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 / 9
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
116,509 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 engine problems

engine problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 4 of 8)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #81

Aug 132013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 122,409 miles

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

Engine cradle was rusted out and had to be replaced. Chrysler has issued a recall on this, however it affects a very narrow window of manufacture dates. My vehicle fell a few weeks out of this date. The dealership, walser Chrysler in hopkins, mn said they were unaware of this problem and declined to help. I had it repaired at an independent mechanic. I have photos and video that show it was nearly at a complete failure.

- Plymouth, MN, USA

problem #80

Dec 222014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
Just found out that my engine cradle is rusted in half. From all the issues I been reading online I can not believe there isn't a recall on this.

- Muscatine, IA, USA

problem #79

Jun 282003

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for routine servicing and it was discovered that the underbody and the cradle for the motor were rusted. The dealer stated that the cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 90,000. Updated 03/10/15 updated 9/11/2017

- Elk Rapids, MI, USA

problem #78

Jun 102013

Pacifica

  • 87,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 25 mph, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact shifted into neutral in order to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 87,000.

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #77

Nov 202014

Pacifica

  • 111,362 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the engine cradle fractured. The contact mentioned that the vehicle had never been involved in a crash. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 111,362. Mailed out 01/13/15

- Akron, OH, USA

problem #76

Nov 222014

Pacifica

  • 186,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while accelerating, a clunking noise emitted from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle had rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 186,000. The VIN was not available.

- Flint, MI, USA

problem #75

Nov 222014

Pacifica

  • 100,408 miles

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

This vehicle engine cradle assembly is rusty with in 8 years of operation. Rusty engine cradle causes safety concern for the driver and other vehicles operating near 2004 Chrysler Pacifica on the road because the engine can fall out of the vehicle during operation. Many Pacifica owners on line complained about this issue.

- Rochester, NY, USA

problem #74

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 #73

Oct 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 117,000 miles
Was told by my mechanic that the engine cradle is severely rusted and my car could be unsafe. After checking on this site I found that Chrysler extended the warranty for this problem. I call a locale dealership and service dept told me my specific vehicle wasn't covered. I called Chrysler and after several minutes of checking was told that the extended warranty only covered vehicles made from Feb. Thru March of 2004 and mine was made in June of 2003. Too bad since I am just limping this along for another month till I'll be buying another vehicle. It does seem to me that this problem is much more extensive than Chrysler is willing to admit, as I have seen many other complaints for the same thing.

- Princeton, IL, USA

problem #72

Nov 102014

Pacifica

  • 131,004 miles
I went to have routine oil change and was told by the tech, that the engine cradle and frame were severely corroded from rust. His recommendation was to have it taken care immediately, it could possibly be unsafe.

- Natick, MA, USA

problem #71

May 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles

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

This car has a serious rust issue on the undercarriage. It starts on the subframe then works its way to the frame of the car. There front suspension has been replaced 3 times in the month alone. Due to this issue I have in regards to this, I can't jack my car up with the jack that comes with the care, if I do it will go right thru that is what it feels like to me.. I can not get a rear alignment on my car because of the rust and my tired have worn or day. If anyone knows anything could they please help I am feed up with this care..

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #70

Oct 172014

Pacifica

  • 79,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having unrelated repairs performed, the technician notified the contact that there was corrosion present on the engine cradle. The technician advised the contact that the vehicle was not safe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #69

Oct 092014

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was being serviced, the independent mechanic discovered that the engine cradle was completely rusted. The mechanic stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #68

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 #67

May 152013

Pacifica

  • 85,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 45 mph, the front end of the vehicle vibrated intermittently. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. The technician stated that the engine cradle exhibited rust corrosion. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the problem. The approximate failure mileage was 85,000.

- Woodstock, IL, USA

problem #66

Sep 082014

Pacifica

  • 80,956 miles
I am writing because I was told that my engine cradle in my Chrysler Pacifica is beginning to rust through and I have two visible holes, at this time. I was told by the Chrysler dealership that only a small number of these cars have been given an extended warranty. I cannot afford to have my car repaired for $2400. I have a chronic medical condition, for which I have to drive to receive treatments three times a week, plus I work and I have to have reliable transportation. I don't think Chrysler is taking this defect seriously. I think Chrysler should do the responsible thing and fix every Pacifica. Are they waiting for someone's engine to actually fall out of the car and cause a fatality? if so, they will be in Washington just as the GM executives are trying to defend their decision to ignore a problem that they are aware of.

- State College, PA, USA

problem #65

Sep 022014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 144,137 miles
Took my car to have a plastic front panel put back on. The repairman sent me pictures of the engine cradle rusted out. Told me the car was unsafe to drive until it was fixed. Contacted local Chrysler dealer and gave me information to contact customer service. Called customer service and my vehicle was outside the coverage described on bulletin 13-001-12 issued on Mar 16, 2012 by Chrysler. They were not able to provide any relief on the repairs which will be between $3500 and $4000 depending on parts cost. My vehicle was built September 18, 2003, and put in service on December 22, 2003. The service bulletin only covered vehicles from Feb 23, 2004 to Mar 31, 2004. I am sure my vehicle is in the same category as the covered vehicles, same rust problem, same areas of the car, etc.

- Angola, IN, USA

problem #64

Aug 282014

Pacifica 4WD 6-cyl

  • 156,570 miles
Significant rust and corrision resulting in damage to structural integrity and ability to exit vechicle in case of collision or structural failure.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #63

Aug 222014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
Engine cradle corrosion.

- Mashantucket, CT, USA

problem #62

Feb 042014

Pacifica

  • 153,000 miles
Engine cradle/mount and frame is completely rusted out. Unsafe to drive. Stuck with a pile of steel that has no trade in value or resale value. Apparently, this effects almost every 2004 Pacifica. NHTSA ought to be looking into this issue more closely. It's obvious that the hundred's who've registered a complaint on this website are feeling that the Agency does not care to investigate. Shame on Chrysler; shame on NHTSA.

- Mansfield, OH, USA

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