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.
9.6
really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,190
Average Mileage:
133,850 miles
Total Complaints:
32 complaints
Most Common Solutions:
not sure (12 reports)
repair subframe (4 reports)
replace engine carriage (4 reports)
replace frame (4 reports)
replace subframe or spray with chemical (3 reports)
Problem showing up on all model years, Chrysler will only cover a small window of build dates in April of 2004. This defect is a huge saftey issue. Saw a Class action lawsuit on this problem which was opened in Jan 2014, so far I have not seen anything further. If anyone has info please forward. This is outright negligence on Chryslers part.
There's so much corrosion & there's a crack ( NOT A LITTLE, ITTY BITTY CRACK) on EACH SIDE of my sub frame. My engine could drop @ ANY TIME. Chrysler has dropped the ball & won't fix the issues unless it's between certain dates. Why can't they fix our frames from ALL OF 2004????? I've had many issues with this car since day 1!!!!!
This vehicle simply put is junk. Aside from the electrical problem that has forced me to park this car since May 5,2015. The crossmember & frame are almost rotted through & it's NOT SAFE TO DRIVE!!! I PAID 30,000 HARD EARNED DOLLARS FOR THIS JUNK HEAP!!! Maybe now that Chrysler was fined 70 million dollars for not reporting injuries & deaths in their vehicles to NTSB since 2003 they will be forced to call back this crap they sold US!!! I WANT COMPENSATION FOR THIS!!!
Found broken engine mounts and frame rust. Broken bolts drilled out and replaced.
Could not pass inspection October 31, 2015. Car looks fine but can't us. What can you do with this car/
Scrap it ? We were considering a new Chrysler product, we have a Jeep + a 2010 half ton Dodge pickup. Dealer is working on the problem. next car could be German if no satisfaction. Other than the problem, we were very satisfied with ride and all wheel drive feature, we need it to get up our driveway in the winter.
Took my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica in for general maintenance. Subframe is so corroded that I was told it is unsafe to drive. 2800.00 repair bill & Chrysler say's "sorry. Nothing we will do"! NOT,ACCEPTABLE CHRYSLER! THERE ARE THOUSAND'S OF COMPLAINT'S!
- Carmella L.,
Chicago, IL, US
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Within on year from March 2014 to April 3 2015 the entire frame broke from rot and rust. After research apparently this is not the first time, not the second not even in the hundreds. Chrysler is taking it on a case by case study, well they are not doing anything for my case.
We didn't find out of this issue until we had our tie rod fix. The mechanics told us that the engine frame is a driving hazard or driving safety issue. They claim that we should contact the dealer. The dealer claimed that it was a known issue but there was an extension up to 2014 which I missed due to I only fixed the car's tie rod end this year. I do not see the engine rust issue.
Due to this is a safety hazard or safety issue, I would like Chrysler (who admitted about this problem) to at least mail the users of the car of this issue when first found out so we can act on it. Now we have an issue of how to get this fix as Chrysler will probably say no to this issue.
Or we need some help in getting this car on the road safely. We are proud of our Chrysler's performance. Now we cannot say that there is no problem with it anymore and will state to all our friends that there is a problem that was not addressed.
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE MY STRUTS, MOUNTS AND AXLES 4 TIMES IN 6 MONTHS PLUS MY STRUT MOUNTS TWICE. I AM TAKING IT IN LATER ON TO REPLACE THEM AGAIN, I JUST DON'T KNOW WHAT TO DO ANYMORE. THERE IS SO MUCH RUST ITS RIDICULOUS.
While having my front tires replaced my mechanic showed me pictures of what was left of my frame. He said I had two options, weld or replace. I took it to a welder that has welded for 35 years and after he inspected the frame he said if it were his he would get rid of it now. He stated that there was not enough metal left to make a weld. Guess what, I parked the car and had my mechanic get a frame. Had to rent a car to get around. Sure hope enough people get on Chrysler's butt to get reimbursed for this expense.
I'm not asking for the world, just for my expenses, of course I wouldn't refuse a larger payment from a lawsuit. Seems to me a recall would be a lot less expensive than a lawsuit for someone getting killed when the engine falls out at highway speeds. That would not be pretty .
THERE IS SO MUCH RUST ON THE UNDERCARRIAGE IT IS CRAZY. I TRIED TO JACK MY CAR UP WITH THE STOCK JACK AND IT WENT RIGHT THRU MY CAR AND YOU COULDN'T EVEN SEE THE FRAME. NOW THE RUST IS SPREADING TO THE INSIDE METAL AREAS OF THE INTERIOR.
I TRIED CALLING CHRYSLER AND THEIR RESPONSE WAS YOUR CAR IS OUT OF WARRANTY BUT YOU SHOULD SELL IT, THE GUY ON THE PHONE SAID, BUT I TOLD HIM NOPE AND HE QUOTED ME 1 GRAND
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Problem showing up on all model years, Chrysler will only cover a small window of build dates in April of 2004. This defect is a huge saftey issue. Saw a Class action lawsuit on this problem which was opened in Jan 2014, so far I have not seen anything further. If anyone has info please forward. This is outright negligence on Chryslers part.
- Josh I., Amherst, OH, US