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:
5 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,154 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.
While getting an oil change my mechanic pointed out that I have a five to six inch long by about 1 inch wide rust through gash in the engine cradle. He says this can be a serious problem where it is possible that the engine could fall through the frame while driving.
A frame support (cross member) has a hole big enough to put part of your hand into. This whole also goes right out the back side of the support. This support not only holds up the engine but also gives stability to the front end. Risks are loss of life, complete loss of control and or severe engine damage should support fail.
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).
My Chrysler Pacifica"S engine cradle has extensively corroded with rust and has become a danger to drive.this was a national problem reported on Chicago television nbc channel 5. Chrysler claims that they are investigating..I would appreciate if someone from your organization can look at this cradle and the danger my family has been put in. Chrysler also claims that my car was built prior to the problem metal on 2004/2005. Need for someone to inspect thank you
I took my car to a mechanic for an oil change and I was shocked by what I've seen. The engine cradle is rusted out and it also has cracks on it. It is a real life-threatening situation where the structure can fall out at any moment. I could imagine myself driving on the highway and be involved in a car accident because this car manufacturer builds cars like this. I'm shocked. I have a son that we drive in this car and now I prefer to have it parked than put my son's life in danger. I've never seen such corrosion and it is definitely a problem Chrysler needs to address to all cars. It seems a lot of people are having the same issue even in Florida so don't tell me that it's a normal situation due to salt on the road.
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.
Chrysler service bulletin: 13-001-10 service bulletin no.: wb-D-10-34 NHTSA id number: 10045080 motor cradle has rusted out structurally unsafe, will not pass inspection may cause a severe dangerous accident. Chrysler has extended the warranty on 2004 Chrysler Pacificas that were produced February 2004 - March 2004. My car was manufactured in May 2004. I have the same symptoms the cars produced only 30 days prior! my repair needs to be covered.
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.
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!
I am the original owner of this 2004 Pacifica. The front engine cradle is corroded severely with the welded seam having areas of separation as well as rust through holes in several areas. Chrysler had a recall for a narrow band of vehicles manufactured between Feb. 23, 2004 and March 31,2004. My vehicle was manufactured Jan. 12, 2004 before the window of the recall. Failure of the cradle could result in the engine dropping from the car causing a severe safety issue. It appears Chrysler responded with a token recall that does not encompass all vehicles effected. I have made three attempts to have Chrysler correct this problem, or offer some partial compensation with no success. I view this as a severe safety risk where Chrysler has a known problem that they are failing to address adequately.
My 2004 Pacifica with a rusted through engine cradle. There is a service memo, csc-10045080-7364, pertaining to an extended warranty for this part. Chrysler tells me that it doesn't apply in my case since the build date of my vehicle precedes the build dates covered by the extended warranty. I only have 85,000 miles on the car and the subframe is rusted through. It seems to me that extending the extended warranty build date range is called for. Certainly the frame of an automobile should last more than 87,000 miles.
Being in the diesel /automotive field for more than 25 years I was shocked to see that the engine cradle was rotting from the inside out. I do all my own service work on all my vehicles and I have never seen the sub-frame on any vehicle corrode the way this vehicle had. Large rusted out holes in the cross members and sub-frame. Like everyone else with this issue, I did a bunch of research both on the internet and talking with the dealer and found out that Chrysler did issue a tsb on this problem. The tsb only covers vehicles in the North region and only in salt laden states. But what really burns me is the build dates Chrysler only will cover. Chrysler will only cover vehicles built from approximately February to March 2004, and if your car is outside that window, too bad. In my opinion my car is unsafe to drive, so now I have a car that decorates my driveway. Chrysler will not cover anything because of when my car was built as compared to the build window. This is an issue that Chrysler has known about for a while and should stand behind their product. I feel Chrysler is giving their customers the shaft with a very serious issue. Why do people have to die or get seriously inured before oem's actually take care of a serious issue like this.
Loud popping noise coming from the front of the vehicle. Told by the dealership it is the motor mounts. After researching the internet this seems to be a problem reported by many. Extended warranties will not pay for this issue. Please let the public know what is going here!!
The contact owns 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that his vehicle was making a rattling noise in the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing which indicated that the engine cradle and subs were covered with rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 149,000 and the current mileage was 160,000.
2004 Chrysler Pacifica sub-frame rotted out. The rest of the underneath is fine. The rest of the car is fine. Car in uninspectable and cannot be driven. Called Chrysler, they said they would do nothing, even though is a common problem. Will cost thousands to replace.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Vernon, CT, USA