general problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

22 problems related to steering have been reported for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica based on all problems reported for the 2004 Pacifica.

1 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/23/2016

When we purchased the car I noticed when I selected the seat setting it said it was set. When I went to drive the vehicle again I selected seat one and it had the error messages as in the pictures.

2 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/28/2016

Engine cradle severely rusted and perforated, causing front wheel alignment problems. A replacement cradle is needed as engine may drop. .

3 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2015

I have a 2004 Pacifica touring edition. . . Passenger side lower control, hub, sway bar rotted out. Went to pick up parts and every car I came across had the same issue in the same place. How can five different cars driven by five different people have the same problem. . . . . Two words. . . Crappy materials. Chrysler should proceed with a recall on the lower passenger side control arm for these vehicles, they are rolling death traps.

4 Steering problem

Failure Date: 07/22/2015

Was driving down the street and heard a load bang when drivers side of car dropped down onto front tire. Car abruptly swerved into lane with approaching traffic. Vehicle stopped against the curb and oncoming traffic stopped in time. We towed vehicle to a friends business for inspecting and it was discovered the engine cradle had rotted out from rust. We called local dealer and was asked for our v. I. N # and was told our car was not part of recall because it was not built within a few weeks window. In searching more information online we found this is a huge issue on these cars. Please advise.

5 Steering problem

Failure Date: 05/05/2015

Technician found perforation on the front subframe/cradle area estimated cost to replace $ 2,566. 62.

6 Steering problem

Failure Date: 12/12/2014

My wife was pulling away from a traffic light and the steering locked up. She was able to stop before crashing. What I found was very disturbing. The rear engine cradle mounts had separated. Causing the engine cradle to contact the ground on acceleration also the steering track which is attached to this cradle became non-functional. The center ripped out of both rear mounts and there is no mechanical stop to prevent the cradle from separating from the body of the car with amount failure. This cradle had been replaced under aa warranty 14 months and 11,000 mi. Earlier. I had the vehicle taken to a Chrysler dealership, they informed me that the front cradle mounts were also separated and they could not put the car on the lift to pick it up due safety reasons and the engine cradle would come out from under the car. I contacted Chrysler customer service and after about a week they informed me that they would warranty the mounts and no labor and only if the repairs are done at the dealer. The cost of the parts is minimal in comparison to the total cost of the repair and what could very easily have happened if the mounts had failed in a different situation at a much higher speed and not on a city street.

7 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/17/2014

Dealing with a rotted k-frame crossmember for the front engine cradle; has caused the whole suspension to fail, effecting steering components, as well as, wearing out other parts such as, engine mounts and front end bushings on a car with less than 100,000 miles on it.

8 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/05/2014

Engine cradle is rusted in many spots car is unsafe to usr.

9 Steering problem

Failure Date: 04/03/2014

Out of no where last night I went over 45mph and my car gave out all control of the sterling wheel. It works fine unless I go over 45mph it stalls out.

10 Steering problem

Failure Date: 02/13/2014

My Chrysler Pacifica"s engine cradle has extensively corroded with rust and has become a danger to drive . This was a national problem reported on chicago television nbc channel 5. Chrsyler claims that they are investigating. . I would appreciate if someone from your organization can look at this cradle and the danger my family has been put in. Chrysler also claims that my car was built prior to the problem metal on 2004/2005 . Need for someone to inspect thank you.

11 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/11/2014

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.

12 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2014

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.

13 Steering problem

Failure Date: 01/01/2014

In January, the suspension on our 2004 Chrysler Pacifica (purchased 08/2003), seemed to have issues. A web search to investigate, led me to a much more serious issue that effects '04 and '05 Pacificas. I had our mechanic inspect the frame and sure enough, we were one of the many affected. Our mechanic told us the car was no longer safe to drive, and that the compromised frame caused the front right wheel to shift inwards. We were quoted between 4,000 and 5,000 dollars for our repairs. The car now sits in the garage as we hope for a resolution. After in depth research, I uncovered thousands of complaints related to the issue, two nbc news segments, and a petition. I also discover that a few years back, Chrysler extended the warranty for vehicles produced between February and March of 2004. However, since our vehicle did not fall under this provision, we were never informed that we may have been effected. I contacted Chrysler and opened a case. I was instructed to write an email to the case manager that contained all of the information which I uncovered online (as if they didn't already know the issue existed). This proved to be a waste of time, as we were declined any assistance because our vehicle did not fall within the extend warranty. We have been the only owners of our vehicle, which has 68,000 miles, has been garage kept, and has been driven only by my 85 year old grandparents. Apparently, Chrysler has made a business decision not to address this wide spread issue. There are thousands of owners driving unsafe vehicles, many of which are completely unaware that this issue exists. Us, as well as all other parties effected are due appropriate recourse, but I fear that we will have to cut ties with our vehicle before there is a resolution.

14 Steering problem

Failure Date: 11/20/2013

I noticed some difficulty with steering. I purchased and used some power steering fluid. This did not make a difference. I was driving on my own street when the steering completely stopped working. I was able to get the car into my yard. When I had the car looked at I was informed that the cradle that holds the engine was completely rusted and the engine is falling and that is what damaged the steering. I have been informed that this will cost more than 3000 to repair.

15 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/29/2013

While having my vehicle checked for a power steering leak at an independent mechanic, I received call from mechanic that if there was any way possible that I can come down to the service station because the problem was bigger than the leak. Once there he showed me the serious rust through on sub frame rails and engine cradle with noticeable cracks going upward on sub frame. He stated that the cause to my power steering leak is due to this sub frame being in the condition it is and it's vibration. He suggested that I contact Chrysler for a recall because he knows of the same problem on Honda's & Toyota's that were already recalled. After reading the forums and searching for a recall there is an extended warranty but unfortunately I fall under the state of NJ were this state is not eligible for the extended warranty. This is outrageous and a safety recall should be issued right away. With so many complaints I will move forward and start a class action law suit for not issuing a full scale recall to all 2004 Pacifica owners in every state. They clearly recognize the danger in their faulty design and manufacturing yet still refuse to issue a safety recall by only providing an extended warranty to some Pacifica owners. This is a serious danger to my family and a fatality waiting to happen.

16 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2013

The front wheel studs are breaking off the vehicle and this is the second time this has happened in the last 3 months both time there has been brand new studs and bolts put on. It has caused the wheel to fall off the vehicle and cause other damages to the fender.

17 Steering problem

Failure Date: 08/21/2013

Sub frame rusted out.

18 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/25/2013

I bought this 2004 Pacifica from a dealer about a month ago. Took it to the shop to get my shocks looked at and they told me they wouldn't do any work on it because the sub frame was rotted so badly they advised me not to drive or put any money into the vehicle because it is a safety issue. Also there is clicking coming from the steering wheel when you turn left or right. And also a week after I purchased the vehicle the blower motor resister is bad.

19 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

Sub frame completely rusted apart, resulting in dangerous front end conditions and expensive repair. Found similar issues for other Pacifica owners through research and believe this is a defective part and should be covered and recalled before someone gets hurt or killed.

20 Steering problem

Failure Date: 10/01/2012

I purchased this vehicle used with very low mileage. It is in great condition until I started hearing a noise in the front end. I took into the garage to have new tires and brakes put on it. When the mechanic put it on the rack, he said that the frame was rusted through. So, instead of new tires and brakes I now need a new frame. I am just thankful that I was not driving while this happen. I was wondering if this problem as affected other owners also.

21 Steering problem

Failure Date: 06/01/2012

The front chassis cross member has rotted out. My 2004 Pacifica has been parked in my driveway over 5 years because the corrosion is so bad I'm afraid to drive it. I've been waiting for a recall to fix this obvious factory defect. The rotted front cross member was pointed out to me during a state inspection in June of 2012.

22 Steering problem

Failure Date: 03/13/2005

Car was making a noise, when consumer turned the wheel it felt like the steering wheel was falling off and then the steering went out. Consumer has called manufacturer and they will not help. Dealer said they are only involved in fixing it, not taking complaints. 2000 miles ago, consumer got it fixed and now she feels the problem is still there. She still hears noise in the wheel.


Other Steering related problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica


Safety Ratings of Pacifica Cars
Fuel Economy of Pacifica Vehicles
Pacifica Service Bulletins
Pacifica Safety Recalls
Pacifica Defect Investigations