Underbody Shield problems of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

24 problems related to underbody shield 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 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 06/13/2016

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was being serviced, the technician stated that the cross member cradle was fractured and had a large hole due to corrosion. Without the cross member cradle, the engine would fail to remain in place and could cause a crash while driving the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 59,694.

2 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 03/15/2016

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. When the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to have the brakes repaired, the technician noticed that the undercarriage was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 142,608.

3 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 02/17/2015

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle was rusted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 163,302.

4 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 04/26/2014

A few years ago we were advised by my mechanic that the sub frame was corroding/rusting and they advised that should not happen. At that time, I contacted Chrysler. They recalled some of the 04-05 vehicles that were manufactured during a 6 week window only; my vehicle was manufactured outside of the 6 week window. Today we were advised that the car is completely unsafe to drive and I have pictures, the frame is almost completely rusted out. Nbc chicago recently investigated the issue (the investigation can be found on google). Two individuals with the same issue as me wanted Chrysler to admit the unsafe problem and that they had knowledge of it prior to purchasing the vehicles. Before nbc investigated, Chrysler refused to fix the cars. After the program ran, Chrysler paid two the two individuals featured on the show to have their sub frames replaced. The other 300+ people that have requested Chrysler fix the problem remain without recourse. While 300+ are aware of the problem, there are many thousands of people that are unaware of the dangerous problem. I am herein requesting help in getting Chrysler to recall the vehicle to address the dangerous safety problem. Thank you for your help.

5 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 12/19/2013

The subframe is rusted out and the auto had only 148500 miles before we were informed by my repair man I called Chrysler and they told me that it is not covered but some Pacificas are covered which doesn't make sense the subframe caused the engine mounts to fall out and I am lucky my 10 year old daughter and wife didn't get hurt, after checking the problem out online I found out that many owners have the same problem.

6 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 11/13/2013

Yet another 2004 Chrysler Pacifica with a sub frame cradle assembly that is completely rusting out. The vehicle has been deemed very dangerous unsafe to drive. I have three kids under seven, so I am glad I was able to find the problem before a life-changing catastrophe. Very disappointed in Chrysler. Given that Chrysler has put such narrow parameters on the recall, this car is not within their guidelines of the recall. This will be the last Chrysler purchase ever. I had numerous reliability issues with a Jeep cherokee and grand cherokee too. My word will spread to avoid Chrysler altogether, anytime and every time cartalk comes up in conversation.

7 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 11/12/2013

Dealer discovered rusted front sub frame while performing inspection. There is very little other corrosion in that area of the vehicle, so it may be a design flaw. I have seen similar complaints on automotive forums.

8 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 10/17/2013

I took my wife's car in because there was some shaking in the suspension. . . The mechanic showed me the holes in the engine cradle and where the cradle was rusting through.

9 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 10/09/2013

My garage told me that the engine cradle or sub frame has a substantial hole from rusting out.

10 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 10/08/2013

Went to go get an alignment mechanic told me the frame is rusted that I need to get it fixed before engine falls out very bad news to hear and they want $2000 to fix I go online to research and there's thousands of complaints Chrysler has unsafe cars on the road and no recalls the mechanic told me to complain and they should cover it but they refuse to help now what am I suppose to do.

11 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 07/10/2013

Adding to previous complaint. I find there is an internal recall granted to only a few. I am over the mileage due to mechanic's failure to diagnose the problem. Took for a second opinion, was told that the car is unsafe and that the corrosion was obviously there for some time. Car is dangerous that engine can fall out at anytime. Did call Chrysler and they made no mention of recall letter or bulletins released on this problem. Basically said sol that there is no recall. There are how many Pacificas on the roads with drivers unaware that their vehicle is a death trap to themselves and others on the roads. There should be a recall issued immediately.

12 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 05/11/2013

I took my Pacifica for a front end alignment to get the news that my subframe is rusted through and that the car was unsafe to drive. I then called Chrysler to act upon a parts extended warranty that was to cover this issue, come to find out my VIN number does not qualify for this warranty, my car was made 3 months before the warranty was issued for this make and model. My question is. . . . If they know that the subframe is bad on this make and model why doesn't every 04/05 fall under this warranty? there is something wrong with this logic. The subframe is bad and Chrysler needs to back up there faulty product. We love this car and hoped to have it around for a long time, but now it is an accident waiting to happen. I"m like most american's these days and cant afford to pay 1200 dollars out of pocket to have this dangerous problem fixed. Shame on you Chrysler for making an american made product unsafe, you should know better and stand by your product and your consumer by fixing these unsafe vehicles transporting families all over the roads. I hope the next time we post here it will be to say that Chrysler stood behind their brand and took care of their customers the way other manufactures would.

13 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 03/08/2013

The contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician noticed that the engine cradle and sub frame were corroded and fractured. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not cover under the engine cradle extended warranty. The failure and current mileage was 89,291. Pam.

14 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 02/27/2013

My mechanic called to my attention that the sub-frame on my 2004 Chrysler Pacifica had rusted through and developed cracks adjacent to the rusted area. I was advised that the vehicle was unsafe and that the sub-frame required replacement. The local Chrysler dealer was unaware of any recall, but checking the internet I found this condition to have occurred to numerous other Pacificas. I contacted Chrysler customer service who informed me that an extended warranty had been issued for 2004-2005 Chrysler Pacifica produced during a specific time period and originally licensed in "snow states". The warranty covers sub-frame replacement up to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Unfortunately my vehicle was produced a few months prior to the warranty coverage period. It is quite unlikely that the sub-frame was produced satisfactorily and then it became substandard - especially since the earlier production on my vehicle has rusted through. It is shameful and irresponsible that a company with as much history and engineering capabilities has designed and manufactured a vehicle that becomes unsafe in less than 10 years or 100,000 miles. If they are not accepting liability to replace this inferior part they should at least have the decency to have contacted owners to make them aware that there is a 'potential for the sub-frame to have rusted to a condition that presents a safety hazard. '.

15 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 01/31/2013

Took car to dealer for routine maintenance. Dealer said that the car is unsafe to drive and that the engine subframe was corroded. After an internet search found that this is a known and common problem and that apparently the part was recalled in canada. When I spoke with Chrysler, they said that they would not provide any support, and that had I "reported the problem when it started" they would have repaired it under warranty. I have had the car regularly serviced at the dealer. As a consumer I have no way of knowing if the engine subframe is corroded. However, a dealer who is maintaining the car should have been able to do so. In any event, the car is unsafe to drive, I am expected to pay a significant sum, and this problem is pervasive. The dealer told me a similar car came this past week with an identical problem.

16 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 12/03/2012

The subframe of the car is rusting terribly. I have been advised that it will become a hazard to drive the car in the future. We were advised to replace the subframe for safety purpose. I researched this online and found that this is a common problem with this year, make and model. I have never encountered this problem before with any other vehicle I have owned. I have always maintained our vehicles and have owned vehicles longer than this. This vehicle has not been subjected to harsh conditions and should not be showing this level of destructive rust. We ask the NHTSA to look into this matter and to issue a recall on this vehicle to have these parts replaced for safety purposes. I believe that Chrysler is not altering the public to this very strong potential safety issue which I am afraid will cause harm or potential death if the frame on these vehicles gives out. A quick glance on google and one can readily find that this issue is a very large one indeed. We ask for your help in protecting us. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

17 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 10/15/2012

I was having Pacifica serviced at goodyear store in newport, ky prior to driving to florida. Mechanic called me to service area to see serious rust through on front frame rails and engine cradle. He said "do not drive the car to florida. The engine could drop if frame breaks". I immediately went to wyler Chrysler and had the rusted frame replaced. I later found that Chrysler had extended their warranty to specifically cover this problem. I did file a claim with Chrysler and they did reimburse me 80% of the repair cost. I am now seeing, on edmunds. Com chat site that there are many more owners having this same rust out problems with their Pacificas. A rusted frame breaking at highway speeds could be disastrous.

18 Underbody Shield 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.

19 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 08/28/2012

My mechanic has advised that my car has a rusted subframe, parts of which have rusted through. It is due for inspection by the end of the month, and I have been advised that it is rusted bad enough to fail inspection. I need this vehicle, and have taken great care of it. I changed the timing belt last year, and have kept it in a garage. I cannot afford to purchase another vehicle or replace the subframe. This is not normal rusting. My local Chrysler dealers, naturally, have told me that the car has too many miles and is no longer under warranty. I have done my research on this. Chrysler has been replacing subframes in some Pacificas, particularly canada. There is a problem with this model; the metal was not properly coated or something. It is time for Chrysler to issue a recall and replace these subframes. When vehicles rust, it should not start in the subframe. I am a single mother; I need this car to drive to work and for family use. My kids and I are not safe in it, and if it can't pass inspection I will be without a vehicle!.

20 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 08/15/2012

My car repair shop noticed the subframe on my 2004 Pacifica as rusted through enough that the shop's owner could get a finger through the rust hole. He said the Pacifica would be adequate for the vacation I am about to take, but also said this issue should be handled "within the next year" or the suspension system would fail. He also added I should file this complaint as a potential recall action, as it was not on the current list. For the record, northern virginia (near washington DC) does get snow and ice, and does treat its roads when that happens. Btw, I tried to file this complaint last night, but your system was doing maintenance when I tried to send it to you. I don't think this went through last night, but. . . .

21 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 07/09/2012

Took car to the shop for routine schedule maintenance. The mechanic said that the subframe was severely damaged by rust and recommended replacing it as soon as possible. He stated that is very dangerous driving a car in this condition. I googled " Pacifica subfame rust" and find out that this issue is huge. The mechanic said that this deterioration is not normal. There should be a recall campaign to make Chrysler aware of this problem.

22 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 05/12/2012

In going to mechanic to get oil change. I was notified that subframe was rusted out and car is very dangerous to be driven. I have yet to contact dealership but on doing a search on line I found this to be a major issue with this car. I live in the suburbs of chicago.

23 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 02/08/2012

I took my care into the sear auto center in annapolis, MD for a tune up and also asked them to check for the knocking noise under my hood as is was affecting my steering and making the car hard to steer when going around curves. I was told that the front end suspension needed to be replaced badly as the parts were severely rusted. I was also told that I would have to leave the car at the facility overnight as they were having problems removing the old parts due to heavy corrosion on the old parts and it would take more time to get the parts off and replace then with new parts. In December of 2011, I purchsed new tires and was also told that I needed to purchse new wheels because the current wheels on the vehicle were starting to rust. In September, I had my brake pads replaced and was also told that I needed new rotors because those were also rusting. I do not live in a flood zone, nor have I ever had my car in a flood. I was made aware of a recall by Chrysler yesterday of its 2004-2005 Jeep brand due to corrosion and wanted to submit this as there may also me Chryslers such as mine that have had corrosion issues from normal usage. A few years ago, I also had to have the rear differential serviced due to a leak and this may have also been due to corrosion.

24 Underbody Shield problem

Failure Date: 11/05/2004

Extensive rust formation on all suspension components and in particular the engine cradle. On the engine cradle, rust is most prominent on the weld seams and the lower portions where moisture probably is pooling on the inside and penetrating what must be unusually porous and/or untreated metal. I am the original owner and I noticed a rust color on the various suspension parts early in the ownership. I mentioned this coloration to the dealer and they explained it as a clay compound spray that is applied at the factory to protect undercarriage from corrosion during shipping. At the time, I accepted this explanation at face value but in hindsight it probably was premature rust. I can't find any information on the internet that suggests spraying clay is actually a real practice. Furthermore, the car was manufactured in canada. Not much rust concerns between canada and the us. Somewhat plausible if shipping overseas. Unless someone informs me otherwise on this clay spraying , I think I was duped. At first this rust was just an annoying cosmetic blemish but it has progressed to the point where I am concerned about safety.


Other Structure 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