Problems with 2005 Chrysler Pacifica STRUCTURE

I took my car into the local dealership and they told me my front subframe is rusted out and unsafe. they said there was a tsb 13-001-12 that may apply since this a common problem. however due to the mileage it was not covered. this is a safety item that is present in these vehicles which has been documented by the news and all over the internet. this condition can lead to crashes and possible death.i contacted chrysler and they told me there isn't anything they can do. when i was notified about the issue at around 145k miles, there was only a small pin hole in the center of the cradle. at 168k miles there is a hole you can put your fist in. this is a major suspension component, not something subjected to normal wear like a tie rod. i would fully expect to pay for a tie rod, rack and pinion or ball joints. this is different, a major structural component. my vehicle is in good shape and i plan to keep it for the next 5 years. but with the cost of the subframe and the miles it is worthless. this is an issue that needs to be looked into. hopefully it doesn't lead to too many deaths before something is done. *tr

I took my car into get the power steering fixed and the mechanic told me that the engine cradle was rotting out and i would have a couple months, at best, before it could become very dangerous and even deadly. *tr

Sub frame is rotting and could be compromise at anytime. *tr

Sub-frame engine cradle severely rusted . same concern as documented in nbc news chicago tv investigation report. discovered during dealer service.

My vehicle's engine cradle and/or subframe is completely corroded and rusted. i have one very large crack in the engine cradle and another forming. the bolts and many other parts are rusted and rotted through. chrysler is aware of this issue and has been for a long time but, since my car was made 6-8 weeks outside of their extended warranty period, they have refused to help me (while at the same time offering relief to others in my exact situation). during my initial discussion with their customer service, a supervisor told me not to call again and, despite not knowing the full extent of my particular problem, told me that chrysler would "absolutely" never do anything to help me. chrysler has also refused to explain to me what was done differently to my engine cradle and subframe compared to vehicles made on march 31, 2004, the day the extended warranty ran through. my wife and i have owned this vehicle since 2006. it's the only car my 4- and 5-year-old daughters have ever known and to learn now, years later, how dangerous the vehicle is in saltbelt states makes me terrified about any other problems with chrysler vehicles that the company has chosen to keep secret. i am fortunate that we learned of the problem before the engine cradle failed altogether, which clearly could have led to serious injuries and/or death. *tr

I have had my vehicle since 2008. i took it in for a oil change and was told that the subframe/engine cradle was rotted and unsafe. i live in oh. and was told by chrysler, since my vehicle was originally sold in az. that it is not covered to have the engine cradle replaced. the vehicle is a 2005 and have been in a "salt state" for 5 years. i located a letter online that was sent out and it doesn't state where the vehicle was purchase would be covered, but place of operation. to me 5 years of oh winters and salt has been the place of operation. after searching out the problem concerning the engine cradle, i have found that it has been a big problem. *tr

While having work done, it was discovered that the sub frame on my vehicle is rotted right through. i was told not to drive in this condition as it is very dangerous. the dealer i bought the car from will not take any responsibility claiming it was sold as-is. i found a multitude of information on the internet stating that this is a known issue with this year and model vehicle. i contacted the chrysler corporation and they refuse to do anything to fix the problem. they claim the only vehicles they will fix were manufactured between february and march of 2004 and my vehicle was manufactured in november of 2004. this is the same problem they are aware of regardless of when the vehicle was manufactured. it is a defective part that can cause the engine to fall out of the car if it should break while driving and can potentially cause a fatal crash. if they are taking responsibility for some cars with this problem, they should take responsibility for all cars having the exact same issue. because your organization has not forced them to do a recall, they are turning away consumers. this issue needs to be addressed and because the cause is their defective part, they need to be responsible to replace the frame on my car. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having the tires changed, the mechanic noticed excessive rust on the sub frame. the contact called the manufacturer regarding the rust and was advised that the vehicle was not under warranty so there was nothing they could do to assist. the contact did not have any repairs performed to the sub frame. the failure mileage was 86,000.

Own a 2005chrysler pacifica limited fully loaded whichwas purchased new. the car was built in august 2004. i took it in for inspection in december 2013 and it was discovered the engine cradle supporting the engine was badly corroded and would need replaced to pass inspection and is a safety issue. chrysler has acknowledged this defect in cars made in a 6 wk period and awarded an extended warranty to these vehicles but not mine.. this is a design flaw in the cheap material used in production and i should given the extended warranty. my wife and grandchildren were at risk while driving it and didn't know it i am a decorated veteran and will be contacting the president, mrs obama and initiating a class action lawsuit and the local newschannel.. i have no choice but to fix it but seek reimbursement for the extended warranty.chrysler needs to own up and do the right thing before some lives are lost. core values: integrity first, service before self & excellence in all we do! you don't want to end up like gm do you? *tr

My vehicle was recently found to have a rusted out engine cradle during a routine inspection. i have contacted chrysler, and they will not take any responsibility for the repair. my mechanic has tried to find one in a junk yard to replace it, but every pacifica in the junk yard has a rusted out engine cradle. they know this is a problem and refuse to take responsibility. my state has mandatory inspections. i shudder to think of what will happen when someone is driving down the road unaware and their engine falls out. *tr

Numerous complaints from owners of chrysler pacifica (2004 - 2005). the sub -frame of the vehicle was not treated properly for rust or corrosion. the motor mounts to the sub-frame and if the sub-frame is compromised the engine could drop down and destroy all braking and steering capabilities; as well as, catastrophic issues including death. what does it take for chrysler to realize that this is a problem. how does chrysler issue an extended warranty and then rescind the letter. corporate greed at its best. this is a "family vehicle" that we afraid to drive because you do not know when the sub-frame will "give-way" and possibly kill everyone in side or someone else. can i get some help!! please !! *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that an independent mechanic was servicing the vehicle and advised that the engine cradle was rusted. the mechanic also advised that the engine cradle would need replacing because there was a risk of the engine becoming detached and falling from the vehicle. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 121,000....updated 10/27/15 *bf *tr

Front engine cradle on my 2005 chrysler pacifica has rusted to the point that the engine/transmission could fall out while driving. chrysler says that have no plans to issue a recall for such a condition. *tr i called chrysler at 1-800-chrysler and they said it was not covered. the vehicle is in perfect condition and has 109,000 miles on it. *tr

I wanted to bring to your attention a safety condition with certain years on the chrysler pacifica. many of the pacificas engine cradles are severely rusted; to the point of if a break occurs the engine will fall out of the vehicle. this issue is mainly on years 2004-2005. (i own a 2005 model with severe rusted engine cradle.) the estimated cost of this repair is between $2,500 and $3,000. i have contacted chrysler several times about this safety issue, the 1st time was nov of 2013 with the most recent being 4/1/2014. chrysler just says ?we?re looking into it?. (ref case# 24293830) i have contacted the minnesota attorney general who sent a letter to chrysler, but they declined coverage on my pacifica. i have also filed a complaint with the national highway traffic safety administration. chrysler has acknowledged this issue by extending the warranty on certain build dates, (see letter below): checkout an nbc news report on this issue: www.nbcchicago.com/investigations/minivan-owners-want-chrysler-to-concede-rust-problems-241535881.html. my vehicle has been diagnosed by two mechanics, one of which is roseville chrysler-jeep. and both agree that the engine cradle must be replaced. my vehicle is in perfect condition. the rusted engine cradle would never be noticed by a common person. someone could have this issue and not know it unless a mechanic would happen to notice it. luckily mine did! in light of the recent gm issues with ignorance of the power steering issue i would think that chrysler would try and get ahead of this serious safety issue. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6). *tr

The engine cradle is rusting and the engine will soon fall down to the ground if not replaced cost + $2,000 +. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the sub frame was corroded. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was not notified. the failure mileage was 90,000.

On november 12th 2013 , i took my 2005 chrysler pacifica to be inspected. i was told the vehicle could not pass inspection since the front sub frame was rotted and the vehicle should not be driven. i was also told rear sub frame bushings and the frame itself was weak. the car only has 127359 miles on it. this is unreal !!!!!!! i called chrysler to no avail. i was wondering has anyone thought class action suit ?? *tr

Examined subframe of car during routine inspection and discovered excessive corrosion to one side. visible cracking in subframe generating from corroded area. *tr

Vehicle was submitted to authorized new york inspection station for yearly state-required inspection. vehicle failed inspection. inspector cited multiple holes in the "cradle" frame member supporting engine, steering, and suspension parts. "cradle" was completely perforated in several places by corrosion, and showed signs of additional corrosion which would ultimately lead to more holes. cradle was judged structurally compromised. inspection station consulted ny dmv and it was determined and reported to me that vehicle is unsafe, and that replacement of cradle would be required to return vehicle to service and to pass new york state inspection. it was explained to me that a minor impact -- such as encountering a pothole at speed, or hitting an object with the frame or body of the vehicle -- could cause collapse of the front end structure of the vehicle, loss of steering control, loss of the engine from the engine compartment, collapse of the suspension system, and potential resultant fire, explosion, and injury or loss of life to occupants of vehicle or others in the vicinity. *tr the consumer stated the vehicle left his wife stranded. she was unable to steer or brake while driving many times, the previous year. on one occasion while driving, the engine light illuminated, and the vehicle just stopped, leaving his wife in the middle of the road. the consumer replaced a faulty sensor. updated 03/27/14

On october 25, 2013, i learned that the engine cradle/frame on my chrysler pacifica 2005 was severely rusted and rendered the car undrivable. driving the car could cause the frame to fail and there could be serious consequences such as an accident or having my engine basically end up on the street. this is unacceptable for a 2005 vehicle with nearly 80,000 miles on it. this car has been garage kept and driven as a family car since it's purchase. the body has not one speck of rust, but the frame/cradle has completely rusted through. this is unacceptable and chrysler needs to step up to the plate on this for vehicle owners. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the sub frame engine cradle was corroded and the vehicle was not able to be driven. the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified. the failure mileage was 79,000.

While in for repairs, our mechanic diagnosed that the engine cradle of our 2005 chrysler pacifica touring awd sports tourer 4-dr has rusted almost completely through and advised that the vehicle is unsafe to drive without immediate repairs. according the mechanic, the engine cradle supports both the engine and the front steering/suspension assembly components, that could cause the driver to lose control upon failure, and cause a crash. after conducting research on various websites, i found that numerous consumers/owners of pacifica models manufactured between 2004 and 2006 are reporting this issue and chrysler is aware of this specific problem and listed it as a possible defective part. in response, chrysler has issued an extended warranty, limited to certain states (which they refer to as 'salt belt states") covering repairs for this problem. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where we purchased it, examined and submitted a request to chrysler for coverage, which was denied. we were told that our vehicle was not covered because we did not live in one of these defined "salt state zones". despite offering to provide evidence from kydot and local county transportation offices verifying that our area does in fact experience a high volume of roadway salt use, chrysler continues to deny extending any coverage for the affected vehicle. given the seriousness of the problem, and the large number of consumers potentially affected, i would ask that nhtsa & odi conduct an independent investigation and negotiate with chrysler to broaden the coverage to include any pacifica exhibiting signs of this defect. *tr

Cradle rotted out. *tr

Started when backing and turning wheel to left a clunk occurred and left wheel felt 'stuck'. thought it may have had something to do with the extremely frigid temperatures of the season. a short time later i felt clunking under my feet when driving over dips or bumps at any speed. for some i thought it was again the idler arms or ball joints as i have had many many suspension repairs. oddly it was never mentioned by anyone at this chain repair shop that the engine cradle was of any concern. i did bring my car in to a different chain repair shop for a determination of the clunking problem and was shown when putting the transmission into reverse the engine fell way down then was shown the very rusted out engine cradle and given an estimate of $1800.00 for repair with a used cradle. i then took the car to an independent repair shop to verify the need of the cradle..the charges to be slightly less. i called chrysler and was told the car had to be taken to a chrysler dealership repair shop for an estimate but that it was already known that there would be very little to no benefit. however if there was any monetary benefit it would not begin to cover any of the repair cost. by the way, the right rear quarter panel and lift door are rusted also. when i purchased the car 3 1/2 years ago the rust was beginning-i can now stick a finger thru the rust on the quarter panel. have seen only one other pacifica with surface rust. it's very embarrassing to me as not many cars on the road have any rust at all. are my young passengers safe?? i am stuck with this money and possible death trap. i still have 1 1/2 years of payments. bummer. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having repairs performed to the vehicle at a local mechanic, he was advised that the frame exhibited excessive rust. the contact did not take the vehicle to a dealer or contact the manufacturer. the failure mileage was 103,000. the vin was not available.

We bought our 05 pacifica a couple months ago used we were aware of the engine cradle being lose we then found out it was corrode out on the right side of the motor and steering rack problem and was wondering if there is a recall on either of these items we see that alot of 05 have the same problem were can i take my car to get it fixed. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the engine cradle, frame and cross member was found to be severely corroded with holes. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the failure and current mileage was 130,000.

We were informed when vehicle was in for repair that there were holes in the front subframe. the subframe had rusted out and the holes will not allow the car to pass inspection. we were informed that the subframe would need to be replaced. contacted chrysler hotline and they said that there were issues and notices sent to cars in the salt-belt, we did not receive one even though upstate ny. they have been in contact with the local dealership as of two and half weeks ago and we still have no response on whether it is covered under potential recall. safety is definitely an issue, not sure why this issue has not been enough of a cause of concern to issue nationwide recall. subframe should not rot out and have to be replaced, clearly defect in design and materials. search web we are not the only ones, hundreds if not thousands of similar complaints. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while driving 55 mph, the vehicle shook with the illumination of the abs light. the vehicle was not repaired and the manufacturer was notified. the approximate failure mileage was 130,000.... updated 10-17-13 *bf when braking the car started shaking. steering was lost, and the abs light illuminated. upon inspection it was found the front engine cradle had rusted so to the point there were big holes. the only thing holding the engine cradle together was the motor mounts.

Was informed by our mechanic that the front crossmember/engine cradle/k-frame had rusted through and that this was a common problem with this make/model/year vehicle. chrysler issued a recall due to this defect, but it only covered manufacturing dates up to march 31, 2004 and our vehicle was manufactured in june of 2004. i have seen that this continued to be a very common problem with vehicles after the march manufacture date and called chrysler to see what could be done as this is a very expensive repair of a known issue that had been recalled on other vehicles. chrysler stated that this was not covered by recall and there was nothing they were willing to do to assist us. *tr

I recently took my 2005 chrysler pacficia to the shop to have the pulleys changed on the engine for the serpentine belt, and new tires and alignment. when the car was on the lift, my mechanic pointed out to me that the engine cradle is rusted and will need to be replaced at a cost of $5000. the car only has 94k miles on it. this seems to be a wide spread issue. i am the 2nd owner, the 1st was a lease through chrysler and i purchased the car from a local chrysler dealer in 2008. going to start contacting chrysler and the attorney generals office in ma to see what can be done since there is no recall on this. *jb

Last year at time of inspection my repair guy said the subframe looked good - he had seen a lot of complaints about them lately. this year is a whole different story - the subframe is rusting out even though my car has the electronic rust inhibitor installed since i bought in 2007. i called to check my vin and of course no recalls are listed. for the amount of complaints you would think that they would revisit this issue. *tr

I took my pacifica in to get the tires rotated and was told i had a cracked frame and they would not rotate them. i checked to see if i had a recall and i did not. now i have a car that is worth less than what it would cost to fix it. judging by all the complaints this is a serious problem and i am just thankful my family didn't get hurt because of it. i was told the subframe hold the engine so it is not safe to drive because of the crack. *jb

I was told when i took my car in for an oil change that the subframe was rusted out & that this was a safety issue. i would need to get this fixed or the engine/transmission could fall out. my car has always been stored in a garage. there is no way a car of this caliber should have a problem like this. it isn't even something that our service guy has seen on very old cars. was quoted @ $4200 for new one & around $1200 for used. my repair shop ordered 6 of them before they could find one that wasn't also rusted out. of course they got more expensive as it went along. very disappointed in chrysler saying that it wasn't covered & they wouldn't stand by there product/defect.

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while driving approximately 65 mph, he depressed the brake pedal and noticed a growling sound. the front end began to shimmy. the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnosis. the mechanic stated that the subframe was corroding from the front passenger's side where the air conditioner condensation would drip. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that there was an extended warranty for the subframe but the vin was not included in the warranty. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure mileage was 113,000. *tt

Subframe corrosion - rust. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that the engine cradle was rusted. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine cradle was rusted. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 113,000.

2005 chrysler pacifica 107000 miles rusted engine cradle. garage kept and serviced only at a chrysler dealership, service dept never told me the engine cradle was extremely rusted and cracked. after several calls and emails to chrysler corporation they refused to work out any financial assistance on repair bills.*jb

Took car to be inspected and was told the engine cradle was rusting out and the car would not pass inspection. dealer quoted me $2,000 to replace; got second opinion and paid $1,700 to have the cradle replaced. just discovered this website (09/2014), otherwise would have filed this complaint earlier. seeing the number of complaints on this same issue on this website makes me feel chrysler should reimburse me for the money i spent to have this repair done. *tr

Took car in for routine oil change. chrysler dealer stated that the engine cradle is rusting out and needs to be replace very soon and is dangerous to drive. chrysler had a recall for a select 2004 year cars for the same reason. why has the recall not been extended to include a wider range of vins? i notice about 1/2 of the recent complaints are for the exact same problem. *tr

Sub-frame is totally rotted out!!!!!!!!!!! *tr

Engine cradle has rusted through and made the car unsafe to operate for my teenage son. a very expensive replacement is required. structural integrity should have a much longer lifetime. chrysler was contacted and declined the opportunity to make things right. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while the vehicle was being inspected, it was noticed that the sub frame was perforated due to rust. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the sub frame was severely rusted. the contact was also informed that the vehicle was not included in the manufacturer's recall. the manufacturer was contacted about the failure. the failure mileage was 150,000.

i own a 3005 chrysler pacifica that has been taken regularly to the dealer for oil changes repairs and regular maintenance. today my husband noticed some rusting of the frame that the engine sits in so i went to dealer and had them look at it and they agreed and were surprised that this was happening and it shouldn't. i was told it should be fixed is very unsafe and the cost is very expensive. i called chrysler and they simply said sorry not a recalled vehicle and there is nothing they can do. they told me to fix it and save the receipt in case there is a future recall. i am very upset by this response. i am concerned about driving my kids as well as myself any where in a car that is unsafe and apparently our safety is not a concern for chrysler. i will make sure no one i know buys a car from this company especially after finding out that so many other pacificas have this same problem. it should have been recalled. *tr

The subframe (which holds up the engine) has thoroughly rusted through creating the danger of the engine and transmission falling from the frame. i am told the car is unsafe to drive. chrysler has acknowledged a defect in materials used to construct cars in february and march of 2004 and has extended the warranty to 150,000 miles for those vehicles. as mine was produced 4 months later they are denying any liability and refusing any assistance. the defect is identical to one that is covered on cars made 4 months prior , and they have been unable to provide any documentation showing the material used on my vehicle is not from the defective batch. i may have defective parts but they cannot provide a method to identify those defective parts. chrysler is unwilling to even examine the vehicle, instead using the vin as their only reference as to coverage. i found it interesting that when i referenced others receiving assistance outside the parameters of the extended warranty i was told that based on customer loyalty there may be assistance for some but it was not available to me. i am concerned that customer loyalty plays a role in the safety of their (past) customers. i'm not sure how many people expect their frame to fail in 8 years but this could be a major safety factor for both passengers and any vehicle around them when an engine falls from a car. how many complaints are needed before action is taken? *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was determined that the frame was completely rusted. the vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was confirmed that the frame and floor boards were perforated due to rust. the vehicle was not repaired. the manufacturer was not contacted. the failure mileage was approximately 125,000. updated 07/10/13*lj updated 07/12/2013 *js

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that while having the vehicle inspected, the technician stated that the front of the sub frame was rusted and corroded and needed to be replaced. the manufacturer was made aware of the failure. the vehicle was not repaired. the approximate failure and current mileage was 110,000. *tr

Driving down the street and the car started shaking and then something sounded like it snapped and the steering wheel was almost locked and could not steer. had it towed to the mechanics and he said the under frame and the brackets attached from the chasis to the frame holding up the engine had broken off. i got home looked online and found out that there are a lot of complaints about rusting in the under frame and that it is a very unsafe condition. *tr

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. the contact stated that upon inspection, it was found that the sub frame was perforated due to rust. the vehicle was taken to a private mechanic who stated that the engine cradle and suspension cross member was rusted. the vehicle was repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 149,000 the consumer was informed, her vehicle did not qualify for the free repair, as the vehicle was built in september 2004. updated 06/17/14 updated 06/24/14 ma updated 06/25/2014 *js

Just had a state inspection and oil change done on my 2005 pacifica. the technician put my car on a lift and pointed out multiple areas where the engine cradle frame is rusting out. he had never seen anything like this on a vehicle of this age. as it turns out, while investigating this issue on the nhtsb and other web sites, this is a common problem with the chrysler pacifica. and is apparently of little concern to chrysler. they have offered some people help and others have been told "too bad", based on some arbitrary manufacture date range. this is even though the defect is the same no matter the manufacture date. this total disregard for the safety of their consumers is unbelievable and should not be tolerated. while my car has passed this inspection, without correction, it will never pass again. this was not a low cost vehicle and if chrysler was aware of this safety issue why was i not contacted. are they waiting for some kind of serious accident with injuries or death to respond properly? i contacted chrysler on this issue and was told they would not help me. "thank you for contacting the chrysler customer assistance center. thank you for your recent contact regarding your vehicle. we fully appreciate your concern, particularly in view of the expense and inconvenience involved, however, we are unable to accommodate your request for out-of-warranty consideration. the vehicle has exceeded the time and/or mileage limitations of the warranty (or warranties) we offered on the vehicle at the time it was purchased. although we are unable to provide a more favorable reply, we appreciate the opportunity to review your request. thank you again for taking the time to communicate with us. we're sorry we cannot provide a more favorable reply thanks again for your email." *tr