Front Suspension Control Arm problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

There are multiple occurrence but the start of the problem was 1 week after I purchased the car. 5/6/14 I replaced the tires left front axle along with the front struts and strut mounts, check engine light on came out for emissions system small leak changed the gas cap. Fine till June then I had to replace everything over again check engine light on again same code p0455 changed purge solenoid, along with the right axle. Fine again till August by this time check engine light is back on now changed the nvld pump plus replaced everything over again struts, strut mounts, along with the rack n pinion, front lower control arms both sides, outter tie rods. Once again fine then October rolls around I take it back in because it acting weird steering wise plus the check engine light is on again same code p0455 now I change out the canister, along with everything over again but the axles they are still good. Now November rolls around and everything is at it again check engine light is on p0455 they want to replace the fuel lines now. Also the 4 motor mounts are broke again my engine is almost ready to fall out. Now they are finally telling me after $3400. 00 that this is all caused by the rust and corrosion on the undercarriage. My subframe and frame have holes in it, the rust is actually making it's was inside my car now. I went to fix a flat tire and when I used the emergency jack I pumped it 1/4 of the way up and boom it went right thru the frame. My alignment keeps throwing it self off because it can't hold the front suspension in place. The strut mount housing looks like another few bumps and it will go threw. Accident: 1st wk Nov '14 I was driving down the free-way luckily doing 45mph and I went to steer my car to the right and it kept going straight and scraped the k-rail. Mechanic said the the bolts he put back into the sub-frame keep falling out because of the rust.

The well-known issue with model years 2004-2005 involving premature failure due to rust on the engine cradle has been confirmed on my own 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. This vehicle in 12 years old with a faulty subframe and is too dangerous to be driven. There are two extensive areas of rust, one on either side of the engine cradle that extend from in front of, to the rear of the control arms. The rusted areas are already so bad, I am able to fit fingers through the holes in the engine cradle. It is cracked and completely compromised of any structural integrity. There is no reason why this part should not be coated in a correct manner to reject corrosion in such an aggressive form. This is a problem that Chrysler is aware of and yet they refuse to fix it. There is no integrity in that decision and very little respect to be had for a corporation that handles such a well-known situation in such a poor manner. This is an extremely dangerous problem and I feel very strongly that this should be replaced by Chrysler.

The engine cradle cross member of my vehicle has rotted to the point that the car is unsafe to drive. There is a service note for a small window of Pacificas included on a warranty for the same problem, but only for the cars built within a certain date. Chrysler is aware of the problem, but will do nothing to correct it. The cradle incorporates the engine mounts, lower control arms, and steering. If it is not replaced, and breaks while driving, there will be a complete loss of control of the vehicle. I know that my vehicle is not the only one with such a serious issue.

The engine cradle cross member of my vehicle is rotting to the point that I can no longer have the car safety inspected in PA. There is a service note for a small window of Pacificas included on a warranty for the same problem, but only for the cars built within a certain date. Chrysler is aware of the problem, but will do nothing to correct it. The cradle incorporates the engine mounts, lower control arms, and steering. If it is not replaced, and brakes while driving, there will be a complete loss of control of the vehicle. I know that my vehicle is not the only one with such a serious issue.

Control arm failure due to severe rust problem with the engine cradle.

Took the `04 Pacifica to dealership for clunking noise on drivers side front. Diagn. Was for two hydraulic motor mounts $600. Now tells me the clunk is still there and needs upper and lower control arms replaced $800. I am disgruntled that first and foremost this is costing me so much to repair, but secondly the manufacturer has been aware of these defects for quite some time. . Read more...