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 5 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #98

Mar 262015

Pacifica

  • 134,515 miles

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

We had our car inspected this week and were told we had a rotted body frame. We were sent to a Dodge dealer and they told us we had a rotted subframe. The cost of repair will be $1885.40 for the part and $600 for labor. It will not be ready to drive till April 6 as the dealer requires the parts money up front before they will even order the part so we have to save the money for this. So we have no car for the next 10 days at least. We have researched and understand that Chrysler knows of this problem and did a limited amount of repairs as it was their fault but apparently they are not helping the majority of car owners who have this problem. This does not seem fair to the other owners. We can barely afford to come up with this money to fix something that is this company's fault. I cannot believe they are not being forced to fix all these cars when it is a danger issue. How can we drive a car with a rotted frame" we had to have the rocker panels replaced a few years ago when they rotted out too. Now this is added to our cost. We cannot afford to buy another car and barely able to fix this car at our retirement age. Why aren't companies held to a standard to protect consumers" we understand there are class action suits that have recently been filed for this problem within the last couple of months but we have no idea how to be involved in theses cases if it is even possible to do that. We wish there was a solution for us and for others with similar problems with this car.

- Berwick, ME, USA

problem #97

Dec 012014

Pacifica

  • miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 mph, the steering wheel vibrated and was loose. The vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic, who diagnosed that the front sub frame was rusted. As a result, the struts and the sway bar links were replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was unavailable.

- Shinnston, WV, USA

problem #96

Mar 122015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Subframe cracked rust bolt motor mount missing unsafe to drive.

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #95

Feb 172015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles

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

We bought our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica from a private seller... two days later we brougth it into the shop to get a mysterious clunk checked out and found the engine cradle was almost rotted away. After owning the vehicle for not even 48 hours it is now unsafe to drive, I called into Chrysler customer service because I saw a recall that at one point covered this model and I was told, " I aplogize but there is nothing we can do". my question is... if at one point this vehicle was not safe to opperate because of the engine cradle rust problem, what changed to exclude this model? I have plenty of pictures that show I should not be driving this vehicle with my children in it.

- Wayland , MI, USA

problem #94

Feb 192015

Pacifica

  • miles
I have a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica touring and I took it to the dealer to find out the engine cradle is rotted. I did some investigating and this is a know safety issue with the 2004 and 2005 Chrysler Pacifica's. Chrysler refuses to help in this issue. They really aren't standing behind the product.

- Stamford, CT, USA

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problem #93

Jan 202015

Pacifica

  • 128,000 miles
Went in for annual inspection on 2005 Pacifica. Mechanic reported rusted sub frame; everything else is fine; mileage is about 130000. Service center informed me this is a known issue by Chrysler. Excellent article on it too: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-Chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html. I called Chrysler and they said my vehicle falls outside the narrow window they recalled so I am not eligible for any warranty. They could not give me any reason why the recall window was limited to a 6 week period. I have seen hundreds of similar complaints on this site and others. Unbelievable that this problem is not being addressed by Chrysler. I will have to buy a new car and surely won't be buying a Chrysler given my experience with this issue.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

problem #92

Jan 302015

Pacifica

  • 88,219 miles

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

During a routine oil change the technician pointed out to me an abnormal amount of rust and rot on the frame of the vehicle. I proceeded to bring the vehicle to my mechanic who told me the engine support cradle was perforated and rotted. Chrysler used substandard metal and engineering allowing road debris and water in but not out.(no drain holes) I was informed that although the engine may not fall through at this time, that it could shift downward and stall. This is a clear safety hazard for vehicles of this model/year and should be remedied by Chrysler.

- Andover, CT, USA

problem #91

Jan 282015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 160,000 miles
On routine inspection, discovered subframe / carriage nearly rusted through. Told it was unsafe to drive. While a small group of owners received notice of this design defect in 2010, we were never notified and a call to Chrysler confirmed that despite selective recall, this car not eligible for compensation or remediation.

- Basking Ridge, NJ, USA

problem #90

Aug 252011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
I have had my car from 2011 till current and replaced the front axles/tie rods at least 3 to 4 times a year. Last incident it broke while pulling out of drive way and I lost control and rolled down a hill into 4 lanes of traffic narrowly missing the gas pumps at the station across the 4 lane thank goodness no one hit me with my young child in the car. When I first had to take it to a dealer to get them changed 2 other cars in this small town I live in were there also having there's replaced. This should be a recall every person I talk to states this is a problem that is arising from a rusted cradle problem when manufacturing the car. I would like my car repaired where this will no longer happen and it is too expensive for me to fix. I have decided to look further into this issue and maybe come together with other with this issue. There should of been a recall by now. I had my oil changed and was told that my boot is busted and that I needed to replace the drivers side yet again and I do not have $119 to pay my local Dodge for this yet again!

- Athens, TN, USA

problem #89

Jan 222015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 79,926 miles
This is a structural issue noted by mechanic during routine oil change and tire rotation. Mechanic identified extensive rust and corrosion of engine cradle. Damage includes muliple cracks and a hole wide enough to insert 3 fingers. Mechanic recommends replacing engine cradle. Vehicle purchased 10 years ago on this date. Mileage less than 80,000. Vehicle taken to local dealership for evaluation. Dealer escalated to manufacturer. Awaiting determination from Chrysler as to whether it will cover the repair. Extended warranty for Pacificas manufactured between Feb 23, 2004 and March 31, 2004 not applicable. This vehicle was manufactured in April 2004.

- Cherry Hill, NJ, USA

problem #88

Jul 072014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Brought my vehicle in to my trusted local repair shop for a review and tune up and request to review rotors due to vehicle shake. When on the lift, it was discovered that the entire engine cradle was rusted to a point where it was barely attached to the vehicle. Initial technical service bulletins published (12-001-10 in Oct 2010) state that this condition could affect all 2004 - 05 Pacificas. It was later superceded by the current bulletin 13-001-12 dated March 16, 2012 which limits affected population to an ~6 week range of vins, which my car does not fall under and I have been told that I am out of warranty. Comparing photos to other complaints as well as the story on nbcchicago.com (see reference story below), my vehicle condition and the material defect is undeniably the same as what Chrysler is currently considering as the "affected population" and is at a point where my vehicle has been considered unsafe to drive. This condition is extremely unsafe and I have been met with 4 months worth of arguments and side stepping from Chrysler customer care at this time regarding acknowledgement of the material defect, the safety implications to myself, my family and other drivers of this model, and especially the $2,600 quote to replace the cradle and hardware at a Chrysler dealership, which effectively scraps my vehicle. I am aghast that all of the complaints filed for this condition on this site and elsewhere have not resulted in a more through review of this clear trend from the NHTSA. References: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-Chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html.

- Springfield, MA, USA

problem #87

Jan 062015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 48,742 miles
Took our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in for oil change and they informed us that the engine cradle is rotting out and that our engine could fall out and that would result in a bad accident. We called Chrysler and they would do nothing!!! we found out that many other people who own this same car had the same problem on the internet because the Chrysler manufacturer of this car did not coat the frame correctly when it was built. This was Chrysler mistake when this car was made and it is no fault of the owners that purchased these cars to have this terrible costly and dangerous problem. This should be under a recall but it is "not" and now it will cost us $3000 to have it repaired to make our car safe. We are the original owners of this car and it has always been keep in a garage. There is only 4800 miles on this car and this should never have happened. We are retired on a fixed income and this put us at a hardship. We feel we have to have this repaired to protect us, our family and other people on the road. We feel this should certainly be addressed and that the Chrysler manufacturer should recall and stand behind all 2005 Pacifica cars. Many people who own this car might never know this is happening and it is dangerous to have these cars on the road as this could cause a serious /fatal accident to many people! help!

- Mundelein, IL, USA

problem #86

Dec 172014

Pacifica

  • 147,500 miles
I was having my oil changed yesterday and the technician pointed out a badly rotted and cracked subframe on the passenger side. The subframe is only rotted and cracked on one side and in one spot which leads me to believe this is due to a manufacturer defect. I have contacted Chrysler and was told there is no recall and then my call was disconnected.

- Poplar Grove , IL, USA

problem #85

Dec 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
I recently purchased this 2005 Chrysler Pacifica from a car dealer. I got it for a good price and was told it needed a little work. My wife wanted a Chrysler Pacifica from the first time she saw one. So, finally finding one within our means was awesome; so we thought. It was making a winding noise at time of purchase, which was thought to be a power steering pump. We took the vehicle to the shop after purchasing it and had the pump and some other brake work; as-well-as, tie-rod ends fixed/replaced. This did not stop the winding noise we thought was coming from the power steering pump, so we had the shop take another look at it. The shop discovered that the rack-and-pinion was leaking and likely the cause for the noise. However, when they attempted to remove the rack and pinion from the vehicle; they realized it would not be possible because the cradle/sub-frame was so rusted that removal was not possible. So needless to say; the shop owner recommended that we determine if there was a re-call. The shop owner said that he had never seen this amount of rust on the sub-frame of any vehicle, especially on a 2005 model. I hoped that the shop owner was over exaggerating so I took the vehicle to another local shop and he to, was stunned by the amount of rust. This shop owner told me to not drive the vehicle and to contact the Chrysler Corp. And demand that something be done about this. He (the shop owner) was absolutely beside himself after seeing the vehicle. I love Chrysler products and even own a Caravan, which my wife drives daily. However, I now have a different view of Chrysler. They have not accepted responsibility for using unsafe materials for making the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica and I wonder if anyone has died from the results of this issue. If Chrysler does not accept responsibility for this; I will never purchase another Chrysler product, ever again...

- Logan, OH, USA

problem #84

Dec 142014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 185,000 miles
Have been hearing and feeling knocking noise in front suspension. Found rusted out engine cradle with stress cracks right at the connection to control arm on passenger side. Car is to dangerous to drive. This is a defective design by Chrysler which they should cover.

- Hanover, PA, USA

problem #83

Dec 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 93,036 miles
I took my vehicle in for routine nys inspection and was told it wouldn't pass due to the bad subframe. The mechanic showed me the problem and I couldn't believe that the vehicle that I bought thinking it was a safe dependable vehicle was rotting out from underneath me! I've always performed required routine maintenance on it as I am a single working mother and need a safe reliable vehicle. I'm caught between a rock and a hard place because I can't afford to pay the $3,000 to fix it, to buy a new vehicle or to be without a car! I still owe on it and I can't drive it! is there anything you can do to make Chrysler make this right?

- Oswego, NY, USA

problem #82

Nov 182014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 87,378 miles
Engine cradle rusting out on passenger side. No help from dealer or Chrysler customer care. They have known about this problem for some time. So many of these vehicles are still on the road and people do not realize they are driving a death trap. Cant imagine what would happen at 70 mph and the engine falls out.

- East Moline, IL, USA

problem #81

Jul 032009

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 56,797 miles
In July 2009, during the vehicle safety inspection, the first signs that the engine cradle was rusted and even perforated in some places were reported. Now, it is getting worse and worse, vibrations can be felt when driving and great concerns are made on this vehicle safety. Updated 12/08/14

- France, DC, USA

problem #80

Oct 232014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 114,000 miles
Upon taking car in for routine nys inspection was informed of severe engine cradle rot. Estimated repair $4000. Car has less than 114K miles and is only 9 years old. I cant afford to repair and even though I have opened a case with Chrysler they are not willing to help me. Chrysler admits issue when they offered extension of warranty on 2004 and 2005 models but refuses to issue a recall or fix the problem at their cost. Owners are stuck with a costly repair option. Chrysler should be addressing this safety issue.

- Saugerties, NY, USA

problem #79

Oct 232014

Pacifica

  • 108,000 miles
Engine cradle/frame assembly is severley rusted. This was detected by conrad's located in green, Ohio 10/23/14 when servicing the vehicle. It is verified by duanne's automotive center, North canton, Ohio 10/25/14. Chrysler never sent me a recall notification for the rust condition. It was a recall item. It is very dangerous. It is costing me in excess of $1200 (parts and labor to install used cradle assembly - new is not available for purchase) to replace.

- Akron, OH, USA

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