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:
89,113 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.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 4 of 5)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #33

Mar 082014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 95,000 miles

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

I took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in to get my inspection done yesterday. The mechanic put the car in the lift to check it, then he showed me where the engine cradle/subframe had corroded to the point where you could stick your fingers through the hole. I did some research and there are hundreds more like myself with this problem. Chrysler knows about the problem and does nothing about it. They recalled a minute portion of the same make and model with the same problem made in the same year. There are hundreds, if not thousands, with the same problem. May have no clue that they are driving a ticking time bomb, in which the engine could drop out at any time while they are driving. This car is supposed to be a family vehicle. I drove my two small children in this car for a long time, not knowing it could have wrecked at any time. Is it going to a serious injury, or worse, death for something to be done about these rolling death traps. I contacted Chrysler and they said there is nothing they could do because my VIN doesn't fall in the recall range. Yet, my car is the same year, make, and model. Something needs to be done before some is injured or dies. I know there are hundreds more concerned people with same problem as me and something needs to be done.

- Sayre, PA, USA

problem #32

Feb 252014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 113,000 miles
The engine cradle or subframe is entirely rusted through, I have been told by a mechanic that they engine could likely fall through the bottom of the car. The hole in the subframe is large enough to put your hand through on one side and cracking on the other.

- Dublin, OH, USA

problem #31

Feb 252014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 148,652 miles
While getting routine service the mechanic noticed both sides of the engine cradle were rotted. The car should not be driven till repairs are made. Seems that there are alot of these cars with the same problem as mine. A total recall is needed before someone dies...

- Shenandoah, PA, USA

problem #30

Jan 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 149,000 miles

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

Was informed by service center that the engine cradle was rusting thru. Svc center advised that this is a safety issue and needs to be addressed. Contacted dealer who looked into the issue and said it needs to be replaced due to rust damage. Dealer advised that Chrysler extended the warranty for 04 & 05 Pacifica's for 10 years or 150000 miles. Chrysler sent a letter to affected people on Nov 9, 2010. ( we are not part of the affected cars according to Chrysler) the dealer advised that our car was not part of the affected vehicles. Parts for replacement totaled out at $1329.55 plus tax and labor. Dealer said to contact chyrsler cust svc to see if there is any thing they can do. Contacted customer svc and they advised that the car does not fall in the affected cars and there is nothing they can do. Have sent a letter to Chrysler with no reply on this issue. So no we have a dependable care in very good condition that is not safe to drive and the manufacture is going to deny any replacement or repair.

- Esmond , IL, USA

problem #29

Jan 202014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 111,000 miles
Found out in December 2013 getting tires, that engine cradle had serious rust and to watch it. Engine light came on in January 2014, and car needed transmission work. Mechanic took frame off and it rained rust particles from the horribly corroded engine cradle frame. Called Chrysler, wanting to speak with supervisor. I was told that a supervisor would call me within 24 hrs. Never happened. Called again a week later, and that operator found out my original message was never delivered to a supervisor. And now I"M waiting again for 24 hrs for someone to call me.

- Pittsburgh, PA, USA

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problem #28

Jan 252014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 104,400 miles
Excessive rusting of engine cradle. Possibility of front end of subframe falling out of the car.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

problem #27

Jan 132014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 84,000 miles

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

I took my car into get the power steering fixed and the mechanic told me that the engine cradle was rotting out and I would have a couple months, at best, before it could become very dangerous and even deadly.

- Marshall, MI, USA

problem #26

Jan 012014

Pacifica

  • 128,000 miles
My vehicle's engine cradle and/or subframe is completely corroded and rusted. I have one very large crack in the engine cradle and another forming. The bolts and many other parts are rusted and rotted through. Chrysler is aware of this issue and has been for a long time but, since my car was made 6-8 weeks outside of their extended warranty period, they have refused to help me (while at the same time offering relief to others in my exact situation). During my initial discussion with their customer service, a supervisor told me not to call again and, despite not knowing the full extent of my particular problem, told me that Chrysler would "absolutely" never do anything to help me. Chrysler has also refused to explain to me what was done differently to my engine cradle and subframe compared to vehicles made on March 31, 2004, the day the extended warranty ran through. My wife and I have owned this vehicle since 2006. It's the only car my 4- and 5-year-old daughters have ever known and to learn now, years later, how dangerous the vehicle is in saltbelt states makes me terrified about any other problems with Chrysler vehicles that the company has chosen to keep secret. I am fortunate that we learned of the problem before the engine cradle failed altogether, which clearly could have led to serious injuries and/or death.

- Canton, MA, USA

problem #25

Dec 022013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 121,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle and advised that the engine cradle was rusted. The mechanic also advised that the engine cradle would need replacing because there was a risk of the engine becoming detached and falling from the vehicle. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure and current mileage was 121,000....updated 10/27/15

- Lansing, MI, USA

problem #24

Sep 232013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
We bought our 05 Pacifica a couple months ago used we were aware of the engine cradle being lose we then found out it was corrode out on the right side of the motor and steering rack problem and was wondering if there is a recall on either of these items we see that alot of 05 have the same problem were can I take my car to get it fixed.

- Cadiz, OH, USA

problem #23

Nov 202013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Front engine cradle on my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica has rusted to the point that the engine/transmission could fall out while driving. Chrysler says that have no plans to issue a recall for such a condition. I called Chrysler at 1-800-Chrysler and they said it was not covered. The vehicle is in perfect condition and has 109,000 miles on it.

- Shoreview, MN, USA

problem #22

Nov 152013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 98,000 miles
The engine cradle is rusting and the engine will soon fall down to the ground if not replaced cost + $2,000 +.

- Sandwich, MA, USA

problem #21

Sep 122013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shook with the illumination of the ABS light. The vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.... updated 10-17-13 when braking the car started shaking. Steering was lost, and the ABS light illuminated. Upon inspection it was found the front engine cradle had rusted so to the point there were big holes. The only thing holding the engine cradle together was the motor mounts.

- Emmett, MI, USA

problem #20

Jun 062013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 107,300 miles
2005 Chrysler Pacifica 107000 miles rusted engine cradle. Garage kept and serviced only at a Chrysler dealership, service dept never told me the engine cradle was extremely rusted and cracked. After several calls and emails to Chrysler corporation they refused to work out any financial assistance on repair bills.

- Geneva, IL, USA

problem #19

Aug 012013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
I took my Pacifica in to get the tires rotated and was told I had a cracked frame and they would not rotate them. I checked to see if I had a recall and I did not. Now I have a car that is worth less than what it would cost to fix it. Judging by all the complaints this is a serious problem and I am just thankful my family didn't get hurt because of it. I was told the subframe hold the engine so it is not safe to drive because of the crack.

- Three Rivers , MI, USA

problem #18

Jul 312013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 129,820 miles
I was told when I took my car in for an oil change that the subframe was rusted out & that this was a safety issue. I would need to get this fixed or the engine/transmission could fall out. My car has always been stored in a garage. There is no way a car of this caliber should have a problem like this. It isn't even something that our service guy has seen on very old cars. Was quoted @ $4200 for new one & around $1200 for used. My repair shop ordered 6 of them before they could find one that wasn't also rusted out. Of course they got more expensive as it went along. Very disappointed in Chrysler saying that it wasn't covered & they wouldn't stand by there product/defect.

- Reedsburg, WI, USA

problem #17

Jun 172013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Subframe corrosion - rust.

- Belmont, MA, USA

problem #16

Oct 012012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 140,000 miles
Subframe under engine is rotted out.

- Dekalb, IL, USA

problem #15

Aug 012011

Pacifica

  • 65,000 miles
I bought this vehicle in 2011. When I brought to my mechanic for an oil change he told me my subframe (engine cradle) was severely rusted and corroded and that I probably wouldn't make it through the winter...the part cost around $1200. Alone without labor. I tried to save up the money but we just couldn't do it and within the past couple months my mechanic has informed me that my car is not safe to drive until it is fixed. He also advise to check for a recall and to call Chrysler and see what they say to do. They say there was a service bulletin for that matter of the defective part but only for the month of Feb 04-March 04 and mine was made in June 04 and that my car even though it has the same issue is exempt from the replacement part. So I am paying for a car that is not safe to drive because of a defective part that Chrysler refuses to help me with. It is not from normal wear and tear this car only had 62K miles on it when I had purchased it and my first oil change came at 65K miles when the problem was first noticed. After researching the internet I found multiple complaints of the exact same thing. I contacted the attorney general and they tried their best to help but because my car was 7 years old it was out of the warranty technically even though I still have only about 80K miles on it. I was told to make a complaint on here in hopes of possibly joining others to where there may end up having a recall on this part seeing my car is not safe to drive at all.

- Worcester, MA, USA

problem #14

May 142013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 96,000 miles
Took car in for routine oil change. Chrysler dealer stated that the engine cradle is rusting out and needs to be replace very soon and is dangerous to drive. Chrysler had a recall for a select 2004 year cars for the same reason. Why has the recall not been extended to include a wider range of vins? I notice about 1/2 of the recent complaints are for the exact same problem.

- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA

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