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.

1.9

hardly worth mentioning
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
84,495 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.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 2 of 4)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #60

Sep 162011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 117,250 miles

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

2004 Chrysler Pacifica with 117,250 miles experiencing severe rust and deterioration in the rear suspension subframe. The mounting point of the rear shocks to the subframe is almost completely rusted through. Two mechanics have told me that such rust should not be expected on such a young vehicle. Many here have mentioned the front engine cradle rusting through. I'm experiencing the same type of rust issue but in the back. My mechanic says the car is getting to the unsafe to drive area! help!!!

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

problem #59

Jun 012011

Pacifica

  • 55,000 miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Consumer states defect with frame rotting.

- Shrewsbury, MA, USA

problem #58

Mar 312011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
Took my 2004 Pacifica in for a routine oil change/service and was notified that the entire frame under the engine is rusting out. Actual rust holes in the frame. I have also noticed rust on the body. This is a garage kept vehicle and I baby it. From what I understand, it is going to take many more complaints about this issue or someone actually dying when the frame cracks and causes a severe accident before any action will be taken. I just hope it's not me or my kids, because I will not relent.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #57

Jun 102011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 118,250 miles

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

While having a oil change performed mechanic noticed front subframe had rust holes in it. Subframe needs to be replaced.

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #56

Jun 062011

Pacifica

  • 93,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was being serviced for routine maintenance when an independent mechanic informed her that there was a hole in the engine cradle due to rusting. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 93,000.

- Powell, OH, USA

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problem #55

May 142011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 76,000 miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica 76000 miles and subframe is completely broke off and my steering is riding on the subframe. Basically, my car is "collapsing". I could tell when driving it, it felt unsafe. So now I can't even sell my car to put towards a new one. Chrysler dealership in rochester, mi looked at my car and I told them it was "clunking", they couldn't find anything wrong with it"?" less than 8000 miles ago they replaced the front end suspension ( at that time it was under warranty). It also has had the entire transmission rebuilt by Chrysler. If this doesn't qualify for "lemon" I don't know what does. What is our recourse? I feel like getting a lawyer....just thankful that I and my son ( 13 yrs now), have not been killed in it.

- Rochester Hills, MI, USA

problem #54

Apr 072011

Pacifica

  • 157,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact heard a loud clicking noise from the front end of the vehicle. He vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who informed the contact that the sub frame had rusted and that the engine could possibly fall out and that vehicle was unsafe to drive. No repairs were performed. The dealer was contacted and advised that there were no related recalls to the failure and provided no additional assistance. The contact did not inform the manufacturer of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 157,000.

- Byfield, MA, USA

problem #53

Apr 102011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Pacifica. The uni-body frame is cracked and rusted to the point where it wouldn't pass inspection.the struts and strut mounts, the inner and outer U-joints all need replacing. The paint all over the vehicle is rusting through. Vehicle is kept in garage. I have a 1998 Caravan that is in better shape.there is definetly a problem with the manufacturing of this vehicle. There are too many complaints for it not to be taken seriously.I own multiple chrsyler vehicles and would appreciate some consideration towards this problem. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Windsor, 00, USA

problem #52

Mar 212011

Pacifica

  • 110,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at any speed, the contact could hear rattling from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the contact was told that the frame under the engine was severely corroded and that the engine could possibly fracture from under the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 110,000.

- Ripon, WI, USA

problem #51

Feb 082011

Pacifica

  • miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica sub frame rotted thru with rust. This is unacceptable. Chrysler knows of the problem and will not do a recall.

- Madison , OH, USA

problem #50

Dec 272010

Pacifica

  • 93,000 miles

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

After a recent snow storm I noticed a mid-sized yellow leak under my vehicle. I brought it to my mechanic who could not find any issue with the fluids, besides a small leak in the transmission fluid. During routine maintenance my mechanic noticed a large rust hold on the subframe about 10-12 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The moisture from the snow was running through the rust and creating the yellow stain. The mechanic was surprised at the amount of rust and said we need to keep an eye on it. At this point it's still drivable, but it may very well rust to the point where it is unsafe to drive. My mechanic suggested we check for recalls as he felt the failure of the subframe to keep in tact was bad design by the maker. I checked on recalls and found many complaints regarding this exact same issue on the 2004 model. Nothing can be done, except replacement of the frame, though we still have another 5 years left on our loan. This is a major safety concern for this year and model of this vehicle.

- Ipswich, MA, USA

problem #49

Sep 012010

Pacifica

  • 116,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While having the vehicle serviced at an independent repair shop for routine maintenance, the contact was informed the subframe was severely rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 116,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Meriden, NH, USA

problem #48

Nov 152010

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
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.

- Hillsboro, NH, USA

problem #47

Nov 102010

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
Clunking sound coming from engine. Motor mounts were worn out. Also noticed engine cradle on passenger side was rusted and separating at weld. The rust was significant too the point that holes had formed in multiple spots. Contacted Chrysler dealership and they reported that Chrysler has posted a service bulletin on the issue in the last two weeks. No information is available online except for other owners discussing issue.

- Chaska, MN, USA

problem #46

Oct 282010

Pacifica

  • 100,000 miles
Motor mounts on my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica are broken! this is a height risk and parts seem to be on back order costs are high and this must be recalled. This is a ongoing issue on the Pacifica! I found this out after reading several forums which many many people have the same issue and all cant believe that this is not recalled yet. Broken motor mounts can cause the engine to fall down onto the street and could cause deadly incidents!

- Lexington, KY, USA

problem #45

Oct 252010

Pacifica

  • 74,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While having the vehicle repaired the contact was informed that the sub frame was covered with rust. The vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the entire sub frame needed to be replaced. The current and failure mileages were 74000.

- Pleasant Prairre, WI, USA

problem #44

Oct 082010

Pacifica

  • 138,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for a routine maintenance and was told that the front sub frame was corroded and covered with rust. The dealer informed her that there were no recalls or related warranties and that the repairs would cost $5,000 or she could trade the vehicle in for a different one. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was 138,000.

- Uxbridge, MA, USA

problem #43

Oct 092010

Pacifica

  • 90,500 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While having the vehicle inspected at an independent repair shop he was informed that the engine sub frame was completely damaged by rust. The vehicle was then taken to an authorized dealer who confirmed that the sub frame was damaged by rust. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 90,500.

- Nashua, NH, USA

problem #42

Oct 132010

Pacifica

  • 103,771 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an unrelated repair; and the technician detected that the front passenger side subframe assembly exhibited excessive rust corrosion. The dealer was notified and they advised that the vehicle be inspected. The contact had concern of the safety issue involved and scheduled an appointment. The failure mileage was 103,771.

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #41

Oct 082010

Pacifica

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While having the vehicle serviced, the mechanic informed the contact that the subframe was completely rusted and cracked. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the problem was confirmed but it was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 80,000. The VIN was unavailable.

- Plainville, CT, USA

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