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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
106,654 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.
Engine cradle is rusted I called Chrysler they said too bad that I would have to pay for it. This car will not pass pa. Inspection with this rust issue it is un safe to drive.
I have a 2004 Pacifica touring edition...passenger side lower control, hub, sway bar rotted out. Went to pick up parts and every car I came across had the same issue in the same place. How can five different cars driven by five different people have the same problem.....two words...crappy materials. Chrysler should proceed with a recall on the lower passenger side control arm for these vehicles, they are rolling death traps.
After taking my Pacifica in for service I was notified by the mechanic that my engine cradle has large rust holes in it. I called the customer service number at Chrysler and was told that yes they had an issue with this rusting cradle but only a very narrow range of vehicles were affected. And my mfr date fell outside that date range. How can I have the exact issue that they admit to but refuse to make the repairs because they created an arbitrary date range. I also cannot believe that so many complaints have been lodged and we are being ignored ! nbc news in Chicago did an investigative piece on this issue in 2014 and it is still a very dangerous issue. I refuse to scrap my mint condition Pacifica ! I had heard of a class action suit in Ohio and will look into that.
Will not pass inspection says vapor leak, has replaced gas cap twice, not able to find leak. Also the transmission shifts really hard, broken motor mount
Upon taking my vehicle to be serviced after purchase 1 day ago, the mechanic discovered that the engine cradle was rusted out on the right side. This is the only rust on the underside of the vehicle. I am currently in discussions with the dealer to remedy this issue, but have discovered that this is a frequent problem.
- South Bend, IN, USA
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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).
Today I went to get a state inspection at the same dealership since I purchased in the vehicle in 2007, went to pick up car and it failed due to the suspension. Mechanic explained that the sub framed had rotted out and it would cost $3500 to repair. Said it would be unsafe to drive car due to that part is what holds the engine up in the car. Looks as if its going to fall straight to the ground. However Chrysler has been having issues with this part so it would be in my best interest to call them. 9/12 called the 800 247 9753 recall # no help said no recalls on my recalls. Gave another # 800 992 1997 still on hold.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While an independent mechanic was replacing the struts and the hub, the technician diagnosed that the entire frame underneath the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified, but declined to offer any assistance. The dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and advised the contact to salvage and sell the usable parts. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 156,000.
While driving my vehicle home from work on 8/21/2015, I heard a loud noise under the front passenger side wheel and when I looked under the car today (8/22//2015), I noticed that something was hanging down under the engine. After internet research, I have read several complaints from customers who indicated that Chrysler admitted to not putting enough grease/lube in the engine cradle which could lead to corrosion and rust. If this the case - I believe that my engine cradle have broken and now my engine is in danger of falling out and I don't want to injure and/or kill anyone else or myself if I continue to drive this vehicle. The vehicle is unsafe and I am not in a position to absorb any cost that would be necessary to fix and/or repair this defective part on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Please healp
Took 2004 Pacifica in for routine oil change and found out cradle is rusting out. To replace the cradle will cost over $3000. To not fix it means the car will be unsafe to drive.
Was looking underneath my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and noticed a hole in the engine cradle (sub frame). Took vehicle to my local Chrysler service department for evaluation of engine cradle. Service manager stated after evaluation of vehicle that engine cradle has a perforation (hole) in it. This is a safety issue because engine cradle could break while driving and cause an accident.. he looked up service bulletin number 13-001-12. The service bulletin states Chrysler will fix vehicles built between February 23, 2004 through March 31, 2004. When service manager looked up build date for my vehicle, it was built on February 16, 2004. Since my vehicle was built 6 days before February 23 he could not fix vehicle under warranty. He advised me to call Chrysler customer service. I did so on May 29,2015. They refused to fix it under warranty because it was built 6 days before febraury 23. When I asked to speak with her supervisor, she refused saying, he will refuse claim. This is a major safety issue. If engine cradle breaks while driving, your suspension will break collapsing the wheel under the vehicle causing loss of control of vehicle. This could lead to serious injury and possibly death of occupants of vehicle and other vehicles that may be involved in accident. On the safercar.gov site many people have filed complaints for the same problem. Please order a recall of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica for this problem. Chryler won't do it unless forced to do so. NHTSA please do what is right and order a recall for this problem. Thank you
Was driving down the street and heard a load bang when drivers side of car dropped down onto front tire. Car abruptly swerved into lane with approaching traffic. Vehicle stopped against the curb and oncoming traffic stopped in time. We towed vehicle to a friends business for inspecting and it was discovered the engine cradle had rotted out from rust. We called local dealer and was asked for our V.I.N # and was told our car was not part of recall because it was not built within a few weeks window. In searching more information online we found this is a huge issue on these cars. Please advise
I went to go wash my 2004 Pacifica and when I got down on my hands and knees to wash the tires I noticed some rust under car so I got on my back and looked under my car and noticed my whole subframe was completely rusted out on both sides.I'm not to happy and I feel as if their should be a law suit filed.I have since read complaints and so far I havnt come across one person who lives in a snow state were the roads are salted in winter who have not had a rusted sub frame on their Pacifica.I don't know what the hold up is with Chrysler fixing what they sold to us!!!
My report is so similar to 10722720 and the others who have reported rusting through of the engine frame. It is unsafe to drive long distances because the wheel could collapse. My car has always had indoor parking. I asked if salt is the culprit but the owner/mechanic said it is corroding from within. Cost to repair: $3000.
Went in for yearly inspection. Will not pass engine cradle subframe rotted and cracked. Chrysler will do nothing about repair. Rest of car is in good shape puts a family out of a vehicle with a very big repair bill very sad excuse for a vehicle that cost over $200
While in for an oil change I was informed that the engine cradle has rusted through. I was told the same thing last year also. I was informed that now it has rusted through to where it may not be safe to drive since the engine could shift on the rusted engine cradle and cause an accident. Looking online I see that many 2004, 2005 Pacificas have this problem and many have been told by Chrysler Corp., as I was last year, that my vehicle was not manufactured within the 2 months where they say they had manufacturing problems and had fixed those that they say were defective. Chrysler has repaired many Pacifica engine cradles, according to information online, but only after having an outside investigating Agency like a tv station or other entity getting involved. This apparently is a dangerous situation that Chrysler does not want to address with a recall or repair. My request for repair is on file with Chrysler Corp. From my contact with them last year.
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at 40 mph, the tires squealed and the vehicle veered to the right. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel leaned inwards. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine cradle was corroded and fractured. The technician diagnosed that the strut, strut mount, tie rod, and engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
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.
The engine cradle, was riddled with corrosion and rust. During the driving the vehicles vibrate. My car in for routine maintenance, we are discovering that subframe and engine cradle rust. This is actually driving time bombs.
I have a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, I love the way the car handles. But it is costing me a fortune. I recently took it to be inspected and was told that the engine cradle has rotted on the passenger side. I have replaced the front suspension, stabilizers, and brakes numerous times in the last couple of years now the engine cradle needs to be replaced and there is no recall on it, yet it is an extreme safety problem. This is a replacement that could cost up to $4000. It is just not worth the trouble.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Ellwood City, PA, USA