Problems with 2005 Chrysler Pacifica STRUCTURE

Vehicle brought in for state safety inspection. during visual inspection of vehicle, obvious hole in frame found due to rust/corrosion. vehicle is not covered under 6 week window chrysler corporation currently covers. vehicle is unsafe, fails state safety inspection and at this time owner will bear cost. *tr

My 2005 chrysler pacifica has what appears to be abnormal corrosion on the frame. this was first brought to my attention by an investigative report by nbc5 chicago. i had my car examined by a mechanic who took photographs and warned me of a safety issue related to this corrosion. i have reached out to chrysler and the first response appeared to be a "scripted" response saying they were "sorry about the rust, but there is not recall", i have since escalated it within chrysler. i would like to open a claim with nhtsa since this problem appears to be fairly wide spread and needs to be addressed by the manufacturer, before people start to get injured or lives are lost due to this serious product defect. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that during a routine maintenance, the dealer found that the sub frame was rusted and there was potential for the engine to fall out. the vehicle has not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 162,000.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage and vin was not available.

Engine cradle/sub-frame is rusted through on both sides. the gaps 1/4" to 2" wide extend for 15-20". my mechanic lifted my car so i can see the damage, he says it is unsafe to drive it because of all front suspension and steering is supported by the frame. when driving over potholes i hear loud thumps coming from front suspension area. i'm expecting chrysler's recall or reimbursement for projected $2500-3000 repair. *tt

Advised by local mechanic in december that rust was developing on undercarriage of engine. after numerous news reports and reading of info on the internet of similar problems called chrysler customer care. i was told since it was not in the window of the cars that they are extending the warranty on rust to 10 years or 150k miles there was nothing they could do for me. if they do extend the warranty in the future they will let me know. *tt

I own a 2005 chysler pacifica with excessive sub frame rust that holds up the engine of the car. a mechanic brought it to my attention when he was inspecting the tie rods. i saw multiple holes maybe 3" in diameter! there is also crack lines in the frame running from end to end. i'm afraid to have my wife drive it to work in the event the engine falls out of the car while driving. i called chrysler recall department and they said my year is not covered? my car was manufactured on may 21, 2003 and chrysler says cars manufactured forward from february 23, 2004 would be repaired! what difference does the manufacturing date make?! faulty steel is faulty steel no matter when it was used by chrysler in their cars! can chrysler be held accountable to [xxx] (we don't have the money to buy another vehicle! 'parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).' *tt

Reference tsb 13.001-12, 2005 chrysler pacifica suspension service bulletin, and nhtsa action number 10044109. a letter was sent to some 2004-2005 chrysler pacifica owners that the front engine cradle and suspension mount frame was prone to corrosion problems. the warranty was extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles to owners in states that use road salt, cold weather states. we live in pennsylvania, which is considered a cold weather state. our pacifica was inspected in april 2014. we informed the station that we were experiencing some vibration in the front end of the vehicle. we were informed that the cradle assembly and mount was rusted through and because of safety issues they had to be replaced before it would pass inspection. the cost was $2,702.08. the vehicle had 122,638 miles, under the warranty threshold of 150,000. when we learned of this situation we called chrysler. they informed me that only pacifica's manufactured between a certain time frame were covered. they could not tell me the time frame, but our vehicle was not covered. to make matters worse, the new cradle assembly is exactly the same as the original part. no corrective actions have been taken to prevent the rusting. there are other cases similar to mine on the internet. state dmv?s are failing these vehicles for safety issues, they are unsafe to drive. how can chrysler ignore these serious safety issues? i am requesting full reimbursement of $2,702.08, plus request action be taken against chrysler so that all 2004-2005 pacifica's are repaired before serious accidents occur, if they haven't already.

I have a 2005 chrysler pacifica i just bought it about 7 months ago. i took it in for a routine oil change about a month ago, when the mechanic tells me that my subframe that holds up the motor is badly rusted and that my motor could fall out anytime. going to the shop next week due to how unsafe it is! *tr

While getting service at local chrysler dealership, was notified that the engine cradle was rusted through and the vehicle was not safe to drive. *tr

We took our car in to locate a possible leak and while investigating the leak, our repair shop noticed a golf ball size hole and rust on the passenger cradle arm and reccommended us not to drive. after researching i have found we are not the only owners of the 2005 chrysler pacifica with this issue. *js

Frame has a 7 inch rusted out gash that the car serviceman has said he's never seen anything like it before. called chrysler and they refuse to cover the cost because its after warranty,and after reading many articles,this seems to be a very common and very unsafe issue for 2004 and 2005 pacificas. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for an unrelated service where they noticed that the front cross member was completely rusted. the dealer advised the vehicle was not safe to drive. the vehicle had not been repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the defect. the approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

I noticed that something was looking weird about my car and something seemed hanging really low. i went to have it looked at right away and they told me that my cradle was rotting and it needed to be fixed or my engine was going to fall to the ground if i did not get this taken care of. i have had nothing put problems with this car. it seems like once i fix one thing something else goes wrong. i have spent over 3,000 dollars on this car so far to fix it and now this. i am beyond irritated. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while the vehicle was having routine maintenance performed, the technician mentioned that the sub frame was completely rusted and needed to be replaced. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure mileage was 140,818 and the current mileage was 141,164.

The forward engine cradle is completely rusted through. my mechanic said it is unsafe to drive. *js

While getting oil change, technician noticed considerable amount of corrosion on the sub frame, also referred to as the engine cradle. independent technician (sycamore tire co.) and chrysler service department deemed the vehicle unsafe to drive: sub frame needed to be replaced. *tr

My mechanic informed me that the engine cradle on my car is completely rotted out and is a serious issue which is a fatality hazard. he gave me a copy of chrysler "extended warranty period" written notice for this issue for pacifica model years 2004-2005. i called them and they stated that i'm not covered because my car was built in 8/04 and not between 3/04-4/04. the notice does not state that the cars need to be built in a particular month. their statement makes no sense to me and i think they are lying. all of the signs of their notice is what i have have been experiencing for over a year, the "corrosion resulting in drivability vibration and/or shake." could you please help me i love my car but can't afford the repair cost and they need to stand by their awareness of the defect and written warranty coverge notice. the notice is labeled as "[xxx]". thank you. information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that there was an excessive rattling noise from the front end of the vehicle. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who replaced the upper and lower tie rods in addition to performing a front-end alignment. the mechanic also stated that the front sub frame was excessively corroded. the manufactured was made aware of the failure. the sub frame was not repaired. the failure mileage was 132,000. updated 06/10/14*lj updated 06/13/2014*js

I own a 2005 chrysler pacifica which was purchased new. the car was built in december of 2004. the frame components supporting the engine are badly corroded, so much so that there is little structural support left on one side of the vehicle. it is no longer structurally sound. chrysler has acknowledged this defect in cars made in a 6 week period between february and march of 2004, and awarded an extended warranty to these vehicles. my vehicle is exhibiting the same failure mechanism and chrysler should acknowledge that this defect is a design and/or production flaw which should also be covered by the extended warranty. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while driving at speeds over 50 mph, a vibration was present. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who discovered that the engine cradle and the sub frame had rusted. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the failure mileage was 113,000. updated 06/27/14*lj the tie rods and lower control arms were replaced. updated 07/08/14

I am a single mom of 2 boys 8 & 4. i drove 3 hours away with my sister who is married with a 1 yr old boy and home totaling more than 6 hours. the next day i was driving out of the church parking lot with my boys in the car when i hear a huge clunk. i thought i had just blew a tire, which was infuriating because i'd just spent $400 on replacing tires 2 days prior, but when i got out the tires were fine. i drove 1 mile home and told my brother in law and dad about the problem. they both crawled under and saw the sub frame all rusted out and cracked. i took it to a neighborhood mechanic who quotes around 2k to fix. i had another come look at the car and quoted around the same. both said it was not to be driven at all. the noise was quite likely the engine rocking around, and could have literally fallen out. i called chrysler and was told that i was out of the window to get any help. the wear and tear was normal for my cars age and mileage. i would not get any help. i just want it noted that i have read articles with many complaints. does someone have to die first? a 6 hour drive and 3 children very easily could have been without their moms if my engine had fallen out when i was going down the highway at 75mph. shame on chrysler and shame on anyone who knows about this problem and does nothing! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while driving 20 mph, the vehicle exhibited a loud, abnormal noise. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where the technician diagnosed that the sub-frame was completely corroded and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 150,000.

While i have heard some sounds from the suspension (front) for over a year, it was only this month (may 2014) that the problem was diagnosed. the engine cradle on my vehicle is rusted and has holes in it. per the mechanic, it is unsafe to drive until it is fixed (which he estimated as costing in excess of $1,000). after doing a little research, i contacted chrysler only to find out that they would not cover this defect since my vehicle was manufactured in may 2004 and they only cover it for 10 yrs/150k miles for vehicles manufactured up through march 2004 (if in the "salt belt"). so while they acknowledge this specific problem, they would not apply the warranty because my manufacture date is two months beyond their cutoff date. talking to auto mechanics and searching online seems to reveal that this is a significant problem with older pacificas. based on this information, i strongly believe that chrysler should cover a defect like this since it is likely widespread (if not issue an actual recall like toyota did on their tacomas for rusted frames a few years ago). i do have a case number with chrysler now in which they noted my problem. i won't include that number here because this is a public record. *tr

I am seeing a lot of complaints regarding rust and corrosion issues with the engine cradle on 2004-2005 chrysler pacificas. please go back to the main frame page and click on the "service bulletins" tab under the 2005 chrysler pacifica recalls list, then click on the "associated document" in the first service bulletin labeled : service bulletin no.: wb-d-10-34 component(s): engine nhtsa id number: 10045080 it reads that, in an effort to demonstrate its commitment to your continued satisfaction, chrysler group pacifica's llc has extended the warranty for the front engine cradle to 10 years or 150,000 miles (whichever occurs first). this warranty coverage applies to chrysler pacificas model years 2004-2005. please take your vehicle to your local chrysler dealer where it can be inspected and replaced free of charge if necessary! if you have already replaced this component at your cost, then you are entitled to a refund; but must submit a photo copy of your invoice and receipt to: chrysler customer assistance center po box 21-8007 auburn hills, mi 48321-8007 you may also call our customer service center for more information at : 1-800-247-9753 (8am - 8pm est. monday-friday) (9am - 5pm est. saturday) *tr

Took vehicle to mechanic for routine maintenance. upon inspecting the underside of the vehicle the subframe of the vehicle is rusting and has holes some as large as three to four inches in diameter. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the frame was rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where the failure was confirmed. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 126,422.

Was having oil changed when tech called my attention to the subframe having holes and corrosion.i live in a salt state (ohio). *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the engine cradle was severely corroded and exhibited holes. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the failure and current mileage was 65,087.

I took my 2005 chrysler pacifica in to get my inspection done yesterday. the mechanic put the car in the lift to check it, then he showed me where the engine cradle/subframe had corroded to the point where you could stick your fingers through the hole. i did some research and there are hundreds more like myself with this problem. chrysler knows about the problem and does nothing about it. they recalled a minute portion of the same make and model with the same problem made in the same year. there are hundreds, if not thousands, with the same problem. may have no clue that they are driving a ticking time bomb, in which the engine could drop out at any time while they are driving. this car is supposed to be a family vehicle. i drove my two small children in this car for a long time, not knowing it could have wrecked at any time. is it going to a serious injury, or worse, death for something to be done about these rolling death traps. i contacted chrysler and they said there is nothing they could do because my vin doesn't fall in the recall range. yet, my car is the same year, make, and model. something needs to be done before some is injured or dies. i know there are hundreds more concerned people with same problem as me and something needs to be done. *tr

Nhtsa please notice how many people have submitted this problem. over 50 just since this january. subframe corrosion to the point the mechanic didn't even think it should be driven home. engine, transmission, front wheels could all fall at any moment. why hasn't anyone done anything about this? i see over 50 people have complained about this very problem since only this january. luckily we noticed it, hate to think of all the other pacifica drivers out there that have no idea the danger they are in. what will it take? one death? two deaths? how many people, chrysler? this is obviously a major problem and needs to be fixed at no cost to the consumer. who has $2500 to repair their car? not us. will be contacting chrysler to no avail i'm sure but worth a try. *tr

Frame member supporting engine has developed sever rust compromising the structural integrity of the vehicle. chrysler has acknowledged this problem with this part on vehicles produced prior by extending the warranty to 10 years 150,000 miles for this frame member. chrysler will not provide any assistance with the repair to my vehicle. *tr

Entire subframe, engine cradle, riddled with corrosion and rust. spoke with chrysler customer service last year and was told that my pacifica was built/ assembled in delawer therefore my car is not covered by the recall . i found several car with the same issue, my mechanic placed the car up on the lift and got the shock of his day. the whole engine cradle was rusted and corroded. i could put my hand through it, it was so corroded. he told me, basically, that i should get the car fixed or get rid of it i had the car for almost 3 years and the dealer never reported the problem, and i don't believe i could catch it unless i got under the car, additionally it will take more the 3 year for the much rust to shows

I have a 2005 chrysler pacifica that has failed inspection due to extensive engine cradle rust. this vehicle's body and undercarriage is immaculate except for the engine cradle "k frame". i have contacted chrysler and they are unwilling fix the problem because it is 20k miles over the power train warranty even though there is no other rust issues on the vehicle. after doing research, i have discovered that i am not alone in this battle! i am within 8 months of the previous recalled vehicles from chrysler for this same issue and i believe that chrysler should extend their recall as this is a potential dangerous issue that is growing with this specific model vehicle. *tr

Our regular mechanic has determined that the undercarriage of my car is rusted and rotted to the point where it is unsafe to drive . car was brought in due to electrical failure as mentioned above . i have never received recall notices . i spoke with a chrysler rep today and there is nothing we can do because its not with in the recall time frame . *tr

While getting routine service the mechanic noticed both sides of the engine cradle were rotted. the car should not be driven till repairs are made. seems that there are alot of these cars with the same problem as mine. a total recall is needed before someone dies... *tr

The front sub frame of my vehicle is rusted or corroded, making it unsafe to drive. i have contacted my local chrysler dealer as well as chrysler customer care about this issue. both say there is nothing they can do for me. when i spoke with my dealer and the customer service representative from chrysler, both informed me there have been many other owners reporting the same issue. numerous on line posts and a cbs news report have indicated many owners have gotten relief in the form of an extended warranty by chrysler for this part. the repair cost for this issue is well over $3000. persons who are affected by this manufacture defect should not have to be responsible for this cost. thank you for your consideration in this matter. *tr

The engine cradle or subframe is entirely rusted through, i have been told by a mechanic that they engine could likely fall through the bottom of the car. the hole in the subframe is large enough to put your hand through on one side and cracking on the other. *tr

While operating my 2005 chrysler pacifica limited edition i heard a loud clunking, popping, sound coming from my front end, which was exacerbated when i turned either left, or right. also, i have a constant shaking which i feel through my steering wheel, which becomes more pronounced while i am braking. anytime i drive over any type of bump, pothole, or even just an uneven road surface it clunks. it sometimes makes a clunking sound even when i am operating on an even road surface. as i start pulling away from a stopped position, i often feel, and hear a jerking & lugging, which sounds like the engine is moving around inside the sub frame (engine mounts). i brought the vehicle to a local independent mechanic who informed me that the sub frame was so rotted, that the control arm has pulled off of the sub frame. he also stated that the part of the sub frame that holds the engine in place, is so rotted that the engine could actually break free from the vehicle, and could result in a serious crash. he showed me several holes, where the sub frame has actually rotted completely through, and i am able to see out the other side of the metal. he said that it would cost me thousands of dollars to replace the rotted parts. i am a stage 4 terminal cancer patient, and need my vehicle to travel back & forth, 60+ miles, for the treatments necessary to keep me alive. i am not able to work, and therefore cannot afford to pay the costs required to repair, and/or replace the rotted parts on my vehicle, as well as the damage that the rotted parts have caused to other parts of my auto. i had another mechanic check my vehicle, for a second opinion. he told me that there is no way that this is normal wear, rusting, or rot, for a vehicle that is not even 9 years old. he said exterior body panel rust, or rot could be very possible, but definitely not rot in the sub frame. *tr

I took my 2005 pacifica in for an oil change and was informed there was a major problem...engine cradle/crossmember bar was rusted through and had holes in it. i took it in to the chrysler dealership and was given an estimate of $2514 for parts and labor to make my car safe to drive. my vehicle was manufactured 9-04 so i missed that very small recall window. so much for a safe, family car...just hoping the manufacturer makes this right some day. good luck to other pacifica owners. *tr

Sub frame is rotten and needs to be replaced. shop manger told me ok to drive just don't hit a pot hole. $2703 to repair it. chrysler said they don't have a calls on this problem. i called chrysler on saturday feb, 15 2014. i'm driving a ticking time bomb. *tr

Http://www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html the left side sub frame of my vehicle is corroded, making it unsafe to drive. i have contacted my local chrysler dealer as well as chrysler customer care about this issue. at this time they say there is nothing they can do for me. when i spoke with the customer service representative from chrysler he informed me that there have been many other owners reporting the same issue and they are looking into it and that there may possibly be a recall in the future. the repair cost for this issue is around $3000, which i do not feel the many people who are affected by this manufacture?s defect should have to be responsible for. chrysler has selectively reimbursed people with this same issue, as you can see from the attached link to the nbc news report. as this vehicle is my main mode of transportation my family and myself it is unnerving to think what could happen if this situation is not addressed. thank you for your time and consideration with this situation. *tr

The front sub frame that holds the engine has a massive rust hole on the passenger side it started off the size of a golf ball and has turned into a 8 by 3 rectangle i have owned the car for two years and this is the result .there was a warranty extension on this vehicle but they only considered it from the date mfg 2/23/04 to 3/31/04 a six week time frame as the vehicles affected by it. i experience vibration while driving. mine was mfg 10/04. *tr

Engine cradle / subframe rotting out. seems a common complaint with these cars. mine was built in july 2004 and does not fall into the extended warranty chrysler offer for this issue. still, seem too many people have this problem for only a limited number of cars to be cover. a full recall needs happen. please. *tr

My engine sub frame is heavily rusted creating a dangerous situation for my motor to falls or loose control of my vehicle putting my wife and child in danger. *tr

Our 2005 chrysler pacifica touring model did not pass a state vehicle safety inspection because of extensive corrosion holes and frame rust. the engine cradle support has rust holes and is severely weakened, and the areas below the rocker panels underneath the car have rusted through. the vehicle was purchased new by my father, and has always been garaged and well maintained. the car has only 77,100 miles on it, and yet now is considered structurally unsafe to drive. researching online, i found that chrysler knew of the unusual corrosion problems with this vehicle. they acknowledged the rust problem by quietly issuing an extraordinary "extended 10 year / 150,000 mile warranty" for pacifica model years 2004-2005. they subsequently amended this warranty to limit their responsibility to the front engine cradle only (reference: x26, warranty bulletin dated march 16, 2012), and further reduced their exposure by only providing this warranty coverage to vehicles manufactured between february 23, 2004, to march 31, 2004 - an implausibly short time frame given their acknowledged corrosion problem. the chrysler customer assistance center told me they would not provide any assistance, since the manufacture date for this car was june, 2005. it is inexcusable that a well-maintained 2005 vehicle with only 77,000 miles could be rendered structurally unsafe due to corrosion. it is absurd to suggest that their corrosion problem only affected one part manufactured only within a 36 day window. having spoken with several mechanics and insurance adjusters, extensive underbody panel rust and frame corrosion are extremely common with this model year. structural corrosion is a known defect with this car. it's a huge financial loss for us. it also a dangerous safety "time bomb". they know it is. chrysler should assist in fixing these vehicles quickly, or be forced to recall them. *tr

Excessive rusting of engine cradle. possibility of front end of subframe falling out of the car. *tr

Found out in december 2013 getting tires, that engine cradle had serious rust and to watch it. engine light came on in january 2014, and car needed transmission work. mechanic took frame off and it rained rust particles from the horribly corroded engine cradle frame. called chrysler, wanting to speak with supervisor. i was told that a supervisor would call me within 24 hrs. never happened. called again a week later, and that operator found out my original message was never delivered to a supervisor. and now i"m waiting again for 24 hrs for someone to call me. *tr

My chrysler pacifica was diagnosed with a bad engine cradle, cradle is rusted, has a long rust hole about 7 inches long, will need a cradle replacement, frame is unsafe. some 04's-05's were recalled for same problem, mine wasn't included in the recall for some reason, i'm having the same problem everyone else is. contacted chrysler and said there wasn't anything they could do for me, its definitely a safety issue. *tr

Was informed by service center that the engine cradle was rusting thru. svc center advised that this is a safety issue and needs to be addressed. contacted dealer who looked into the issue and said it needs to be replaced due to rust damage. dealer advised that chrysler extended the warranty for 04 & 05 pacifica's for 10 years or 150000 miles. chrysler sent a letter to affected people on nov 9, 2010. ( we are not part of the affected cars according to chrysler) the dealer advised that our car was not part of the affected vehicles. parts for replacement totaled out at 1329.55 plus tax and labor. dealer said to contact chyrsler cust svc to see if there is any thing they can do. contacted customer svc and they advised that the car does not fall in the affected cars and there is nothing they can do. have sent a letter to chrysler with no reply on this issue. so no we have a dependable care in very good condition that is not safe to drive and the manufacture is going to deny any replacement or repair. *tr