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:
2 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
90,946 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.
Takata recall I recently took a loan out and purchased a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica from a dealer nearby. When my mechanic looked at it he could not understand how the dealership passed the safety inspection a month ago. He said the rust was spread all across front engine cradle or the vehicle. He did not think I should be driving the vehicle because the engine could drop out due to the rust. Looking up any safety recalls and noticed there were none. Only a service bulletin that states Chrysler will only fix the problem if you are located within the salt states and the vehicle is within the 10 year or 150,000 miles. I am 6 months past the 10 year with only 105,000 and located in a salt state. I purchased my vehicle just over 30 days ago so the dealership will not do anything. Chrysler should really make good on fixing this major safety hazard if they want buyers to trust their product. I am now paying a loan on a car that is unsafe to drive. This is a safety issue!!!
I bought this car in 2011 all I have had with this car is problems after problems. First I was driving and the car stopped running it was something electrical then now my sub frame is no good it is rotted out rust all over the sub frame and I have two little girls in my car all the time and to top it off I'm still paying on this car to the bank what do I do not. I need someones help this is to much money for one person to pay when this was not my doing it was the car makers doing.
My daughters 2005 Chrysler Pacifica touring edition doesn't look bad physically and runs well but after routine tire rotation we were told and show that the cross member or subframe engine cradle is completely rusted and unsafe to drive. We were told by Chrysler extended warranty only for those made 2-23 to 3-31-14 so can't assist. This is a good car but now unsafe and we don't have a ton of $ to sink into an older car.
When I drive my car I can hear my engine hitting the walls of my car. It is loose and also the breaks ABS light is on throughout my drive. If it is not on than the breaks slide.
Purchased 2005 Chrysler Pacifica limited 4 years ago. Currently 109,000 miles.. had been hearing a clunky noise for a short time took it in to get checked😔 mechanic came back with ghastly news. Tie rods, bushings, water pump, rear axle shaft oilseal and worst of all cradle was rusting through. Over $7000 to fix all. I thought I would faint. No way could I do all the repairs. Upon reading all complaints Chrysler should fix the rustimg problem. Shame on them for letting these cars on the road knowing this could happen to families purchasing their vehicles and possibly having a fatal accidemt occuring when the engine falls out.
I'm one of the victim of the engine cradle rot, that occurs in the 2004 and 2005 Pacifica. I found out about it when I jacked up the car to get under it, it was hidden. The failure of the cradle was 100%. it failed on the passenger's side of cradle and was rusted from front to back
My mechanic informed me that the engine cradle on my car is completely rotted out and is a serious issue which is a fatality hazard. He gave me a copy of Chrysler "extended warranty period" written notice for this issue for Pacifica model years 2004-2005. I called them and they stated that I'm not covered because my car was built in 8/04 and not between 3/04-4/04. The notice does not state that the cars need to be built in a particular month. Their statement makes no sense to me and I think they are lying. All of the signs of their notice is what I have have been experiencing for over a year, the "corrosion resulting in drivability vibration and/or shake." Could you please help me I love my car but can't afford the repair cost and they need to stand by their awareness of the defect and written warranty coverge notice. The notice is labeled as "[xxx]". thank you. Information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
On the highway there were these vibrations in the pacific so my husband and I took the car to the mechanic which recommended new suspension so we got those. The problem wasn't fixed my husband took it to another mechanic for new tires, suspension and alignment to be told that our only means of transportation was not fit to drive because the subframe completely has rotted out. Thank god he did that, I'm horrified my child was in it all this time. My husband and I called the number 1 800-992-1997 DaimlerChrysler. To be told there is nothing that can be done for us the mileage of the car was outside warranty. The mechanic's quote for is over $2000. I'm not sure what to do right now to get to work and manage my usual weekly errands.
During routine yearly state inspection, inspector found that engine cradle was rotted out.. the engine cradle has big hole on right side from rot. I have been told by numerous body shops that this part of frame should never rust through.
The cradle mount for the engine has rusted making the vehicle unsafe to drive! this 2005 Chrysler Pacifica has very little body rust and the engine is in good condition. This problem is very common according to many mechanics I have visited. All of them say that the engine could fall out at any time.
I recently changed my own oil on this vehicle. When I was underneath of it I observed 1 medium sized rust hole thru the subframe and 2 smaller rust holes in the subframe. This is an issue with these vehicles after I further looked into the issue that others were having with this vehicle. I have pictures of this issue. This is known as cradle rot. The lower motor mount of the engine is bolted into this subframe. And if continues to get worse the engine can fall out of the vehicle. Not only I have 3 holes in it there is a lot of rust on this subframe that looks could be more of an issue in the years to come. I do not understand thru all the years of being under vehicles this is by far one of the worse I have ever seen. I do not feel safe now driving this car. Especially with my family in it. This car may be 10yrs old but has low miles and is in very good condition. You would never know by looking at this vehicle inside and out that there is something majorly wrong underneath it, unless you yourself crawled under it. And the vehicle has always been garage kept.
I put my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica in the shop on 9/2/2015 for an oil change and inspection and to my surprise was told the "subframe is rotting out". my mechanic stated this is a common problem for the Pacifica. I did some research and found a considerable amount of complaints for the same exact issue. Apparently, Chrysler provided an extended warranty for a very small number of cars effected by this safety hazard. Chrysler is not taking this defect seriously; should provide corrective action before fatalities occur.
Extensive undercarriage rust was found during a routine oil change. This rust effects the motor bolts as well as motor support carriage. The mechanic has advised that the car is not safe to drive. The car has 81,268 miles and has been well maintained. Upon investigation, I discovered this problem has been consistently reported by owners of this vehicle. The car has been used to Transport children on the highway and after examining the rust damage Chrysler should have notified owners of this serious safety risk and should be responsible for the repair.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- Dublin, OH, USA