9.5

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$2,060
Average Mileage:
125,550 miles
Total Complaints:
48 complaints

Most common solutions:

  1. replace cradle/motor mounts (14 reports)
  2. not sure (10 reports)
  3. replace the entire cradle assembly (9 reports)
  4. replace cradle (5 reports)
  5. replace engine cradle (4 reports)
  6. replace subframe (4 reports)
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« Read the previous 20 complaints

problem #28

Sep 242012

Pacifica V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 137,000 miles

click to see larger images

motor cradle rusted/corroded motor cradle rusted/corroded motor cradle rusted/corroded

Went to get an oil change a few years ago and the guy mentioned I had a rust issue. I searched online for a recall and never found anything for a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. I took my car in to another mechanic and he mentioned the issue as well, sent me pictures and gave me this site to register a complaint. I take very good care of my car.

- rrmmbb, Lemont, IL, US

problem #27

Feb 012017

Pacifica ES 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 70,000 miles

faulty engine cradle on pacifica. had to park. vehicle became very unstable driving and parked vehicle before engine drops out of vehicle. severe bumpsteer and overall horrible driving and vehicle handling as result of engine cradle rot. cradle assembly has front suspension a arms attached and have excessive handling issues. to unsafe to drive!!!!

- Mondae B., Sioux Falls, SD, US

problem #26

Jan 032017

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 120,000 miles

FCA has to pay for fixing a problem that should never occur.

- George Z., Windsor, ON, Canada

problem #25

Dec 302016

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 180,000 miles

My daughter has been driving this car on the highway between Chicago and Kenosha every weekend since September, and before that she was driving on the highway between Chicago suburbs and the city every day. Took car in for wheel bearings, only to find out the whole cradle is rusted through. Apparently this is a known problem the Chrysler doesn't care enough about, essentially putting my daughter's life on the line every time she gets behind the wheel. I've been driving for 35 years and NEVER have I had a car have this problem. This is also the newest car I own. Literally WTH Chrysler??

- Jerri-Lynn K., Alsip, IL, US

problem #24

Dec 222016

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,289 miles

Overall car is running great...just had a major service job done in August of 2015, new catalytic converter, brakes, rotors and new tires. Went in for oil change and mechanic showed me how much rust and rot had occurred in front motor mount frame. Looked like swiss cheese. My daughter uses this car to get back and forth to college and it's unsafe. From what I've found online this is a major issues with all Pacifica's (2003-2006). Seems as though some sort of rebate should be provided if a number of owners are having the same problem.

- John D., Cortlandt Manor, NY, US

problem #23

Dec 152016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 116,000 miles

I have seen that it is a common problem with Pacificas of this vintage in "road salt"states. Also, I have seen that there is a class action lawsuit against Chrysler pending in Ohio because of the regularity of the issue. I have owned the vehicle since 2007, and have done very little to the vehicle until now, so overall, I have been extremely pleased with the car. However, since this is a common problem that Chrysler has seemed to ignore, I am lodging my complaint.

- Mark A., Corning, NY, US

problem #22

Nov 152016

Pacifica ES 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 82,000 miles

My otherwise healthy vehicle that I've kept garaged, and maintained so I could get 150000 miles out of it, is nearly worthless at 82000 miles because the engine cradle is rusting out. I've asked Chrysler to help pay for the repair and was denied. More should be done for loyal customers.

- Donald L., Maumee, OH, US

problem #21

Nov 162016

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 125,283 miles

The engine cradle is rusted and no help from Chrysler.

- lindaandjan, Huntington, IN, US

problem #20

Nov 052016

Pacifica Limited

  • Automatic transmission
  • 145,000 miles

My engine is going to fall off!

“Excuse me, but I believe you dropped your engine back there.”

Sounds ridiculous, right? And it is … unless you own a 2004–08 Chrysler Pacifica which has the dubious nickname of “engine-dropper.” OK, I made that up – but those cars do have a known issue where the engine cradles rust, rot and split apart to the point where the engine can actually fall out, so that nickname is entirely possible. But why these years specifically? And what is Chrysler doing to correct this dangerous problem? (spoiler alert: it’s not much)

- dvidro, Wyoming, MI, US

problem #19

Aug 012016

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 136,773 miles

I went in for an oil change and was told there is rust on frame cross member showing holes. Mechanic thought it was a defect because the rest of the frame is in really good shape and it is really odd. As the rust continues to eat away the frame may not support the engine. Was told to see if there was a recall and of course it appears there isn't any. I love the Pacifica but if the company doesn't stand behind their product I don't think I will ever purchase another Chrysler product.

- Kari Z., Osceola, WI, US

problem #18

Oct 262016

Pacifica

  • Automatic transmission
  • 101,000 miles

We are stuck with a car we are only a few months away from paying off and now cannot drive safely. It is our only vehicle at the moment and we have two kids in carseats who we don't feel are safe in our car. To know that Chrysler KNEW this was a problem and has done nothing about it for consumers is hugely irritating. Really, Chrysler!? Because the company filed for bankruptcy, they argued that "new Chrysler" wasn't liable for manufacturing defects caused by "old Chrysler." And unfortunately, the appeals court agreed and now we consumers are SOL. WHY is this acceptable!?!?

- Ashley G., Marshalltown, IA, US

problem #17

Oct 112016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 138,000 miles

According to our mechanic the rust is so bad that he can stick his finger through it. Since it is what holds the engine in the vehicle that is quite an issue. We have taken such good care of this vehicle and were hoping to drive it a couple more years before having to car shop. Now we are thinking it is too dangerous to drive and probably worth $0 trade in.

- pjdohman, West Point, IA, US

problem #16

Sep 132016

Pacifica Limited 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 128,000 miles

click to see larger images

motor cradle rusted/corroded

We have owned 4 Chrysler vehicles, have 2 now - but never will own one again! I take pride in the care of our vehicles and try to keep ahead of the maintenance items. Took in our 2006 Chrysler Pacifica to have the P0456 code fixed fuel evap leak- another stupid management fiasco!! That's a another farce were the consumer is stuck repairing a system that should be covered by Chrysler (and the government) for the life of the vehicle. Anyhow my mechanic called and told me to take a look at the engine cradle. I was shock to see the extent of the rust on the main support that holds the engine in place. He told me the car is cannot be driven and the repair would be $2,000 with a used part. We live in the rust belt but that's no excuse for a structural part to be at the point of failure! Body panels are one thing - but amazingly ours has very little rust at all for a 10 yr. old car - but there's no excuse for Chrysler to poorly prepare a critical part that should be enable to withstand harsh conditions and outlast the rest of the vehicle. I'm an mechanical engineer and tool and die maker with over 30 years experience in automotive metal stampings. There's a way and the engineers probably had the right solution but the money people - who willy nilly drive down cost to enhance the bottom line - overruled the engineers. I understand a class action law suit is in the works and we will be a part of it! The most frustrating thing the car is essentially worthless unless the repair is done!! If we try to trade in the car the dealers are balking because they know of this problem and won't touch it with a ten foot pole. Chrysler and any manufacturer should stand behind their products and honor people who payed hard earned money for their product. The Japanese, German's and S.Korea seem to know this and manufacture sound vehicles from the start and don't tell their customers there's nothing they can do to fix a problem. THEY LEARNED FROM THE STUPID MISTAKES OF THE DOMESTIC AUTOMAKERS AND ENGINEER AND PRODUCE A HIGH QUALITY VEHICLE!!

- Cheryl T., Westlake, OH, US

problem #15

Sep 012016

Pacifica 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

The cradle engine is totally rusted out. the engine is about to fall any day. its very risk to drive with my kids in it. thnx

- Olsi L., Southgate, MI, US

problem #14

Aug 012016

Pacifica 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 159,000 miles

I WENT TO GET A 4 WHEEL ALIGNMENT AND THE GARAGE REFUSED TO WORK ON MY CAR. THEY SHOWED ME THE FULLY ROTTED ENGINE CRADLE AND TOLD ME IT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED ASAP. THE PART IS MORE EXPENSIVE THAN THE CAR.

- Erik C., Warwick, RI, US

problem #13

Aug 062016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 196,000 miles

Took my Chrysler Pacifica to have my dad replace broken motor mounts and discovered my engine cradle is almost rusted thru on both sides. Also my complete sub-frame is rusting away! I'm scared to even drive my car! Only vehicle I have to transport myself and kids and now I'm afraid to go anywhere. A new cradle is over $300 alone. I am disgusted!!! This should be recalled! It can cause a fatality if it breaks thru!

- Amanda B., Shelbyville, KY, US

problem #12

Jun 112016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 187,000 miles

Was told by a mechanic that the sway I was feeling when driving the vehicle required replacement of the sway bars. Took the vehicle to another mechanic and was told I had to completely replace the cradle assembly which acts an an engine mount under the car, Mechanic would not let me drive the vehicle home because the rot was so severe he was afraid that it would completely give away and then end up dropping the engine in the middle of the road. Thank goodness it was caught before I dropped the engine while on the highway.

I was able to get the vehicle repaired but I was without the vehicle for about two weeks while he searched nationwide for a replacement. In addition he had another Chrysler Pacifica in the shop to replace the cradle for the exact same reason. Now what are the odds of that!!!

Mechanic also recommended buying a couple of cans of undercoat spray to apply myself to help prolong any further rust/rot attributable to the severe midwest winters where the vehicle is exposed to road salt, etc.

What a bunch of BS.

- Andrew J., Rockford, IL, US

problem #11

Jun 162016

Pacifica XLT 3.6L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 191,000 miles

engine is going to fall out, car is only 10 years old. should have life left in it but now it is scrap

- Ben H., Chesterfield, MI, US

problem #10

Dec 012014

Pacifica Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 190,500 miles

As with most rust belt Pacifica's, I am suffering from engine cradle rust out. Terrible!

- Anthony K., Jackson, MI, US

problem #9

May 012016

Pacifica Touring 3.5L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 130,000 miles

click to see larger images

motor cradle rusted/corroded motor cradle rusted/corroded motor cradle rusted/corroded

I have put a lot of blood, sweat and tears into this vehicle and at every turn something new arises. The front end of this vehicle has been a nightmare since I bought it in 2012, but everything was repairable. Now, with this recent development (which, was not nearly as terrible as it is now, last year when I replaced the anti-sway bar bushings it was still alright), I am in a position where 1. My family of 5 is in danger, and 2. I cannot afford to replace it, nor am I able to trade it in for a new vehicle... I love the comfort level and smoothness of this vehicle, but is is just a progressive nightmare- Now I cannot do anything because Chrysler has refused to take responsibility for a design flaw- I am so frustrated and there is nothing that can be done about it but put money I do not have into it......Arrrrghhh!...CB

- Chris B., Pittsfield, MA, US

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