Problems with 2004 Chrysler Pacifica SUSPENSION

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while checking for the sway bar link under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the side panel frame was corroded all the way through. the vehicle was taken to south chicago dodge chrysler jeep (7400 s western ave, chicago, il 60636), but was not diagnosed or repaired. the contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive on the highway. the manufacturer was contacted and opened case number: 33832631 before referring the contact to nhtsa. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

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. http://www.wfsb.com/story/26363027/problem-pacificas-a-danger-despite-lack-of-recall

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.

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.

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.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while an independent mechanic was replacing the struts and the hub, the technician diagnosed that the entire frame underneath the vehicle was rusted. the vehicle was unsafe to drive. the manufacturer was notified, but declined to offer any assistance. the dealer stated that the vehicle was out of warranty and advised the contact to salvage and sell the usable parts. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 156,000.

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

Tl* 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. *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

Tl*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.

Went in for yearly inspection. will not pass engine cradle subframe rotted and cracked. chrysler will do nothing about repair. rest of car is in good shape puts a family out of a vehicle with a very big repair bill very sad excuse for a vehicle that cost over $20.000

During a routine oil change, it was noted that the engine sub frame is rusted through and needs replaced. i have searched and this seems to be a common problem that the company isn't dealing with in a fair manor. *tr

My steering wheel started to jerk to the right when accelerating and it was hard to keep the car on the road. it felt like the front wheels were going to fall off. i took the car to the shop and they informed me that the sub structure cradle was rusted through and had failed. this also took out the transmission mount and idler arm. had i been going any faster when this failed it may have caused the car to swerve into on coming traffic. *tr

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. *tr

Engine cradle has rusted a big whole through. *tr

I recently took my 2004 pacifica to my mechanic to get an oil change and he advised me that my subframe was rusted, rotted and cracked with holes. he said he had never seen anything like that in his many years as a mechanic. he also took pictures of it to show me. i contacted the local chrysler and the headquarters and advised them of the same. they said that they were aware of the problem but couldn't help me because my vehicle's age was over 10 years old. i explained to them what the mechanic said and that the part was defective not because of the age of the car but because of the defective part. they do not stand by their product because they said that because of the age of my vehicle that they would not be able to help me. however, i am aware that some local customers in my area had their subframes replaced by chrysler "free of charge", because the parts employee told me. he said that pictures of their vehicles were taken while on the lift and submitted to chrysler and they were given authorization to replace the parts. however, they would not accommodate me because i didn't have an extended warranty with them. chrysler picks and choses the customers that they want to help. although my vehicle is 10 years old and i don't have an extended warranty with chrysler, i always have maintained the use of my vehicle with regular oil changes, tune-ups, brake repairs, etc. with a privately owned mechanic. there is no reason that my vehicle should have a rusted, rotted part like this especially since i do not live in a flood zone area. *tr

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. *tr

After having my front tires replace my mechanic showed me pictures of what was left of my frame from rust and rot. he said i had 2 choices weld or replace. i took it to a welder who has welded for 35 years and could repair most anything. after inspecting my frame he said there was not enough metal left to make a weld that would hold and stated if it were his car he would get rid of it now. so i had a frame ordered. all i'm looking for is to be reimbursed for my expenses. *tr

The engine cradle, was riddled with corrosion and rust. during the driving the vehicles vibrate. my car in for routine maintenance, we are discovering that subframe and engine cradle rust. this is actually driving time bombs. *tr

The underside engine cradle subframe of my 2004 chrysler pacifica is rotted and in danger of breaking apart. i can hear noise when steering and the car has a vibration. *tr

After multiple hard clunk sounds after braking, we investigated the underbody of our pacifica. the frame has severe rust and some good sized holes present. we are concerned that the engine cradle is unsafe and will not hold the engine securely. this car has no rust on the exterior paint, only the under carriage is rusting out. this car has been garage kept and maintained, so there is no reason this should be occurring. *tr

I was driving today and it seemed that my steering was extremely hard to turn if i was mashing the gas, harder to turn to the right side of the car. if the car is coasting or i am breaking the steering is easier to control. i have stopped at my parents house on the way home to research what could be happening with my car and found this disturbing news. unfortunately for me, this is my only source of transportation and i don't have the finances to just get another car...i'm so frustrated right now and i don't know what to do... the consumer stated while driving, she had difficulty steering the vehicle. she noticed when accelerating, the vehicle was hard to steer, but when braking or allowing the vehicle to coast it was a little easier to control. she managed to get the vehicle off the road. she discovered a portion of the support frame dropped from the vehicle, and it appeared the engine cradle was corroded with rust. updated 12/04/14

I was just advised today by three different auto shops that i have a rusted engine cradle/suspension. i was shocked to find this out and then after doing research found that this seems to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle. i called chrysler to validate a recall and/or an extended warranty that had been posted covering up to 10 years 150k miles. my car falls into this category was advised that there is no such warranty or recall for my vehicle. it is an obvious safety hazard and an expense that should be covered by the manufacturer. this belongs to my teen daughter and i cannot have her unsafe! *tr

Took my car to have a plastic front panel put back on. the repairman sent me pictures of the engine cradle rusted out. told me the car was unsafe to drive until it was fixed. contacted local chrysler dealer and gave me information to contact customer service. called customer service and my vehicle was outside the coverage described on bulletin 13-001-12 issued on mar 16, 2012 by chrysler. they were not able to provide any relief on the repairs which will be between $3500 and $4000 depending on parts cost. my vehicle was built september 18, 2003, and put in service on december 22, 2003. the service bulletin only covered vehicles from feb 23, 2004 to mar 31, 2004. i am sure my vehicle is in the same category as the covered vehicles, same rust problem, same areas of the car, etc. *tr

Had work done on my car and was told that the front sub-frame is rusted and has a fracture in it found out that this make is notorious for this problem but company wont recall the item ......i need help fast ... *tr