #126

Apr 062015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
Own a 2005 Pacifica. I went to mechanic and he said I should replace the subframe because it is corroded, have 2" holes in it and if it continues to rust, the engine may fell off. I went online to check how much it is and once I put Chrysler Pacifica sub frame all I can see was the word recall. I called chryler and they say have no recalls on my car. The mechanic and a lot of other folks having the same problem are quoting their mechanic that the subframe should not rust at all. I don't understand why chrusler is not taking care of the problem but I do understand why they don't make Pacifica anymore. Because it is S@#$@#&^ car. Please do something about it. Multi million dollar car company should take care of the problem not the individuals. Btw I will never own a Chrysler vehicle again and I will spread the word around to anyone I talk to stay away from Chrysler brand. Hope this complain makes something happen.

- Hollywood, FL, USA

problem #125

Feb 212015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 101,000 miles
Purchased a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica from private party. Was not told about frame being rusted right through. Went to drive the car and could not drive. Was so scared and I was not safe. Brought to mechanic and was told engine cradle was rotted and the car was not drive-able and is not safe. I called Chrysler and they refused to pay for the part to be fixed. I live in a high salt band state in NY and it should be covered as the letter that was sent out in 2011 stated it should have been covered. Now I have no vehicle and it would cost over $4500 to be fixed. Chrysler should have to recall these cars and fix the problem. We can die from this huge problem. The engine will just fall out of the car. I am really hoping that NHTSA will do something about this.

- Canastota, NY, USA

problem #124

Mar 122008

Pacifica

  • 107,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 10 mph, an abnormal noise emitted from the engine. The failure recurred several times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the bolts on the engine needed to be replaced due to rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not provided. The failure mileage was 107,000.

- St Paul, MN, USA

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