9.5
really awful- Typical Repair Cost:
- $2,060
- Average Mileage:
- 125,550 miles
- Total Complaints:
- 48 complaints
Most common solutions:
- replace cradle/motor mounts (14 reports)
- not sure (10 reports)
- replace the entire cradle assembly (9 reports)
- replace cradle (5 reports)
- replace engine cradle (4 reports)
- replace subframe (4 reports)
When my daughter took her car in for new brakes, the mechanics told her to save her money as the cradle rust is SO SEVERE she should get a different car. How is she to this during a pandemic?? She purchased the car used. There was no information online regarding cradle rust in a 2006. Now she's paid it off, but lo and behold, she can't drive it for fear the engine will call out!
- Jane M. M., Bishop Hill, US
I was just about to leave on a vacation with my family. Getting oil changed, my mechanic told me that I should not take this car. The whole frame on both sides is rotted. The car is basically junk. Not worth a dime. I can't sell it and not sure I should put any money into it. Now I need a new car.
- Charles M., Wantagh, US
Our mechanic called and basically said 'you must stop driving this car now.' We are at risk of the engine and transmission falling out. If this would have happened on the highway I and maybe all of our family would be dead or seriously harmed. Chrysler -- This is unbelievable. I am now without a car and facing a big repair bill.
- Javier S., Media, PA, US
We took our daughter's 2006 Chrysler Pacifica to have it aligned and they told us that the engine cradle is soo rotted that it is unsafe to drive. The mechanic said that the engine could actually fall out at any time at any speed. She has been driving our grandchildren around in this vehicle for the past 3 years oblivious to this accident waiting to happen. She is now terrified to drive it. We have found out that it is going to cost more to fix this piece of crap than it is worth. We are currently in the process of securing some financing to buy her a new used vehicle just to keep her and our grandchildren safe. Chrysler should be ashamed of themselves for this blatant disregard for the consumer and public safety. Their refusal to correct this problem is criminal. We would be glad to join any class action suit regarding this problem. In the meantime what do we do with the anchor of a car. She paid $6,250.00 for this vehicle 3 years ago and now we are stuck with a hunk of scrap metal. It either has to be fixed or parked.
- Sandra M., Saint Helen, US
Had the car in to fix another issue and the auto shop called to tell me as they were about to replace the other part, they noticed rusting. They said the subframe was almost completely rusted through and the car was unsafe to drive. It is unbelievable that this problem is not being addressed by Chrysler when it is so prevalent. Oh well, time to pony up $1500 more.
- Jason P., Tecumseh, US
Rust all over the car mount problems. Excessive oil problem.
- Edo E., Paterson, NJ, US
We have been Chrysler owners for years. This is the first time I have been very disappointed in them. What a horrible safety issue, which Chrysler has deemed not to fix under warranty, but ignore. Are you waiting for people to be killed when their engine drops out! I had my car in for its 100,000 mile check up. I had some major things replaced and repaired on my 2006 Pacifica because I have loved the car and wanted to continue driving it another 100,000 miles. I know it was up on the rack where the obvious rusting would have been seen. The rusting of the engine cradle subframe was never mentioned to us. What a huge safety problem. Shame on you Chrysler. The fact that you know this to have been an issue for many Pacifica owners is shocking! Shame on you Chrysler. I won't be singing your praises any longer. You need to step up.
- Judy K., Valparaiso, US
Add my car to the list of Chrysler Pacificas with the engine cradle/sub-frame ROTTING & RUST problem. I have a 2006 Base model with the 3.5L V6 and FWD. My engine cradle/sub-frame has broken free on the driver's side front of the sub-frame. And the best part is, my last car payment on it is due in about 2 weeks, then it's paid off! I don't know what to do about this, I certainly don't have the money to fix it, I've heard between $2,000 and $5,000 to repair, and also...repair isn't recommended...it's pretty much a total loss. I was planning on continuing driving this car after it's paid off because aside from this MAJOR CATASTROPHIC ISSUE it's been an incredibly reliable and comfortable car, perfect for my job, too. Chrysler did issue a recall but only admits Pacificas that were made during a 6 week period from February-March 2004 are eligible for the repair...my car was manufactured in October 2005 so it's not eligible. I don't know who to call. I don't even know where to begin. Basically, I purchased a car, made all my payments on time for 4 years, maintained the car beautifully (not one certified Chrysler tech, Jiffy Lube employee, or Tires Plus mechanic noticed this issue over the years...my brother found it), did everything right and responsibly probably for the first time in my life...just to get F'd in the F'ing A!!!!!!!!! Any suggestions? Anybody been through this and could offer a little guidance? I've heard I'm basically screwed, and I own what amounted to (at the time of purchase) a $7,500 paper weight, but I've also heard ONE person appealed so many times that they were finally compensated for their loss, so there's something to look forward in 7 years if it happens, but until then...any help is greatly appreciated.
- dteig, Superior, US
Bought this car 6 months ago, took in for service to find engine cradle badly corroded to the point that I can peel away the metal in the center support and put my fingers through it. Afraid it is too dangerous to drive and don't have the money to repair it. No help from dealer, no recall from Chrysler only option class action lawsuit.
- John B., Monmouth Junction, NJ, US
We are riding in a "death trap" as related to us by numerous sources. We would like the manufacturer to please help us with the cost of repairs, being that it pretty much looks like negligence on their part. Not asking for anything other than reimbursement for our hardship loss of finances, which we are having to loan from family.
- rockriley, Milwaukee, US
CONSIDERING THE FACT THAT THIS PROBLEM WAS RECALLED IN ADJACENT YEARS TO THE 2006 AND BECAUSE OF THE EXTREMELY HIGH NUMBER OF COMPLAINTS FOUND ONLINE AND THE FACT THAT IT COULD HAVE RESULTED IN A LIFE THREATENING ACCIDENT, THIS REALLY NEEDS TO BE ON CHRYSLER'S RECALL LIST. THANK GOD WE TOOK IT IN FOR A FRONT END ALIGNMENT WHEN WE DID BECAUSE OUR MOTOR COULD DROPPED OUT OF THE VEHICLE WITHIN A DAY OR TWO. HAD THAT HAPPENED ON THE HIGHWAY, PEOPLE COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED AND BELIEVE ME WE ARE NOT THE ONLY ONES COMPLAINING. THIS IS NOT JUST A LITTLE RUST OR CORROSION. THIS IS A BIG DEAL AND CHRYSLER HAS DROPPED THE BALL. WE WANT OUR MONEY BACK ON THE REPAIRS AND MOST CERTAINLY WE WANT CHRYSLER TO DO THE RIGHT THING BEFORE SOMEONE DIES OR IS INJURED!
- Robin B., Trenton, MI, US
All kinds of complaints for frame / cradle rust through and Chysler says nothing they can do. Estimates range from 4,000 to 5,000 to repair. This is a major defect and could cause a serious safety issue. They don't stand behind there product or care. Say good by to my business.
- Robert C., Saint Joseph, MI, US
Really awful problem. Imagine being on a highway and having the engine of your car fall out. Deaths? There could be.
- Jane B., Lansdowne, PA, US
Putting in my own complaint, after reading up on many others, concerning the rusting out of the motor cradle. My Pacifica has been a great car and would continue to be a great car except for this problem. From all the complaints I have read it sounds like a defective problem that should be taken care of my the manufacturer (Chrysler), but as always how much power does the consumer have? Very little! And how much does the company that is responsible for it care? Very little!
- Nancy P., Allen Park, US
The frame (engine carriage) is rotting out of my Pacifica. For safety reasons, it needs to be replaced soon. I called Chrysler and they say they can do nothing about it. The internet is riddled with pictures and complaints just like mine on other Chryslers of all years of manufacturing. It's a $1600 fix at least. My mechanic has to order the part from another state and whose to say this "new" one won't rust out after another year or two. I'm really hoping for a recall. I can't afford a new car and certainly can't sell this one now!
- Cari A., La Crosse, US
When taking the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica in for inspection, much to my surprise, the mechanic told me the engine cradle was all rotted & the engine could fall out. The service center refused to inspect the car and informed me that this was an ongoing issue with the Chrysler Pacifica specifically made between the years 2004-2008. Chrysler will only repair a small window of Pacifica's with this problem built in a 6 month time period between 2004-2005 and refuses to help any other Pacifica owners with this life threatening safety issue. It turns out the engine cradles were never properly treated or not treated at all to prevent rust. I am in total shock, disgusted and in disbelief that a billion dollar company such as Chrysler would refuse to repair a life threatening safety issue created by their company and put so many lives in jeopardy without the consumer even knowing their life and the lives of their loved ones could end due to their negligence. This is disgusting and Chrysler should be forced to make good on their manufacturing error. I am a mother of 4 with a grandchild who comes from a very large family and to think how many times I or many family members have been in this vehicle and could have lost their lives due to Chrysler's negligence makes me sick to my stomach.
- Maryann D., Swiftwater, US
I am so upset of the obviousness of this issue with Chrysler's 2006 pacifica rusted engine cradle. There is no regard to customer satisfaction as far as adding it to the recall list and replacing this highly expensive part. This has prematurely rusted no matter what state you live in! There was no proper coating put on during manufacturing process and is a scam on consumers. I will never purchase Chrysler and will definitely tell everyone I know including Chicago Tribune "What's your problem", Better Business Bureau and any other significant site for Chrysler complaints!!! I want to drive it off of a cliff.
Wendee
Chicago, IL
- wendee, Villa Park, US
I have owned this 2006 Chrysler Pacifica FWD Touring model since brand new. We live in Michigan so of course there are winter issues associated with cars in general. However, this vehicle is in great condition garage kept all of its life unless driving, no surface rust,etc etc. Basically a great car. I went to get the oil changed and the technician told me by the way there is a big rut hole in the sub frame and you might want to have that looked at. He also stated it looks strange because the rest of the car is in such great shape. I had new struts and tie rod installed about 2 years ago so I took it in there to have it looked at next. I was then told this is amazing, but we have seen this before on these Chrysler Pacificas! (Red Flag). They told me to check with the dealer because there is probably a recall on it. I then called the dealer to make an appointment to have it looked at. The service tech told me he knows what I am talking about and took my VIN number over the phone. After a few minutes he told me there was an extended warranty for this case and unfortunately it did not cover my VIN. Then he suggested i call Chrysler customer service to complain and see where it gets me. (nice). After speaking with Chrysler and told them the story and how it basically renders my car unsafe to drive she explained to me that there was a warranty for a 6 week period in 2004 and I did not qualify. She repeatedly told me how sorry she was and she wished she could help me. I asked who could and then she said between you and me no manager above me will do anything abut this and when I called and told her what the vehicle was she already knew i was going to complain about the engine cradle. I then pointed out to her that she obviously has had similar complaints and she tried to back away from it and said well yes, there have been a few lately. She then assured me as her training probably taught her that no one in the company would do anything to help me about this and she was sorry. The repairs would likely cost between $2k and 3K and it is about what the car is valued at. I loved this car and it is such a shame that it could probably go another 100,000 miles but who is willing to pay the same amount of the cars worth to take that chance. I have read numerous articles on the internet now about this problem and possible class action lawsuits. needless to say, why would I ever consider buying a Chrysler product again if they would shun a loyal customer that again purchased this vehicle brand new and kept in with pride of ownership!
- Brian N., Bath, MI, US
Scared, the idea of the engine falling out is horrifying.
- Alice W., Orefield, US