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.
I loved the Pacifica. It was the most luxurious car I had ever owned. Heated leather seats all around, DVD player, third row seats, GPS and more. First It developed a failure with the accessory control panel. Replaced the panel for $200-$300 by friends brother. Next some body damage but I hammered out the dents and painted it. I wrecked my other vehicle, lost my license, (diagnosed as Narcoleptic) and the Pacifica sat rarely used and then developed a phantom electrical problem which may or may not have been fixed. I gave the Pacifica to my daughter who's husband is a mechanic. He won't allow her to drive it with the "engine cradle" ready to fall out, with the engine still
attached to it. My granddaughters Godmother has a year newer Pacifica and had the same problem that was discovered when it was scheduled for an oil change. She and her husband informed us of service bulletins that had been sent to the dealerships. They had theirs replaced at far far less than the $2,000-$4,000 originally quoted. I am just disappointed in Chrysler's cavalier attitude concerning this problem. I suppose that's how you get rich or richer, if you Deny-deny-deny!, rather than being honorable and taking responsibility. Does someone or sumeones have to die before it's a priority or even a concern?
The engine mounts on this vehicle are crap. They are oil filled, tear and leak out. Once the engine mounts fail the engine shifts and makes all kinds of scary noise. Because the engine shifts ground straps break & cause all kinds of electrical nightmares! THIS CAR COST ME 30,000 DOLLARS! The mounts were replaced 4X in 4 years!!! At one time you couldn't get the mount for MONTHS because EVERY PACIFICA made had the SAME DEFECT. This forced me to.... PARK MY 30,000 DOLLAR CAR FOR MONTHS.... AGAIN. My pacifica has been parked and unsafe to use for the last 2 years. I hope something is done about this. And you know Chrysler knows.. They were just fined 70 million for failing to report problems with their vehicles to NTSB since 2003!!! NOW WE KNOW WHY THERES NEVER BEEN A RECALL ON THIS LEMON!!
Chrysler is not worried about peoples lives. I can't believe a large company like this would get the word out that the engine cradle is rusting out and engines are falling out the bottom of these cars. Thousands of people can't even drive there cars because of this they are simply eating the cost of a bad design and can't afford a new car.
I have now replaced my motor mounts soon, 3 times in this past year. They literally just keep braking. I've spent the first time little over 200 dollars. I got a good deal. Every where else it was $500. The second time I got warranty to cover the part but not the labor. Now its broken again and I decided to go somewhere else. They noticed that I now have 2 broken!! Front and back, one of the three seems to be okay at the moment but probably will break too. Thats another 500 dollars again....I'm spending way too much money to fix the same problem over and over again....
- lilyga - georgia,
Lawrenceville, GA, US
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
Bought a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica from an incompetent used car salesman. The engine went out with 150,000 miles, as is, but the salesman told me right away what it was. He said the engine is going out. This was 9 DAYS LATER, mind you! Long, long story, shortened. Had a repair shop (that the salesman picked) install brand new 3.5 L V6 short block engine (3 year warranty). This loud ticking noise started less than a month after the install.(By a certified and Bonded repair shop, mind you). Upon calling them to check it out, they said they are not covering the warranty! So, Chrysler has it now, and they gave me a loaner. They will find out if it was an installation issue. My vehicle also has a class 3 oil leak, that started about 3 days ago. And, ironically, it stalls when turning sharp left, as I noticed the same complaint, numerous times from other owners!!
On the other side, I do enjoy this vehicle in every other way!! I am tenacious, and will fight to keep this vehicle. I have $11,000 invested in it.
Additional complaints of another owner of a 2005; the headlights only work on bright; I have the same issue! Also, their lock clip for their hood arm, is broke off; so is mine!
I hope we Pacifica owners can get these ailments/defects/whatever the hell they are, reported with a vengeance to help each other, and get Chrysler to just recall these obvious, similar issues!!
I appreciate this site for their service to it's people. Safety in numbers!!!!
Took our pacifica in to our mechanic for some minor repairs. Our mechanic told us that the engine cradle is rusted thru and will become a HAZARD to drive. Called Chrysler corp office who in turn hung up on my husband. Called back to the corp office again and was told that we did not meet the specifics for the recall. Must be in a salt state which we are but the year the car was built does not matter. So basically Chrysler is saying "up yours" to us. They know that this is a defective part and are not willing to do anything about it. My husband is a disabled veteran who chrsyler does not even give any thought to.
replaced front motor mount at 60000, rear went out at 65,00 and then front went out again at 70,000. All Chrysler parts for the repairs. They know they are junk and should recall them all. Stupid to have a hydrolic oil filled motor mount anyway!
I just bought a used 04 Chrysler Pacifica and a week later had to spend $180 to fix the swing bar in the front suspension. Eventhough this needed to be repaired this did not solve the clunking noise in the front suspension. I will eventually need to replace the engine mounts I was told, that's approx $550.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I loved the Pacifica. It was the most luxurious car I had ever owned. Heated leather seats all around, DVD player, third row seats, GPS and more. First It developed a failure with the accessory control panel. Replaced the panel for $200-$300 by friends brother. Next some body damage but I hammered out the dents and painted it. I wrecked my other vehicle, lost my license, (diagnosed as Narcoleptic) and the Pacifica sat rarely used and then developed a phantom electrical problem which may or may not have been fixed. I gave the Pacifica to my daughter who's husband is a mechanic. He won't allow her to drive it with the "engine cradle" ready to fall out, with the engine still
attached to it. My granddaughters Godmother has a year newer Pacifica and had the same problem that was discovered when it was scheduled for an oil change. She and her husband informed us of service bulletins that had been sent to the dealerships. They had theirs replaced at far far less than the $2,000-$4,000 originally quoted. I am just disappointed in Chrysler's cavalier attitude concerning this problem. I suppose that's how you get rich or richer, if you Deny-deny-deny!, rather than being honorable and taking responsibility. Does someone or sumeones have to die before it's a priority or even a concern?
- Ken F., Kent, US