Our car suffered from a severely rusted front sub frame (engine cradle) that required replacement. We had the sub frame replaced, Chrysler refused to help or compensate in any way.

- Groveland, MA, USA

Sub frame rusted out

- Ocean , NJ, USA

October 31, 2012; the Chrysler dealer service department noted the owner that the engine subframe (engine cradle) had rusted through and advised the owner that this could cause a serious damage to the vehicle and possible injury or death due to loss of vehicle control. The vehicle was purchased new at this dealership, registered, serviced, and driven in the Chrysler designated "salt belt" state of Ohio for its entire service life (still in service, still in Ohio, still owned by the original owner). Apparently there was a Chrysler customer satisfaction campaign letter in Nov. 2010 that went out to vehicle owners in this area for this year-model vehicle, regarding this potential condition. However, this owner was not notified. When this letter was issued, the vehicle would have been inside the 10 year/150,000 mile service window and qualified under the extended Chrysler warranty. Fortunately, no catastrophic failure occurred before this condition was corrected. The Chrysler dealer made an offer to repair the vehicle for $798, which was accepted and the vehicle made roadworthy once again. Chrysler should reimburse the owner for the repair charges since no notification was ever received by the owner regarding the warranty extension, the risk if not repaired, or the procedures necessary to mitigate the defect.

- South Vienna, OH, USA

Adding to previous complaint. I find there is an internal recall granted to only a few. I am over the mileage due to mechanic's failure to diagnose the problem. Took for a second opinion, was told that the car is unsafe and that the corrosion was obviously there for some time. Car is dangerous that engine can fall out at anytime. Did call Chrysler and they made no mention of recall letter or bulletins released on this problem. Basically said sol that there is no recall. There are how many Pacificas on the roads with drivers unaware that their vehicle is a death trap to themselves and others on the roads. There should be a recall issued immediately.

- Pelican Lake, WI, USA

I was having Pacifica serviced at Goodyear store in newport, ky prior to driving to Florida. Mechanic called me to service area to see serious rust through on front frame rails and engine cradle. He said "do not drive the car to Florida. The engine could drop if frame breaks". I immediately went to wyler Chrysler and had the rusted frame replaced. I later found that Chrysler had extended their warranty to specifically cover this problem. I did file a claim with Chrysler and they did reimburse me 80% of the repair cost. I am now seeing, on edmunds.com chat site that there are many more owners having this same rust out problems with their Pacificas. A rusted frame breaking at highway speeds could be disastrous.

- Fort Thomas, KY, USA

I bought this 2004 Pacifica from a dealer about a month ago. Took it to the shop to get my shocks looked at and they told me they wouldn't do any work on it because the sub frame was rotted so badly they advised me not to drive or put any money into the vehicle because it is a safety issue. Also there is clicking coming from the steering wheel when you turn left or right. And also a week after I purchased the vehicle the blower motor resister is bad.

- University Hts., OH, USA

Dealer service department claimed that the subframe is rotting and needs replacement (@$1890 + tax). This problem has been reported by consumers numerous times. Chrysler will cover the costs for some cars -- those built in windsor, Ontario from 2/23/2004 through 3/31/2004, but my vehicle was built in windsor on 6/2/2003 and so is not covered.

- Fort Washington, PA, USA

Driving around 40 the vehicle started to shake. I thought maybe a wheel bearing or tie rod was the issue. Upon taking it to the shop to get checked I was told that the engine cradle was rusted to the point of almost failing. I am currently having the cradle replaced. Had that occurred at a higher speed I hat to think what may have happened. I called Chrysler and was told there is a replacement program for vehicles built between Feb 23rd and mar31st 2004. Because my vehicle was built January 23rd 2004 it was not covered and I received no letter. Despite the fact I was driving a vehicle with the same problem in a very dangerous state. There should be a nationwide safety recall.

- Brighton, MI, USA

My mechanic called to my attention that the sub-frame on my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica had rusted through and developed cracks adjacent to the rusted area. I was advised that the vehicle was unsafe and that the sub-frame required replacement. The local Chrysler dealer was unaware of any recall, but checking the internet I found this condition to have occurred to numerous other Pacificas. I contacted Chrysler customer service who informed me that an extended warranty had been issued for 2004-2005 Chrysler Pacifica produced during a specific time period and originally licensed in "snow states". the warranty covers sub-frame replacement up to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Unfortunately my vehicle was produced a few months prior to the warranty coverage period. It is quite unlikely that the sub-frame was produced satisfactorily and then it became substandard - especially since the earlier production on my vehicle has rusted through. It is shameful and irresponsible that a company with as much history and engineering capabilities has designed and manufactured a vehicle that becomes unsafe in less than 10 years or 100,000 miles. If they are not accepting liability to replace this inferior part they should at least have the decency to have contacted owners to make them aware that there is a 'potential for the sub-frame to have rusted to a condition that presents a safety hazard.'

- Glen Carbon, IL, USA

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed a rattling noise from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician advised the contact that the inner tie rod and sway bar links for the front suspension would have to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

- Waukegan, IL, USA

Sub frame completely rusted apart, resulting in dangerous front end conditions and expensive repair. Found similar issues for other Pacifica owners through research and believe this is a defective part and should be covered and recalled before someone gets hurt or killed.

- Upton, MA, USA

I took the car to my mechanic for front end noise. It was determined the front suspension frame was rusted and the car was unsafe to drive. Contacted Chrysler and was told to take to dealer. Took car to doan Dodge in greece NY. After several calls Chrysler has refused to repair. The cost of the repair is $1600 and it is a known problem. I am told they are quietly repairing some complaints. This car was over $34,000 new and should not be having this problem!!

- Brockport, NY, USA

I took my vehicle in to the shop to get new tires and the mechanic informed me that the frame was rusted in half. He told me that I would have to replace the frame or the vehicle would not be safe to drive.

- Thorpe, WV, USA

I purchased this vehicle used with very low mileage. It is in great condition until I started hearing a noise in the front end. I took into the garage to have new tires and brakes put on it. When the mechanic put it on the rack, he said that the frame was rusted through. So, instead of new tires and brakes I now need a new frame. I am just thankful that I was not driving while this happen. I was wondering if this problem as affected other owners also.

- Thorpe, WV, USA

My 2004 Chrysler Pacifica makes a loud popping noise when turning. It doesn't do it all of the time, but if you turn right, then turn left it will pop. If you're driving around a small turn and it pops the vehicle body will shift and you momentarily lose control of the vehicle.

- Greenwood, IN, USA

My mechanic has advised that my car has a rusted subframe, parts of which have rusted through. It is due for inspection by the end of the month, and I have been advised that it is rusted bad enough to fail inspection. I need this vehicle, and have taken great care of it. I changed the timing belt last year, and have kept it in a garage. I cannot afford to purchase another vehicle or replace the subframe. This is not normal rusting. My local Chrysler dealers, naturally, have told me that the car has too many miles and is no longer under warranty. I have done my research on this. Chrysler has been replacing subframes in some Pacificas, particularly Canada. There is a problem with this model; the metal was not properly coated or something. It is time for Chrysler to issue a recall and replace these subframes. When vehicles rust, it should not start in the subframe. I am a single mother; I need this car to drive to work and for family use. My kids and I are not safe in it, and if it can't pass inspection I will be without a vehicle!

- Beacon, NY, USA

Took car to the shop for routine schedule maintenance. The mechanic said that the subframe was severely damaged by rust and recommended replacing it as soon as possible. He stated that is very dangerous driving a car in this condition. I googled " Pacifica subfame rust" and find out that this issue is huge. The mechanic said that this deterioration is not normal. There should be a recall campaign to make Chrysler aware of this problem.

- Fairfax, VA, USA

In going to mechanic to get oil change. I was notified that subframe was rusted out and car is very dangerous to be driven. I have yet to contact dealership but on doing a search on line I found this to be a major issue with this car. I live in the suburbs of Chicago.

- Highland Park, IL, USA

I took my care into the sear auto center in annapolis, md for a tune up and also asked them to check for the knocking noise under my hood as is was affecting my steering and making the car hard to steer when going around curves. I was told that the front end suspension needed to be replaced badly as the parts were severely rusted. I was also told that I would have to leave the car at the facility overnight as they were having problems removing the old parts due to heavy corrosion on the old parts and it would take more time to get the parts off and replace then with new parts. In December of 2011, I purchsed new tires and was also told that I needed to purchse new wheels because the current wheels on the vehicle were starting to rust. In September, I had my brake pads replaced and was also told that I needed new rotors because those were also rusting. I do not live in a flood zone, nor have I ever had my car in a flood. I was made aware of a recall by Chrysler yesterday of its 2004-2005 Jeep brand due to corrosion and wanted to submit this as there may also me Chrysler such as mine that have had corrosion issues from normal usage. A few years ago, I also had to have the rear differential serviced due to a leak and this may have also been due to corrosion.

- Upper Marlboro, MD, USA

2004 Chrysler Pacifica taken to mechanic after purchasing used with 69,500 miles for "clunking" noise in front-end. Replaced parts included: Sway bar linkages, tie rod ends, and struts and mounts all of which needed replacing. But the noise was still there. The mechanic then used a tool he called "chassis ears" to pinpoint the source of the noise. He found that the subframe (engine cradle) was rusted at the point that it mounts to the body, just under the front passenger-side floorboard. Upon further inspection rust was apparent on the drivers-side also. This is a major safety issue!!! the entire front-end of the vehicle including: Engine, transmission, and all front-end suspension and steering is held in place by this subframe (engine cradle). What happens when this totally fails while driving with six people in the vehicle" why has this not become a mandatory safety recall? does someone have to get killed before this gets someones attention" this is not an isolated incident as can be seen by this website. NHTSA please help!!!

- Banner Elk, NC, USA