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 1 of 12)

problem #223

May 022022

Pacifica

  • miles

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

My engine in my car just shut down in the middle of driving. I was told it was a recall and was fixed yrs ago but it has happened 3 times since. Twice after getting gas and one time driving in the school parking lot. Lost all control of power steering and time of engine trouble. Car started back up and engine light came on and went back of and back on. Also smelt burning wires but couldn-??t find anything

- Sealy , TX, USA

problem #222

Sep 012021

Pacifica

  • miles
Like other Pacificas 2004-10 my front subframe is rusting away. The repair cost will be $1500 if I am lucky. Please help!

- Asheville, NC, USA

problem #221

Aug 012021

Pacifica

  • miles
I have had two Pacificas 2004 and 2005 both did the exact same thing. Started with an odor of exhaust or fumes of some sort in the same week. It lost power, overheated, had to pulled home. Would start if cold for short period of time. In less than the same week. Went to have someone work on it and the battery was dead where I had tried to start it to many times/ my fault. However as soon as it got connection the key wasnt even in the switch and the motor was rolling over. That one sat at that time. Found 05 within a week or two and figured one for parts if break down. Nothing at all wrong starting out. Only drove the 05 apprx 3months and started the exact same thing from odor to overheating and I do not know alot about vehicles but seems to have jumped time. However I am a single woman and do not carry a license mechanic and im now stranded with no vehicle to get around while I have two Pacificas seem same issues just drove one a little longer. I may be rough on thing but exact problems seems to be a malfunction on ur part........VIN to other one2C8gf68414R644267...and I do not have invoices because I cant afford to get them fixed. I have my titles and sale prices and only few months of owning. So I just expect to at least see if its Chrysler problem

- Woodsfield, OH, USA

problem #220

Jul 252019

Pacifica

  • 80,000 miles

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

Head lights cut off and on intermittently engine idles ruff

- Eastpointe, MI, USA

problem #219

Mar 122020

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 181,000 miles
Engine cradle sub frame rusted through on one side causing the car to pull to one side.

- Cincinnati, OH, USA

problem #218

Dec 012019

Pacifica

  • miles
2005 Chrysler Pacifica touring has rusted engine cradle. For some reason this car is not covered for the recall but it clearly is affected by what ever the manufacturer failed to complete on car to ensure it would remain safe. I have a big whole and motor could fall out. I need help on trying to get expensive item paid for. The suspension is horrible all issues just not a good car at all.

- St. Louis, MO, USA

problem #217

Oct 152019

Pacifica

  • 157,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Whenever the vehicle was in reverse, the engine stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who was able to duplicate the failure. The technician advised the contact to take the vehicle to a Chrysler dealer. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,000.

- Greensboro, NC, USA

problem #216

Oct 052019

Pacifica

  • 154,000 miles
Cradle under car that holds motor in is all rusted out we were told not to drive car because it is rusted out so bad the motor could fall out as I look up on internet I see others with same problem why did this not call for a recall on these cars

- Grand Rapids, MI, USA

problem #215

Oct 012019

Pacifica

  • 169 miles
The motor mint broke out of nowhere. No explanation. This is the second Chrysler that the same thing happen to. And can't find the screws to fix it.

- Stamford, CT, USA

problem #214

Jan 082019

Pacifica

  • 160,000 miles
The 2005 chrystler Pacifica was traveling 35 mph in the winter on a paved road when it just died no warning. I had it towed to my house for further testing.the car tries starting but never turns over act like no fuel. I then hooked it up to my foxwell NT630 elite obd2 scanner it detected codes P0340, P2066, P0700, & P0461 code P0340 cam shaft position sensor a circuit bank 1 or single sensor (part replaced). Code P2066 fuel level sensor B (performance). Code P0700 transmission control system. Code P0461 fuel level sensor a (range/performance) NHTSA campaign number: 06V432000 manufacturer DaimlerChrysler corporation components power train potential number of units affected 127,928 summary: On certain passenger vehicles, the fuel pump module and the power train control module (PCM) software may allow the engine to stall under certain operating conditions. Remedy dealers will reprogram the power train control module. The fuel pump module will also be replaced on vehicles built from August 1, 2004 through September 30, 2004. The recall began on November 21, 2006. Owners may contact DaimlerChrysler at 1-800-853-1403. Two separate defect conditions that could result in engine stall while driving in model year (my) 2005-2006 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles (NHTSA recall no. 06V-432). My 2005 vehicles built in August and September of 2004 are being recalled to correct a defect in the secondary fuel pump modules, which may have an improper press fitting on the inlet that can become dislodged and shut-off fuel flow. All my 2005-2006 vehicles built between July 8, 2004 and November 11, 2005 are being recalled to correct a powertrain control module (PCM) software issue with the evaporative emissions system which can also cause stalling. For both conditions, engine stall incidents tend to occur during left turns. NHTSA action number: RQ06002

- Hiawatha, IA, USA

problem #213

Mar 232019

Pacifica

  • 144,000 miles

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

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 55 mph, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond. Hall Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Virginia beach (located at 3152 Virginia beach blvd, Virginia beach, va 23452, (877) 475-0721) was contacted and an appointment was made to have the vehicle diagnosed. The diagnostic test had not yet been performed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 144,000.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #212

Aug 112018

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 150,000 miles
I drove out from car wash I was going about 35mph then I turned right on to the freeway soon as I reached 50mph my vehicle made a weird noise and shut off as im on the freeway. There were no warning lights on whatsoever although I got a "gas cap" message. The steering wheel locked I had to pull off the free way(no accident, thankfully) the breaks were hard to push down I had no choice but to let it roll through traffic I got to a safe place I put it in park waited about 30 minutes to try starting it, it would not start. Smoke came out from back passenger rear tire. Let my car sit over night tried to start it the next morning, again it would not start. I had it towed it into shop they could not find the problem I had left my vehicle in the shop for a week other mechanics discovered the problem. Later they told me I need a whole new engine. I only got to drive it 2X before it stalled. I really like it and wish I can get it fixed I do believe it has to do with the power train, fuel propulsion, and engine.

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #211

Feb 192019

Pacifica

  • 155,000 miles
I am the sole owner of my 2005 Pacifica, bought it brand new and have had it serviced by the same Chrysler dealership since I bought it. I brought it in for an oil change on Feb. 19, 2019 and was informed the engine crossmember is rusted out and needs replacement asap. The dealership has never mentioned this previously, and they have changed oil every 3-4 months for 14 years. After receiving the news, I have researched this issue and Chrysler (as well as the dealership) has known about this for years and has not said anything. Repair cost is estimated at $3,000. I have garage kept this car since I purchased it and it looks is in great condition, both inside and out, until you look under the car.

- Green Bay, WI, USA

problem #210

Aug 112018

Pacifica

  • 150,194 miles
I just came out from car wash I turned right on to the freeway soon as I reached 50mph my vehicle made a weird noise and shut off. The steering wheel locked I had to pull off free way(no accident, thankfully) go to a safe place put it in park try starting it it wouldn't start. Smoke came out from back passenger rear tire. Let my car sit over night tried to start it next morning, wouldn't start. Towed it into shop they couldn't find the problem but later they told me I need a whole new engine. I only got to drive it 2X before it stalled. I really like it and wish I can get it fixed

- Scottsdale, AZ, USA

problem #209

Oct 022018

Pacifica

  • 60,000 miles
We took the vehicle for an oil change and the mechanic noticed severe rusting along the engine cradle. The mechanic said its almost to the point of being unsafe to drive as the engine may drop out of it. My wife purchased this car approximately 2 years ago from a Chrysler dealership in southeastern Michigan. At the time it had 41,000 miles on it. Today it has 60,000 miles

- Leonard, MI, USA

problem #208

Aug 062018

Pacifica

  • 80,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 50-60 mph, the contact felt an abnormal vibration coming from the vehicle. The contact was unable to keep the vehicle in the lane while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for an alignment and the contact was informed that the engine cradle was severely corroded. The contact stated that there was a hole in the engine compartment due to the corrosion. A dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

- Dearborn, MI, USA

problem #207

Mar 142017

Pacifica

  • 164,000 miles
Transmission all the sudden acted like it wasn't ahifting just driving normally on regular paved road, rpms high and dies and has a knock under the hood. Tried looking up what is wrong and apparently there are thousands of them that have done same thing. Would like to get it fixed but seems no one knows how to fix

- Sorento, IL, USA

problem #206

Jan 152018

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 160,000 miles
The contact's daughter owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While the contact's daughter was driving various speeds, she heard an abnormal noise under the hood. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine cradle rotted and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called grava Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram srt at (781) 391-8950 (29 mystic ave, medford, MA 02155) where it was confirmed that no recall was associated with the VIN. The manufacturer was notified and confirmed that no recall was associated with the VIN. The failure mileage was 160,000.

- Chelsea, MA, USA

problem #205

Jan 122018

Pacifica

  • 151,000 miles
Dangerous...my 05 Pacifica engine mount and subframe are completely rusted and the engine is on the verge of dropping out potentially causing serious injuries or death. I found this out during an oil change. Now as I drive the steering wheel shakes and front passenger side makes knocking noise. I don't have the money to fix it or the credit to get a newer vehicle. My only choice is to drive it until something bad happens, then maybe Chrysler will do what's right and send out a recall. Please help all of us complaining about this same issue. There are hundreds if not thousands of complaints of this exact same issue. I loved this vehicle, now I'm scared to drive it at all.

- Springfield, OH, USA

problem #204

Oct 312005

Pacifica

  • 21,676 miles
While driving the car the engine mounts break away from the engine, causing a rough vibration on the floor pan of the vehicle. This problem started happening on 10/31/05, 11/04/05, 10/26/06 to present, I have to constantly replace the engine mounts on this vehicle and I believe the breaking of the mounts affects the suspension of the vehicle. The breaking of the axle and tie rods from the pressure of the engine jerking with the mounts break. I've bought engine mounts with lifetime warranties being I have to replace these mounts so often.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

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