Problems with 2004 Chrysler Pacifica SUSPENSION

I just recently purchased a 2004 chrysler pacifica as of this date i am filing this i got the vehicle home and put it up on ramps to take a look underneath at the exhaust and other parts only to find out the front sub frame is rusted out with a big crack and another hole in the frame. i did some research online to finding out that almost every pacifica has the same problem, chrysler should do something about this problem its obviously a major safety issue. *tr

Corroded front subframe. *tr

Took 2004 pacifica in for routine oil change and found out cradle is rusting out. to replace the cradle will cost over $3000. to not fix it means the car will be unsafe to drive.

I been having my chrysler pacifica 2004 for 7 months. i had to fix my left passenger axle, shock, water pump, radiator, passenger upper motor mount, the tank for the water, fuel injector line, two tune ups, air filter, fuses, brake lights and tires. thing that is broke, the passenger window elevator, and my ac. *tr

This car has a serious rust issue on the undercarriage. it starts on the subframe then works its way to the frame of the car. there front suspension has been replaced 3 times in the month alone. due to this issue i have in regards to this, i can't jack my car up with the jack that comes with the care, if i do it will go right thru that is what it feels like to me.. i can not get a rear alignment on my car because of the rust and my tired have worn or day. if anyone knows anything could they please help i am feed up with this care.. *tr

I have had this vehicle into the dealership at least once a year over the last 3 years for various reasons. the rusting of the cradle was never mentioned. i find it interesting that now it is over the 150k mileage limit that chrysler alerts me that the cradle needs to be replaced to the tune of several thousand dollars. i have owned several cars in excess of 10+ years each and never had a cradle rust problem. i also have come to find out that this is a known issue among pacifica owners. i am curious to know what chrysler's intentions are to cure this situation given the severity and danger present if unresolved...not only for me as an individual but other pacifica owners as well. *tr

There are multiple occurrence but the start of the problem was 1 week after i purchased the car. 5/6/14 i replaced the tires left front axle along with the front struts and strut mounts, check engine light on came out for emissions system small leak changed the gas cap. fine till june then i had to replace everything over again check engine light on again same code p0455 changed purge solenoid, along with the right axle. fine again till august by this time check engine light is back on now changed the nvld pump plus replaced everything over again struts, strut mounts, along with the rack n pinion, front lower control arms both sides, outter tie rods. once again fine then october rolls around i take it back in because it acting weird steering wise plus the check engine light is on again same code p0455 now i change out the canister, along with everything over again but the axles they are still good. now november rolls around and everything is at it again check engine light is on p0455 they want to replace the fuel lines now. also the 4 motor mounts are broke again my engine is almost ready to fall out. now they are finally telling me after $3400.00 that this is all caused by the rust and corrosion on the undercarriage. my subframe and frame have holes in it, the rust is actually making it's was inside my car now. i went to fix a flat tire and when i used the emergency jack i pumped it 1/4 of the way up and boom it went right thru the frame. my alignment keeps throwing it self off because it can't hold the front suspension in place. the strut mount housing looks like another few bumps and it will go threw. accident: 1st wk nov '14 i was driving down the free-way luckily doing 45mph and i went to steer my car to the right and it kept going straight and scraped the k-rail. mechanic said the the bolts he put back into the sub-frame keep falling out because of the rust. *js

The well-known issue with model years 2004-2005 involving premature failure due to rust on the engine cradle has been confirmed on my own 2004 chrysler pacifica. this vehicle in 12 years old with a faulty subframe and is too dangerous to be driven. there are two extensive areas of rust, one on either side of the engine cradle that extend from in front of, to the rear of the control arms. the rusted areas are already so bad, i am able to fit fingers through the holes in the engine cradle. it is cracked and completely compromised of any structural integrity. there is no reason why this part should not be coated in a correct manner to reject corrosion in such an aggressive form. this is a problem that chrysler is aware of and yet they refuse to fix it. there is no integrity in that decision and very little respect to be had for a corporation that handles such a well-known situation in such a poor manner. this is an extremely dangerous problem and i feel very strongly that this should be replaced by chrysler. *js

I went to get a front end alignment on my vehicle and was informed that my vehicles sub frame is completely rusted through. i was told my vehicle is unsafe to drive and that my engine could fall out at any time. i called chrysler and was told there are no recalls on my car specifically and that i would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. i have done some research regarding this problem and have found that this is a common problem with my make model and year vehicle. i called chrysler back and was told there was still nothing they could do even though this is a known issue. only 6 weeks worth of my make model and year vehicle were recalled and that mine did not fall into that category because it was built 4 months prior to the recall dates. this part should be recalled as this is a common problem and as my mechanic pointed out it is most definitely a defect in the sub frame. if the dealer does not wish to resolve this issue i will be contacting a lawyer. *tr

While getting an oil change my mechanic pointed out that i have a five to six inch long by about 1 inch wide rust through gash in the engine cradle. he says this can be a serious problem where it is possible that the engine could fall through the frame while driving. *js

Engine cradle is rottted car is not safe to drive how does disabled wife get around she has chf heart failure. *tr

On march 29, 2014, my 2004 chrysler pacifica, purchased in august 2003, was inspected and diagnosed, by the dealership where it was purchased, to have a subframe/engine cradle that is "rotting" or in other words, severely cracked and corroded. i was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle by chrysler. i was informed by a recent investigative story on the local chicago nbc station, followed by internet research of the issue. i called the customer service number given to me for chrysler and was told that there is nothing they can do to assist with the $2600 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. chrysler told me the warranty they offered, related to the recall, was expired for my vehicle anyway. i never received any notification of the problem or that warranty, because they were keeping this problem a secret to most of their affected customers. i have read that chrysler also apparently selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. if it is not their fault, why are they doing that? isn't this the same type of behavior that toyota and chevrolet have exhibited? the nbc report also indicates that nhtsa sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern? you might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe pacificas, so that they could report it. sorry if i am being a bit pointed here, but the i don't understand how chrysler and nhtsa can ignore this issue. please reconsider your recall decision, as chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production. *tr

I am almost verbatim submitting an identical complaint that you received a day after i was shown the exact same problem, after taking my chrysler pacifica in for a routine oil change. this is exactly what i was told too on march 28, 2014. i was told i have a subframe/engine cradle that is severely cracked and corroded on the passenger side of the vehicle and showing wear on the driver side. i was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle. i have submitted an email to chrysler and am waiting their response but understand that customers are most often told there is nothing they can do to assist with the nearly $3000 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. and may i echo the entire last complaint that was submitted that i just read because it's exactly how i feel too. i have read that chrysler also selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. if it is not their fault, why are they doing that? the nbc report also indicates that nhtsa sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern? you might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe pacificas, so that they could report it. please reconsider your recall decision, as chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production. " *tr

Discovered engine support has a rust through hole approx. 1 3/4 x 3/4. also showing other areas of rust damage. this auto is low mileage & garage kept. have photos with tape measure if desired. *tr

Sub frame (k frame) rust. brought car to dealer where purchased and maintained for regular scheduled service. we were advise by service person that the k-member had rust holes and was unsafe to drive. he had a quote of $7000 to replace with new sub frame. i found a service bulletin and brought it to the dealer, i was advised that my vin was not part of the recall. this car was bought new and has had all service at this dealership. *tr

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. chrysler 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 *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

2004 chrysler pacifica engine cradle rusted out unsafe to drive. *tr

On saturday 11/2/2013 i took my 2004 chrysler pacifica in for an oil change, i was asked by the manager to come down into the oil change bay to look at the passenger side frame of my vehicle. he showed me where the frame was rusted and rotten through, he said the top of the frame looked ok from what he could see; however, the frame could buckle at any time, a huge safety concern. i asked about the driver's side, he showed it to me and said it was fine, solid and very minimal rust. being concerned i began doing research and found out there are multiple instances listed and reported to nhtsa and chrysler. i called a local dealership and they verified issues with the cradle rusting out and becoming unsafe and chrysler did extend the warranty to 10 years 150k miles for certain build dates between march 04 and april 04, really! my vehicle build date was 10/03 and obviously should have been involved. i was told there was nothing they could do and it would cost me minimum 2500 dollars to repair. i also called chrysler and they verified only certain vehicles were involved in this extended warranty program. this is very concerning as there are multiple instances posted out here and chrysler will not take ownership of their issues. i only hope the nhtsa can help resolve these issues for the consumers who have purchased these vehicles and chrysler now turns their back to all of us. please help us before innocent people who may not even know about this may be hurt or worse.. *tr

Control arm failure due to severe rust problem with the engine cradle. *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

Upon inspection for noise related to the front struts, i notice that the engine cradle, leading edge was rusted almost completely away. i parked the vehicle and looked on "https://vinrcl.safercar.gov/vin/vinlookup" website and entered the vin ([xxx]), but didn't find a recall notice. i have had no fewer than 4 individuals who previously owned a 1994 pacifica tell me that there was a recall and that the dealer fixed the problem by replacing the cradle with a new one. can anyone help me? i am hesitant to drive the vehicle in its current condition and have been advised by 2 mechanics not to. i bought the vehicle used in 2008 and drove it for almost 5 years, but it's been parked since 2013. looking for advice on preserving my $13,000 investment. i was expecting to get 200,000 miles out of this vehicle. it has ~115,000. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Sub frame rusted out

Our car suffered from a severely rusted front sub frame (engine cradle) that required replacement. we had the sub frame replaced, chrysler refused to help or compensate in any way. *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

Dealer service department claimed that the subframe is rotting and needs replacement (@$1890 + tax). this problem has been reported by consumers numerous times. chrysler will cover the costs for some cars -- those built in windsor, ontario from 2/23/2004 through 3/31/2004, but my vehicle was built in windsor on 6/2/2003 and so is not covered. *tr

On january 28, 2013 i had my vehicle checked for warranty repairs. at that time i was advised that the front and rear engine mounts were bad along with struts. also at that time i was called back to the service area by mechanic. he proceeded to show me that the engine cradle was rusting out and showed me various places where it had in fact rusted through. i was told that this is a major safety concern. i was given a quote of $1612.05 to repair this. due to limited finances i have only been able to have the warranty work repaired. at the time i believed this to be an isolated incident. i have researched several other problems with this vehicle and have realized that this is not an isolated incident. i contacted chrysler about an extended warranty for this problem and was informed that the warranty only covered those built between february and march of 2004. my vehicle has a build date of january 22, 2004. i believe this should be looked into more closely at all those built in 2004. *tr

Driving around 40 the vehicle started to shake. i thought maybe a wheel bearing or tie rod was the issue. upon taking it to the shop to get checked i was told that the engine cradle was rusted to the point of almost failing. i am currently having the cradle replaced. had that occurred at a higher speed i hat to think what may have happened. i called chrysler and was told there is a replacement program for vehicles built between feb 23rd and mar31st 2004. because my vehicle was built january 23rd 2004 it was not covered and i received no letter. despite the fact i was driving a vehicle with the same problem in a very dangerous state. there should be a nationwide safety recall. *tr

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.' *tr

October 31, 2012; the chrysler dealer service department noted the owner that the engine subframe (engine cradle) had rusted through and advised the owner that this could cause a serious damage to the vehicle and possible injury or death due to loss of vehicle control. the vehicle was purchased new at this dealership, registered, serviced, and driven in the chrysler designated "salt belt" state of ohio for its entire service life (still in service, still in ohio, still owned by the original owner). apparently there was a chrysler customer satisfaction campaign letter in nov. 2010 that went out to vehicle owners in this area for this year-model vehicle, regarding this potential condition. however, this owner was not notified. when this letter was issued, the vehicle would have been inside the 10 year/150,000 mile service window and qualified under the extended chrysler warranty. fortunately, no catastrophic failure occurred before this condition was corrected. the chrysler dealer made an offer to repair the vehicle for $798, which was accepted and the vehicle made roadworthy once again. chrysler should reimburse the owner for the repair charges since no notification was ever received by the owner regarding the warranty extension, the risk if not repaired, or the procedures necessary to mitigate the defect. *tr

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. *tr

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. *tr

I took my vehicle in to the shop to get new tires and the mechanic informed me that the frame was rusted in half. he told me that i would have to replace the frame or the vehicle would not be safe to drive. *tr

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. *tr

My 2004 chrysler pacifica makes a loud popping noise when turning. it doesn't do it all of the time, but if you turn right, then turn left it will pop. if you're driving around a small turn and it pops the vehicle body will shift and you momentarily lose control of the vehicle. *tr

I took the car to my mechanic for front end noise. it was determined the front suspension frame was rusted and the car was unsafe to drive. contacted chrysler and was told to take to dealer. took car to doan dodge in greece ny. after several calls chrysler has refused to repair. the cost of the repair is $1600 and it is a known problem. i am told they are quietly repairing some complaints. this car was over $34,000 new and should not be having this problem!! *tr

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! *tr

Rusted engine cradle / subframe. many near missed accidents. it's so bad i had to stop using the car. forced to buy another vehicle because chrysler customer care said they won't repair it. ongoing for 2 years now. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while driving approximately 30 mph, the contact noticed a rattling noise from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the technician advised the contact that the inner tie rod and sway bar links for the front suspension would have to be replaced. the vehicle was repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 96,000.

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. *tr

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

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. *tr

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. *tr

2004 chrysler pacifica taken to mechanic after purchasing used with 69,500 miles for "clunking" noise in front-end. replaced parts included: sway bar linkages, tie rod ends, and struts and mounts all of which needed replacing. but the noise was still there. the mechanic then used a tool he called "chassis ears" to pinpoint the source of the noise. he found that the subframe (engine cradle) was rusted at the point that it mounts to the body, just under the front passenger-side floorboard. upon further inspection rust was apparent on the drivers-side also. this is a major safety issue!!! the entire front-end of the vehicle including: engine, transmission, and all front-end suspension and steering is held in place by this subframe (engine cradle). what happens when this totally fails while driving with six people in the vehicle? why has this not become a mandatory safety recall? does someone have to get killed before this gets someones attention? this is not an isolated incident as can be seen by this website. nhtsa please help!!! *tr

The front sub frame or engine cradle is rusted through and is no longer suitable for its intended purpose causing a safety inspection failure. *tr

I took my car in for annual inspection today....omg.....it's uninspectable.....too dangerous to drive.....there are holes in the front sub frame, rear bushings are gone in rear sub frame and the rockers have holes in them.....the engine may well fall out.....! this car has only 113,000 miles on it.....has been regularly maintained and now, how am i supposed to get to work?? $ 2944 quoted for new parts and more than $1000 for labor to fix.....all of these other owner complaints about the exact same thing tell me chrysler is ripping off it's consumers....my understanding is the metal is so very thin - thin enough to barely support the engine even without any rust!! this is criminal on chrysler's part......they know this is a problem and do nothing???? come on people of the nhtsa - make them do something.....this is clearly a defect.....a very unhappy consumer in maine!! guaranteed no more chrysler product in my future unless they fix this........! *tr

Front subframe ( engine cradle ) has approximately 3 inch rust hole on right side of main member near the top behind oil pan . rust hole originated from the inside of the subframe. this vehicle is only 7 years old and this is a critical support component for the steering, suspension, and engine that is now structurally compromised . i believe this to be caused by a manufacturing defect of the subframe. no vehicle should rust out this soon. i have found many, many complaints about this issue on numerous websites. have reported problem to local chrysler dealership, miller bros. in martinsburg, wv, and also to chrysler customer service. was advised by dealer service manager that he had heard of the problem, but had not seen this issue himself and that my warranty was expired and they could not do anything. chrysler response is pending, however was told also that warranty was expired and not to expect anything. they state there is no recall for this issue, however there are rumors of a "silent recall" for this issue and vehicles have been repaired in canada for free on the web. this is a very dangerous situation and that i believe needs to be addressed by a gov.'t mandated safety recall like the ford windstar subframe rust issues. please help. estimated cost of repair is approximately $4500.00. i cannot afford to pay for this, nor should i have too, plus i cannot sell the vehicle in this condition. *tr