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 / 5
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
104,767 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 engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 11 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #23

Mar 232011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 72,000 miles

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

Two month after I bought my Pacifica my ABS light came on and has continued to come on even after it was fixed. Apparently it is the sensor that keeps having issues. It reads a different speed than the other sensors. Also I keep having an issue with my engine light coming on randomly. I have taken the car in for evaluation 3 times and every time they tell me I need to turn the gas cap so many times to stop this from coming on. This actually does not solve the problem, as it is still continues to come on and turn off randomly. Again I assume a sensor, the automotive places are sure I just need to turn the cap, how many times will it need to be turned 20 cause 3, 4, 5,6 none of these stop the problem, super annoying Chrysler cannot just fix the problem, they made the car it cannot be that hard to fix.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #22

Mar 142013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 96,771 miles
A week ago I smelled an awful burning smell coming from my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. I took it to the mechanic for investigation and repairs needed. The car needed an alternator, water pump and serpentine belt. While they were fixing this problem I told them to investigate the rattling noise coming from the frontend. They found that the engine cradle was rusting away. The garage suggested that I contact Chrysler as this is a known problem with Pacificas but it has not been recalled. I did my research and found that there are extended warranties being offered for this issue. I called Chrysler directly and they told me because I was the second owner of the vehicle and they didn't know how the vehicle was treated and because of the mileage, they would not assist me in any way. Keep in mind I am a student and now have a car that is unsafe and Chrysler could care less!! the fight does not end here. Please contact me if you are having the same problem and what your outcome has been.

- Stoughton, WI, USA

problem #21

Feb 012013

Pacifica

  • 84,255 miles
The contact owns a 2005 chrylser Pacifica. The contact stated that vehicle was taken for routine maintenance and the contact was informed of rust and corrosion under the engine cradle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed that the engine cradle was rusted and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 84,255.

- Holden, MA, USA

problem #20

Nov 012012

Pacifica

  • 83,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that after inspecting the vehicle, he noticed that the engine cradle sub frame was completely corroded. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician verified the failure and deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 83,000 and the current mileage was 90,100.

- Battle Creek, MI, USA

problem #19

Jan 112013

Pacifica

  • 248,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a mechanic for routine maintenance where they advised that the engine cradle was completely rusted and would have to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 248,000.

- Grosse Pointe Wood, MI, USA

problem #18

Sep 012011

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
The engine cradle is corroding away, there is a large split in one side. Chrysler has issued a safety recall for the same year, make and model cars for this known defect. However even though my car has the very same defect its particular VIN is not included.

- Farmington Hills, MI, USA

problem #17

Jan 152012

Pacifica

  • 28,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle stalled. The contact powered off and restarted the vehicle however, the vehicle stalled again. The contact also stated that the failure recurred when driving at various speeds and also while the vehicle was parked. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the failure was not diagnosed and did not offer any further assistance. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times for the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised that the vehicle was not included in any recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 28,000 and the current mileage was 52,000.

- Kenmore, NY, USA

problem #16

Nov 032012

Pacifica

  • 116,247 miles
Had our 2005 Pacifica in for routine maintenance at local dealer. They "notified" us that the engine cradle had cracking. We checked with Chrysler if there was a service bulletin or recall on this 7 yr old car and were told no. We then searched on the internet and found a letter dated 11/9/10, written by Chrysler, to the owner of a'04-05 age Pacifica, informing them the warranty period on their front engine cradle had been extended to 10 yrs or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. The warranty was extended to vehicles in areas of high road salt usage, as they may experience engine cradle corrosion resulting in a "driveability vibration and/or shake". we live and bought our car, in Minnesota which is a state of "high road salt usage" but chysler will not back the warranty extension to us because the car's first owner was in Nevada (we are the 2nd owner). We feel the letter written by chrylser clearly shows they are aware and admit the engine cradle in this car is subject to corrosion but they will not fix the problem. This denial puts the driver, passengers and other vehicles on the road, at clear risk of incident. Chrysler needs to issue a recall to fix admitted and very serious problem.

- Minnetonka, MN, USA

problem #15

Oct 092012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 120,798 miles
While turning into the bank parking lot at 10mph the car just stalled. I was unable to brake or steer out the way. When gas gauge reads empty I am unable to fill the tank with gas as it begins to spill back out. Gas gauge reads 1/2 full when it is really empty? miles to empty sensor incorrect therefore I have no idea when I need gas. Driver side exterior headlamp seems dimmer than the other lamp. After repairing the entire front end(suspension) still sounds like the front end is going to fall apart when driving on Ohio roads. Felt it was necessary to document as I do not feel safe in this car.

- Columbus, OH, USA

problem #14

Jul 032012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,500 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while entering a residential driveway, he began to smell smoke. The vehicle experienced a thermal event. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was confirmed that the insulation from the vehicle fell onto the catalytic converter and caught on fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 80,500 and the current mileage was 82,500. Updated 11/13/12 updated 11/21/2012

- Orland Park, IL, USA

problem #13

Jul 262012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 106,071 miles

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

Experiencing a vibration/shaking in the front end of the vehicle. Brought the vehicle to my local mechanic and it was discovered that the K-frame assembly that holds the engine is completely rotted out. My mechanic advised me that this is a serious safety issue and should be covered by a recent tsb put out by Chrysler on 3/16/12, number 13-001-12. However, upon reading the tsb, it only covers those vehicles made from 2/23/04 - 3/31/04. My vehicle was manufactured in May 2004. I called Chrysler directly and they told me because I was the third owner of the vehicle and they didn't know how the vehicle was treated and because of the high mileage, they would not assist me in any way. I filed a report with the nh attorney general's office. I then received a phone call from Chrysler's claims investigation division. They offered to pay for one part which cost $1,550 (front cross member). I did not accept her offer as the cost to repair my vehicle in full with all necessary parts and labor totals $2,362.07. My claim was then referred to the Chrysler business center who would make a final decision as to whether or not they would repair my vehicle. I emphasized that this was deemed a safety issue by my mechanic. I also spoke with a local Chrysler service center and they informed me that they had seen 6 of these same repairs on my exact vehicle within the past 12 months and that this should be deemed a recall through the manufacturer. On September 24, 2012, I received a copy of a letter from Chrysler to the nh attorney general's office stating that my vehicle was "purchased used and is beyond any warranty on the vehicle. As such Chrysler group llc will not be participating in any repair consideration.

- Windham, NH, USA

problem #12

Oct 022010

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that as he was braking to a complete stop, there was a loud noise heard from the engine. The vehicle was taken to a mechanic who inspected the failure and replaced the motor mounts. The failure recurred. The contact stated that the motor mounts were replaced at least three times but the failure continued to recur. The vehicle was repaired a fourth time. The manufacturer was not notified of the recurring issue. The failure mileage was 120,000 and the current mileage was 142,000.

- Mt. Laurel, NJ, USA

problem #11

Sep 172012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 76,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having a state inspection performed on the vehicle she was notified that the engine cradle was corroded. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who verified the failure and stated that it needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in any recalls. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 76,000...updated 05/10/13 updated 05/31/2013

- Jamison, PA, USA

problem #10

Sep 262012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 93,814 miles
Accessed the interstate. Car slipped out of gear and started making a whining noise. Could not change speed so had to pull over to side of road and wait on tow. Had just done routine check/flush fluid. There were no noticeable trouble during diagnostic testing.

- Memphis, TN, USA

problem #9

Sep 282012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 130,000 miles
I was pulling into a left hand parking spot when the vehicle stalled/completely shut off. Dashboard lights were still on. I was able to coast backwards down a slope and back into another open parking spot. I had no power steering, and brakes were very hard to depress. I looked up the problem on the internet and looked up open recalls. I found a recall similar to what happened, but when I called both daimler-Chrysler and a local Chrysler dealership and gave the last 8 characters of my VIN, they informed me there were no open recalls for my vehicle. From what I researched, this might happen several times and I am quite concerned with my safety.

- Louisville, KY, USA

problem #8

Mar 152012

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While parked, the contact placed the vehicle in drive and noticed an abnormal clunking sound.the engine began to rev when attempting to accelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician stated that the motor mounts would have to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for repair however, the failure recurred twice after repairs. The vehicle was not further repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 120,000.

- St Charles, IL, USA

problem #7

Sep 132012

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph, he heard a knocking noise near the engine. The vehicle was taken to a repair shop for inspection where they stated that the motor mounts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and advised the contact that there were no recalls and for the vehicle. The failure mileage was 104,000. Updated 12/11/12 the consumer was informed that the engine mounts that were installed on 09-13-12 have since failed. The engine was unstable and unsecured. Updated 12/12/12

- Minneapolis, MN, USA

problem #6

Jul 232012

Pacifica

  • 152,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that smoke emitted from under the vehicle hood while driving and within moments, the front end was on fire. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 152,000.

- Atlanta , GA, USA

problem #5

Aug 112010

Pacifica

  • 60,000 miles
I was driving on the freeway, and all of a sudden the car turns of. I had my niece in the car. The steering wheel wouldn't move. I could've crashed and caused a major fatal accident. Shortly after that I needed to replace the engine. Luckily I had warranty. The dealership couldn't figure out why the car would turn off. This happened about 3 times. And still does. Now im having problems with the motor. I've doesn't over 8000 dollars fixing this car out of my pocket. The car is almost paid off. I need help. I feel like Chrysler has stolen money from me since I purchased this car. Not fair. Not right.

- Houston , TX, USA

problem #4

Jul 312012

Pacifica

  • 103,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected by a local mechanic, the engine cradle was found to be corroded due to defective material. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 103,000.

- Lemont , IL, USA

Read the next 3 complaints »

Not what you are looking for?