Problems with 2004 Chrysler Pacifica STRUCTURE

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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the frame and engine cradle were completely corroded. due to the failure, a hole developed on the frame. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 149,000. updated 10/10/14*cn

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. while the vehicle was undergoing a routine inspection, the contact was informed that the subframe was corroded. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 117,500...updated 10/01/14 *bf updated 2/27/2015 *js

Took car in for inspection that is required in the state of pa..mechanic would not ok inspection sticker because the engine cradle on my pacifica is so badly rusted..you could put your fist into it...can not be repaired because it is all falling apart...i was told not to drive it...to dangerous...i called chrysler they will not do anything about it...i see on the internet and the news that i am not the only person having this problem...my car only had 50,000 miles on it because i am retired...can't anyone do anything about this before we end up dead...what about states that don't inspect you cars...what am i to do retired and no car to drive...i can't afford the price of repair...chrysler should take care of this...they need to stand behind their products. *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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the frame was completely corroded. the failure was gradually getting worse. the vehicle was taken to the dealer. the technician stated that the sub frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Significant rust and corrision resulting in damage to structural integrity and ability to exit vechicle in case of collision or structural failure. *tr

Engine cradle corrosion. *tr

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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the steering wheel locked several times while driving various speeds. a local mechanic stated that the subframe and engine cradle were corroded, fractured, and contained holes. the vehicle was deemed as unsafe to drive. the manufacturer stated that the engine cradle replacement warranty had expired. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 110,000.

Corroded front subframe. *tr

I brought my 2004 chrysler pacifica in for its annual nys inspection. it failed inspection due to the fact that the subframe was so rotted out it wouldn't pass. i realize the car is over ten years old, but this should not happen. i discovered that this is an ongoing issue with 2004-2005 pacificas, and wanted to add my complaint to the record. we now have to incur an expense that we cannot afford, and should not have to. my mechanic is now going to contact chrysler to see what they will do. *tr

My subframe is rotted and rusted just like every other 04 pacifica its ridiculous . chrysler needs to be a stand up company and fix it. *tr

The engine cradle has rusted out and the engine is ready to fall out of the car. cannot pass safety inspection. no assistance from chrysler on this after many calls. it seems to be a very, very popular issue. they said they will only fix something that has a recall. so basically they will not stand behind their products unless they are forced to. what a shame! *tr

On above state date, i took my vehicle in for a routine oil change and tire rotation. my mechanic discovered that the subframe/engine cradle had rusted out and that i shouldn't drive it until it is repaired. stated "you could have died in this thing". after getting it repaired, i spoke to a customer service repair person at chrysler and they informed me that due to my chrysler pacifica being manufactured on september of 2003 and not between february and march of 2004, they could not help me. the rep went on to add that she hears from people regularly in the same predicament but unfortunately she couldn't help. i believe she said her name was belinda or melinda. *js

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the vehicle had severe rusting and corrosion of the under frame and engine cradle. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the failure mileage was 102,000.

Engine cradle rusting has holes down both sides could also affect my stearing what peeked my interest was that i read that 2004s built in february and march mine was february chrysler sent a notice i never received one for this problem.

I was jacking up the car to replace the brakes and the jack stand went right through the body sill! i looked closer and the entire undercarriage and subframe of the car underneath is completely rusted. do not place your jack or jack stand near the body sill without checking it very closely. if your working on your pacifica and it falls off the jack stands you could be killed! on my 2004 pacifica, there is not one good place to put a jackstand. everything is completely rusted. it is impossible to work on the car if you have to jack it up. *tr

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

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

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

Took my car to the mechanic to look at a front exhaust issue when i was informed my frame was rotting away. i did a google search and learned of many incidents with this year, make and model of car that has had many instances like this with no help from the mfg. *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

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

A frame support (cross member) has a hole big enough to put part of your hand into. this whole also goes right out the back side of the support. this support not only holds up the engine but also gives stability to the front end. risks are loss of life,complete loss of control and or severe engine damage should support fail. *js

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

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

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

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

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

Engine cradle/mount and frame is completely rusted out. unsafe to drive. stuck with a pile of steel that has no trade in value or resale value. apparently, this effects almost every 2004 pacifica. nhtsa ought to be looking into this issue more closely. it's obvious that the hundred's who've registered a complaint on this website are feeling that the agency does not care to investigate. shame on chrysler; shame on nhtsa.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who discovered that the engine cradle was corroded. the contact notified the manufacturer of the defect but no solution was offered. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure mileage was 113,000.

I took my car to a mechanic for an oil change and i was shocked by what i've seen. the engine cradle is rusted out and it also has cracks on it. it is a real life-threatening situation where the structure can fall out at any moment. i could imagine myself driving on the highway and be involved in a car accident because this car manufacturer builds cars like this. i'm shocked. i have a son that we drive in this car and now i prefer to have it parked than put my son's life in danger. i've never seen such corrosion and it is definitely a problem chrysler needs to address to all cars. it seems a lot of people are having the same issue even in florida so don't tell me that it's a normal situation due to salt on the road. *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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that an independent mechanic discovered the engine cradle was rusted and corroded. the contact notified the dealer of the defect but the vehicle was not repaired. the contact notified the manufacturer of the defect but no solution was offered. the failure mileage was 124,000.

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

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

Chrysler service bulletin: 13-001-10 service bulletin no.: wb-d-10-34 nhtsa id number: 10045080 motor cradle has rusted out structurally unsafe, will not pass inspection may cause a severe dangerous accident. chrysler has extended the warranty on 2004 chrysler pacificas that were produced february 2004 - march 2004. my car was manufactured in may 2004. i have the same symptoms the cars produced only 30 days prior! my repair needs to be covered. *tr

This is a garage kept car, low mileage. had mechanic check car out and found that the sub frame had major rust and holes in it. chrysler recalled 2004 pacificas that were made in a 6 week time period and fixed those but no others. in researching this matter there are a lot of 2004 pacificas with this issue and chrysler is refusing to fix them. *tr

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

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

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