The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica is known for the sub frame rotting causing a un-safe condition where the engine could fall out. I took my car to a local shop and they said my frame is all rotted out. I took my car into Chrysler and it turns out it is not covered under a recall or extended warranty. What worries me is how many others are on the road with the same condition.

- Bloomingotn , MN, USA

While I have heard some sounds from the suspension (front) for over a year, it was only this month (May 2014) that the problem was diagnosed. The engine cradle on my vehicle is rusted and has holes in it. Per the mechanic, it is unsafe to drive until it is fixed (which he estimated as costing in excess of $1,000). After doing a little research, I contacted Chrysler only to find out that they would not cover this defect since my vehicle was manufactured in May 2004 and they only cover it for 10 yrs/150K miles for vehicles manufactured up through March 2004 (if in the "salt belt"). so while they acknowledge this specific problem, they would not apply the warranty because my manufacture date is two months beyond their cutoff date. Talking to auto mechanics and searching online seems to reveal that this is a significant problem with older Pacificas. Based on this information, I strongly believe that Chrysler should cover a defect like this since it is likely widespread (if not issue an actual recall like Toyota did on their Tacoma for rusted frames a few years ago). I do have a case number with Chrysler now in which they noted my problem. I won't include that number here because this is a public record.

- Sugarcreek, OH, USA

I was driving on the highway going about 55 (mph) when I went over a pothole. After that my car started making a rattling noise. My mechanic checked the car and said it was the rack and pinion but then he discovered that the whole engine cradle was rusted and corroded and told me it was very dangerous for me to drive the vehicle until I made the proper repaired which is replacing the entire engine cradle.

- Chicago, IL, USA

Violent shaking of 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Took 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in for inspection and was told the engine cradle crossmember was rotted and the bolts that hold the power steering rack and engine up were missing. Mechanic told me he would not release the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica back to me because it was unsafe to drive. Called Chrysler and they told me they would do nothing to repair it.

- Springvale, ME, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at speeds over 50 mph, a vibration was present. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the engine cradle and the sub frame had rusted. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 113,000. Updated 06/27/14 the tie rods and lower control arms were replaced. Updated 07/08/14

- Wethersfield, CT, USA

Vehicle brought in for state safety inspection. During visual inspection of vehicle, obvious hole in frame found due to rust/corrosion. Vehicle is not covered under 6 week window Chrysler corporation currently covers. Vehicle is unsafe, fails state safety inspection and at this time owner will bear cost.

- Londonderry, NH, USA

We took our car in to locate a possible leak and while investigating the leak, our repair shop noticed a golf ball size hole and rust on the passenger cradle arm and reccommended us not to drive. After researching I have found we are not the only owners of the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with this issue.

- Laporte, IN, USA

I wanted to bring to your attention a safety condition with certain years on the Chrysler Pacifica. Many of the Pacificas engine cradles are severely rusted; to the point of if a break occurs the engine will fall out of the vehicle. This issue is mainly on years 2004-2005. (I own a 2005 model with severe rusted engine cradle.) the estimated cost of this repair is between $2,500 and $3,000. I have contacted Chrysler several times about this safety issue, the 1st time was Nov of 2013 with the most recent being 4/1/2014. Chrysler just says "we?re looking into it". (ref case# 24293830) I have contacted the Minnesota attorney general who sent a letter to Chrysler, but they declined coverage on my Pacifica. I have also filed a complaint with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Chrysler has acknowledged this issue by extending the warranty on certain build dates, (see letter below): Checkout an nbc news report on this issue: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-Chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html. my vehicle has been diagnosed by two mechanics, one of which is roseville Chrysler-Jeep. And both agree that the engine cradle must be replaced. My vehicle is in perfect condition. The rusted engine cradle would never be noticed by a common person. Someone could have this issue and not know it unless a mechanic would happen to notice it. Luckily mine did! in light of the recent GM issues with ignorance of the power steering issue I would think that Chrysler would try and get ahead of this serious safety issue. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Shoreview, MN, USA

I took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in for a oil change and safety inspection and was informed that my subframe/ engine cradle has rusted through and is no longer safe to drive the car is less than 10 years old...this is very unsafe as I drive this car everyday with 2 kids any help would be appreciated. The service agent working on my car said we were lucky it has not fallen out yet and had a serious accident.

- Baraboo, WI, USA

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that there was an excessive rattling noise from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the upper and lower tie rods in addition to performing a front-end alignment. The mechanic also stated that the front sub frame was excessively corroded. The manufactured was made aware of the failure. The sub frame was not repaired. The failure mileage was 132,000. Updated 06/10/14 updated 06/13/2014

- Mohamet, IL, USA

Own a 2005chrysler Pacifica limited fully loaded whichwas purchased new. The car was built in August 2004. I took it in for inspection in December 2013 and it was discovered the engine cradle supporting the engine was badly corroded and would need replaced to pass inspection and is a safety issue. Chrysler has acknowledged this defect in cars made in a 6 wk period and awarded an extended warranty to these vehicles but not mine.. this is a design flaw in the cheap material used in production and I should given the extended warranty. My wife and grandchildren were at risk while driving it and didn't know it I am a decorated veteran and will be contacting the president, mrs obama and initiating a class action lawsuit and the local newschannel.. I have no choice but to fix it but seek reimbursement for the extended warranty.Chrysler needs to own up and do the right thing before some lives are lost. Core values: Integrity first, service before self & excellence in all we do! you don't want to end up like GM do you?

- Lewisberry, PA, USA

Was having oil changed when tech called my attention to the subframe having holes and corrosion.I live in a salt state (Ohio).

- Steubenville, OH, USA

Started when backing and turning wheel to left a clunk occurred and left wheel felt 'stuck'. thought it may have had something to do with the extremely frigid temperatures of the season. A short time later I felt clunking under my feet when driving over dips or bumps at any speed. For some I thought it was again the idler arms or ball joints as I have had many many suspension repairs. Oddly it was never mentioned by anyone at this chain repair shop that the engine cradle was of any concern. I did bring my car in to a different chain repair shop for a determination of the clunking problem and was shown when putting the transmission into reverse the engine fell way down then was shown the very rusted out engine cradle and given an estimate of $1800 for repair with a used cradle. I then took the car to an independent repair shop to verify the need of the cradle..the charges to be slightly less. I called Chrysler and was told the car had to be taken to a Chrysler dealership repair shop for an estimate but that it was already known that there would be very little to no benefit. However if there was any monetary benefit it would not begin to cover any of the repair cost. By the way, the right rear quarter panel and lift door are rusted also. When I purchased the car 3 1/2 years ago the rust was beginning-I can now stick a finger thru the rust on the quarter panel. Have seen only one other Pacifica with surface rust. It's very embarrassing to me as not many cars on the road have any rust at all. Are my young passengers safe?? I am stuck with this money and possible death trap. I still have 1 1/2 years of payments. Bummer.

- Portage, MI, USA

Subframe rusted out completely. My mechanic found it in a routine check. Unsafe to drive.

- Menomonee Falls, WI, USA

Bought this car used from a dealer owned the car for approx 8 months we were making a right hand turn heard this really loud noise and the car would no longer run. We were told the subframe and motor mounts were broken. Now 1 1/2 years later my car has been acting very strange the transmission is slipping the car wont go if you step on the gas and my mechanic has informed me that once again I have broken motor mounts. I have owned this car for almost 3 years and have only put about 30,000 miles on it this should not be happening.

- Walpole, MA, USA

Took vehicle to mechanic for routine maintenance. Upon inspecting the underside of the vehicle the subframe of the vehicle is rusting and has holes some as large as three to four inches in diameter.

- Oak Park, IL, USA

I was having my vehicle inspected and was informed that my engine cradle was rusting through. I checked out the problem on line and found out that this is a recognized problem with 2004 Pacifica's and that Chrysler has offered an extended warranty due to manufactures defect. However there is only a one month period (in-service date) that applies to the warranty. You can put your fist through the engine cradle. Engine vibrates and we are concerned that it will fall out of the car and kill someone. We wont let our kids drive it anymore and cant afford to replace it. It is apparent that this is a common safety problem that could result in serious injury and Chrysler not only made no attempt to contact buyers, but also fails to accept responsibility for the manufactures defect. Please do your jobs and protect us from this obvious defect!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

- Syracuse, NY, USA

NHTSA please notice how many people have submitted this problem. Over 50 just since this January. Subframe corrosion to the point the mechanic didn't even think it should be driven home. Engine, transmission, front wheels could all fall at any moment. Why hasn't anyone done anything about this" I see over 50 people have complained about this very problem since only this January. Luckily we noticed it, hate to think of all the other Pacifica drivers out there that have no idea the danger they are in. What will it take? one death? two deaths? how many people, Chrysler? this is obviously a major problem and needs to be fixed at no cost to the consumer. Who has $2500 to repair their car" not us. Will be contacting Chrysler to no avail I'm sure but worth a try.

- Hammond, IN, USA

While operating my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica limited edition I heard a loud clunking, popping, sound coming from my front end, which was exacerbated when I turned either left, or right. Also, I have a constant shaking which I feel through my steering wheel, which becomes more pronounced while I am braking. Anytime I drive over any type of bump, pothole, or even just an uneven road surface it clunks. It sometimes makes a clunking sound even when I am operating on an even road surface. As I start pulling away from a stopped position, I often feel, and hear a jerking & lugging, which sounds like the engine is moving around inside the sub frame (engine mounts). I brought the vehicle to a local independent mechanic who informed me that the sub frame was so rotted, that the control arm has pulled off of the sub frame. He also stated that the part of the sub frame that holds the engine in place, is so rotted that the engine could actually break free from the vehicle, and could result in a serious crash. He showed me several holes, where the sub frame has actually rotted completely through, and I am able to see out the other side of the metal. He said that it would cost me thousands of dollars to replace the rotted parts. I am a stage 4 terminal cancer patient, and need my vehicle to travel back & forth, 60+ miles, for the treatments necessary to keep me alive. I am not able to work, and therefore cannot afford to pay the costs required to repair, and/or replace the rotted parts on my vehicle, as well as the damage that the rotted parts have caused to other parts of my auto. I had another mechanic check my vehicle, for a second opinion. He told me that there is no way that this is normal wear, rusting, or rot, for a vehicle that is not even 9 years old. He said exterior body panel rust, or rot could be very possible, but definitely not rot in the sub frame.

- New Bedford, MA, USA

Our regular mechanic has determined that the undercarriage of my car is rusted and rotted to the point where it is unsafe to drive. Car was brought in due to electrical failure as mentioned above. I have never received recall notices. I spoke with a Chrysler rep today and there is nothing we can do because its not with in the recall time frame.

- Bridgewater , MA, USA