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 6 of 6)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #14

Nov 042011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 88,150 miles

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

The front sub frame or engine cradle is rusted through and is no longer suitable for its intended purpose causing a safety inspection failure.

- Du Bois, PA, USA

problem #13

Oct 192011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 208,862 miles
Front subframe ( engine cradle ) has approximately 3 inch rust hole on right side of main member near the top behind oil pan. Rust hole originated from the inside of the subframe. This vehicle is only 7 years old and this is a critical support component for the steering, suspension, and engine that is now structurally compromised. I believe this to be caused by a manufacturing defect of the subframe. No vehicle should rust out this soon. I have found many, many complaints about this issue on numerous websites. Have reported problem to local Chrysler dealership, miller bros. In martinsburg, wv, and also to Chrysler customer service. Was advised by dealer service manager that he had heard of the problem, but had not seen this issue himself and that my warranty was expired and they could not do anything. Chrysler response is pending, however was told also that warranty was expired and not to expect anything. They state there is no recall for this issue, however there are rumors of a "silent recall" for this issue and vehicles have been repaired in Canada for free on the web. This is a very dangerous situation and that I believe needs to be addressed by a gov.'t mandated safety recall like the Ford Windstar subframe rust issues. Please help. Estimated cost of repair is approximately $4500. I cannot afford to pay for this, nor should I have too, plus I cannot sell the vehicle in this condition.

- Charles Town, WV, USA

problem #12

Oct 212011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 113,450 miles
I took my car in for annual inspection today....omg.....it's uninspectable.....too dangerous to drive.....there are holes in the front sub frame, rear bushings are gone in rear sub frame and the rockers have holes in them.....the engine may well fall out.....! this car has only 113,000 miles on it.....has been regularly maintained and now, how am I supposed to get to work"? $ 2944 quoted for new parts and more than $1000 for labor to fix.....all of these other owner complaints about the exact same thing tell me Chrysler is ripping off it's consumers....my understanding is the metal is so very thin - thin enough to barely support the engine even without any rust!! this is criminal on Chrysler's part......they know this is a problem and do nothing???" come on people of the NHTSA - make them do something.....this is clearly a defect.....a very unhappy consumer in Maine!! guaranteed no more Chrysler product in my future unless they fix this........!

- Edgecomb, ME, USA

problem #11

Oct 102011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

Had vehicle in for replacement of starter. Mechanic noticed the subframe was completely rotted and no longer performing its intended purpose. Chrysler general information yielded no results as there is no recall on that part. Local dealership indicated the replacement part was $3585 (new) but there was no warehouse where such part was stocked. No used alternatives are available. Car has 160K in miles, 2004. Still has life in it but now it's unsafe to drive.

- Burton , OH, USA

problem #10

Sep 162011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 117,250 miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica with 117,250 miles experiencing severe rust and deterioration in the rear suspension subframe. The mounting point of the rear shocks to the subframe is almost completely rusted through. Two mechanics have told me that such rust should not be expected on such a young vehicle. Many here have mentioned the front engine cradle rusting through. I'm experiencing the same type of rust issue but in the back. My mechanic says the car is getting to the unsafe to drive area! help!!!

- Pittsfield, MA, USA

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problem #9

Aug 292011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 65,000 miles
While driving less than 20mph heard loud clanking and hood of car was shaking. After pulling over lift hood and notice left motor mount had push threw hood this is the third time this problem has occurred since having vehicle. Purchased vehicle in 2008.

- New York, NY, USA

problem #8

Jan 012010

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles

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

I own a Chrysler Pacifica 2004 AWD. The vehicle has had numerous suspension problems, such as a clicking sound and an unstable vehicle. I believe it might be the front cradle of the vehicle but am not sure if this is the exact cause. Also, when I brake, the car makes a huge thud sound. I replaced the brakes and rotors as the dealer has done but the noise is still there. Please investigate this matter as many other Pacifica owners have encountered this. Thank you so much.

- New York City, NY, USA

problem #7

Aug 142008

Pacifica

  • 61,000 miles
Motor mounts on 2004 Chrysler Pacifica defective after 61000 miles caused engine to shift and loosen transmission cable/wire disabling vehicle.

- Voorhees, NJ, USA

problem #6

Jul 212009

Pacifica

  • 107,692 miles
We were told last week that the motor mounts on our 2004 Chrysler Pacifica were gone. Not broken.... gone. I had noticed some front end shaking when I hit the brakes at a high rate of speed. I also noticed that the engine was loud when I would hit the accelerator from a stop. Our mechanic discovered that the motor mounts were missing and causing the issues. Every time I hit the gas, the engine jumps up a couple of inches. My mechanic called around and was unable to get his hands on any motor mounts at this time. He was told that they are on backorder at this time. I have been doing some research and have found that this is a common problem with Pacificas. I have found a site, www.topix.com, has a forum open to list the issues with these cars. Over the last couple of years, many people have stated that this part is on back order and can't be found anywhere. One person also said that Chrysler is not making the part any more. I find this to be poor business on Chrysler's part. I try to buy american, but I have to be honest.... my confidence is failing here. I feel Chrysler should do the 'right thing' and make good to all the Pacifica owners who are having this same issue. At the very least, make the part!!!!!!

- Biddeford, ME, USA

problem #5

May 272009

(reported on)

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
2004 Chrysler Pacifica has a problem with the motor mounts. Consumer states the mounts have been on back order since Dec. 2008. The consumer stated a noise was heard when gong over bumps in the road. The anti-lock wheel sensor was bad, the tire light illuminated, the lower control arms and front sway bar were replaced. The motor mounts were leaking oil. The instrument cluster was not working and the egr valve was replaced.

- Delmar, NY, USA

problem #4

Dec 282008

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 71,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact has been taking his vehicle to the dealer for an oil change and service ever since it was purchased. The dealer stated that the frame of his vehicle was rusted through and failed. The vehicle was unable to be driven and the contact must pay for the repair costs. The dealer never warned him of any failures. The manufacturer stated that they could not assist. The vehicle is still at the dealer awaiting repair. The failure mileage was 71,000. Updated 02/06/09 the vehicle pulled to the left. The dealer performed an alignment and replaced the tie rod ends. Updated 02/06/09.

- Pasadena, MD, USA

problem #3

May 202008

Pacifica

  • 46,067 miles
Vehicle was making a clunking noise at acceleration, vehicle was also making noises that sounded like the shocks needed to be replaced. Dealership told me that the both lower control arms were broken and needed to be replaced along with the front and rear motor mounts. After this was done 2 days later vehicle check engine light came on dealership has told me that the emission pump and solenoid has failed - the emission pump was just replaced in November 2007. From reviewing the website it looks like chrylser needs to take responsibility for service. I have asked them for all of my parts that they are removing from my vehicle since I no longer trust the dealership and will be looking for an outside mechanic to service my car.

- Sylmar, CA, USA

problem #2

Aug 102007

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
In August of 2007 I noticed a clucking noise in the front of my vehicle when ever I was on uneven roads or a bumpy service. I thought my shocks needed to be replaced so we did that but the noise is continuing to get worse, I took it to a mechanic in October he replaced the bushings which didn't seem to solve the problem, he doesn't know what the problem is, I have spent over a couple of thousand dollars on problems with this vehicle already and I am getting a little worried about driving it down the road it sounds so bad I think a front tire or something worse might break and I will have an accident injuring myself or someone else in the process, this needs to be reviewed by Chrysler for the 2004 Pacifica, I know this the first year for this vehicle but the recalls to fix stuff are few and far between if they even bother, it just seems like Chrysler could care less. You can't even by a hanes or any kind of manual for this vehicle yet which is stupid let alone by parts from anyone for it.

- Canton, SD, USA

problem #1

Jan 212005

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,418 miles
Rear grinds and smokes. Heavy vibration through the steering wheel that is so bad that it is difficult to hold the steering wheel.

- Alexandria, VA, USA

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