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 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,640 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.
On a service date I was notified that my engine cradle frame had deteriorated so bad that failure from the frame was imminent. The mechanic stated that rust was unusual for such a early model vehicle. I contacted Chrysler after doing some research that there is an active recall on 2004-05 Chrysler Pacifica for engine cradle failure. I went to my nearest Chrysler dealer and was told my car VIN number didn't show any recalls. I later contacted Chrysler's headquarters and was told that my vehicle didn't match the criteria because it was manufactured in March of 2003. I stated but I purchased a 2004 and my title states 2004. They simply have a problem with these engine cradles and found a way not to repair mine.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the engine cradle and the rocker panel was completely corroded. The contact also mentioned that the engine could fall at anytime and the vehicle could not be driven. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the entire engine cradle and the rocker panel on both the driver and passenger's sides would need to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 114,200.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs, he was informed that the engine cradle was corroded. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 88,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change when the mechanic informed her that the engine cradle was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,008.
- Sutton, MA, USA
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While having my vehicle checked for a power steering leak at an independent mechanic, I received call from mechanic that if there was any way possible that I can come down to the service station because the problem was bigger than the leak. Once there he showed me the serious rust through on sub frame rails and engine cradle with noticeable cracks going upward on sub frame. He stated that the cause to my power steering leak is due to this sub frame being in the condition it is and it's vibration. He suggested that I contact Chrysler for a recall because he knows of the same problem on Honda's & Toyota's that were already recalled. After reading the forums and searching for a recall there is an extended warranty but unfortunately I fall under the state of NJ were this state is not eligible for the extended warranty. This is outrageous and a safety recall should be issued right away. With so many complaints I will move forward and start a class action law suit for not issuing a full scale recall to all 2004 Pacifica owners in every state. They clearly recognize the danger in their faulty design and manufacturing yet still refuse to issue a safety recall by only providing an extended warranty to some Pacifica owners. This is a serious danger to my family and a fatality waiting to happen.
During engine warning light inspection at herb chambers Chrysler in millbury MA the technician found the front engine cradle should be replaced due to rot. Chrysler was contacted to find out if the extended warranty for 10 years/150,000 on the engine cradle applied to this vehicle and found that it was not.
2004 Pacifica has a clicking noise and had it checked out and it is the cradle assembly& rear engine mount is bad. It is rusted and cracked. Also has alot of suspension issues. Engine getting ready to fall out.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the front engine cradle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was 154,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that she took her vehicle to a mechanic for a tune up and she was advised that the engines sub frame corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and confirmed that there were no related recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 127,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire service when he was advised that that the sub frame was rusted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they advised that the frame needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 140,000.
When taking the car for an oil change, I learned the engine cradle had rusted through and cracked. After researching the issue, I discovered this is a known issue for this car. I contacted Chrysler, who claimed that the car was made 7 days too early to participate in any sort of covered repair. This is ridiculous, as my vehicle clear suffers from the same issue.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the front under carriage of the vehicle was severely rusted. The contact was informed of the failure when he took the vehicle for state inspection and the vehicle failed. The contact spoke with the manufacturer, but was told that they would not cover the repair. The failure mileage was 128,000. Updated 5/28/13 updated 06/05/2013
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle exhibited abnormal noises while driving at various speeds. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for inspection. The failure was located at the sub frame, which was corroded and fractured into pieces. The manufacturer advised that the manufacturer's extended warranty repair did not cover the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 130,000
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having a state inspection performed, he was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 145,000.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having regular maintenance performed on the vehicle, the technician advised the contact that the sub frame was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle has not been repaired. The failure and current mileage was approximately 145,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Sub frame completely rusted apart, resulting in dangerous front end conditions and expensive repair. Found similar issues for other Pacifica owners through research and believe this is a defective part and should be covered and recalled before someone gets hurt or killed.
I took my vehicle in to the shop to get new tires and the mechanic informed me that the frame was rusted in half. He told me that I would have to replace the frame or the vehicle would not be safe to drive.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 15 mph, he heard a clicking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer replaced the tie rod and the springs. The failure continued. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer and the contact was informed that the cradle needed to be replaced because it was rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacture was not contacted. The failure mileage was 95,000 and the current mileage was 105,000.
Not sure if caused by accident or failure of material. Front basket under left front is splitting. Accident involved left front, almost a complete rebuild on that corner. Was doing an under body inspection while getting an oil change. A split in the frame was noted.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Chicago, IL, USA