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.
Took car in for check engine light (Catalyst, Bank 1). Upon inspection of the under body when checking the Catalytic converter the mechanic found the engine cradle (Sub-frame) excessively rusted. The car looks in beautiful shape with only 35,000 miles on it, so it was a real shock to find the car now a piece of junk. I have never received notices from Chrysler warning me to periodically check for this problem, even though they knew about it. I am having the car repaired because it will cost me slightly less than what a used car of the same year would cost me to buy. I can't trade it for a new one cause it's junk. Because it has only 35,000 miles on it it's obvious there must be something seriously wrong with it.
Update from Jul 24, 2018: Had Engine cradle, replaced including: Cradle bushings, Strut and Coil Spring Assemblies and Stabilizer Bar Link Kit for a total cost of $3,748.48.
I CANT BELIEVE THE SUB FRAME OR WHAT EVER ITS CALLED .
FELL RIGHT TO THE ROAD FROM UNDER THE CAR. MY GRANDAUGHTER AND HER KIDS WERE
IN THE CAR. THEY WERE ON THERE WAY HOME. SHE LOST CONTROLL OF THE STEERING WHEN IT HAPPENED. THANK GOD THEY WERE CLOSE TO HOME AND THERE WAS NO TRAFFIC.
NO ONE WAS HURT. IF THEY HAD BEEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY THEY MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN SO LUCKY. I PRAY CHRYSLER WILL HELP US OUT WITH FINDING A SOULUTION TO OUR PROBLEM.
Wasn't aware of any recall or anything. Went for inspection, then was told to either repair the car or junk it. I had it repaired because it is the only one I have and can't afford a new car. Manufacturers should warn people of this and have a recall fix for a lot less money repair or no cot at all. They want is to purchase their auto, but we won't if they cannot make them like they are supposed to. Glad I found out before an accident.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
Took car in for check engine light (Catalyst, Bank 1). Upon inspection of the under body when checking the Catalytic converter the mechanic found the engine cradle (Sub-frame) excessively rusted. The car looks in beautiful shape with only 35,000 miles on it, so it was a real shock to find the car now a piece of junk. I have never received notices from Chrysler warning me to periodically check for this problem, even though they knew about it. I am having the car repaired because it will cost me slightly less than what a used car of the same year would cost me to buy. I can't trade it for a new one cause it's junk. Because it has only 35,000 miles on it it's obvious there must be something seriously wrong with it.
Update from Jul 24, 2018: Had Engine cradle, replaced including: Cradle bushings, Strut and Coil Spring Assemblies and Stabilizer Bar Link Kit for a total cost of $3,748.48.
- veteranchuck, Lakeville, MN, US