2005 Chrysler Pacifica: fire, smoke or burning smell

Filed Mar 5, 2019 · Engine, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · AZ

I drove out from car wash I was going about 35mph then I turned right on to the freeway soon as I reached 50mph my vehicle made a weird noise and shut off as im on the freeway. There were no warning lights on whatsoever although I got a "gas cap" message. The steering wheel locked I had to pull off the free way(no accident, thankfully) the breaks were hard to push down I had no choice but to let it roll through traffic I got to a safe place I put it in park waited about 30 minutes to try starting it, it would not start. Smoke came out from back passenger rear tire. Let my car sit over night tried to start it the next morning, again it would not start. I had it towed it into shop they could not find the problem I had left my vehicle in the shop for a week other mechanics discovered the problem. Later they told me I need a whole new engine. I only got to drive it 2x before it stalled. I really like it and wish I can get it fixed I do believe it has to do with the power train, fuel propulsion, and engine.

Filed Nov 30, 2018 · Engine, Fuel system · 150,194 miles · AZ

I just came out from car wash I turned right on to the freeway soon as I reached 50mph my vehicle made a weird noise and shut off. The steering wheel locked I had to pull off free way(no accident, thankfully) go to a safe place put it in park try starting it it wouldn't start. Smoke came out from back passenger rear tire. Let my car sit over night tried to start it next morning, wouldn't start. Towed it into shop they couldn't find the problem but later they told me I need a whole new engine. I only got to drive it 2x before it stalled. I really like it and wish I can get it fixed

Filed Aug 13, 2016 · 118,000 miles · NC

We had been on a road trip and were driving home. We were making a stop to get gas and saw smoke coming out from the engine area. We smelt something burning and found that the firewall insulation had fallen down on the catalytic converter and began to burn. We were able to get the insulation pull out and away from the converter before it caused major damage to the vehicle. If we had not stopped there would have been a fire and destroyed the vehicle. We contacted the chrysler dealership and they said there was no recall and the part was obsolete and they could not do anything for us and also stated that the car was fine and could still be driven. The insulation is there for a reason and this was an unacceptable response from chrysler. We have still been trying to get resolution from chrysler and also called their care center and was given the same response that there was nothing they could do. And provided a phone number for a dealership that deals with mopar parts. Again was told that the part was obsolete and not available.

Filed Nov 24, 2014 · Engine · 73,000 miles · NY · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the vehicle over heated and the temperature gauge warning illuminated. The contact mentioned that while having the vehicle towed to an independent mechanic, the vehicle caught on fire. A police report was not filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 73,000.

Filed Feb 21, 2014 · Transmission · 39,000 miles · NY

I purchased a 2005 chrysler pacifica in 2007 and it had 25,000 miles on it. When the vehicle had 39,000 miles on it I started having issues with the transmission. While driving, the check engine light came on and the car would get stuck in gear (stuck between 1st and 2nd gears). After I shut the car off and restarted it, I could drive it by using the tiptronic shifting system (manually shifting gears). The problem is a sensor on the transmission that costs over $2000 between parts and labor. At 72,000 miles I had to replace the catalytic converter and the front end components I.e control arms,tie rods,etc. After contacting chrysler about the catalytic converter which has a gov't mandated warranty of 80,000 mile warranty, they did give me the money I spent on the catalytic converter part only). Well, the chrysler now has 104,000 miles on it and it needs another catalytic converter and all the front end parts that were previously repaired need to be replaced again! That is insane! I looked on the internet and chrysler knows this is a huge issue because their are companies selling this front end repair kit. But since I need the car I guess I have to eat these costs yet again. At 68,000 I replaced a hdmi headlight that costs over $160.00 per bulb. Soon after I began to smell something burning, and the new head light burned out. I had to replace the bulb again at an additional $160.00 and this little silver box that the light sits in for $80.00. Now at 104,00 miles both parts need to be replaced again, and according to chrysler dealer, this issue has nothing to do with electrical harness, it is not under warranty, and I have to eat this cost too. In my opinion the tickets are cheaper than the part. Many of the chrysler dealers do not try to help diagnose problem and they remind me everything is out of warranty - great job!

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 118,451 miles · MA

I was driving back from a picnic with my family,going home my car just stopped white smoke was pouring out of the tailpipeand smelt gas really bad it was a horrible experience but my main problem is I only have had this car sine february 19 2013 and so I called my insurance company and had it towed to my home.I called my warranty company they said bring it to the nearest chrysler dealership and have it looked at so I did in the mean time I check to see any recalls on my vehicle and there is one for the fuel module and power train so I got a phone call from the person that I was speaking with he said my car caught on fire and now I need a new engine this is a 5000.0 dollar engine that I don't have now my warranty said they were not going to cover it and the guy I am financing the car said for me to eat the loss well I am very unhappy right now because I have no car and no answers to why this happened I also don't want anyone else to go through this kind of thing thank god my family was not in the car when it caught on fire or there would be more serious consciences if anyone could please contact me in trying to help me figure out what happened that would be great everyone I talk to said that chrysler should be able to help me. I am not looking to have to bring in a lawyer or anything like that I would just like to know how would you feel if it happened to you and if possible how to restore my faith in chrysler again.

Filed Jun 7, 2013 · Engine · 170,004 miles · MN · fire

While driving on the freeway I glanced in my rear-view mirror and noticed smoke coming from out the back of my pacifica. I proceeded to exit the freeway at the nearest exit and the car jerked and made a noise. I told my two daughters who were in the car with me not to panic and then drove to the nearest gas station. I assumed the car was overheating and when I pulled up to the pump to put in coolant, someone in the car next to me told me my car was on fire. Three good samaritans pushed my car away from the gas pump, the fire department was called, and I watched the front end of my car burst into flames. The only salvageable part of the car was the rear area. The fire department hosed it down with water and had to use an ax to break open the hood of the car. The car was a total loss and I have contacted chrysler who will send someone out to investigate the cause. I am awaiting on a response from them currently.

Filed Mar 14, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 96,771 miles · WI

A week ago I smelled an awful burning smell coming from my 2005 chrysler pacifica. I took it to the mechanic for investigation and repairs needed. The car needed an alternator, water pump and serpentine belt. While they were fixing this problem I told them to investigate the rattling noise coming from the frontend. They found that the engine cradle was rusting away. The garage suggested that I contact chrysler as this is a known problem with pacificas but it has not been recalled. I did my research and found that there are extended warranties being offered for this issue. I called chrysler directly and they told me because I was the second owner of the vehicle and they didn't know how the vehicle was treated and because of the mileage, they would not assist me in any way. Keep in mind I am a student and now have a car that is unsafe and chrysler could care less!! The fight does not end here. Please contact me if you are having the same problem and what your outcome has been.

Filed Oct 10, 2012 · Engine · 80,500 miles · IL · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while entering a residential driveway, he began to smell smoke. The vehicle experienced a thermal event. The contact was able to extinguish the fire and the vehicle was driven to the dealer where it was confirmed that the insulation from the vehicle fell onto the catalytic converter and caught on fire. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was contacted about the issue. The failure mileage was 80,500 and the current mileage was 82,500. Updated 11/13/12 *cn updated 11/21/2012

Filed Sep 5, 2012 · Engine · 152,000 miles · GA · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that smoke emitted from under the vehicle hood while driving and within moments, the front end was on fire. The fire department was called to extinguish the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 152,000.

Filed Aug 30, 2009 · Steering · 53,475 miles · GA · fire

High pressure power steering hose burst. Replaced twice by dealer where car was bought. Replaces part burst and the car caught on fire. Car was a total lost.

Filed Oct 19, 2007 · 32,000 miles · NY · fire

I was driving me chrysler pacifica and noticed a smell of fumes and when I stopped for a light and proceeded the car made a rumbling noise as if I was going over grating which I wasn't. Then I noticed s,oke comin out of the hood. I at first thought it was overheating but my temperature gauge was not on hot. I went to a gas station and they said it was probably a little oil spilled and that was it. It had stopped. I went to my destination, turned car off and came back 5 minuted later and car started up fine. Proceeded back on highway and again smelled fumes. Suddenly car just ceases on highway. Thank god I had my emergency lights on and I was in the rigth lane going very slow. I pulled over at which time smoke was billowing out of the hood and fire was coming out from under the car. I called 911 and car burst into flames! August of 2007 I brought my car to dealer because I received a recall notice on the fuel pump module and they fixed it. Thank god I wasn't in the left lane or there would have been a severe accident and my daughter and I might not have gotten out in time.