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 4 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #54

Jul 222014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles

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

Corroded front subframe.

- Fort Wayne , IN, USA

problem #53

May 142014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 156,063 miles
I have had this vehicle into the dealership at least once a year over the last 3 years for various reasons. The rusting of the cradle was never mentioned. I find it interesting that now it is over the 150K mileage limit that Chrysler alerts me that the cradle needs to be replaced to the tune of several thousand dollars. I have owned several cars in excess of 10+ years each and never had a cradle rust problem. I also have come to find out that this is a known issue among Pacifica owners. I am curious to know what Chrysler's intentions are to cure this situation given the severity and danger present if unresolved...not only for me as an individual but other Pacifica owners as well.

- Reisterstown, MD, USA

problem #52

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

problem #51

Apr 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 99,500 miles

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

While getting an oil change my mechanic pointed out that I have a five to six inch long by about 1 inch wide rust through gash in the engine cradle. He says this can be a serious problem where it is possible that the engine could fall through the frame while driving.

- Vernon, CT, USA

problem #50

Apr 232014

Pacifica

  • 143,600 miles
I went to get a front end alignment on my vehicle and was informed that my vehicles sub frame is completely rusted through. I was told my vehicle is unsafe to drive and that my engine could fall out at any time. I called Chrysler and was told there are no recalls on my car specifically and that I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. I have done some research regarding this problem and have found that this is a common problem with my make model and year vehicle. I called Chrysler back and was told there was still nothing they could do even though this is a known issue. Only 6 weeks worth of my make model and year vehicle were recalled and that mine did not fall into that category because it was built 4 months prior to the recall dates. This part should be recalled as this is a common problem and as my mechanic pointed out it is most definitely a defect in the sub frame. If the dealer does not wish to resolve this issue I will be contacting a lawyer.

- Dover, DE, USA

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problem #49

Feb 172014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Sub frame (K frame) rust. Brought car to dealer where purchased and maintained for regular scheduled service. We were advise by service person that the K-member had rust holes and was unsafe to drive. He had a quote of $7000 to replace with new sub frame. I found a service bulletin and brought it to the dealer, I was advised that my VIN was not part of the recall. This car was bought new and has had all service at this dealership.

- Timonium, MD, USA

problem #48

Apr 052014

Pacifica

  • 127,000 miles

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

Engine cradle is rottted car is not safe to drive how does disabled wife get around she has chf heart failure.

- Fort Wayne, IN, USA

problem #47

Mar 282014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 112,281 miles
I am almost verbatim submitting an identical complaint that you received a day after I was shown the exact same problem, after taking my Chrysler Pacifica in for a routine oil change. This is exactly what I was told too on March 28, 2014. I was told I have a subframe/engine cradle that is severely cracked and corroded on the passenger side of the vehicle and showing wear on the driver side. I was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle. I have submitted an email to Chrysler and am waiting their response but understand that customers are most often told there is nothing they can do to assist with the nearly $3000 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. And may I echo the entire last complaint that was submitted that I just read because it's exactly how I feel too. I have read that Chrysler also selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. If it is not their fault, why are they doing that" the nbc report also indicates that NHTSA sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern" you might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe Pacificas, so that they could report it. Please reconsider your recall decision, as Chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production. "

- Perrysburg, OH, USA

problem #46

Mar 292014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 80,216 miles
On March 29, 2014, my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, purchased in August 2003, was inspected and diagnosed, by the dealership where it was purchased, to have a subframe/engine cradle that is "rotting" or in other words, severely cracked and corroded. I was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle by Chrysler. I was informed by a recent investigative story on the local Chicago nbc station, followed by internet research of the issue. I called the customer service number given to me for Chrysler and was told that there is nothing they can do to assist with the $2600 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. Chrysler told me the warranty they offered, related to the recall, was expired for my vehicle anyway. I never received any notification of the problem or that warranty, because they were keeping this problem a secret to most of their affected customers. I have read that Chrysler also apparently selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. If it is not their fault, why are they doing that" isn't this the same type of behavior that Toyota and Chevrolet have exhibited? the nbc report also indicates that NHTSA sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern" you might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe Pacificas, so that they could report it. Sorry if I am being a bit pointed here, but the I don't understand how Chrysler and NHTSA can ignore this issue. Please reconsider your recall decision, as Chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production.

- St. Charles, IL, USA

problem #45

Mar 032014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 48,000 miles
Discovered engine support has a rust through hole approx. 1 3/4 X 3/4. also showing other areas of rust damage. This auto is low mileage & garage kept. Have photos with tape measure if desired.

- St. Clair Shores , MI, USA

problem #44

Feb 132014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

My Chrysler Pacifica"S engine cradle has extensively corroded with rust and has become a danger to drive.this was a national problem reported on Chicago television nbc channel 5. Chrysler claims that they are investigating..I would appreciate if someone from your organization can look at this cradle and the danger my family has been put in. Chrysler also claims that my car was built prior to the problem metal on 2004/2005. Need for someone to inspect thank you

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #43

Nov 052004

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 500 miles
Extensive rust formation on all suspension components and in particular the engine cradle. On the engine cradle, rust is most prominent on the weld seams and the lower portions where moisture probably is pooling on the inside and penetrating what must be unusually porous and/or untreated metal. I am the original owner and I noticed a rust color on the various suspension parts early in the ownership. I mentioned this coloration to the dealer and they explained it as a clay compound spray that is applied at the factory to protect undercarriage from corrosion during shipping. At the time, I accepted this explanation at face value but in hindsight it probably was premature rust. I can't find any information on the internet that suggests spraying clay is actually a real practice. Furthermore, the car was manufactured in Canada. Not much rust concerns between Canada and the us. Somewhat plausible if shipping overseas. Unless someone informs me otherwise on this clay spraying, I think I was duped. At first this rust was just an annoying cosmetic blemish but it has progressed to the point where I am concerned about safety.

- Bolingbrook, IL, USA

problem #42

Jan 112014

Pacifica

  • 64,000 miles
The engine cradle cross member of my vehicle has rotted to the point that the car is unsafe to drive. There is a service note for a small window of Pacificas included on a warranty for the same problem, but only for the cars built within a certain date. Chrysler is aware of the problem, but will do nothing to correct it. The cradle incorporates the engine mounts, lower control arms, and steering. If it is not replaced, and breaks while driving, there will be a complete loss of control of the vehicle. I know that my vehicle is not the only one with such a serious issue.

- Cleveland Heights, OH, USA

problem #41

Jan 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 42,000 miles
The engine cradle cross member of my vehicle is rotting to the point that I can no longer have the car safety inspected in pa. There is a service note for a small window of Pacificas included on a warranty for the same problem, but only for the cars built within a certain date. Chrysler is aware of the problem, but will do nothing to correct it. The cradle incorporates the engine mounts, lower control arms, and steering. If it is not replaced, and brakes while driving, there will be a complete loss of control of the vehicle. I know that my vehicle is not the only one with such a serious issue.

- Chalfont, PA, USA

problem #40

Apr 282013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 98,110 miles
On January 28, 2013 I had my vehicle checked for warranty repairs. At that time I was advised that the front and rear engine mounts were bad along with struts. Also at that time I was called back to the service area by mechanic. He proceeded to show me that the engine cradle was rusting out and showed me various places where it had in fact rusted through. I was told that this is a major safety concern. I was given a quote of $1612.05 to repair this. Due to limited finances I have only been able to have the warranty work repaired. At the time I believed this to be an isolated incident. I have researched several other problems with this vehicle and have realized that this is not an isolated incident. I contacted Chrysler about an extended warranty for this problem and was informed that the warranty only covered those built between February and March of 2004. My vehicle has a build date of January 22, 2004. I believe this should be looked into more closely at all those built in 2004.

- Terre Haute, IN, USA

problem #39

Nov 192013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 143,000 miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle rusted out unsafe to drive.

- Highland, MI, USA

problem #38

Oct 252013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 116,000 miles
Control arm failure due to severe rust problem with the engine cradle.

- Rockland, MA, USA

problem #37

Nov 022013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 68,000 miles
On Saturday 11/2/2013 I took my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica in for an oil change, I was asked by the manager to come down into the oil change bay to look at the passenger side frame of my vehicle. He showed me where the frame was rusted and rotten through, he said the top of the frame looked ok from what he could see; however, the frame could buckle at any time, a huge safety concern. I asked about the driver's side, he showed it to me and said it was fine, solid and very minimal rust. Being concerned I began doing research and found out there are multiple instances listed and reported to NHTSA and Chrysler. I called a local dealership and they verified issues with the cradle rusting out and becoming unsafe and Chrysler did extend the warranty to 10 years 150K miles for certain build dates between March 04 and April 04, really! my vehicle build date was 10/03 and obviously should have been involved. I was told there was nothing they could do and it would cost me minimum 2500 dollars to repair. I also called Chrysler and they verified only certain vehicles were involved in this extended warranty program. This is very concerning as there are multiple instances posted out here and Chrysler will not take ownership of their issues. I only hope the NHTSA can help resolve these issues for the consumers who have purchased these vehicles and Chrysler now turns their back to all of us. Please help us before innocent people who may not even know about this may be hurt or worse..

- East Troy, WI, USA

problem #36

Oct 172013

Pacifica

  • 60,000 miles
I took my wife's car in because there was some shaking in the suspension...the mechanic showed me the holes in the engine cradle and where the cradle was rusting through.

- Wilbraham, MA, USA

problem #35

Oct 082013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 116,444 miles
Went to go get an alignment mechanic told me the frame is rusted that I need to get it fixed before engine falls out very bad news to hear and they want $2000 to fix I go online to research and there's thousands of complaints Chrysler has unsafe cars on the road and no recalls the mechanic told me to complain and they should cover it but they refuse to help now what am I suppose to do.

- Framingham, MA, USA

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