Brought my car into chrysler dealer for regular maintenance and they called me to say that they would not release the car to me because the entire subframe was rusted and rotted out in spots. Dealer told me the car is a total loss as the repair is $6500 (blue book value ~$3500) and this problem is very common but unfortunately there's no recall. I called chrysler and the just said I am out of warranty and they will not help, goodbye.
2004 Chrysler Pacifica suspension complaints
Page 3 of 5: complaints 41 to 70 of 125, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the fuel gauge malfunctioned and indicated that the fuel tank was half full. The contact mentioned that the gauge quickly decreased to empty as the vehicle stalled. Also, the contact indicated that while accelerating at any speed the front end of the vehicle would shake and vibrate. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failures. The failure mileage was 164,000.
Engine cradle has rusted a big whole through.
During a routine oil change, it was noted that the engine sub frame is rusted through and needs replaced. I have searched and this seems to be a common problem that the company isn't dealing with in a fair manor.
My wife was pulling away from a traffic light and the steering locked up. She was able to stop before crashing. What I found was very disturbing. The rear engine cradle mounts had separated. Causing the engine cradle to contact the ground on acceleration also the steering track which is attached to this cradle became non-functional. The center ripped out of both rear mounts and there is no mechanical stop to prevent the cradle from separating from the body of the car with amount failure. This cradle had been replaced under aa warranty 14 months and 11,000 mi.earlier. I had the vehicle taken to a chrysler dealership, they informed me that the front cradle mounts were also separated and they could not put the car on the lift to pick it up due safety reasons and the engine cradle would come out from under the car. I contacted chrysler customer service and after about a week they informed me that they would warranty the mounts and no labor and only if the repairs are done at the dealer. The cost of the parts is minimal in comparison to the total cost of the repair and what could very easily have happened if the mounts had failed in a different situation at a much higher speed and not on a city street.
My steering wheel started to jerk to the right when accelerating and it was hard to keep the car on the road. It felt like the front wheels were going to fall off. I took the car to the shop and they informed me that the sub structure cradle was rusted through and had failed. This also took out the transmission mount and idler arm. Had I been going any faster when this failed it may have caused the car to swerve into on coming traffic.
After multiple hard clunk sounds after braking, we investigated the underbody of our pacifica. The frame has severe rust and some good sized holes present. We are concerned that the engine cradle is unsafe and will not hold the engine securely. This car has no rust on the exterior paint, only the under carriage is rusting out. This car has been garage kept and maintained, so there is no reason this should be occurring.
There are multiple occurrence but the start of the problem was 1 week after I purchased the car. 5/6/14 I replaced the tires left front axle along with the front struts and strut mounts, check engine light on came out for emissions system small leak changed the gas cap. Fine till june then I had to replace everything over again check engine light on again same code p0455 changed purge solenoid, along with the right axle. Fine again till august by this time check engine light is back on now changed the nvld pump plus replaced everything over again struts, strut mounts, along with the rack n pinion, front lower control arms both sides, outter tie rods. Once again fine then october rolls around I take it back in because it acting weird steering wise plus the check engine light is on again same code p0455 now I change out the canister, along with everything over again but the axles they are still good. Now november rolls around and everything is at it again check engine light is on p0455 they want to replace the fuel lines now. Also the 4 motor mounts are broke again my engine is almost ready to fall out. Now they are finally telling me after $3400.00 that this is all caused by the rust and corrosion on the undercarriage. My subframe and frame have holes in it, the rust is actually making it's was inside my car now. I went to fix a flat tire and when I used the emergency jack I pumped it 1/4 of the way up and boom it went right thru the frame. My alignment keeps throwing it self off because it can't hold the front suspension in place. The strut mount housing looks like another few bumps and it will go threw. Accident: 1st wk nov '14 I was driving down the free-way luckily doing 45mph and I went to steer my car to the right and it kept going straight and scraped the k-rail. Mechanic said the the bolts he put back into the sub-frame keep falling out because of the rust.
I recently took my 2004 pacifica to my mechanic to get an oil change and he advised me that my subframe was rusted, rotted and cracked with holes. He said he had never seen anything like that in his many years as a mechanic. He also took pictures of it to show me. I contacted the local chrysler and the headquarters and advised them of the same. They said that they were aware of the problem but couldn't help me because my vehicle's age was over 10 years old. I explained to them what the mechanic said and that the part was defective not because of the age of the car but because of the defective part. They do not stand by their product because they said that because of the age of my vehicle that they would not be able to help me. However, I am aware that some local customers in my area had their subframes replaced by chrysler "free of charge", because the parts employee told me. He said that pictures of their vehicles were taken while on the lift and submitted to chrysler and they were given authorization to replace the parts. However, they would not accommodate me because I didn't have an extended warranty with them. Chrysler picks and choses the customers that they want to help. Although my vehicle is 10 years old and I don't have an extended warranty with chrysler, I always have maintained the use of my vehicle with regular oil changes, tune-ups, brake repairs, etc. With a privately owned mechanic. There is no reason that my vehicle should have a rusted, rotted part like this especially since I do not live in a flood zone area.
After having my front tires replace my mechanic showed me pictures of what was left of my frame from rust and rot. He said I had 2 choices weld or replace. I took it to a welder who has welded for 35 years and could repair most anything. After inspecting my frame he said there was not enough metal left to make a weld that would hold and stated if it were his car he would get rid of it now. So I had a frame ordered. All I'm looking for is to be reimbursed for my expenses.
Dealing with a rotted k-frame crossmember for the front engine cradle; has caused the whole suspension to fail, effecting steering components, as well as, wearing out other parts such as, engine mounts and front end bushings on a car with less than 100,000 miles on it.
This car has a serious rust issue on the undercarriage. It starts on the subframe then works its way to the frame of the car. There front suspension has been replaced 3 times in the month alone. Due to this issue I have in regards to this, I can't jack my car up with the jack that comes with the care, if I do it will go right thru that is what it feels like to me.. I can not get a rear alignment on my car because of the rust and my tired have worn or day. If anyone knows anything could they please help I am feed up with this care..
I been having my chrysler pacifica 2004 for 7 months. I had to fix my left passenger axle, shock, water pump, radiator, passenger upper motor mount, the tank for the water, fuel injector line, two tune ups, air filter, fuses, brake lights and tires. Thing that is broke, the passenger window elevator, and my AC.
The underside engine cradle subframe of my 2004 chrysler pacifica is rotted and in danger of breaking apart. I can hear noise when steering and the car has a vibration.
I was driving today and it seemed that my steering was extremely hard to turn if I was mashing the gas, harder to turn to the right side of the car. If the car is coasting or I am breaking the steering is easier to control. I have stopped at my parents house on the way home to research what could be happening with my car and found this disturbing news. Unfortunately for me, this is my only source of transportation and I don't have the finances to just get another car...I'm so frustrated right now and I don't know what to do... The consumer stated while driving, she had difficulty steering the vehicle. She noticed when accelerating, the vehicle was hard to steer, but when braking or allowing the vehicle to coast it was a little easier to control. She managed to get the vehicle off the road. She discovered a portion of the support frame dropped from the vehicle, and it appeared the engine cradle was corroded with rust. Updated 12/04/14
I was just advised today by three different auto shops that I have a rusted engine cradle/suspension. I was shocked to find this out and then after doing research found that this seems to be an ongoing issue with this vehicle. I called chrysler to validate a recall and/or an extended warranty that had been posted covering up to 10 years 150k miles. My car falls into this category was advised that there is no such warranty or recall for my vehicle. It is an obvious safety hazard and an expense that should be covered by the manufacturer. This belongs to my teen daughter and I cannot have her unsafe!
Took my car to have a plastic front panel put back on. The repairman sent me pictures of the engine cradle rusted out. Told me the car was unsafe to drive until it was fixed. Contacted local chrysler dealer and gave me information to contact customer service. Called customer service and my vehicle was outside the coverage described on bulletin 13-001-12 issued on mar 16, 2012 by chrysler. They were not able to provide any relief on the repairs which will be between $3500 and $4000 depending on parts cost. My vehicle was built september 18, 2003, and put in service on december 22, 2003. The service bulletin only covered vehicles from feb 23, 2004 to mar 31, 2004. I am sure my vehicle is in the same category as the covered vehicles, same rust problem, same areas of the car, etc.
Rusted engine cradle / subframe. Many near missed accidents. It's so bad I had to stop using the car. Forced to buy another vehicle because chrysler customer care said they won't repair it. Ongoing for 2 years now.
Had work done on my car and was told that the front sub-frame is rusted and has a fracture in it found out that this make is notorious for this problem but company wont recall the item ......I need help fast ...
I just recently purchased a 2004 chrysler pacifica as of this date I am filing this I got the vehicle home and put it up on ramps to take a look underneath at the exhaust and other parts only to find out the front sub frame is rusted out with a big crack and another hole in the frame. I did some research online to finding out that almost every pacifica has the same problem, chrysler should do something about this problem its obviously a major safety issue.
Corroded front subframe.
I have had this vehicle into the dealership at least once a year over the last 3 years for various reasons. The rusting of the cradle was never mentioned. I find it interesting that now it is over the 150k mileage limit that chrysler alerts me that the cradle needs to be replaced to the tune of several thousand dollars. I have owned several cars in excess of 10+ years each and never had a cradle rust problem. I also have come to find out that this is a known issue among pacifica owners. I am curious to know what chrysler's intentions are to cure this situation given the severity and danger present if unresolved...not only for me as an individual but other pacifica owners as well.
The well-known issue with model years 2004-2005 involving premature failure due to rust on the engine cradle has been confirmed on my own 2004 chrysler pacifica. This vehicle in 12 years old with a faulty subframe and is too dangerous to be driven. There are two extensive areas of rust, one on either side of the engine cradle that extend from in front of, to the rear of the control arms. The rusted areas are already so bad, I am able to fit fingers through the holes in the engine cradle. It is cracked and completely compromised of any structural integrity. There is no reason why this part should not be coated in a correct manner to reject corrosion in such an aggressive form. This is a problem that chrysler is aware of and yet they refuse to fix it. There is no integrity in that decision and very little respect to be had for a corporation that handles such a well-known situation in such a poor manner. This is an extremely dangerous problem and I feel very strongly that this should be replaced by chrysler.
While getting an oil change my mechanic pointed out that I have a five to six inch long by about 1 inch wide rust through gash in the engine cradle. He says this can be a serious problem where it is possible that the engine could fall through the frame while driving.
I went to get a front end alignment on my vehicle and was informed that my vehicles sub frame is completely rusted through. I was told my vehicle is unsafe to drive and that my engine could fall out at any time. I called chrysler and was told there are no recalls on my car specifically and that I would have to pay out of pocket for repairs. I have done some research regarding this problem and have found that this is a common problem with my make model and year vehicle. I called chrysler back and was told there was still nothing they could do even though this is a known issue. Only 6 weeks worth of my make model and year vehicle were recalled and that mine did not fall into that category because it was built 4 months prior to the recall dates. This part should be recalled as this is a common problem and as my mechanic pointed out it is most definitely a defect in the sub frame. If the dealer does not wish to resolve this issue I will be contacting a lawyer.
Sub frame (k frame) rust. Brought car to dealer where purchased and maintained for regular scheduled service. We were advise by service person that the k-member had rust holes and was unsafe to drive. He had a quote of $7000 to replace with new sub frame. I found a service bulletin and brought it to the dealer, I was advised that my VIN was not part of the recall. This car was bought new and has had all service at this dealership.
Engine cradle is rottted car is not safe to drive how does disabled wife get around she has chf heart failure.
I am almost verbatim submitting an identical complaint that you received a day after I was shown the exact same problem, after taking my chrysler pacifica in for a routine oil change. This is exactly what I was told too on march 28, 2014. I was told I have a subframe/engine cradle that is severely cracked and corroded on the passenger side of the vehicle and showing wear on the driver side. I was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle. I have submitted an email to chrysler and am waiting their response but understand that customers are most often told there is nothing they can do to assist with the nearly $3000 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. And may I echo the entire last complaint that was submitted that I just read because it's exactly how I feel too. I have read that chrysler also selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. If it is not their fault, why are they doing that? The nbc report also indicates that the federal safety agency sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern? You might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe pacificas, so that they could report it. Please reconsider your recall decision, as chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production. "
On march 29, 2014, my 2004 chrysler pacifica, purchased in august 2003, was inspected and diagnosed, by the dealership where it was purchased, to have a subframe/engine cradle that is "rotting" or in other words, severely cracked and corroded. I was not informed of this serious safety issue with my vehicle by chrysler. I was informed by a recent investigative story on the local chicago nbc station, followed by internet research of the issue. I called the customer service number given to me for chrysler and was told that there is nothing they can do to assist with the $2600 cost of replacement, because the vehicle was not made in the narrow window of production that they claim was affected and subject to recall. Chrysler told me the warranty they offered, related to the recall, was expired for my vehicle anyway. I never received any notification of the problem or that warranty, because they were keeping this problem a secret to most of their affected customers. I have read that chrysler also apparently selectively decides who to help with the cost of repairs, regardless of their recall window and warranty, after the customer makes enough noise. If it is not their fault, why are they doing that? Isn't this the same type of behavior that toyota and chevrolet have exhibited? The nbc report also indicates that the federal safety agency sees no pattern with the numerous claims you have received outside of the supposed recall window, like this one, how many people have to be put at grave risk before you see a pattern? You might see a pattern if more people knew they are driving unsafe pacificas, so that they could report it. Sorry if I am being a bit pointed here, but the I don't understand how chrysler and the federal safety agency can ignore this issue. Please reconsider your recall decision, as chrysler's liability is certainly more than a couple months of production.
Discovered engine support has a rust through hole approx. 1 3/4 x 3/4. Also showing other areas of rust damage. This auto is low mileage & garage kept. Have photos with tape measure if desired.
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