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.
I bought this vehicle under the impression that it would last a few years. I thought I could get at least 50,00 miles out of it before I would have to junk it or trade it in, however ever since I purchased this car from "RICK CURREN AUTO SALES" in Horseheads, New York I have been spending an arm and a leg on minor and major repairs ranging from catalytic converters (California emissions) to the latest issue with the engine cradle rusting out. Honestly I have no idea how much longer I can drive it without repairing it. In any case it will not pass an inspection which is due soon this year (November 2019). I do not know if this car is to be covered under any factory recall but I would like to know if anyone could lend a suggestion / opinion / help!
No rant, just a complaint that the engine cradle on my 2005 Pacifica is rusting out. I understand there is a class action suit filed against Chrysler. I am frustrated by the fact this repair is more than the value of the car. And I really, really like this car.
I just found this rust today when under the car trying to diagnose a new noise. My wife drives to work in this car everyday and takes our youngest son back and forth to school. I don;t want her to drive it now that i found this. My problem is that we are pay check to pay check. I can't afford to pay for the fix or get rid of the car and buy another. We are screwed!
Shame on Chrysler, FCA, for not calling all of these cars in for a simple fix of undercoating or something.
I can't believe what the mechanic told me today. He said I was extremely lucky that the engine hasn't fallen out while I was on the highway. I am a pediatric home care nurse and have frequently transported fragile children 200 plus miles to their specialist appointments. I am SICK thinking what could have happened. This car has run without fail, hasn't a bit of body rust and I find out that the whole engine cradle is completely rusted and the engine is only held in by one bolt. I am shaking with rage. Why wasn't a recall issued? I can't sell it, I can't drive it, and I can't afford to fix it. Who do I contact to get in on the class action suit?
Never saw this before on a car. I found this problem last year, have no idea how long before it started to rust out. was telling my friend about it and looked it up on the web. To my surprise I was not alone with this problem.
- Virginia H.,
Peshtigo, WI, US
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I received a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica from my brother, who was buying a new Dodge Ram. It only had 54,380 miles on it when I received it in October 2015. During a routine oil change in March 2016, I was informed that the engine cradle was rotted out and needed to be checked out in the near future. He also told me that this is a common problem with the vehicle. Other than a small amount of rust on the rear wheel wells, it is a very clean and rust free car. With the mileage being so low, I know this car has much life left in it, other than the engine cradle problem, which creates a definite safety danger for my son who drives it 40 miles one way to work everyday. Chrysler needs to take care of their loyal customers and take care of these issues!!
I came to a stop at the red light, the engine came out of the holder slammed and broke the radiator. So I had to remount the engine and repair the radiator. These cars should just get taken off the road. Why do you guys allow them to be sold. How the hell does the engine fall off the mount due to rust deterioration, and it is okay with you guys?
Years ago, Chrysler dealer suggested I get this fixed when I replaced the transmission - but at $2,000-$3,000, it did not make sense.
Plus - I always took GREAT care to under-body wash the car and keep in a garage to minimize rust. So - drivers' side fairly rust free. Passenger side is nearly completely rusted through - you can put hand in frame and engine cradle is about to fail.
I am original owner and body has no rust (remember I kept clean). I was recently offered $1,000 for the $30,000+ car (AWD touring) but waiting for Chrysler to offer settlement so I can drive it again or trade it. Today it is a driveway decoration..
I brought my car in for an oil change and the repair man called and told me the cradle was about to crack in half and it was about a $3000.00 part. I cant believe I need to pay more than the car is worth to make sure the engine doesn't fall out on the road. The car runs great I have taken very good care of it. Chrysler did not and is responsible for this defect.HELP!! I have my grand kids in this car and I can't imagine what could have happened
I HAVE A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA AND JUST FOUND OUT ABOUT THE ENGINE CRADLE IS ROTTING AND WILL COST ABOUT $3000 TO PUT ON A NEW ONE, DO NOT HAVE THAT KIND OF MONEY TO FIX IT.
Taken in to mechanic for EGR valve/emissions problem. Mechanic put it up on lift and showed me the extensive rust through holes throughout the engine cradle. He indicated he has seen a number of these on Pacifica's and recently priced a replacement of cradle for $2,600 to another client. I bout the the car for only $4,000. So I'm either going to try to sell it or wait for the engine to fall out and sell it for scrap.
Had the vehicle on ramps to do service and noticed the severe rust / rot on engine cradle. Very concerning, the vehicle has been well maintained and has plenty of life left in it. This deteriorated engine cradle is too expensive to replace due yo the overall value of the vehicle. Had it not been noticed, and accident or other serious situation could have occured if it failed
I recently found out from my mechanic that my 2005 Pacifica frame is rusted. It's so bad, it shouldn't be driven. I went on disability about a year ago and don't have the money to fix it. Now what do I do? It only has 165,000 miles. This really sucks!!! Does anyone know if Chrysler will fix it?
Our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica (156,595 miles) passed our annual state inspection, but we needed to travel 1000 miles, so we asked our mechanic to give it a more thorough look just to make sure it could handle a long distance trip. The underside of the engine cradle looked fine, but he happened to feel it move, so he used a camera to inspect the hidden upper side. Good thing he did! The engine cradle was practically rusted through, and the engine could have dropped out if we hit a significant bump. I was shocked to discover that this is a problem that Chrysler knows about, but only recalled a hand-full of cars. This is a disgrace. My family could have died, and many others are at risk for a known problem that is not easily spotted on a routine inspection. Not to mention, we had to pay nearly $3000 for repairs. We could not trade in the rust heap for a better car since the Pacifica has no resale value, also thanks to this "cradle rot" problem. FOR SHAME CHRYSLER!
Just like everyone else... i went in for minor work, {new tires} and the mechanic pointed out the crack with rust in the subframe. It doesn't seem as bad as the others but will need to be fixed. I contacted Chrysler since it was produced in Canada in the right time frame. Ha... Chrysler said it wasn't in the extended warranty. Now what. Can it be repaired?
I was in the process of getting new Struts and rear Wheel Bearings put on for Winter and my Mechanic pointed this out to me and said he wouldn't touch it. Suggested I find out if Chrysler had any recalls on the Cradle Rot Issue. Hence you all. Just got new skins and they never spotted it cause they all used floor jacks. I'M pissed. As they have stated, to fix it would be more costly than the car is worth! Love the Pacifica, been very good to me and the Family till now! UUUUGGGGHHHH!
I was very disappointed when I took my car for an oil change at Chrysler and was told that I needed to replaced the cradle.
I took my car to our family mechanic, ( Chrysler was charging a lots of money) and he showed me how bad the rust was getting and was concern for me driving the car.
I love my Pacifica! After 11 years she still looks great in the inside and the outside. Except for the rust problem underneath.
The engine cradle on my 05 Pacifica has rusted out at a rate that has exceeded what I would have even thought possible. It has rusted away at a rate that defies time and space...spaces where there used to be a metal. Seriously, the car only has 137k miles and I think it's unsafe to drive despite all the other maintenance I've done on it. Probably my only option is to replace with a used subframe, as paying a shop to put a new one in will probably be more than the value of the vehicle.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I bought this vehicle under the impression that it would last a few years. I thought I could get at least 50,00 miles out of it before I would have to junk it or trade it in, however ever since I purchased this car from "RICK CURREN AUTO SALES" in Horseheads, New York I have been spending an arm and a leg on minor and major repairs ranging from catalytic converters (California emissions) to the latest issue with the engine cradle rusting out. Honestly I have no idea how much longer I can drive it without repairing it. In any case it will not pass an inspection which is due soon this year (November 2019). I do not know if this car is to be covered under any factory recall but I would like to know if anyone could lend a suggestion / opinion / help!
- Darryl H., Horseheads, US