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 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
85,828 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.
ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT! Safety risk. Had replaced. NEVER TOLD BY CHRYSLER THAT IT WOULD RUST OUT. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WON-??T MOVE! Power steering fluid full. CANNOT DRIVE IT. I-??M A 72YO WOMAN WITH CANCER, NO FAMILY, CANNOT AFFORD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I NEED MY CAR REPAIRED.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the front end suspension was unstable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic replaced the rack and pinion, provided an alignment more than three times, and replaced the shock absorber and upper and lower control arms on both sides; however, the failure continued. The vehicle swayed left and right, which caused the contact to apply force to maneuver the steering wheel to control the direction of the vehicle. The manufacturer had not issued any recalls for the suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Engine cradle rusted out an cost me $1600 for replacement major safety issue Chrysler seemed to get away with an now I keep blowing power steering hose on front drivers side right next to transaxle I'm a big Chrysler/mopar guy an it's a shame they are not even willing to look at or consider a recall or replacing these parts an fixing thelse issues someone is going to end up dead because the motor fell out or they lost there steering an killed someone or them selfs. I replaced engine cradle about 6 months ago from today's date 2/18/19 an been dealing with this steering issue for the last couple months now an ill replace the hose once again today 2/18/19 whicham cost me an my wife a day off work vary disappointed with how Chrysler deals with safety issues
Recently bought a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. After doing some research online I discovered that there has been thousands of complaints about the engine cradle rusting out due to Chrysler improperly coating the framework. I naturally went out to look at mine to make sure it did not have the same problem. I was very disappointed. I bought this vehicle for a family vehicle and now do not feel safe driving it with my 4 children and cannot afford the repairs as my savings was used to purchase said vehicle. One would think after thousands of such dangerous claims that the NHTSA would do something about this
My 2005 Chrysler Pacifica started making noise in front passenger side in the suspension and wheel area while on the interstate. A short time later the front passenger wheel started shaking and wobbling uncontrollably at speeds of 65mph. Their was no warning! thank god I was entering town and was close to home. I got the car home and had friend who is a mechanic investigate the problem. What he found was scary!!!!! the whole sub frame and engine cradle was almost completely gone due to severe rusting in the exact area where the suspension components attach to the frame. Super bad day when I showed the pictures to 3 different local automotive shops with well over 100 yrs of experience combined and all informed me that the estimated cost to repair was $4000 up to $5500. Completely absurd! car is worthless and only has 100,000 miles on it. You should make Chrysler own up to every Pacifica that has this problem, not just a few that was manufactured in a few months. Their is overwhelming evidence that they didn't coat the frame properly. I will be sharing my pictures and when you see them ask yourself if you would want your family driving these cars and having to spend a very large amount of money to fix them properly. Chrysler is doing nothing because the NHTSA isn't making them. Please take my small portion of this ridiculous nightmare and consider at the least making Chrysler be partially responsible for their lack of consideration for the human life and the well being of its customers. This is a dangerous hazard that should be immediately addressed. Thank you!
- Macomb, IL, USA
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Front sub-frame has rusted through rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is the exact same failure as many other reports you have received on this vintage, make and model vehicle. Fca has refused to offer any assistance toward the repair and my local mechanic reported that new replacement sub-frames are not even available - leaving consumers with the choice of recycling the vehicle at a salvage yard, repairing it with what is obviously flawed oem components, or keep it as lawn decoration. I have taken the vehicle off the road and am thankful the problem was discovered prior to my wife or son experiencing a catastrophic failure while driving. It is only a matter of time before someone looses a life because of this defect. Be proactive and force fca to repair these failures - regardless of mileage - or this organization is part of the problem.
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.
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.
Dealer reported on 8/15/2017 that my car has an engine cradle problem. There are holes in the cradle now due to rusting. He also told me it is a safety problem.
The car under it is knocking and hitting against the car itself when you go over a bump in the road, the breaks slip unless the ABS light is on and the power steering compartment is constantly empty which causes the steering to whine until you fill it back up.
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 30 mph and attempting to turn right, the vehicle stalled without warning and the steering while seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,940.
During an oil change, massive rust was found in the engine craddle, sub frame. Failure of these parts would be catastrop. Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with a small subset of these cars but clearly applies to all as similar symptoms are showing in cars outside the group sleected for relief. This is wrong, this is not safe, this is not fair.
I only purchased my vehicle 1 year ago. The first month I had it, I tried to have it inspected and was told my sub-frame was rotted. I contacted the Chrysler company and there were no recalls. I contacted the dealer and they wouldn't help me. My check engine light is on because the O2 sensors are bad and now my power steering is leaking and I was told the steering rack is bad. I've also had to replace my inner and outer tie rods on both sides and also replaced the sway bar links. I am a single mom with 3 kids and this car has been a huge burden on me financially. I made a huge mistake buying a Chrysler.
My wife was going 35mph in town. Coming to an intersection she needed to turn. No brakes or steering, both stopped working. Luckily no one hit her and she was able to stop before hitting the telephone pole. I have seen a number of people online with similar issues.
Numerous complaints from owners of Chrysler Pacifica (2004 - 2005). The sub -frame of the vehicle was not treated properly for rust or corrosion. The motor mounts to the sub-frame and if the sub-frame is compromised the engine could drop down and destroy all braking and steering capabilities; as well as, catastrophic issues including death. What does it take for Chrysler to realize that this is a problem. How does Chrysler issue an extended warranty and then rescind the letter. Corporate greed at its best. This is a "family vehicle" that we afraid to drive because you do not know when the sub-frame will "give-way" and possibly kill everyone in side or someone else. Can I get some help!! please !!
I have just performed routine (10/03/20014) maintenance on my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The mechanic called to inform me of significant corrosion problem with the cross member (cradle) that supports the engine, transmission, front suspension and steering. His visual inspection, as well as mine, showed more then 75% of the passenger side cradle rusted away. An open case # 25736224 has been established by Chrysler customer support. My Pacifica was produced September 30, 2004 which is outside of the assembly dates established by Chrysler for extended warranty coverage. Failure of the cross member (cradle) would cause loss of steering, engine and transmission failure, and severed brake lines. Because this is a major safety issue it should be repaired by Chrysler corporation.
On 9/10/2014 my wife was in a minor fender bender and our 2005 Chrysler Pacifica had to be taken away on a flatbed tow truck. Upon inspection of damage to our front end from the accident the body shop informed they found that our vehicle was unsafe to drive. In addition to the damage and upon my shock and horror they found our passenger side subframe/engine cradle was almost completely rusted out!!! the cost to repair/replace the subframe and labor will be $1500!!! I am in the process of having them replace it because my wife and 2 small children are in this SUV daily. I'm thankful that this was found now before it was too late and something god awful would have happened. I'm in the process of talking with Chrysler and am looking for assistance in this matter. Thank you for your help.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Toledo, OH, USA