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.

2004 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems

suspension problem

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2004 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 3 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #74

Mar 192015

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles

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

Brought my car into Chrysler dealer for regular maintenance and they called me to say that they would not release the car to me because the entire subframe was rusted and rotted out in spots. Dealer told me the car is a total loss as the repair is $6500 (blue book value ~$3500) and this problem is very common but unfortunately there's no recall. I called Chrysler and the just said I am out of warranty and they will not help, goodbye.

- Mountainside, NJ, USA

problem #73

Feb 042015

Pacifica

  • 164,000 miles
The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and indicated that the fuel tank was half full. The contact mentioned that the gauge quickly decreased to empty as the vehicle stalled. Also, the contact indicated that while accelerating at any speed the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 164,000.

- Cherry Valley , AR, USA

problem #72

Dec 012014

Pacifica

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

- Ashcamp, KY, USA

problem #71

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 #70

Dec 122014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 105,000 miles
My wife was pulling away from a traffic light and the steering locked up. She was able to stop before crashing. What I found was very disturbing. The rear engine cradle mounts had separated. Causing the engine cradle to contact the ground on acceleration also the steering track which is attached to this cradle became non-functional. The center ripped out of both rear mounts and there is no mechanical stop to prevent the cradle from separating from the body of the car with amount failure. This cradle had been replaced under aa warranty 14 months and 11,000 mi.earlier. I had the vehicle taken to a Chrysler dealership, they informed me that the front cradle mounts were also separated and they could not put the car on the lift to pick it up due safety reasons and the engine cradle would come out from under the car. I contacted Chrysler customer service and after about a week they informed me that they would warranty the mounts and no labor and only if the repairs are done at the dealer. The cost of the parts is minimal in comparison to the total cost of the repair and what could very easily have happened if the mounts had failed in a different situation at a much higher speed and not on a city street.

- Alexandria, KY, USA

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problem #69

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 #68

Oct 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 83,000 miles

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

After multiple hard clunk sounds after braking, we investigated the underbody of our Pacifica. The frame has severe rust and some good sized holes present. We are concerned that the engine cradle is unsafe and will not hold the engine securely. This car has no rust on the exterior paint, only the under carriage is rusting out. This car has been garage kept and maintained, so there is no reason this should be occurring.

- Plainfield , IL, USA

problem #67

May 062014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 128,813 miles
There are multiple occurrence but the start of the problem was 1 week after I purchased the car. 5/6/14 I replaced the tires left front axle along with the front struts and strut mounts, check engine light on came out for emissions system small leak changed the gas cap. Fine till June then I had to replace everything over again check engine light on again same code P0455 changed purge solenoid, along with the right axle. Fine again till August by this time check engine light is back on now changed the nvld pump plus replaced everything over again struts, strut mounts, along with the rack N pinion, front lower control arms both sides, outter tie rods. Once again fine then October rolls around I take it back in because it acting weird steering wise plus the check engine light is on again same code P0455 now I change out the canister, along with everything over again but the axles they are still good. Now November rolls around and everything is at it again check engine light is on P0455 they want to replace the fuel lines now. Also the 4 motor mounts are broke again my engine is almost ready to fall out. Now they are finally telling me after $3400 that this is all caused by the rust and corrosion on the undercarriage. My subframe and frame have holes in it, the rust is actually making it's was inside my car now. I went to fix a flat tire and when I used the emergency jack I pumped it 1/4 of the way up and boom it went right thru the frame. My alignment keeps throwing it self off because it can't hold the front suspension in place. The strut mount housing looks like another few bumps and it will go threw. Accident: 1st wk Nov '14 I was driving down the free-way luckily doing 45mph and I went to steer my car to the right and it kept going straight and scraped the K-rail. Mechanic said the the bolts he put back into the sub-frame keep falling out because of the rust.

- Riverside, CA, USA

problem #66

Nov 212014

Pacifica

  • 106,000 miles
I recently took my 2004 Pacifica to my mechanic to get an oil change and he advised me that my subframe was rusted, rotted and cracked with holes. He said he had never seen anything like that in his many years as a mechanic. He also took pictures of it to show me. I contacted the local Chrysler and the headquarters and advised them of the same. They said that they were aware of the problem but couldn't help me because my vehicle's age was over 10 years old. I explained to them what the mechanic said and that the part was defective not because of the age of the car but because of the defective part. They do not stand by their product because they said that because of the age of my vehicle that they would not be able to help me. However, I am aware that some local customers in my area had their subframes replaced by Chrysler "free of charge", because the parts employee told me. He said that pictures of their vehicles were taken while on the lift and submitted to Chrysler and they were given authorization to replace the parts. However, they would not accommodate me because I didn't have an extended warranty with them. Chrysler picks and choses the customers that they want to help. Although my vehicle is 10 years old and I don't have an extended warranty with Chrysler, I always have maintained the use of my vehicle with regular oil changes, tune-ups, brake repairs, etc. With a privately owned mechanic. There is no reason that my vehicle should have a rusted, rotted part like this especially since I do not live in a flood zone area.

- Pleasantville, NJ, USA

problem #65

Nov 132014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 91,500 miles
After having my front tires replace my mechanic showed me pictures of what was left of my frame from rust and rot. He said I had 2 choices weld or replace. I took it to a welder who has welded for 35 years and could repair most anything. After inspecting my frame he said there was not enough metal left to make a weld that would hold and stated if it were his car he would get rid of it now. So I had a frame ordered. All I'm looking for is to be reimbursed for my expenses.

- Rockford, IL, USA

problem #64

Nov 172014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

Dealing with a rotted K-frame crossmember for the front engine cradle; has caused the whole suspension to fail, effecting steering components, as well as, wearing out other parts such as, engine mounts and front end bushings on a car with less than 100,000 miles on it.

- Columbia, CT, USA

problem #63

May 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 132,000 miles
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 #62

Jul 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
I been having my Chrysler Pacifica 2004 for 7 months. I had to fix my left passenger axle, shock, water pump, radiator, passenger upper motor mount, the tank for the water, fuel injector line, two tune ups, air filter, fuses, brake lights and tires. Thing that is broke, the passenger window elevator, and my ac.

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #61

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 #60

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 #59

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 #58

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 #57

Aug 012012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 85,000 miles
Rusted engine cradle / subframe. Many near missed accidents. It's so bad I had to stop using the car. Forced to buy another vehicle because Chrysler customer care said they won't repair it. Ongoing for 2 years now.

- Walton, KY, USA

problem #56

Aug 082014

Pacifica

  • 202,000 miles
Had work done on my car and was told that the front sub-frame is rusted and has a fracture in it found out that this make is notorious for this problem but company wont recall the item......I need help fast...

- Manville, NJ, USA

problem #55

Aug 072014

Pacifica

  • 157,385 miles
I just recently purchased a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica as of this date I am filing this I got the vehicle home and put it up on ramps to take a look underneath at the exhaust and other parts only to find out the front sub frame is rusted out with a big crack and another hole in the frame. I did some research online to finding out that almost every Pacifica has the same problem, Chrysler should do something about this problem its obviously a major safety issue.

- Ashland, PA, USA

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