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.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems

suspension problem

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2005 Chrysler Pacifica Owner Comments (Page 6 of 9)

« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #78

Oct 012014

Pacifica

  • 100,000 miles

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

I have maintained this vehicle extremely well. No visible rust on body, vehicle appears to be in excellent condition. I took vehicle in for routine maintenance and the technician stated that the engine cradle and passenger side sub frame is nearly rusted in half. I was shocked because it is not my primary winter vehicle, and salt exposure is minimal. The technician explained that it is not safe to drive the vehicle because of the risk of drive train falling out when the engine cradle fails to support the engine and transmission. Also, the car could break in half if the sub frame fails. How can a vehicle that has been well maintained, looks and drives like new, be unsafe because it isn't structurally sound. The vehicle is driven only about 10000 miles per year. An online search revealed that this is a known issue on this make/model. I cannot understand how this vehicle is not recalled. I have been driving this vehicle, thinking it would keep my family and I safe. This is very dangerous, and millions of people are undoubtedly driving Chrysler Pacificas that are not structurally safe. I hope that the NHTSA will investigate this.

- Bellville, OH, USA

problem #77

Oct 012014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 100,000 miles
I have maintained this vehicle extremely well. No visible rust on body, vehicle appears to be in excellent condition. I took vehicle in for routine maintenance and the technician stated that the engine cradle and passenger side sub frame is nearly rusted in half. I was shocked because it is not my primary winter vehicle, and salt exposure is minimal. The technician explained that it is not safe to drive the vehicle because of the risk of drive train falling out when the engine cradle fails to support the engine and transmission. Also, the car could break in half if the sub frame fails. How can a vehicle that has been well maintained, looks and drives like new, be unsafe because it isn't structurally sound. The vehicle is driven only about 10000 miles per year. An online search revealed that this is a known issue on this make/model. I cannot understand how this vehicle is not recalled. I have been driving this vehicle, thinking it would keep my family and I safe. This is very dangerous, and millions of people are undoubtedly driving Chrysler Pacificas that are not structurally safe. I hope that the NHTSA will investigate this.

- Bellville, OH, USA

problem #76

Dec 022013

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • miles
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 !!

- Whaton , IL, USA

problem #75

Oct 072014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles

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

Was told by my mechanic that the car would not pass inspection as the front sub-frame that holds up the engine has major corrosion and is a safety concern. Checking the internet confirms that my cars condition is not unique. Chrysler does have a recall out for this model and this condition but it is only for vehicles in a six week manufacturing window and my vehicle does not qualify. It should. Cost of repair I was told by the dealer is $4,100 plus. Part alone is $3,870. This needs to be investigated by your organization please. This sounds like the Toyota Tundra pick-up frame issue. Same problem.

- Athol, MA, USA

problem #74

Oct 032014

Pacifica

  • 171,515 miles
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.

- Ann Arbor, MI, USA

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problem #73

Sep 292014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 150,543 miles
Chrysler 2005 Pacifica has significant engine cradle and other undercarriage rust issues. Today at my auto repair shop I took several photographs of the rusted engine cradle, undercarriage and other suspension areas with heavy rusting. Called Chrysler care 1-800-247-9753 and they kindly told me there was nothing they can do to assist in the repair cost. Numerous reports online of repairs being selectively reimbursed by Chrysler. How many complaints are required for a recall to be issued or is a class action developing for this issue. Thanks.

- Mendota Heights, MN, USA

problem #72

Sep 102014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 106,000 miles

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

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.

- Canfield, OH, USA

problem #71

Sep 092014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 82,000 miles
Rusted/rotted subframe/cradle.

- Columbus , OH, USA

problem #70

Sep 032014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 146,593 miles
While replacing a set of tires at a local shop, the service manager informed me of a rusted engine support frame. He also stated the danger of the engine falling out of the vehicle. The vehicle has been well maintained at the local Chrysler dealership with maintenance and inspection reports every 3000 miles. Never once has this rusted frame been reported at the Chrysler dealership! the last service report during an oil change stated, "checked over everything looked ok". the dealership has reported other maintenance and repair issues but never this one. Is Chrysler trying to hide this potential safety problem? I've been a long term owner of Chrysler products and never had a problem with a rusted-out engine support. The car currently sits in our garage with my wife refusing to drive the vehicle because of the potential safety issue.

- Plainwell, MI, USA

problem #69

Aug 162014

Pacifica

  • 145,000 miles
Took my vehicle in to have a small radiator leak checked out and an oil change as I am planning a trip from sw Michigan to Chicago in a week. Much to my surprise, shock and dismay the mechanic told me that my cars frame and engine suspension is badly rusted and the engine can fall out of my car at any given time. As I drive my car for my job and also help take my grandchildren to and from school I am sickened by this news. Then to find out (I bought my car used) that Chrysler did a recall but then rescinded the recall really made me angry. I am now stuck with a car I cannot/should not drive and there is no way I can afford to purchase another vehicle. I will never buy a Chrysler product again. Shame on you Chrysler to not stand behind your product.

- Spring Lake, MI, USA

problem #68

Jun 022014

Pacifica

  • 120,000 miles

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

There was a recall from Chrysler made for 2004-2005 Pacificas dealing with the engine cradle. They eroded and rusted through. Thousands upon thousand of cars were recalled. They than revoked it for a 2 month recall span. This problem has been deadly and fatal and has affected thousands of families. Chrysler refuses to fix the warranty that was organically wrote and sent out. They refuse to fix or acknowledge that the problem exist and is deadly for these people who drive the Pacifica as their " family transportation". in the past month my 2005 Pacifica has stalled out, died, had all roaders, breaks and control arms replaced. All new tires and now I find out my engine cradle has rusted out to where's its not drivable. Now the radio stopped working, the air wont turn on if blinkers are all, the entire electrical body has crapped out and Chrysler refuses to fix the problems they set the original recall for. There are thousands of people driving these cars with kids, what will it take for someone to fix this issue" death of thousands of kids? multiple accidents"

- Winthrop, MA, USA

problem #67

Jul 292014

Pacifica

  • 132,000 miles
I recently took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in to have the air conditioning system repaired and the mechanic called and told me that the engine cradle was rusted out and the car was not safe to drive. I did a quick google search and discovered that this is a known problem with Pacifica's. according to the information that I found, Chrysler originally distributed a letter indicating that it would cover 2004 and 2005 models only to send out a later letter drastically reducing the number of cars that would be covered on the extended warranty. It's apparent that this is a widespread issue. In 1998 Ford recalled 2.6 million vehicles for a similar issue. Chrysler should follow suit and do the same thing.

- Central City, PA, USA

problem #66

Aug 112014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 83,500 miles
I have a 2005 Pacifica. The car was in for body work, when a mechanic noticed severe rusting on the frame. He stated that the engine, could fall through the body frame! I did a google search and found hundreds of complaints about the problem. There is a story from a tv station in Florida covering this story. www.nbcmiami.com/investigations/some-Chrysler-Pacifica-owners-say-they've-had-dangerous-corrosion-problems-with-the-popular-minivan-243624441.html. This is a engineering failure according to my mechanic, who stated they did not included enough drain plugs. My daughter drives this car and I contacted Chrysler and they say it is past the warranty. This is unacceptable an engine should never be able to fall out of its mountings!!!!!!

- Ballwin, MO, USA

problem #65

Jul 142014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 108,836 miles
After taking our 2005 Pacifica to a Chrysler dealership to be looked at for rattling and knocking noises in the front end and complaints of the car sounding like it was going to fall apart, especially when driving over bumpy roads; I was advised that the engine cradle, subframe, sway bar links and frame bushings needed to be replaced due to rust and corrosion. The cost would be between $3000 and $4500. We were advised the car was very unsafe to drive. We asked the dealership to take pictures of the front end when they put it up on the lift. When we received the pictures via email, we were horrified by what we saw. We were grateful that we were not involved in what could have been a tragic accident had we not taken the car in to be looked at. We wondered why this happened as we have 3 other cars older than this car. They have been inspected and do no have this problem. After some investigating we have found out this is a common problem with this vehicle, year and make and Chrysler is well aware of it, they have no plans to do a recall or advise owners of the problem, or at least not until there is a fatality or some horrific accident due to this faulty product Chrysler is putting in their vehicles. We have lost all faith in Chrysler.they must think very little of human life.

- Appleton, WI, USA

problem #64

Jul 312014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 103,000 miles
I just received a call from my Chrysler dealer telling me my engine cradle has rotted out and there was a recall on this but my vehicle is not included in the build dates covered by the recall. In exploring for more information on the web I have found this is a known safety problem with these vehicles and people are basically driving around in time bombs. Can you help me here and get Chrysler to own up to this problem? the cost to me out-of-pocket will be $4500.

- Stafford Springs, CT, USA

problem #63

Jul 202014

Pacifica

  • 99,000 miles
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving approximately 5 mph, the vehicle lost power steering and there was a loud clunky noise under the vehicle. The vehicle was merged to the side of the road where he noticed that the suspension cradle was hanging under the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technician has not been able to diagnose the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the defect. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

- Racine, WI, USA

problem #62

Jan 152014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 168,423 miles
I took my car into the local dealership and they told me my front subframe is rusted out and unsafe. They said there was a tsb 13-001-12 that may apply since this a common problem. However due to the mileage it was not covered. This is a safety item that is present in these vehicles which has been documented by the news and all over the internet. This condition can lead to crashes and possible death.I contacted Chrysler and they told me there isn't anything they can do. When I was notified about the issue at around 145K miles, there was only a small pin hole in the center of the cradle. At 168K miles there is a hole you can put your fist in. This is a major suspension component, not something subjected to normal wear like a tie rod. I would fully expect to pay for a tie rod, rack and pinion or ball joints. This is different, a major structural component. My vehicle is in good shape and I plan to keep it for the next 5 years. But with the cost of the subframe and the miles it is worthless. This is an issue that needs to be looked into. Hopefully it doesn't lead to too many deaths before something is done.

- Bloomington, IL, USA

problem #61

Jun 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 149,809 miles
Front engine cradle there was a letter sent by Chrysler back in November of 2010 that "we are extending the warranty period on your front engine cradle because some vehicles operated in areas of high road salt usage, may experience engine cradle corrosion resulting in a driveability vibration and or shake. This engine cradle extended warranty coverage applies to Chrysler Pacifica model years 2004-2005." I have called Chrysler twice and was told that my car is not in the serial number range and I just paid over $2450 to have my car repaired.

- Eaton, OH, USA

problem #60

Jun 162014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 110,000 miles
I took my newly purchased 2005 Chrysler Pacifica to my mechanic to get the brakes serviced, and was told that the engine cradle was completely rusted out and the engine was in danger of falling out! my mechanic was extremely concerned (he is a friend and an honest mechanic who runs a very reputable repair and body shop in ottawa, ks). I called Chrysler before I purchased the car to see if their were any recalls on it, and was told their was not. The car is otherwise in perfect condition, no damage and very little wear inside and out. It was clear to my mechanic that this was due to some defect in the vehicle, and should not happen on a 10 year old car that is in as good of condition as mind is with only 110000 miles on it. To have a new engine cradle put it, it would cost over $4000. I cannot afford that, so we are putting in a reconditioned one, inspected to make sure it has no wear or rust on it, and we are painting and putting additional undercoating on it as to prevent any such recurrences. After looking online, I have since learned this is a widespread problem, and is effecting a large number of owners, and is much more widespread than Chrysler is willing to admit. I called them, and my car is supposedly not one effected in their 3-4 week window of production, yet it was completely rusted to the point of possibly causing a serious and even fatal car accident.

- Ottawa, KS, USA

problem #59

Apr 152014

Pacifica 6-cyl

  • 122,638 miles
Reference tsb 13.001-12, 2005 Chrysler Pacifica suspension service bulletin, and NHTSA action number 10044109. A letter was sent to some 2004-2005 Chrysler Pacifica owners that the front engine cradle and suspension mount frame was prone to corrosion problems. The warranty was extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles to owners in states that use road salt, cold weather states. We live in Pennsylvania, which is considered a cold weather state. Our Pacifica was inspected in April 2014. We informed the station that we were experiencing some vibration in the front end of the vehicle. We were informed that the cradle assembly and mount was rusted through and because of safety issues they had to be replaced before it would pass inspection. The cost was $2,702.08. The vehicle had 122,638 miles, under the warranty threshold of 150,000. When we learned of this situation we called Chrysler. They informed me that only Pacifica's manufactured between a certain time frame were covered. They could not tell me the time frame, but our vehicle was not covered. To make matters worse, the new cradle assembly is exactly the same as the original part. No corrective actions have been taken to prevent the rusting. There are other cases similar to mine on the internet. State dmv"S are failing these vehicles for safety issues, they are unsafe to drive. How can Chrysler ignore these serious safety issues" I am requesting full reimbursement of $2,702.08, plus request action be taken against Chrysler so that all 2004-2005 Pacifica's are repaired before serious accidents occur, if they haven't already.

- Chambersburg, PA, USA

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