2004 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems

Filed Nov 7, 2020 · Body, Engine · 11,800 miles · MI

The under carriage that holds engine in place is completely rusted through. I bought brand new tires from belle tire on september 9, 2020. By november 1 2020 I was observing extreme wear on the brand new tires. Went to my mechanic and was told the car is unsafe to drive due to the cradle rust rot, and the engine is about ready to fall out and would cause catastrophic emergency I and my family could die. Trying to find replacement and am being told it is such a problem that there is no parts available to fix this problem

Filed Jun 16, 2020 · Body, Engine · 167,000 miles · VA

Vehicle was taken to service. Shop would not work on vehicle stating the deterioration of the subframe was to extensive and they would not work on it. Upon closer inspection showed the frame in a great state of decay, with some places only being held together with thin strips of metal. These vehicles were recalled in the past for defective frames however not all were recalled and this is one vehicle that was not. The motor in these vehicles will fall out and could cause an accident which could result in serious injury or loss of life. These frames are defective in workmanship from the factory and should be handled by the factory across all 2004-2008 chrysler pacifica's affected by defective equipment knowingly installed by the factory that will lead to an accident and cause serious injury or death. Thousands of these vehicles are on the road today with occupants unknowingly driving these vehicles which are "ticking time bombs".

Filed Sep 4, 2018 · Steering, Suspension · 75,000 miles · NY

The front chassis cross member has rotted out. My 2004 pacifica has been parked in my driveway over 5 years because the corrosion is so bad I'm afraid to drive it. I've been waiting for a recall to fix this obvious factory defect. The rotted front cross member was pointed out to me during a state inspection in june of 2012

Filed Aug 8, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 129,700 miles · WI

K-frame is rotted out not safe to drive engine could fall out

Filed Apr 11, 2018 · Body, Suspension · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. While checking for the sway bar link under the vehicle, the contact noticed that the side panel frame was corroded all the way through. The vehicle was taken to south chicago dodge chrysler jeep (7400 s western ave, chicago, il 60636), but was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact was informed that the vehicle was unsafe to drive on the highway. The manufacturer was contacted and opened case number: 33832631 before referring the contact to the federal safety agency. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

Filed Mar 8, 2018 · Engine, Suspension · 117,000 miles · WI

We own a 2004 chrysler pacifica with around 117k miles on it. My daughter drives it. While changing the engine oil on it last weekend, I noticed severe corrosion (perforation actually) of the vehicle engine cradle. The passenger side of the cross member is rusted completely through on the bottom and the driver side is about 70% rusted through. As this cross member is what holds the engine in the vehicle and acts as the base of the front suspension, I don't believe this vehicle is safe to drive anymore. Should this structural component fail during highway driving, I believe the vehicle would become unstable and uncontrollable which would be a hazard to the driver, passengers and other motorists. Yes, we live in wisconsin (part of the salt belt), but this amount of corrosion on such a crucial structural component is crazy! The vehicle has only been on the road for 14 yrs and for only 117k mi. I would understand if the body started to deteriorate in that amount of time, but not a supporting frame member. I don't believe the engine cradle was properly treated against corrosion, or the design of the cradle made it susceptible to excessive localized corrosion and the manufacturer should be held liable for repairs.

Filed Jan 29, 2018 · Suspension · 160,000 miles · MN

Sub frame engine cradle rusted to the point the mechanic advised it was not safe to drive any longer. Japanese metal coating issue or chrysler recall needed? I brought the vehicle in thinking I have a cv shaft going out as it made noise when turning. The mechanic showed me the frame on both side are rusted through and the frame is twisting. The repair would cost more than the worth of the vehicle. We have owned this vehicle since brand new and taken very good care of it. Even the body is rusting badly. Check out the attached news investigation on this issue. Http://www.wfsb.com/story/26363027/problem-pacificas-a-danger-despite-lack-of-recall

Filed Oct 13, 2017 · Suspension, Transmission · MI

Bought my 2004 pacifica from a dealership used on june 5 2017 at that time I had the oil changed at the dealership the next day. Nothing said about the cradle almost rusted off on right side. Took pacifica to get tires cause I planned a 1500 mile trip in a few days and wanted good tires. Needless to say besides $400 in tires I had to put $1800 into parts and labor for struts, tie rods, arms, brake pads, rotors and valve stems. Was shown the rusted cradle that was 3/4 rusted through and told it should get changed but the vehicle was safe to take on my trip. While driving when going 25-35mph with my foot on the gas pedal it chugs like its not getting gas and have also noticed it now when going 55 and taking my foot off the gas pedal it doing the same thing. There's been 4 or so times the fuel indicator has gone down to empty and back up again once while idling in a construction zone and almost died twice. Needless to say brought the vehicle to the dealership for an oil change october 3, they changed oil and did an inspection- my vehicle is no longer safe and need to talk to the dealer who sold me the vehicle. Right side of cradle totally rusted off. So why did they even sell the car when they knew it was unsafe or even sell me part because it was unsafe? Dealerships and tire dealerships taking advantage of older people and women! I will be going into both these places and needless to say still paying on the repair with their credit card. I cannot drive an unsafe vehicle and put a few more thousand dollars into it. I also had a new battery put in cause not even a week after purchasing it it wouldn't start and needed an interstate battery! I cannot believe chrysler is being so negligent about putting a recall on these vehicles. I've only owned chrysler, dodge and plymouth vehicles the 44years I been driving.

Filed Aug 17, 2017 · Suspension · 130,400 miles · MN

Lower subframe (engine cradle) rust-through separation. Subject of service bulletins, I'm told, but no recall? Wife heard loud pop when backing up, then car handling became problematic. Mechanic raised car and pointed out rust-through of subframe.

Filed Jul 26, 2017 · Engine, Suspension · 150,000 miles · WI

Engine cradle rusted out to the point the engine dropped. My daughter was driving home from work on i94west out of milwaukee when she heard a clunk. She was able to dive to our restaurant and park. I had the vehicle towed to an auto mechanic and that is when he told me that it engine cradle was rusted out.