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.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #56

Mar 152015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

Chrysler did not properly coat the engine cradles which allowed rust to damage the cradles and create a serious safety defect. During a routine inspection, my mechanic discovered the engine cradles were rusting out. The engine cradles were replaced before the engine fell through.

- Elmwood Park, IL, USA

problem #55

Sep 162013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
Upon inspection for noise related to the front struts, I notice that the engine cradle, leading edge was rusted almost completely away. I parked the vehicle and looked on "https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/VIN/vinlookup" website and entered the VIN ([xxx]), but didn't find a recall notice. I have had no fewer than 4 individuals who previously owned a 1994 Pacifica tell me that there was a recall and that the dealer fixed the problem by replacing the cradle with a new one. Can anyone help me? I am hesitant to drive the vehicle in its current condition and have been advised by 2 mechanics not to. I bought the vehicle used in 2008 and drove it for almost 5 years, but it's been parked since 2013. Looking for advice on preserving my $13,000 investment. I was expecting to get 200,000 miles out of this vehicle. It has ~115,000. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

problem #54

Jun 032015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Letter from senator garrett on behalf of constituent re 2004 Chrysler Pacifica airbag. The consumer stated the air bag panel opened and the air bag could be seen. The dealer informed the consumer, there was no issue with the air bag itself.

- Ramsey, NJ, USA

problem #53

May 052015

Pacifica

  • 92,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was being inspected, the independent mechanic diagnosed that the passenger side of the engine cradle had a hole that rusted through. As a result, the engine cradle needed to be repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 92,000.

- Philadelphia , PA, USA

problem #52

Apr 182015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 80,200 miles
The engine cradle of the 2004 Pacifica has rusted severely. One side appears to be all the way through while the other side is about 3/4 of the way through. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.

- Circleville, OH, USA

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problem #51

Dec 012014

Pacifica

  • 154,826 miles
Engine cradle has rusted a big whole through.

- Ashcamp, KY, USA

problem #50

Jan 052015

Pacifica

  • 160,000 miles

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

During a routine oil change, it was noted that the engine sub frame is rusted through and needs replaced. I have searched and this seems to be a common problem that the company isn't dealing with in a fair manor.

- Sylvania, OH, USA

problem #49

Dec 122014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
My steering wheel started to jerk to the right when accelerating and it was hard to keep the car on the road. It felt like the front wheels were going to fall off. I took the car to the shop and they informed me that the sub structure cradle was rusted through and had failed. This also took out the transmission mount and idler arm. Had I been going any faster when this failed it may have caused the car to swerve into on coming traffic.

- Grand Blanc, MI, USA

problem #48

Dec 022014

Pacifica

  • 73,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for inspection where the mechanic discovered that the vehicle had experienced severe rusting and corrosion to the engine cradle and sub frame. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 73,000.

- Mahopac, NY, USA

problem #47

Nov 202014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 115,000 miles
My Pacifica has a rusted out sub frame on front passenger side of car. From my understanding there was a recall done for those but only included 6 weeks worth of vehicles made but the problem is much broader than the 6 weeks worth of cars. I have been told by three different reputable mechanics that my car is unsafe to drive because it is so rusted through you can put your hand through it. I have 3 small children and this is our family car. Chrysler needs to be held accountable for this before there are people that die because their engine falls out while they are driving! I do have pictures that were taken yesterday. Something needs to be done about this!

- Carol Stream, IL, USA

problem #46

Sep 262014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 127,068 miles

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

Had a vibration. Took the vehicle in for inspection and the front subframe/ engine cradle is corroded and has a huge rust hole. A friend of mine has one of these. They got theirs inspected and theirs has an issue too!!

- Indian River, MI, USA

problem #45

Oct 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 119,000 miles
The underside engine cradle subframe of my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica is rotted and in danger of breaking apart. I can hear noise when steering and the car has a vibration.

- Waterbury, CT, USA

problem #44

Sep 212014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 197,659 miles
I was driving today and it seemed that my steering was extremely hard to turn if I was mashing the gas, harder to turn to the right side of the car. If the car is coasting or I am breaking the steering is easier to control. I have stopped at my parents house on the way home to research what could be happening with my car and found this disturbing news. Unfortunately for me, this is my only source of transportation and I don't have the finances to just get another car...I'm so frustrated right now and I don't know what to do... the consumer stated while driving, she had difficulty steering the vehicle. She noticed when accelerating, the vehicle was hard to steer, but when braking or allowing the vehicle to coast it was a little easier to control. She managed to get the vehicle off the road. She discovered a portion of the support frame dropped from the vehicle, and it appeared the engine cradle was corroded with rust. Updated 12/04/14

- Mcleansville, NC, USA

problem #43

Sep 082014

Pacifica

  • 109,479 miles
I was just advised today by three different auto shops that I have a rusted engine cradle/suspension. I was shocked to find this out and then after doing research found that this seems to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle. I called Chrysler to validate a recall and/or an extended warranty that had been posted covering up to 10 years 150K miles. My car falls into this category was advised that there is no such warranty or recall for my vehicle. It is an obvious safety hazard and an expense that should be covered by the manufacturer. This belongs to my teen daughter and I cannot have her unsafe!

- Williamsburg, VA, USA

problem #42

Aug 222014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
Engine cradle corrosion.

- Mashantucket, CT, USA

problem #41

Aug 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
The engine cradle has significant rust and should be replaced by Chrysler.

- Saint Louis Park, MN, USA

problem #40

Mar 082013

Pacifica

  • 89,291 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician noticed that the engine cradle and sub frame were corroded and fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not cover under the engine cradle extended warranty. The failure and current mileage was 89,291. Pam

- Port Murray , NJ, USA

problem #39

Jun 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 94,500 miles
My subframe is rotted and rusted just like every other 04 Pacifica its ridiculous. Chrysler needs to be a stand up company and fix it.

- Lawrence , MA, USA

problem #38

Mar 122014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 124,900 miles
Upon inspection by multiple certified mechanics they notified me that Chrysler issued a recall for engine cradle failure due to excessive rust. Tsb # 13-001-12. For some unknown reason Chrysler has declared the problem only exist for certain months in 2004 however my car was built in late 2003 and has the same rusted and failing parts. So my complaint is how can a car maker say the faulty parts condition not exist before they found it" also, how the recall window is limited to such a small window of time when the problems exist long before they responded? this makes absolutely no sense to me. This is the first time in my life I bought a car that has a chassis part failure and yet no effort or willingness by the manufacturer to notify owners. I'd like to know if the NHTSA has any fatality reports due to this parts failure or why it was issued in the first place? since my car does not have the 150K miles this recall applies to how long will the car be safe to drive"

- Carmel, IN, USA

problem #37

Apr 282014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
The well-known issue with model years 2004-2005 involving premature failure due to rust on the engine cradle has been confirmed on my own 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. This vehicle in 12 years old with a faulty subframe and is too dangerous to be driven. There are two extensive areas of rust, one on either side of the engine cradle that extend from in front of, to the rear of the control arms. The rusted areas are already so bad, I am able to fit fingers through the holes in the engine cradle. It is cracked and completely compromised of any structural integrity. There is no reason why this part should not be coated in a correct manner to reject corrosion in such an aggressive form. This is a problem that Chrysler is aware of and yet they refuse to fix it. There is no integrity in that decision and very little respect to be had for a corporation that handles such a well-known situation in such a poor manner. This is an extremely dangerous problem and I feel very strongly that this should be replaced by Chrysler.

- Columbia, PA, USA

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