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.
While driving to Florida on highway 75 the car was on the cruise control and suddenly the motor started loosing power. As I was nearby a construction site on the highway I could not pull over (a cement protection wall was on the right shoulder). As soon as the protection wall was over, three car drivers that pulled over were indicating that fire was under my engine. I tried to stop the car but the fire already burnt my brake lines, as a result I had no brakes. At that time the highway was in a upward slope and the car stopped by itself and started going backwards so I directed the car in the metal guard rail. Fire was coming out from both fenders and black smoke started entering the car. As the fire was too intense I only had time coming out and helped my mother-in-law (80 year old) to exit the car. I lost everything in the car (passport, wallet with cards, medication, clothing, etc). Very bad experience and vacation.
Update from Dec 15, 2014: I filed a complaint to Chrysler Canada but the only answer was that the we're sorry and to claim the damage to my insurance company.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
While driving to Florida on highway 75 the car was on the cruise control and suddenly the motor started loosing power. As I was nearby a construction site on the highway I could not pull over (a cement protection wall was on the right shoulder). As soon as the protection wall was over, three car drivers that pulled over were indicating that fire was under my engine. I tried to stop the car but the fire already burnt my brake lines, as a result I had no brakes. At that time the highway was in a upward slope and the car stopped by itself and started going backwards so I directed the car in the metal guard rail. Fire was coming out from both fenders and black smoke started entering the car. As the fire was too intense I only had time coming out and helped my mother-in-law (80 year old) to exit the car. I lost everything in the car (passport, wallet with cards, medication, clothing, etc). Very bad experience and vacation.
Update from Dec 15, 2014: I filed a complaint to Chrysler Canada but the only answer was that the we're sorry and to claim the damage to my insurance company.
Update from Dec 15, 2014: The car is a total lost
- Ron B., Victoriaville, Quebec, canada