Body problems of the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica - part 1

A few weeks ago we took our car to a mechanic to have the brakes worked on as a part of routine maintenance. When we picked it up, he noted that when he had it up on the lift, he saw that the engine cradle was very badly rusted. He said that we shouldn't drive it anymore because of the risks involved. I tried to crawl under the car when we got home (there isn't a ton of clearance) but I saw what he was talking about. At that point we looked online and found hundreds and hundreds of similar experiences and complaints. We were left dumbfounded at the risks this introduces. . . Thinking about what would happen if this mechanic hadn't noticed the issue and we'd been driving down the interstate with our kids when the thing decided to give way. And the fact that the manufacturer knows of this issue and has done nothing is beyond disgusting. Fortunately we found out from the mechanic, not from the engine falling out. Even still, this means that we're left with a worthless car. While our car is abandoned in the driveway hoping for Chrysler to right their wrong, we still see lots of similar vehicles on the road. I'm guessing that their owners don't know that they're driving death traps either. We had a 2008 tacoma with similar frame rust issues and Toyota recalled it almost a decade after it was manufactured, and replaced the entire frame. Chrysler should have to do the same to repair their shoddy and negligent design, or at least compensate us for the complete loss of value so that we can have some money to put towards its replacement. I also think that this issue needs to be publicly noted for all similar model years. We'd purchased this from a Chrysler dealership, and had checked the carfax and consumer reports before purchasing this vehicle, and none of them noted these issues even though the vehicle was a few years old at the time.

Purchased this vehicle in 2013, inquired about defects and recalls but was told there was none. Vehicle had 46,000 miles on it at time of purchase 104k presently. Good running vehicle up to par on maintenance, which all goes to waste with a rotted subframe. Researched 100's possibly 1000's of complaints online with the same issue, where was mentioned nothing was done about it. Contacted Chrysler myself to put in complaint and agent would not even forward it to the next level because the lack of recall or extended warranty. The cost for a new frame from a Chrysler dealer is over 2k and cost just as much to replace. But the part is on back order for weeks. (could this mean there are so many people in line waiting to order and needing this particular part?) cannot trust used parts because of many Chrysler Pacifica owners had to salvage their vehicle for the same reason. More of an investigation should be done into this. In the midst of a pandemic who can afford these outrageous, unexpected repair costs or even a new vehicle. My only option is to salvage it for way less that it's worth, as I mentioned it drive great! I cannot sell it to anyone else knowing the safety hazard it has on it and I cannot afford a car payment. I am fearful of my engine falling out of the bottom if I drive it. Something has to be done, too many vehicles with the same issue. Force a recall on Chrysler for their rotted subframes.

I brought my car in for inspection. I also wanted them to check the muffler. I was contacted by the garage, they were not able to inspect the vehicle because the subframe under the engine is completely rusted away. They said even if they could replace the muffler there would be nothing to attach it to. That's how deteriorated it is. I would like to know if there is any recourse I have ? I would like Chrysler to be responsible for this defect. Thank you, larry la bella.

Bought car 2018 Feb . No mention of whole under carriage rusted out - 2004-2008 Chrysler forgot to spray for rust. When we go we bought it later in evening - was assured that car had been checked out and sound. We have done some repairs on other things - thermostat , radiator , tires abs sensor issue but there was no mention of underside being rusted from front to back - two years and the engine is going to fall out and can no longer drive the car. This car was submerged in water somewhere before we received. This is the shorter version of this situation. Alignment is now way off , pulls to one side out of nowhere. Wearing on tires- just took it into heartland tire by house and told do not drive and that fixing it would be over 3500 or more.

Severe cradle rust. Mechanic has said the engine could fall out of the vehicle without warning.

My car was built in 2005 when the subframe recall was issued, I called them to try and get some help, basically get reimbursed for the labor of getting the replacement subframe installed. The old subframe finally broke while I was driving at city speeds and I was lucky that the shop I used let me know. When I contacted them, the statement was that due to the age and current mileage of the car, we can not help you. Now if I had of been on a road trip or driving at the speed limit this would have cause some serious damage. This is a safety issue to anyone who has this vehicle and has run out of warranty to get it replaced. Below are photos of the old subframe and the door sticker.

The bottom chassis is rotted under the motor near front wheels causing unsafe driving for my family.

Mechanic noted severe engine cradle/subframe rot at time of oil change in oct. 2019, photo taken and advised not to drive. Immediately contacted manufacturer to report (case # 64707500) advised no current recall and beyond warranty period. Fca advised it requires dealer diagnosis for any issue/resolution. Car inspected by dealer (turnersville Chrysler, 3100 black horse pike, turnersville, NJ) on 10/15/19. Numerous photos taken, (stated known problem via prior tsbs + diagnoses of other Pacificas) confirmed massive rust/rotted out subframe and sway bars, all which need to be replaced. (can fit entire forearm thru right side rot, left side lesser rot) advised do not drive - safety risk. Vehicle currently has 126,000 miles and was well maintained. Reported updates to fca under case # who refused to pay/repair. Dealer uploaded photos to fca warranty dept. For further review, but unsure if any assist/response from fca is forthcoming. Vehicle was purchased new from dealer in Nov. 2006, was manufactured Aug. 2005 in windsor, ontario & sold in 'salt belt' state, similar to 2004/2005 models with same issue & for which fca provided only some extended warranty for repair, even while acknowledging it did not properly coat subframes during 5 model years. Replacement cost of est. $3000+ is prohibitive especially while vehicle remains parked, & without alternative transportation for employment.

While getting car service my mechanic told me the subframe is all rotten not to drive the car . He said the motor may fall out. .

The engine cradle is severely rotted that could cause a drop to the engine.

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. When the contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic for a tire replacement, the technician noticed underneath the vehicle that the subframe was corroded. The technician advised the contact that the vehicle was unsafe. The vehicle was not repaired and was not taken to a dealer. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 146,000.

The rear of my engine cradle dropped off the body of my Pacifica causing me to loose my power steering. The rear of the cradle is hanging 5 inches below the body. While I was driving at 55 mph on the expressway. I was able to drive it about 5 miles to my house. I discovered it when I looked under the SUV, at my house. Cradle was already welded where it had a rusted section. I bought it used 2 years ago.

Engine cradle mount (severly rusted through). It is so bad, I can no longer safely drive this car.

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was undergoing state inspection, the contact was informed that the engine cradle was severely corroded. The contact was concerned that the engine could separate from the subframe due to the severe corrosion. The vehicle was not repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 100,005.

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the control arm and vehicle frame were corroded. There were no warning indicators illuminated. The vehicle was towed to huntington Jeep Chrysler Dodge ram (1220 e jericho turnpike, huntington, NY 11743, (631) 629-6920) where the corrosion was confirmed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified and did not assist. The failure mileage was 138,000.

I have been told that my engine cradle is rusted beyond repair and will need replacing. Chrysler recalled 2004-2005 in rust belt areas to replace engine cradle. This issue affects 2004-2008 which my car is a part of. This rust issue could cause the motor to fall out from the engine cradle and cause serious safety risk.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica . The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic for tire replacement and informed that there was possible engine cradle rot/ rust. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue and referred contact to the local dealer for diagnostic testing. The failure mileage was 132,000. The contact disconnected while submitting complaint. Ap.

Tl the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving 40 mph, there was an abnormal vibration coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine support was rusted, and it was a matter of time before the engine and transmission would separate from the subframe of the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired. Courtesy Chrysler Dodge Jeep ram (440 28th st se, grand rapids, mi 49548, (616) 452-2143) was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving, there was an abnormal squealing noise and the contact noticed that the subframe was deteriorated. The contact called a local dealer (putnam Chrysler Dodge Jeep, 157 providence pike, putman, CT 06260) and was informed to schedule a service appointment. The contact was referred to the manufacturer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 183,340.

Engine cradle/sub-frame rotted completely due to rust, one side broke free yesterday, leaving the engine only supported by one side of a still incredibly rusted and rotted engine cradle. The vehicle is no longer safe to drive, and is my only means of transportation along with a necessity for me to do my job and earn money. I have no other options, and I am now without a car I very much need. Chrysler is aware of this issue, but only issued a recall for Pacificas manufactured in March-April 2004 that also were sold in salt-belt states. I live in wisconsin, so it is a salt-belt state. However, my Pacifica was manufactured in October 2005 so it is not eligible for the recall. My final payment of a 48-month auto loan is due in 2 weeks, and my car is a total loss. I need a solution to this problem.

I own a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica with a rusted, rotted, and broken sub-frame & engine cradle which could have resulted in catastrophe had it given out at high speeds & the engine fell out of the car or hit the ground. There have been many, many reports of this issue - just the ones that I've found, but there's been no investigation that I can find. There are no recalls except the one recall issued for Chrysler Pacificas in snow-belt states that were built during a 6-week period in 2004, this only covers the 2004-05 models. Even though this is a well-known problem in all 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacificas, not just the ones built in that small window of time from February-March 2004. My car was manufactured in October 2005. There is no recourse for owners, except to pay $4,000-$5,000 out of pocket to repair it, if it's repairable. Mine is not. I lost any value that was in my Chrysler Pacifica, which aside from this major structural issue is in excellent condition. I wasn't able to trade it in on a new vehicle, I was simply out a car I took care of and paid good money for. I even washed and waxed the car often during the winter months to prevent rust, as I do with all my cars living in northern wisconsin. This is not simply a rust issue, if it was then this would happen to all other makes and model of cars, too. There are 80 year old cars with better sub-frames than my 12 year old car. There is absolutely nothing I can do about this. And I'm not alone. There was a class action lawsuit about this filed in ohio but it was dismissed by a federal judge. There are numerous other complaints online, I'm sure a lot of them are on your own website. So please help us out with this!!!! we can't afford to hire lawyers that are willing to take on Chrysler!!! we need your help!!! there are a lot of these cars still on the road today! please take this seriously!!!!.

Subframe rot. Told must be replaced now as it is a safety hazard and a pot hole could cause a lack of steering causing a crash.

Took car in for routine oil change. Tech came back and said that the engine is about ready to fall through due to the frame and engine cradle rusting through.

The cross member that supports the drive train is rusted at the joints where it meets the frame of the vehicle. This affects both steering and shifting, as the motor will actually shift on initial pull off; and because the steering is anchored on the same member, looseness in the steering wheel can also be felt. I noticed the rusting about a year ago when I went to do my first oil change as the car owner. On 9/12/2017 I was riding home and heard a metallic clank, as if something had fallen off of the vehicle. Upon arriving at home, I looked under the vehicle. You can see that the cross member is rusting and twisting under the load of the engine. I am leary about driving the vehicle, but it is my only mode of transportation.

The subframe has rotted. The rockers rotted. My electrical system is failing. I have only owned this vehicle for 7 months.

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact heard an abnormal cracking noise while driving. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the subframe was cracked and rusted. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The VIN was unknown. The failure mileage was 205,000.

Engine mount/cradle has rusted through. The car doesn't have 100,000 miles yet. This issue probably started years ago and no mechanic notified me before the warranty ran out. I understand that Chrysler isn't covering 2006 models even though they know this is an issue. I was told continuing to drive the car was dangerous, but this is a very costly fix - more than the car is worth - considering Chrysler will not take responsibility for not coating the engine cradle to prevent this from happening. It is affecting steering and handling of car as well.

We took our car in for a front end alignment and thank god we did. Our motor was moments from falling out of the car! there was so much rust and corrosion that the shimmy and pull and lunging we felt was the weight of the motor coming loose! the fact that this has been a recall on Chrysler Pacificas of adjacent years and due to the number of online complaints we found when searching for a recall should be enough of a reason for Chrysler to apply a recall but apparently they want to wait until people die because their engine falls out of their car going 70 mph on a highway. We ended up paying about $2500 to have it fixed. This is unacceptable. A safety issue like this should have been dealt with years ago.

Went to Chrysler dealer for oil change. Was told that the engine cradle is rusted, where center structure meets side arms of cradle is severely rusted. Cracks are forming on side arms. Advised cradle will eventually fail. Estimated cost to repair $4,000-5,000. Recommended getting rid of the car (not sure who I would get rid of it to as it is basically worthless at this point). Dealer wouldn't even recommend selling me an oil change 4 pack because they don't think the car will last that long. Vehicle only has 133,000 miles on it and we had anticipated driving it for many more years.

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was undergoing a front end alignment, the technician discovered that the subframe and engine cradle were severely rusted and the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the issue. The failure mileage was 160,000.

Had to get transmission rebuilt-and the transmission mount replace-catalac converter replace--than a thugging and clanging started--another mechanic replaced both tire inner and outer rods replaced, and now mechanic is saying the subframe is cracked and corroaded and may have to have sub frame mounts replaced.

Engine cradle is rusted through. Where center structure meets side arms of cradle it is severely rusted. Vehicle only has 64,890 miles on it.

The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact experienced an abnormal noise in the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the subframe was deteriorated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 160,000.

I bought my car at a dealership put money down, it passed inspection in October of 2015. I had it reinspected in June of 2016 then not only 8 months later the whole bottom of my car was all rotted out, I had it looked at, I was told it shouldn't have been inspected 8 months before and this was February of 2017 when I was told this. I went back to the dealer that I bought it from but failed, talked with one of the owners of the dealership but failed. I'm on disability and I couldn't afford to get another car but had to because of dr appointments ect. So this incident put me in the arms of severe financial hardship. From what I was told by a couple garages my car was very unsafe to drive, with the sub frame being rotted out, the rocker being all rusted all the way through I believe the reinspected an unsafe vehicle from the date I had it reinspected by the dealership. If you need repair paperwork from the dealer and from another source I do have how much and what needed to be repaired.

Took my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica in for an oil change and my mechanic said that I have a huge rust problem with the engine cradle. Did some online research in case I missed a recall, did not find a recall. But did find a ton of complaints from other Chrysler Pacifica owners with the same problem.