general problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

The under carriage that holds engine in place is completely rusted through. I bought brand new tires from belle tire on September 9, 2020. By November 1 2020 I was observing extreme wear on the brand new tires. Went to my mechanic and was told the car is unsafe to drive due to the cradle rust rot, and the engine is about ready to fall out and would cause catastrophic emergency I and my family could die. Trying to find replacement and am being told it is such a problem that there is no parts available to fix this problem.

Vehicle was taken to service. Shop would not work on vehicle stating the deterioration of the subframe was to extensive and they would not work on it. Upon closer inspection showed the frame in a great state of decay, with some places only being held together with thin strips of metal. These vehicles were recalled in the past for defective frames however not all were recalled and this is one vehicle that was not. The motor in these vehicles will fall out and could cause an accident which could result in serious injury or loss of life. These frames are defective in workmanship from the factory and should be handled by the factory across all 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica's affected by defective equipment knowingly installed by the factory that will lead to an accident and cause serious injury or death. Thousands of these vehicles are on the road today with occupants unknowingly driving these vehicles which are "ticking time bombs".

K-frame is rotted out not safe to drive engine could fall out.

Tl- the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while checking for the swing bar link under the vehicle, she noticed the side panel frame was corroded through. The vehicle was taken to s chicago Chrysler dealership located at 7400 s western Ave, chicago, IL 60636 where it was not diagnosed or repaired but was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive on the highway. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure and open a case #33832631 and referred the contact to NHTSA. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000. Aw.

We own a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica with around 117k miles on it. My daughter drives it. While changing the engine oil on it last weekend, I noticed severe corrosion (perforation actually) of the vehicle engine cradle. The passenger side of the cross member is rusted completely through on the bottom and the driver side is about 70% rusted through. As this cross member is what holds the engine in the vehicle and acts as the base of the front suspension, I don't believe this vehicle is safe to drive anymore. Should this structural component fail during highway driving, I believe the vehicle would become unstable and uncontrollable which would be a hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists. Yes, we live in wisconsin (part of the salt belt), but this amount of corrosion on such a crucial structural component is crazy! the vehicle has only been on the road for 14 yrs and for only 117k mi. I would understand if the body started to deteriorate in that amount of time, but not a supporting frame member. I don't believe the engine cradle was properly treated against corrosion, or the design of the cradle made it susceptible to excessive localized corrosion and the manufacturer should be held liable for repairs.

Sub frame engine cradle rusted to the point the mechanic advised it was not safe to drive any longer. Japanese metal coating issue or Chrysler recall needed? I brought the vehicle in thinking I have a cv shaft going out as it made noise when turning. The mechanic showed me the frame on both side are rusted through and the frame is twisting. The repair would cost more than the worth of the vehicle. We have owned this vehicle since brand new and taken very good care of it. Even the body is rusting badly. Check out the attached news investigation on this issue. . Read more...

Bought my 2004 Pacifica from a dealership used on June 5 2017 at that time I had the oil changed at the dealership the next day. Nothing said about the cradle almost rusted off on right side. Took Pacifica to get tires cause I planned a 1500 mile trip in a few days and wanted good tires. Needless to say besides $400 in tires I had to put $1800 into parts and labor for struts, tie rods, arms, brake pads, rotors and valve stems. Was shown the rusted cradle that was 3/4 rusted through and told it should get changed but the vehicle was safe to take on my trip. While driving when going 25-35mph with my foot on the gas pedal it chugs like its not getting gas and have also noticed it now when going 55 and taking my foot off the gas pedal it doing the same thing. There's been 4 or so times the fuel indicator has gone down to empty and back up again once while idling in a construction zone and almost died twice. Needless to say brought the vehicle to the dealership for an oil change October 3, they changed oil and did an inspection- my vehicle is no longer safe and need to talk to the dealer who sold me the vehicle. Right side of cradle totally rusted off. So why did they even sell the car when they knew it was unsafe or even sell me part because it was unsafe? dealerships and tire dealerships taking advantage of older people and women! I will be going into both these places and needless to say still paying on the repair with their credit card. I cannot drive an unsafe vehicle and put a few more thousand dollars into it. I also had a new battery put in cause not even a week after purchasing it it wouldn't start and needed an interstate battery! I cannot believe Chrysler is being so negligent about putting a recall on these vehicles. I've only owned Chrysler, Dodge and Plymouth vehicles the 44years I been driving.

Lower subframe (engine cradle) rust-through separation. Subject of service bulletins, I'm told, but no recall? wife heard loud pop when backing up, then car handling became problematic. Mechanic raised car and pointed out rust-through of subframe.

Engine cradle rusted out to the point the engine dropped. My daughter was driving home from work on i94west out of milwaukee when she heard a clunk. She was able to dive to our restaurant and park. I had the vehicle towed to an auto mechanic and that is when he told me that it engine cradle was rusted out.

A popping sound coming from the front end when turning while mageing turns. It is so loud you think something fell off. This has been happing for at least 4 years I always take it to the shop and they say they caint find anything wrong but I know it is the shop keep computer records so I know they will have the times I kept returing with this problem it never do it when I take it so they say they caint digonose my problem. You will never know when it will make that loud popping sound but when it dose it you will be starteld you because you think your wheel is off. It also will not start occasionaly you never know when this will happen I replace my battery every year because it will kill your battery all the time . I have replaced my gas pumps they went out 5 years ago.

Extensive corrosion/rust on sub frame plate holding up the engine. Do not feel safe driving because it could snap and break at any moment.

I was shocked the mechanic at jiffy lube showed me pictures of my Pacifica after changing engine oil. The cradle to support the engine are totally rusted and I can not drive this vehicle anymore. I want to figure out why it happens. I feel relived I did not get killed when I dive to minnesota to see my daughter often.

Won't let me pump gas in with out it constantly clicking off, when gas gage hits half it drops with in seconds. Traction control light engine light low and high tire pressure stays on but nothing shows on tester. Front end does a lot of popping, and clanking while driving even while turning and stopping.

Engine cradle rusted to the point it will not pass wv inspection and is not safe to drive.

Engine cradle rusted out!! this should be recalled!! its pretty bad when the frame and rockers rust out and the factory exhaust is still on the car!.

Engine cradle rot, unsafe to drive due to possible engine dropping out of vehicle.

Frame is rusting under the engine and service bay at tire dealer said it was unsafe.

The front subframe known as the "engine cradle" is severely rusting out. This is a known issue by Chrysler on 2004-2005 Pacificas. There was an inadequate coating of the metal which leads to premature rusting. In 2010 Chrysler issued an extended warranty for this, but only for cars built in a six week period in 2004. This only covered a small fraction on the cars affected. Chrysler never sent information to owners warning of this or offering suggestions on maintenance of this issue. As a result, thousands of Pacifica owners like myself are left with cars unsafe to drive and unable to sell because of the severity of the issue. The response from Chrysler (fac) when you contact them is "sorry, it is not under warranty".

Engine cradle is rusted I called Chrysler they said too bad that I would have to pay for it. This car will not pass PA. Inspection with this rust issue it is un safe to drive.

Upon taking my vehicle to be serviced after purchase 1 day ago, the mechanic discovered that the engine cradle was rusted out on the right side. This is the only rust on the underside of the vehicle. I am currently in discussions with the dealer to remedy this issue, but have discovered that this is a frequent problem.

Today I went to get a state inspection at the same dealership since I purchased in the vehicle in 2007, went to pick up car and it failed due to the suspension. Mechanic explained that the sub framed had rotted out and it would cost $3500 to repair. Said it would be unsafe to drive car due to that part is what holds the engine up in the car. Looks as if its going to fall straight to the ground. However Chrysler has been having issues with this part so it would be in my best interest to call them. 9/12 called the 800 247 9753 recall # no help said no recalls on my recalls. Gave another # 800 992 1997 still on hold.

After taking my Pacifica in for service I was notified by the mechanic that my engine cradle has large rust holes in it. I called the customer service number at Chrysler and was told that yes they had an issue with this rusting cradle but only a very narrow range of vehicles were affected. And my mfr date fell outside that date range. How can I have the exact issue that they admit to but refuse to make the repairs because they created an arbitrary date range. I also cannot believe that so many complaints have been lodged and we are being ignored ! nbc news in chicago did an investigative piece on this issue in 2014 and it is still a very dangerous issue. I refuse to scrap my mint condition Pacifica ! I had heard of a class action suit in ohio and will look into that.

Will not pass inspection says vapor leak, has replaced gas cap twice, not able to find leak. Also the transmission shifts really hard , broken motor mount.

While driving my vehicle home from work on 8/21/2015, I heard a loud noise under the front passenger side wheel and when I looked under the car today (8/22//2015), I noticed that something was hanging down under the engine. After internet research, I have read several complaints from customers who indicated that Chrysler admitted to not putting enough grease/lube in the engine cradle which could lead to corrosion and rust. If this the case - I believe that my engine cradle have broken and now my engine is in danger of falling out and I don't want to injure and/or kill anyone else or myself if I continue to drive this vehicle. The vehicle is unsafe and I am not in a position to absorb any cost that would be necessary to fix and/or repair this defective part on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Please healp.

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.

I went to go wash my 2004 Pacifica and when I got down on my hands and knees to wash the tires I noticed some rust under car so I got on my back and looked under my car and noticed my whole subframe was completely rusted out on both sides. I'm not to happy and I feel as if their should be a law suit filed. I have since read complaints and so far I havnt come across one person who lives in a snow state were the roads are salted in winter who have not had a rusted sub frame on their Pacifica. I don't know what the hold up is with Chrysler fixing what they sold to us!!!.

My report is so similar to 10722720 and the others who have reported rusting through of the engine frame. It is unsafe to drive long distances because the wheel could collapse. My car has always had indoor parking. I asked if salt is the culprit but the owner/mechanic said it is corroding from within. Cost to repair: $3000.

While in for an oil change I was informed that the engine cradle has rusted through. I was told the same thing last year also. I was informed that now it has rusted through to where it may not be safe to drive since the engine could shift on the rusted engine cradle and cause an accident. Looking online I see that many 2004, 2005 Pacificas have this problem and many have been told by Chrysler corp. , as I was last year, that my vehicle was not manufactured within the 2 months where they say they had manufacturing problems and had fixed those that they say were defective. Chrysler has repaired many Pacifica engine cradles, according to information online, but only after having an outside investigating agency like a tv station or other entity getting involved. This apparently is a dangerous situation that Chrysler does not want to address with a recall or repair. My request for repair is on file with Chrysler corp. From my contact with them last year.

Was looking underneath my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica and noticed a hole in the engine cradle (sub frame). Took vehicle to my local Chrysler service department for evaluation of engine cradle. Service manager stated after evaluation of vehicle that engine cradle has a perforation (hole) in it. This is a safety issue because engine cradle could break while driving and cause an accident. . He looked up service bulletin number 13-001-12 . The service bulletin states Chrysler will fix vehicles built between February 23, 2004 through March 31, 2004. When service manager looked up build date for my vehicle, it was built on February 16, 2004. Since my vehicle was built 6 days before February 23 he could not fix vehicle under warranty. He advised me to call Chrysler customer service. I did so on may 29,2015. They refused to fix it under warranty because it was built 6 days before febraury 23. When I asked to speak with her supervisor, she refused saying ,he will refuse claim. This is a major safety issue. If engine cradle breaks while driving, your suspension will break collapsing the wheel under the vehicle causing loss of control of vehicle. This could lead to serious injury and possibly death of occupants of vehicle and other vehicles that may be involved in accident. On the safercar. Gov site many people have filed complaints for the same problem. Please order a recall of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica for this problem. Chryler won't do it unless forced to do so. Nhtsa please do what is right and order a recall for this problem. Thank you.

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at 40 mph, the tires squealed and the vehicle veered to the right. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel leaned inwards. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine cradle was corroded and fractured. The technician diagnosed that the strut, strut mount, tie rod, and engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.

The engine cradle of the 2004 Pacifica has rusted severely. One side appears to be all the way through while the other side is about 3/4 of the way through. Vehicle is unsafe to drive.

I have a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, I love the way the car handles. But it is costing me a fortune. I recently took it to be inspected and was told that the engine cradle has rotted on the passenger side. I have replaced the front suspension, stabilizers, and brakes numerous times in the last couple of years now the engine cradle needs to be replaced and there is no recall on it, yet it is an extreme safety problem. This is a replacement that could cost up to $4000. It is just not worth the trouble.

Brought my car into Chrysler dealer for regular maintenance and they called me to say that they would not release the car to me because the entire subframe was rusted and rotted out in spots. Dealer told me the car is a total loss as the repair is $6500 (blue book value ~$3500) and this problem is very common but unfortunately there's no recall. I called Chrysler and the just said I am out of warranty and they will not help, goodbye.

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and indicated that the fuel tank was half full. The contact mentioned that the gauge quickly decreased to empty as the vehicle stalled. Also, the contact indicated that while accelerating at any speed the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 164,000.

We took our 2004 Pacifica in for alignment and were informed that the under carriage had rusted through in places and the motor was barely being held in place. Basically I was driving a very dangerous accident waiting to happen. We did pay over 3000. 00 to have the entire undercarriage replaced since we needed the vehicle to get around. I have all the paper work from the repair.