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.

9.0

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,390
Average Mileage:
126,400 miles
Total Complaints:
28 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (15 reports)
  2. replace engine cradle (9 reports)
  3. replaced engine mounts (4 reports)
2005 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems

engine problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 2 of 2)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #8

Apr 022016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,400 miles

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

2005 Chrysler Pacifica I bought march 2016. I have 5 years of car payments to go. Engine cradle is rusted on the passenger side. Not real happy. Car is in really nice shape for the year. Bought it from a dealership that I know knew these cars had problems with rust. They put it out for sale anyway. And as far as I know when I take it in to have it looked at will tell me that it's my problem, bought as is. This car has put me in financial ruin, I can't afford to fix it and I can't buy another car owing on this one something needs to be done.

- Gerald R., Hale, MI, US

problem #7

Apr 022015

Pacifica Touring 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 114,000 miles

click to see larger images

cradle rusted

So, I had to pay to replace three engine mounts on my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in April 2015. The car was shaking, and so I took to local garage. They said I was lucky that I did not have an accident because the engine was ready to fall out. Then, just two days ago, on 2/24/16 I had to take my car to Chrysler Dealer to fix a communication error U110C, because only Chrysler Dealer can fix it. Part (new ground wire) cost $22.81, total cost including labor was $480.11. The Dealer also told me the tie rods needed replaced (again), and the serpentine belt as well. I said fine, and that I would take to my local garage for repair. Today, 2/26/16, local garage has up on lift to fix tie rods and belt, and tells me front frame/sub frame is rusted, especially the passenger side. They told me, coincidentally, this is the second Pacifica this week with this issue. I am appalled the supposedly good ole trusty Chrysler Dealer did not tell me about the rust. I am assuming they didn't want to deal with me, the car, or any of it. I then looked up and found hundreds, if not thousands of complaints (through different websites), of this exact issue...rusting of frame and engine cradle. So, I proceeded to call Chrysler (1-800-334-9200) today. Was just told, as I suspected, it is not a recall even though there are thousands of complaints. I am so frustrated, and will never buy another Chrysler again. They refuse to fix these known and acknowledged rust issues that are an extreme safety hazard. They apologize, create a case file for me (which will not even be reviewed, just kept on file), and say there is nothing they can do. Well, I am here to complain like many others, and to warn others to never buy anything from Chrysler again. They DO NOT stand behind their vehicles. S. Sheppard

- Sherry S., Forked River, NJ, US

problem #6

Jan 302016

Pacifica 3.8L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

click to see larger images

cradle rusted cradle rusted

The vehicles been awesome. We loved it, and took very good care of it, since it's our only vehicle. It has new struts, tie rod ends, tires, etc. We've noticed lately, the car is diving and swerving into other lanes as we drive. Upon inspection, we see the front engine cradle is rotted out. When we hit a dip in the road, the whole frame gives way, and let's the car steer "wherever it wants to". Horrifically DANGEROUS!!! And now, with us on a fixed income...we're SCREWED! Chrysler's not doing anything about it! WHY.....????? This vehicles 10 years old, and ALREADY SCRAP...? Nice $24,000 paperweight there, Chrysler!

- stampermi, Holly, MI, US

problem #5

Oct 242015

Pacifica Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

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

click to see larger images

cradle rusted cradle rusted cradle rusted

I am just extremely disturbed that this problem is not being address by the manufacturer. It seems to me that they would rather there customers drive around in this death trap than to take care of the problem that they are responsible for. I guess it is legal to sell a death trap and not have any responsibility in the making of it. I am so sorry that I was not aware of all the problems this car has before I purchased it (night mare)!!! You talk about a lemon law! I am hoping that someone from the company actually has a conscious and does the right thing. I know...I'd have a better chance at becoming the first female PRESIDENT! HELP!!!!! This is frustrating!

- jst.john1015, Mount Vernon, NY, US

problem #4

Oct 012015

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

click to see larger images

cradle rusted cradle rusted

I bought my pre-owned 2005 Chrysler Pacifica back in January 2011. Since then, it's been one issue or another but no matter what the issue was, it WORKED! I was able to drive it to work, school, kids activities etc. Forward to 2015 and I start hearing clunking noise in the engine. initially sounded like the noise you hear when you're due for an oil change. I got an oil change but the noise continues.

I take it to the mechanic who looks all over the car and eventually tells me he wouldn't recommend me driving it anymore. Needless to say, the engine cradle is completely rusted and I'm told my engine could pretty much fall out at any time now. I've owned this car just shy of 5 years. For a pre-owned car, I paid a good amount of money for it. Why would I willingly spend $4 - 5000 + for an issue that Chrysler should pay for. They've admitted to not applying enough coating to the vehicle's sub-frame during assembly. Currently the car sounds like a very old washing machine when it's turned on (that is when it does actually start). It jerks and vibrates like something having a seizure. I had to stop driving it due to obvious safety issues I'm not willing to put myself and my kids through.

It only took a small good search to realize I'm not alone. I've called the Chrysler dealerships around my area and Chrysler corporate. They pretty much told me I'm Sh*t outta luck! I've had a rental for a week, but what happens now! I'm not in a position to afford a new car!

Are they waiting until someone dies before a recall is issued?!? Let's just say I'm never buying another Chrysler again and I'll be waiting for that recall.

- Joy E., East Hartford, CT, US

problem #3

Mar 102015

Pacifica Touring

  • Automatic transmission
  • 123,954 miles

I original took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica to the dealership to have the steering wheel component fixed. At that time the mechanic showed me a rust area on the engine cradle and recommended that I should get it repaired in the near future.

I recently noticed clunking noises while driving and took my car back to the dealership and now they are telling me that I need to get the engine cradle replaced asap due to rust corrosion. I was told not to drive my car long distances, high rates of speed, or down bumpy roads due to the high probability of the engine dropping or the bar breaking and hitting the tire causing me to loose control of my vehicle. They quoted me a cost of over $4000 which I am unable to afford.

This is my only means of transportation to work to support my family. I feel that Chrysler failed to properly coat the engine cradle to prevent this rusting. I feel that my vehicle should have been part of the recall that occurred in the last few years. I'm aware that over 7000 vehicles have been recalled due to this corrosion but because I don't live in the salt belt my vehicle was excluded from the recall.

I feel Chrysler should be held responsible for all Pacifica's that have or had this problem just not ones from specific regions or manufactured during certain time frame. "The March 2012 bulletin said the extended warranty and engine cradle defect applied to 2004-2005 Chrysler Pacifica's in the salt belt, but only those cars that were manufactured during a specific six-week period in 2004: February 23, 2004 through March 31, 2004." ( Wood, CarComplaints.com, Jan. 28, 2015).

- Stacey K., West Branch, MI, US

problem #2

Sep 172015

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 134,000 miles

During yearly car inspection, shop found engine cradle has large hole due to rust. Cost $1500 to get used engine cradle or $4000+ to get new one. The engine cradle should never have hole created in it due to rust.

- Christopher V., Plaistow, NH, US

problem #1

Apr 032015

Pacifica 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 142,915 miles

The cradle rusted and the engine moved back about 5 inches on the drivers side. It looks like the engine fell lower than frame. I hit a speed bump and the motor came contact with the bump and tore the driver side right off the frame. Now I'm paying over $100/week for ride to work. I need my car

- ggman, London, ON, Canada

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