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
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
135,000 miles
Total Complaints:
2 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
2005 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments

problem #2

Aug 182016

Pacifica

  • Manual transmission
  • 170,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

caught fire caught fire

Car was smoking from under the hood took it home to park it then looked under the hood smoke was coming from under the engine so I goes in the house for 5 minutes come back out the inside of the car was full of smoke so when I opened the door I noticed the fire under the hood area of the car.

- Danielle P., Detroit, MI, US

problem #1

Aug 252013

Pacifica 3.8L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

click to see larger images

caught fire caught fire

On 8/25/13 my sister and I were driving toward the local mall in Tampa, FL. Once off of the highway, we began to smell something burning but figured the smell was due to the construction on the highway. As we approached the mall, the smell continued until I parked my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica at the mall. Once I got out of the car, smoke was pouring from the hood of my car. I popped the hood, and there it was a ball of fire behind the engine. I immediately called 911, where they dispatched the local Tampa Fire Department. The fire began to spread throughout the dashboard and front of my car. I was only 1 car payment from paying off my car which I have been in love with since December of 2009.

The fire department was unable to determine what caused the fire, along with my insurance company, as they mentioned nothing was wrong with the vehicle. And I could attest to no major problems with my car, except for normal wear and tear, such as the brakes or tires.

On 8/26, I immediately checked on Chrysler's website to find out if there were any recalls that could have caused the fire in my car, but found nothing that would cause a fire behind my engine.

Therefore, I thought it would be best to report the incident and file a claim with Chrysler, despite everyone telling me the dealer would deny any responsibility.

I heard back within 4 hours of reporting my claim that they wanted to send some one to look at my car. I didn't know when or who wanted to see my car, so I called on 8/27 and was informed a representative named Jay was handling my case, which I called and left a message with my contact information.

I then spoke with a representative named "Don" later that afternoon, who said he was a investigative engineer and I informed him to schedule a time with my insurance agent, who already took the car for salvage. After a few days, my insurance company demanded someone from the salvage company be with the investigator "Don" as he investigated my car.

On 9/6 he called and informed he reviewed the car, but he began asking me what happened as if he didn't have a copy of the case I reported on 8/26. He begin asking me to tell him what happened step by step as if it was an instruction manual.

At the end of the call, he mentioned he was waiting for the fire report, which I already had and emailed to him later that day. I started asking what did he find and he immediately began acting as if he was no part of Chrysler. He kept saying "I'm only third party ma'am and contact the case investigator". So after repeated calls and no return call to the investigator "Jay", I received a letter on 9/14 stating the fire was no cause of a manufacturing defect, but yet I have not investigation report attached to prove this. Needless to say, could have lost our lives, but grateful we made it out in time.

My husband and I were not in a financial position to purchase another car, which is why we were in the counting down phase of "no car payment". But I've reached out several times to the CEO and have yet to hear further on the investigation report or solution... It's been 2 years...

- Timmieshia W., Tampa, FL, US

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