10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 1 / 5
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 1 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 104,767 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
« Read the previous 20 complaints
Cradle rot on the under carriage
- Dublin, OH, USA
When changing the front struts found that the cradle is rusted through in several spots. I have been advised not to drive the car until it can be repaired. At this time I'm not sure how much or if it can even be repaired. At this time unable to upload photos as they are on someone else's phone, not on computer. Will provide if need be.
- Metamora, OH, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 70 mph, the vehicle stalled. In addition, the check engine and the engine oil warning lights illuminated. The contact was unable to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The contact was aware of NHTSA campaign number: 06V32000 (power train) but the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was 208,404.
- Orange Park, FL, USA
I brought my cart to my mechanic for a routine service and when my mechanic put it on the lift, he called us shortly after, and wanted us to come in to see the vehicle on the lift.. the car's frame was rusting through on both the front and back. He told us it was unsafe to drive and that he saw this on other Pacifica's he serviced. He stated he never saw this occur on other brands now we have no vehicle to drive. The car is in good condition and has about 85,000 miles. If this car was driven on the highway, as we planned for the holiday weekend (July 4) without bringing it to a mechanic, we could have been killed. How does safety of passengers get compromised when it appears that 7000 cars were produced and hundreds of complaints with this specific problem on this model have been filed!.
- Morganville, NJ, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While operating the vehicle, a knocking noise was present and the motor seemed to shift when coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the engine cradle was rusted and corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The VIN was not available. The failure mileage was 150,000.
- East Point, MI, USA
Gas gauge fluctuates to empty with light and chime announcing no gas, but there is a three quarter tank full of gas. The engine turns off and steering locks without power. Used car purchased yesterday and we were stranded until we filled the tank with three gallons the car was in motion the first time it stalled. The second time it was idling at a stop light. The third time was in a parking lot. I turned the engine off than back on it resumed. We were heading in a straight directions.
- Olathe, KS, USA
Typical rust through of engine cradle sub frame (K frame) of a Pacifica SUV almost causing the engine to drop through to the ground. Discovered the rust through, and subsequent engine shift, in mid October 2015 @ approximately 144,000 miles, while car was up on a lift. Car was no longer drivable due to this condition. Had a local Chrysler dealership's repair shop to replace the cradle frame and motor mounts shortly thereafter. They disavowed any help or their involvement in getting Chrysler to cover the repair of a known defect. Called Chrysler's customer service and was told my Pacifica was not part of the extended warranty issued for a small number of and short production run of Pacificas. Am attempting to again contact Chrysler customer service via letter and ask for help with the cost of repairs. Also trying to join the class action group that is suing Chrysler over this issue. Law firm in columbus, oh is lead counsel on the case. I love this car for all its attributes and that is was developed, built and sold while Mercedes Benz owned Chrysler, giving it a much higher quality in my opinion. Present day Fiat Chrysler doesn't seem to want to help out on this issue.
- Naperville, IL, USA
Engine cradle rot I've had the car since 04/27 2016, bought it from a dealer I know knew this model had rust issues they put it on the lot anyway.
- Hale, MI, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for routine oil change, the technician noticed that the engine cradle was corroded and cracked on the right side. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 154,500.
- Hobart, IN, USA
My engine cradle is rusted/rotted out and completely unsafe to drive. I was told it can't pass inspection and will be approximately $2,000 to fix. After researching online, this is a very common problem with the 2004 - 2008 Pacificas. A recall is needed.
- Tonawanda, NY, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at high speeds, the front end of the vehicle shook violently. When the vehicle was taken in for routine maintenance, the technician stated that the engine cradle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 204,446.
- Muskegon, MI, USA
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.
- Rockford, MN, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure with the vehicle idling high and making an abnormal noise. In addition, the rpms raced abnormally without warning when the vehicle was being driven at any rate of speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing who kept the vehicle longer than two weeks. The dealer was unable to provide a specific diagnosis to repair the vehicle. The dealer stated that it may be the computer, a sensor(s), or the PCM. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06V432000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
- Lexington, TN, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler pecifica. While the vehicle was being serviced at the dealer, it was observed that the engine cradle was severely corroded. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 138,000.
- Buffalo Grove, IL, USA
During a routine oil change, my mechanic said the front frame and engine mounts were severely rusted and the car would become inoperable.
- Port Washington, NY, USA
My vehicle began stalling while being driven on the street and highways, when turning and while stopped for light changes. Had to have battery "jumped" or charged several times. Battery had to be replaced twice because of discharged from alternator. Had alternator replaced. Battery continued to drained. Vehicle ran for one day and completely shut down while in motion. After jump starting the battery, vehicle ran for a couple of minutes. Was told by service mechanics, battery or alternator problems even after having those parts replaced. Finally had the vehicle towed to dealership that specialized in Chrysler and was shock when he stated it was the PCM (powertrain control module) which I believed and researched was part a recall for 2005 Pacificas in 2006. Told by the dealership that the fuel pump was fixed which is not the problem of this vehicle. The PCM is the problem, and the dealership is not owning this. I did not purchase the vehicle until 2010; so I honestly believed that this problem was not repair but claimed to had been. When referencing the recall notification (which I did not receive personally), the fuel pump problem was replaced for 2004 models not 2005 models. PCM problems were that of the 2005 models which was not repaired or replaced for this vehicle. I have had my vehicle towed approximately 7 times now. I am still paying insurance for a vehicle that is unable to be driven. The dealership wants to charge me $1000 for repair, that is a little less that half of what the vehicle is worth.
- Hampton, VA, USA
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the engine cradle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 120,000. The VIN was not available.
- Medfield, MA, USA
Rust through of engine cradle at various spots on engine cradle. I'm the original owner. The car has 80500 miles. Contacted fca via phone. Fca says my Pacifica does not fit the narrowly defined manufacture date of 02/28/2004 to 03/31/2004. My Pacifica was manufactured ON08/2004 and therefore does not qualify for extended warranty coverage. My local fca dealer gave me an estimate of about $ 2600 to replace. This problem was noticed during a routine oil change recently. I am the only one who drives the car on a limited basis with no passengers.
- Green Bay, WI, USA
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).
- Randolph, MA, USA
- Muskego, WI, USA