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Problems with 2004 Chrysler Pacifica STRUCTURE

On average, the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica starts to “feel” problems with the STRUCTURE and its various aspects after 104 725 miles.

Components Affected by STRUCTURE Issues

We have classified the 56 complaints from 2004 Chrysler Pacifica about STRUCTURE into the following categories.

BODY 125 FRAME AND MEMBERS 80

Recently reported STRUCTURE problems on 2004 Chrysler Pacifica

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while at an independent mechanic for unrelated repairs, he was informed that the engine cradle was corroded. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 88,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the engine cradle and the rocker panel was completely corroded. the contact also mentioned that the engine could fall at anytime and the vehicle could not be driven. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who stated that the entire engine cradle and the rocker panel on both the driver and passenger's sides would need to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 114,200.

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that she took the vehicle to the dealer for an oil change when the mechanic informed her that the engine cradle was corroded and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 88,008.

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

Sub-frame is rusting out. *tr

As owning the 2004 pacifica for not even a yr .we had a noise as we were trying to find out the problem a friend had notice a huge rusted hole in the subframe .as i emailed a picture to the dealer their answer was "we are not aware of this problem." 6/25/14 i googled the problem and chrysler is aware of this ! why was i not informed of this when i bought it and how in the world do they let this problem go !!!! i have no other car and drive w two children everyday.it is a ticking time bomb!!!! *tr

Was warned that entire frame us rotted to a point where it will be unsafe to drive within the next few months. i have an 04 pacifica with 165,000 miles on it to date. i was warned about 5k miles ago but he wasn't as concerned now that they see how fast it is weakening. sad... i was so happy with my car for the past 10 years... *tr

While having my vehicle checked for a power steering leak at an independent mechanic, i received call from mechanic that if there was any way possible that i can come down to the service station because the problem was bigger than the leak. once there he showed me the serious rust through on sub frame rails and engine cradle with noticeable cracks going upward on sub frame. he stated that the cause to my power steering leak is due to this sub frame being in the condition it is and it's vibration. he suggested that i contact chrysler for a recall because he knows of the same problem on honda's & toyota's that were already recalled. after reading the forums and searching for a recall there is an extended warranty but unfortunately i fall under the state of nj were this state is not eligible for the extended warranty. this is outrageous and a safety recall should be issued right away. with so many complaints i will move forward and start a class action law suit for not issuing a full scale recall to all 2004 pacifica owners in every state. they clearly recognize the danger in their faulty design and manufacturing yet still refuse to issue a safety recall by only providing an extended warranty to some pacifica owners. this is a serious danger to my family and a fatality waiting to happen. *tr

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

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 manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 133,000 and the current mileage was 141,000.

My garage told me that the engine cradle or sub frame has a substantial hole from rusting out. *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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that upon inspection, the entire sub frame was found to be corroded. the vehicle was taken to a independent mechanic which stated that the sub frame had to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 119,000. the current mileage was 120,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having the oil changed, the contact noticed the sub frame cradle was rusted on both sides. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic but the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 108,000. updated 12/23/13*lj

During engine warning light inspection at herb chambers chrysler in millbury ma the technician found the front engine cradle should be replaced due to rot. chrysler was contacted to find out if the extended warranty for 10 years/150,000 on the engine cradle applied to this vehicle and found that it was not. *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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the sub cradle on the vehicle was covered with an excessive amount of rust. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer or a local mechanic. the manufacturer was made aware of the defect. the failure mileage was 85,000. the current mileage was 87,000.

The engine cradle or subframe has rusted through on the right side. i was told the condition the subframe is in my vehicle is unsafe to drive. *tr

2004 pacifica has a clicking noise and had it checked out and it is the cradle assembly& rear engine mount is bad. it is rusted and cracked. also has alot of suspension issues. engine getting ready to fall out. *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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the front engine cradle was corroded. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where the failure was confirmed. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 154,000.

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

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

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that she took her vehicle to a mechanic for a tune up and she was advised that the engines sub frame corroded. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and confirmed that there were no related recalls. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 127,000.

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

The chassis is starting to rot out. *tr

I took my pacifica for a front end alignment to get the news that my subframe is rusted through and that the car was unsafe to drive. i then called chrysler to act upon a parts extended warranty that was to cover this issue, come to find out my vin number does not qualify for this warranty, my car was made 3 months before the warranty was issued for this make and model. my question is.... if they know that the subframe is bad on this make and model why doesn't every 04/05 fall under this warranty? there is something wrong with this logic. the subframe is bad and chrysler needs to back up there faulty product. we love this car and hoped to have it around for a long time, but now it is an accident waiting to happen. i"m like most american's these days and cant afford to pay 1200 dollars out of pocket to have this dangerous problem fixed. shame on you chrysler for making an american made product unsafe, you should know better and stand by your product and your consumer by fixing these unsafe vehicles transporting families all over the roads. i hope the next time we post here it will be to say that chrysler stood behind their brand and took care of their customers the way other manufactures would. *tr

When i got my wheels fixed i was looking on the my car and me and the mechanic noticed that the subframe was rusty he told me that it was unsafe to drive my car cause my engine can fall out any minutes. when i was doing some research i discovered dad is his own common problem with chrysler pacificas. to my knowledge this should not happen with a car from 2004 so i'm writing this complaints because i think chrysler is responsible for replacing the subframe. this repairis going to cost me at least a thousand dollars no i don't have that money and i'm paying on the car so please can you tell me what's i can do. girls i know if i'm not the first one who is complaining about this. my email is [xxx] thank you for your time information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for tire service when he was advised that that the sub frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer for inspection and they advised that the frame needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,000.

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

We have just found out the sub frame of our 2004 pacifica is severely rusted out. it only has 120,000 miles on it and it only 9 years old! there is no rust whatsoever on the body of the car but underneath is completely corroded. this is a huge safety hazard and from what i read it's not uncommon. chrysler has only issued an extended warranty for the subframe for a 30 day period of production but apparently it's more then just the ones made in that month! chrysler says to keep the receipts in case the have a recall but what gets me is why is there no recall yet!?! this is not normal wear and tear and again it's extremely dangerous. they must of skipped a coat of protectant or something went wrong because it's not coincidence that thousands of other people have the same problem with the 2004 / 2005 year. you purchase a vehicle trusting to put your families live in it and make it from point a to b. but the subframe it the life line of the vehicle and for chrysler to still not issue a recall on this is pretty irresponsible on their part! one of the even scarier things is that others that are not aware of the problem are out there driving their vehicles on the road and could be a hazard for others! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the front end made a loud noise when driving at various speeds. the vehicle was taken to a mechanic where the sub frame was found to be severely corroded. the manufacturer advised that the vehicle was not included in the sub frame warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 139,000. ..updated 05/10/13 *bf updated 05/24/2013 *js

When taking the car for an oil change, i learned the engine cradle had rusted through and cracked. after researching the issue, i discovered this is a known issue for this car. i contacted chrysler, who claimed that the car was made 7 days too early to participate in any sort of covered repair. this is ridiculous, as my vehicle clear suffers from the same issue. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having routine maintenance performed, the technician noticed that the engine cradle and sub frame were corroded and fractured. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and advised the contact that the vehicle was not cover under the engine cradle extended warranty. the failure and current mileage was 89,291. pam

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the front under carriage of the vehicle was severely rusted. the contact was informed of the failure when he took the vehicle for state inspection and the vehicle failed. the contact spoke with the manufacturer, but was told that they would not cover the repair. the failure mileage was 128,000. *tr updated 5/28/13 *cn updated 06/05/2013 *js

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

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the sub-frame was completely corroded. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who verified the failure and stated that it needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 130,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle exhibited abnormal noises while driving at various speeds. the vehicle was taken to a local mechanic for inspection. the failure was located at the sub frame, which was corroded and fractured into pieces. the manufacturer advised that the manufacturer's extended warranty repair did not cover the vehicle. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 130,000

Vehicle purchased from dealer on 1-13-05 with 16,312 miles - with carfax history report. as of 2-11-14 it has 48,550. also purchased the maxi care service contract - intended on keeping this car for over 100,000 miles. it has been garage kept and babied. noticed a little bubbled paint about a year ago - now my repair shop suggested that i try to get rid of it before it gets any worse. there is absolutely no other damage to the vehicle inside or out. looks brand new except for the rust described above .considering what i have read online i would be afraid to even sell this vehicle to another person in fear of a fatal accident. is chrysler going to do anything about this issue. i have to go out and buy another vehicle 50,000 miles prematurely. why should i have to loose all this money?????? *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

Sub-frame (engine cradle) corroded and rotted, engine and transmission metal support structures are severely weakened by rust through sub body framing. chrysler is aware of the problem and has issued a very limited recall which excludes many of the cars directly affected in this model/year. when i contacted chrysler i was told that my vin# was excluded. the basis and rationale for the exclusion were capricious and arbitrary, (ie.) production date.

The subframe of the car is rusting terribly. i have been advised that it will become a hazard to drive the car in the future. we were advised to replace the subframe for safety purpose. i researched this online and found that this is a common problem with this year, make and model. i have never encountered this problem before with any other vehicle i have owned. i have always maintained our vehicles and have owned vehicles longer than this. this vehicle has not been subjected to harsh conditions and should not be showing this level of destructive rust. we ask the nhtsa to look into this matter and to issue a recall on this vehicle to have these parts replaced for safety purposes. i believe that chrysler is not altering the public to this very strong potential safety issue which i am afraid will cause harm or potential death if the frame on these vehicles gives out. a quick glance on google and one can readily find that this issue is a very large one indeed. we ask for your help in protecting us. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having a state inspection performed, he was informed that the subframe was severely corroded. the vehicle was not taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 145,000.

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