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Problems with 2004 Chrysler Pacifica ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

On average, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica starts to “feel” problems with the ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING and its various aspects after 86 695 miles.

Components Affected by ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Issues

We have classified the 78 complaints from 2004 Chrysler Pacifica about ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING into the following categories.

ENGINE 34

Recently reported ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING problems on 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

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

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

Engine cradle has rusted a big whole through. *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

Had a vibration. took the vehicle in for inspection and the front subframe/ engine cradle is corroded and has a huge rust hole. a friend of mine has one of these. they got theirs inspected and theirs has an issue too!! *tr

Sept 27, 2014. 3 days ago i was informed that the underside (engine crdle subframe) of my 2004 chrysler pacifica was seriously rotted. 3 mechanics agreed that i definitely avoid driving it any longer. nbc news reported that this is a problem with at least 7000 pacifica models. the car has barely 105k miles and is in otherwise excellent condition. vin# is [xxx]. what may i expect in terms of assistance for repair costs? please let me know the date of manufacture for this vin#. nbc reported that models built between feb 23 and mar 31, 2004 are eligible for total repair cost assistance. however, assistance is supposedly not limited to these dates. please advise as soon as you can what i should do to resolve this. thx information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

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

The engine cradle has significant rust and should be replaced by chrysler. *tr

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

Had car on hoist notice that the engine cradle/ frame is rusted out, was advise not safe to drive. *tr

Engine cradle is rusted in many spots car is unsafe to use. *tr

I took my car to my mechanic for required annual state safety inspection, which it failed because the engine cradle was rusted through with holes, and the engine mounting loose. there had been no evidence of this at his previous servicing of the car, which is done regularly. i researched online and found many postings of other pacifica owners with the same issues, and a copy of a letter from chrysler to some original owners regarding an extended warranty for the repairs. many people stated that they could not get chrysler to comply with their requests for reimbursement due to the specific manufacturing time limitations outlined in that warranty (26). i called chrysler and was told by representative [xxx] that my car would be covered, even though my car was not manufactured between those specified dates, and to take my car to a chrysler dealer so that i wouldn't have to wait for reimbursement, and that if they had a problem they could call chrysler. i did so. the dealer called chrysler, and was told that chrysler would not honor the original determination to cover my car. i called chrysler a second time, and was told by [xxx] that a supervisor had decided that [xxx] had been wrong in telling me they would cover my car's repairs, and that this decision was final. i was not permitted to speak with any supervisor, and [xxx] refused to give me her last name. she admitted that my case file (number 24783867) showed that i had been told my car would be covered, and that the call had been recorded. i was then told that the repairs would have to be made at my own expense, for which i have been quoted an approx. amount of $2100.00. chrysler does not intend any recalls for this issue. my car is unsafe to drive, and will not pass state safety inspection, unless the required repairs are made. chrysler should be made to make amends for their unsafe product. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Upon inspection by multiple certified mechanics they notified me that chrysler issued a recall for engine cradle failure due to excessive rust. tsb # 13-001-12. for some unknown reason chrysler has declared the problem only exist for certain months in 2004 however my car was built in late 2003 and has the same rusted and failing parts. so my complaint is how can a car maker say the faulty parts condition not exist before they found it? also, how the recall window is limited to such a small window of time when the problems exist long before they responded? this makes absolutely no sense to me. this is the first time in my life i bought a car that has a chassis part failure and yet no effort or willingness by the manufacturer to notify owners. i'd like to know if the nhtsa has any fatality reports due to this parts failure or why it was issued in the first place? since my car does not have the 150k miles this recall applies to how long will the car be safe to drive? *tr

Engine cradle is rusting out from inside frame out,popping large holes in the frame. had to replace.chrysler won't help at all with parts or cost. *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

My 2004 chrylser pacifica was purchased new in aug 2003. i brought the car in for an oil change at dealership. dealer contacts me to have me see the car while on a lift so that i may view the extensive rot of the engine cradle. the underside of the vehicle is totally fine as far as rust except the cradle that is full of holes. cost to fix $2400. contacted representative at chrysler - two representatives stated that although there was a bulletin sent out to extend warranties on some 2003 and 2004 pacificas, mine is not one of those included and since it was an extension of warranty up to 10 years, it would not be considered under that extension anyway. clearly this is a defective part. chrysler knows this as evidenced by the extension to fix these in the first place. a clear safety concern as the engine is not secured. this should be a recall! *tr

Engine cradle is rusted to the point it will not support the engine. *tr

On a service date i was notified that my engine cradle frame had deteriorated so bad that failure from the frame was imminent. the mechanic stated that rust was unusual for such a early model vehicle. i contacted chrysler after doing some research that there is an active recall on 2004-05 chrysler pacifica for engine cradle failure. i went to my nearest chrysler dealer and was told my car vin number didn't show any recalls. i later contacted chrysler's headquarters and was told that my vehicle didn't match the criteria because it was manufactured in march of 2003. i stated but i purchased a 2004 and my title states 2004. they simply have a problem with these engine cradles and found a way not to repair mine. *tr

I am the original owner of this 2004 pacifica. the front engine cradle is corroded severely with the welded seam having areas of separation as well as rust through holes in several areas. chrysler had a recall for a narrow band of vehicles manufactured between feb. 23, 2004 and march 31,2004. my vehicle was manufactured jan. 12, 2004 before the window of the recall. failure of the cradle could result in the engine dropping from the car causing a severe safety issue. it appears chrysler responded with a token recall that does not encompass all vehicles effected. i have made three attempts to have chrysler correct this problem, or offer some partial compensation with no success. i view this as a severe safety risk where chrysler has a known problem that they are failing to address adequately. *tr

I took the vehicle to good year for inspection and was informed that the engine cradle was rusted through and it was unsafe to drive. *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

I was having my vehicle inspected and was informed that my engine cradle was rusting. i pursued this problem on line and found out that this is a recognized problem with 2004 pacifica's and that chrysler has offered an extended warranty due to manufactures defect. however there is only a one month period (in-service date) that applies to the warranty. it is apparent that this is a common safety problem that could result in serious injury and chrysler not only made no attempt to contact buyers, but also fails to accept responsibility for the manufactures defect. *tr

My 2004 pacifica with a rusted through engine cradle. there is a service memo, csc-10045080-7364, pertaining to an extended warranty for this part. chrysler tells me that it doesn't apply in my case since the build date of my vehicle precedes the build dates covered by the extended warranty. i only have 85,000 miles on the car and the subframe is rusted through. it seems to me that extending the extended warranty build date range is called for. certainly the frame of an automobile should last more than 87,000 miles. *tr

My certified mechanic has informed me and shown me that my engine cradle also know as the sub-frame has severe corrosion and is very dangerous! at anytime the frame may completely snap causing the engine to collapse and or lose complete control of vehicle if an incident occurs while driving. i have researched this issue and found that this is a very common problem for my vehicle model and year. sources: http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html http://www.pacificaworld.com/forum/index.php?topic=2506.0 http://www.change.org/petitions/chrysler-recall-all-pacificas-for-engine-cradle-corrosion-2 http://www.consumeraffairs.com/automotive/chrysler_pacifica.html http://forums.edmunds.com/discussion/comment/4117762. *tr

Loud popping noise coming from the front of the vehicle. told by the dealership it is the motor mounts. after researching the internet this seems to be a problem reported by many. extended warranties will not pay for this issue. please let the public know what is going here!! *tr

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. *tr

Told at time of service by dealer that the engine cradle was rusting thru threatening failure. this is a recognized problem in the 2005 vehicles which chrysler has extended the warranty out to 10/yr 150,000 miles for, but they are refusing to extend the warranty on the 2004 model. repair estimate of $2900. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle was being examined by an authorized dealer for routine maintenance when the dealer stated that the engine cradle was deteriorating and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileages were 117,000.

Upper radiator hose disconnected from radiator and spilled coolant out. this produced a lot of steam. we took the car to our local chrysler dealer. radiator was shot and during repair, mechanic stated that motor mounts were broken. all repairs were covered by an aftermarket extended warranty. in reading the nhtsa site, i note many complaints about the motor mounts. this is a dangerous defect and there should be a recall. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle stalled while driving 45 mph. the failure recurred frequently. the vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop and the contact was informed that the engine cylinders were faulty. the ignition coils and spark plugs were replaced. the failure continued. the contact was also informed that the motor mounts were loose. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall associated with nhtsa campaign id number 04v113000 (power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm, pcm)). the failure mileage was 106,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit a loud knocking noise once started. the contact did not notify the dealer or the manufacturer of the issue. a local mechanic diagnosed that the contact would need to replace the engine. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 85,500 and the current mileage was 85,700.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that she heard a loud noise coming from the bottom of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the engine cradle was completely corroded and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 101,000.

Being in the diesel /automotive field for more than 25 years i was shocked to see that the engine cradle was rotting from the inside out. i do all my own service work on all my vehicles and i have never seen the sub-frame on any vehicle corrode the way this vehicle had. large rusted out holes in the cross members and sub-frame. like everyone else with this issue, i did a bunch of research both on the internet and talking with the dealer and found out that chrysler did issue a tsb on this problem. the tsb only covers vehicles in the north region and only in salt laden states. but what really burns me is the build dates chrysler only will cover. chrysler will only cover vehicles built from approximately february to march 2004, and if your car is outside that window, too bad. in my opinion my car is unsafe to drive, so now i have a car that decorates my driveway. chrysler will not cover anything because of when my car was built as compared to the build window. this is an issue that chrysler has known about for a while and should stand behind their product. i feel chrysler is giving their customers the shaft with a very serious issue. why do people have to die or get seriously inured before oem's actually take care of a serious issue like this. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrylser pacifica. the contact stated that the front engine mount cradle, which held the engine in place, was fractured. while having the vehicle examined by an independent mechanic for routine maintenance, the mechanic noticed that the engine mount cradle was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. an authorized dealer was notified and stated that the manufacturer would not cover the repair expenses. there were no recalls or warranties addressing the failure. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and offered no assistance. the failure mileage was 110,000.

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

Car now has 140000 miles. i am on the 3rd full set of engine mounts and now 3 of them are broken again and need replacement. this could easily have turned into a safety issue. this is obviously a defect that chrysler knows about. why has there been no recall? *tr

1st time: driving straight around 20-45 mph when engine light came on & engine started acting up. stopped shortly at a stop light & engine died. had to wait several minutes before the engine would start & engine light stayed on until we got to auto mechanic's shop approx 2 miles away. multiple times in the last 2 months: sometimes engine light comes on as we are stopping or decelerating or turning left after a stop light changes. engine then acts up & subsequently dies shortly after that. after a few minutes we are able to start it & drive it home or to the dealer. both the auto mechanic's & at the chrysler dealer's diagnostic machines identified fault code "p0508 iac circuit low" & told us we had to change out the idle control motor (chrysler part # 4593851-aa). we have had this part changed out & the throttle body cleaned twice now with no resolution of the problem. we also have noticed on occasion when we have our foot on the brake at a stop, the engine may arbitrarily race for a couple of seconds. fortunately our foot is on the brake when this happens. *tr

Steering became difficult (tight) with catching during turns. diagnosed as a broken vehicle engine cradle failed on 7 year old vehicle with 60,000 miles. chrylser has acknowledged failures of this part and has provided a 10 year 150,000 mile warranty for 2004-2005 pacifica's that were operated in areas of high road salt usage (mine was in il for 20,000 miles. for some reason chrysler states my vin does not qualify. see copy of letter below: (this letter was provided by a pacifica owner, not sent to me.) this letter is to inform you that the warranty period on your chrysler group llc pacifica's front engine cradle has been extended to 10 years or 150,000 miles, whichever occurs first. this engine cradle extended warranty coverage applies to chrysler pacifica model years 2004-2005. we are extending the warranty period on your front engine cradle because some vehicles operated in areas of high road salt usage, may experience engine cradle corrosion resulting in a drive ability vibration and or/shake. if your vehicle is operating properly, there is nothing you are required to do. if you are experiencing the conditions as described in this warranty extension within the 10 year or 150,000 mile period, simply contact your dealer to have repairs performed. your dealer will inspect the engine cradle for perforation corrosion on the rear cross car cradle support and replace if necessary. if you have already experienced this engine cradle concern and have paid to have it repaired, you may be eligible to receive a reimbursement. you may send your original receipts, invoices and/or repair order with adequate proof of payment (copy of the front and back of cancelled check, or copy of credit card receipt, etc.). please mail to the following address for reimbursement, your claim will be acted upon within 60 days of receipt:

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact was driving 30 mph when smoke emitted underneath the hood. the vehicle was driven onto the side of the road. the contact confirmed that the vehicle was on fire. the police and fire department were called and a police report was filed. the vehicle was not towed to the dealer. the manufacturer was contacted, and the vehicle was destroyed. the failure and current mileage was 203,000. updated 02/28/12

I took my 2004 pacifica in for an alignment and when they got it up saw that my engine cradle had rusted badly and was falling apart. i have searched the internet to see if there has been a recall and have not found one but have found many other complaints of the same thing happening. i got an estimate today and he said the new engine cradle will cost me $3600 plus around $500 for labor. this is horrible. this is the nicest car i have ever owned. it was never wrecked and i don't know how in the world this could even happen. it has to be a defect that chrysler should be taken care of because there are so many having the same problem. *tr

Repeated failures of motor mounts. same components have been replace 3 times

While driving car it knocks after pushing brakes then gas again it continues to do so after i have had over 2000 in repairs done. it has new shocks new axles new motor mounts & tires i believe several other owners have had the same issues and a recall should be in place or an explanation of why our cars are doing this! i bought the car used and was told the owner sold it because they did not want to put the money into it to have the motor mounts replaced so i am thinking that she might have had the same issue. it also shakes after i get past 50 mph. it has also died after turning a sharp left and i almost crashed with my infant in the car. it has locked me out of the car with my daughter still in the car! also the rear ac is not working any longer and i had it looked at and no one can tell me why. i would have traded it in but i am not able to start all over with payments again on a new car. thank you and any information in regards to the problems i have been having with our car would be awesome. i have never received any recall information on this car and if any are in effect and could fix these issues please let me know. *js *tr

Clunking sound coming from engine. motor mounts were worn out. also noticed engine cradle on passenger side was rusted and separating at weld. the rust was significant too the point that holes had formed in multiple spots. contacted chrysler dealership and they reported that chrysler has posted a service bulletin on the issue in the last two weeks. no information is available online except for other owners discussing issue. *tr

Engine cradle is nearly rusted through.. *tr

Motor mounts on my 2004 chrysler pacifica are broken! this is a height risk and parts seem to be on back order costs are high and this must be recalled. this is a ongoing issue on the pacifica! i found this out after reading several forums which many many people have the same issue and all cant believe that this is not recalled yet. broken motor mounts can cause the engine to fall down onto the street and could cause deadly incidents! *tr

i was driving my 2004 chrysler pacifica when the acceleration started to taper off gradually. eventually it went down to 25 mph. i was unable to go any faster so i pulled onto the shoulder. when i turned off the engine smoke started flowing out of the vents in the car. within a couple of minutes fire was shooting into the passenger's foot well from the engine. the police was on the scene immediately and was unable to put it out -two fire trucks and 4 police cars arrived at the scene. they stated they had never seen a car go up so fast. there was nothing but the shell left. i was lucky that i didn't hesitate to pull over and get out of the car.

I was driving my 2004 chrysler pacifica when the acceleration started to taper off gradually. eventually it went down to 25mph when i pulled off the road. as i turned off the engine smoke started flowing out of the vents in the car. within a couple of minutes fire was shooting out of the passenger's foot well from the engine. the police was on the scene immediately and was unable to put it out two firetrucks and 4 police cars arrived at the scene. they stated they had never seen a car go up so fast. there was nothing but the shell left. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated was driving 35 mph when the steering failed, making it very difficult for the contact to control the steering. the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where it was diagnosed. the technician advised the contact that the engine cradle was rusted and fracturing. the vehicle was not repaired. the vin was not available. the failure and current mileage was 83,000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while examining the vehicle the contact noticed that the engine cradle was covered with rust. the vehicle was taken to the dealership where the contact was informed that the engine cradle and motor mount needed to be replaced. there were no prior warnings and the vehicle was not repaired. the current and failure mileages were 72000.

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while the defective rear bumper clips were being replaced the mechanic stated that the engine cradle corroded. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer took report 19897979 and stated that she would received a call back. the failure and the current mileage were 117,000.

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