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

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 2 of 12)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #203

Dec 212017

Pacifica

  • miles

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

During routine wheel alignment I was told that they cannot perform due to the excessive engine cradle rust and that the vehicle was not safe to drive.

- Hortonville, WI, USA

problem #202

Dec 022017

Pacifica

  • miles
My vehicle started making a clunk noise from the engine area and stopped shifting out of second gear. I took vehicle in to a repair shop for transmission service and was told by the repair shop that the vehicle is unsafe to drive because the engine cradle has corrosion and has rusted to the point that the engine is about to fall out the vehicle which most likely caused the transmission to fail. This was discovered while my vehicle was being lifted on the hoist. The repair shop said they are afraid to keep the vehicle on the hoist because someone could get injured while underneath it.

- Saginaw, MI, USA

problem #201

Nov 142017

Pacifica

  • 148,000 miles
Engine cradle rusted out engine can dropout of car while driving car. Discovered when geting new tires. Not drive car until I fine out how bad it

- Chicago, IL, USA

problem #200

Oct 122017

Pacifica

  • 143,000 miles

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

While driving, the fuel gauge will fluctuate erratically and, occasionally, I will completely lose power while driving

- De Kalb, TX, USA

problem #199

Jun 282017

Pacifica

  • 170,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While stationary, the dealer noticed that the engine cradle was rusted. Ryan auto mall in buffalo, Minnesota diagnosed that the cross members within the engine cradle were rotted and rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 170,000.

- Buffalo, MN, USA

problem #198

Oct 042017

Pacifica

  • 92,300 miles
I took my car to the Chrysler dealer for a routine oil and misc filter change on October 4, 2017. I was shown the deterioration/disintegration of the cross member/cradle rot of the car. Of course, they showed me the cradle rot issue after the $334 of work they'd done! I'd inquired about a vibration or loud hum sound coming from the front end of my car on March 22, 2017 when I had an earlier oil change. On the service order, it was noted as "engine performance concern, " but I said I thought it was with the acceleration or rotation of the tires that was making the sound. "the technician supposedly checked it out and said it was found to be operating normally at this time. They said it was probably "tire noise." Today, I now understand why the front end of my car has been louder than what I remembered it. Today I just discovered the actual issue with my car is typical of many 2005 Pacificas. I'm sure I am not the first 2005 Pacifica owner that has had their vehicle serviced at their facility, and that they did not have knowledge of this problem with this particular year of Pacificas. This problem has been occurring for a significant extent of time; I'm quite disturbed that the dealer's negligence in not informing me of this problem much earlier can or could result in serious injury to myself as well as other drivers. I'm sure I am not the first 2005 Pacifica owner that has had their vehicle serviced at their facility, and that they did not have knowledge of this problem with this particular year of Pacificas. I still see several 2005 Pacificas driving on the streets, roads and interstates. I just hope these Pacifica owners will be made aware of this serious issue. I have religiously taken care of my car because I really love it, and I intended to keep it for a few more years and several thousand more miles. I'm looking for a car. Now

- Waukegan, IL, USA

problem #197

Apr 122017

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles

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

2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Consumer writes in regards to severe corrosion and engine cracks. Updated 09/12/2017

- Saint Joseph, MI, USA

problem #196

Aug 182017

Pacifica

  • 4 miles
Sub-frame broke on me. It is the exact part that was recalled for the 2004 Pacifica. However there is no recall for 2005" the sub frame broke while I was driving, with a children in car seats in the vehicle. This is a real safety concern, especially in the "salt belt" Chrysler's self admitted insufficient protective coating on the sub frame of these cars, should be enough proof, to raise eyebrows and remedy this safety issue. I cannot afford to repair all the damage this caused, and Pacifica's cannot hold a resell value, as selling this to another person, is just like handing them a ticking time bomb. Why is there no solution or help on this issue? I am not alone with these issues. I suppose it will take deaths from this faulty part before any real action is actually taken. Having a strong piece of metal to keep my motor from falling on the ground isn't to much to ask, or is it" the only option I have to keep my primary vehicle on the road, is to try welding the sub frame and hope for the best.

- Mount Clemens, MI, USA

problem #195

Aug 112017

Pacifica

  • miles
This is a real problem the sub-frame that holds the engine to the car is rusted through the engine cradle is rusted thru and will become a hazard to drive without repairs the cars are dangerous to drive because the engines can fall out.

- Northbrook, IL, USA

problem #194

Apr 202017

Pacifica

  • 139,000 miles
Engine cradle is rusting through and is going to crack in half, the engine will fall out if not replaced. I was notified of this when my car was in for an oil change. Thank god or we could have been in a horrible accident.

- Valley, NE, USA

problem #193

Apr 122017

Pacifica

  • 145,801 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving various speeds or while the vehicle was idling, the contact heard a knocking sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the engine cradle and mounts were severely rusted with holes. The vehicle was determined to be unsafe to drive and was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 145,801.

- Okemos, MI, USA

problem #192

Apr 112017

Pacifica

  • 155,753 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving various speeds, the vehicle started to jerk and then stalled. While the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated at a rapid speed. The contact was able to control the vehicle. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the egr valve, water temperature sensor, and intake manifold gasket needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failures. The failure mileage was 155,753.

- Pace, FL, USA

problem #191

Feb 022017

Pacifica

  • 124,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 25 mph, the contact heard a loud noise and the front end of the vehicle shook. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home where he took photos of the undercarriage of the vehicle. The photos were shown to a dealer where it was determined that the engine cradle was rusted and could fall out of the vehicle. The vehicle was deemed unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 124,000.

- Flushing, MI, USA

problem #190

Jan 252017

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
Since I purchased this in 2008, I have replaced the axle, 2 wheel bearings a few months ago, a few years ago 1 ABS sensor was replaced via warranty but they wouldn't replace the other - which went out 2 months later. They knew it was going to. I replaced the transmission 2 years, the fuel pump & catalytic converter last year, just replaced the oil pan gasket 2 months ago, the radiator 2 weeks ago due to coolant lead, and now the water pump is leaking coolant. This is just what I can think of off the top of my head. It has been one problem after the other with this vehicle and I have spent a fortune on it. I can't afford to replace it & my VIN doesn't show up on the recalls.

- Jacksonville, AL, USA

problem #189

Dec 242016

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 170,000 miles
The front cradle is so badly rusted it broke in three different places.. I was driving home when I made a left turn and noticed the steering was real tight and did not release back.. I traveled further down the road and noticed it was swaying and hard to keep straight.. when I made it home I used a flashlight because it was dark out and seen where it had snapped. Three different spots.. I'm mad because this was known issue and I was not notified by the dealership or Chrysler that there was a defect prone to that make and model. No average person checks the undercarriage of a car when the body looks so good.

- Burney, IN, USA

problem #188

Dec 102016

Pacifica

  • 115,000 miles
Engine cradle or K-frame rusted to the point of the vehicle not being safe to drive. Had to be replaced in order to continue to use the vehicle

- Sterling Heights, MI, USA

problem #187

Oct 272016

Pacifica 4WD 6-cyl

  • 94,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While undergoing routine maintenance, the certified mechanic diagnosed that the engine cradle was fractured and had severe rust. The cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 94,000. Updated 01/05/16 updated 02/14/17.

- Buffalo, NY, USA

problem #186

Oct 012016

Pacifica

  • 70,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While operating the vehicle, the transmission experienced very hard shifting. The vehicle was taken to an independent dealer who discovered that the engine cradle was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 70,000.

- Pawleys Island, SC, USA

problem #185

Aug 302016

Pacifica

  • 97,300 miles
Had my 2005 Pacifica in the shop to replace the muffler when they got it up on the rack they found the engine cradle on the passenger side of the car was so rotted they advised me not to drive it. Called the dealership and they estimated the cost for repair at $3700. Chrysler was notified of the problem and advised me that they would not help financially with any repair costs. What will it take to issue a recall" people dying" do your job NHTSA. Recall these cars before someone gets seriously hurt!

- Youngstown, OH, USA

problem #184

Aug 242016

Pacifica

  • 121,000 miles
Engine cradle is badly rusted through and needs replacement at a cost of $2,600 estimate from mechanic.

- Racine, WI, USA

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