Check a VIN

2005 Chrysler Pacifica steering complaints

Page 2 of 3: complaints 11 to 40 of 54, newest first, as owners wrote them.

See the summary of 2005 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems: which part fails, at what mileage and related recalls.

Filed Oct 30, 2015 · Electrical, Steering · 162,940 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to turn right, the vehicle stalled without warning and the steering while seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,940.

Filed Jul 19, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 120,000 miles · PA

Engine cradle rusted out

Filed Jul 19, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 120,000 miles · PA

Engine cradle is rotted out

Filed Jun 17, 2015 · Engine, Steering · 148,500 miles · MO

During an oil change, massive rust was found in the engine craddle, sub frame. Failure of these parts would be catastrop. Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with a small subset of these cars but clearly applies to all as similar symptoms are showing in cars outside the group sleected for relief. This is wrong, this is not safe, this is not fair.

Filed Jun 1, 2015 · Body, Engine · 137,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, a clicking sound emitted from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions whenever the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine cradle had excessive rust and was fractured. As a result, the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.

Filed Apr 21, 2015 · Body, Steering · RI

I only purchased my vehicle 1 year ago. The first month I had it, I tried to have it inspected and was told my sub-frame was rotted. I contacted the chrysler company and there were no recalls. I contacted the dealer and they wouldn't help me. My check engine light is on because the o2 sensors are bad and now my power steering is leaking and I was told the steering rack is bad. I've also had to replace my inner and outer tie rods on both sides and also replaced the sway bar links. I am a single mom with 3 kids and this car has been a huge burden on me financially. I made a huge mistake buying a chrysler.

Filed Dec 24, 2014 · Brakes, Steering · 90,125 miles · MI

My wife was going 35mph in town. Coming to an intersection she needed to turn. No brakes or steering, both stopped working. Luckily no one hit her and she was able to stop before hitting the telephone pole. I have seen a number of people online with similar issues.

Filed Dec 16, 2014 · Steering · 160,000 miles · ME

Front frame is cracked and rusted out very common for this model can not find any that is not rusted out or cracked.

Filed Oct 13, 2014 · Body, Steering · IL

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 !!

Filed Oct 3, 2014 · Body, Engine · 171,515 miles · MI

I have just performed routine (10/03/20014) maintenance on my 2005 chrysler pacifica. The mechanic called to inform me of significant corrosion problem with the cross member (cradle) that supports the engine, transmission, front suspension and steering. His visual inspection, as well as mine, showed more then 75% of the passenger side cradle rusted away. An open case # 25736224 has been established by chrysler customer support. My pacifica was produced september 30, 2004 which is outside of the assembly dates established by chrysler for extended warranty coverage. Failure of the cross member (cradle) would cause loss of steering, engine and transmission failure, and severed brake lines. Because this is a major safety issue it should be repaired by chrysler corporation.

Filed Sep 16, 2014 · Engine, Steering · 106,000 miles · OH

On 9/10/2014 my wife was in a minor fender bender and our 2005 chrysler pacifica had to be taken away on a flatbed tow truck. Upon inspection of damage to our front end from the accident the body shop informed they found that our vehicle was unsafe to drive. In addition to the damage and upon my shock and horror they found our passenger side subframe/engine cradle was almost completely rusted out!!! The cost to repair/replace the subframe and labor will be $1500!!! I am in the process of having them replace it because my wife and 2 small children are in this SUV daily. I'm thankful that this was found now before it was too late and something god awful would have happened. I'm in the process of talking with chrysler and am looking for assistance in this matter. Thank you for your help.

Filed Jun 25, 2014 · Steering · 138,821 miles · MI

I experienced violent vibration and or/shake in the steering wheel. With a thumping under my feet .when I got home I jacked up my car to see what was going on. And was shocked to see the rear motor mount had broken through the cross member and not much attachment remaining.

Filed May 18, 2014 · Steering, Suspension · 109,000 miles · ME

Violent shaking of 2005 chrysler pacifica. Took 2005 chrysler pacifica in for inspection and was told the engine cradle crossmember was rotted and the bolts that hold the power steering rack and engine up were missing. Mechanic told me he would not release the 2005 chrysler pacifica back to me because it was unsafe to drive. Called chrysler and they told me they would do nothing to repair it.

Filed Apr 24, 2014 · Body, Steering · 113,000 miles · CT

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

Filed Apr 23, 2014 · Steering · 116,000 miles · OH

While driving and turning the steering column makes a horrible whining noise, then stopped completely. I could not turn the wheel and the car stalled. I had fixed it once before. It cost $1,200.00 and now it is doing it again. The repair shop will not fix it again, they said it is a dealer problem. I have been round and round with the chrysler corp. And of course, they will not fix it or reimburse me. Rusted undercarriage is also worrying me - just waiting for an accident and looking up lawyers. But money is so much more important to this company rather than human life. I had purchased insurance for this vehicle for just such an emergency - and when I called, both times, they denied the coverage. I cancelled the policy after paying $1,500.00 into it and got back 355.00. Never, ever again with this company.

Filed Mar 17, 2014 · Body, Engine · 72,000 miles · MA

Bought this car used from a dealer owned the car for approx 8 months we were making a right hand turn heard this really loud noise and the car would no longer run. We were told the subframe and motor mounts were broken. Now 1 1/2 years later my car has been acting very strange the transmission is slipping the car wont go if you step on the gas and my mechanic has informed me that once again I have broken motor mounts. I have owned this car for almost 3 years and have only put about 30,000 miles on it this should not be happening.

Filed Mar 14, 2014 · Body, Steering · 92,000 miles · IL

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.

Filed Mar 3, 2014 · Body, Steering · 121,214 miles · MA

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.

Filed Jan 25, 2014 · Body, Engine · 104,400 miles · IL

Excessive rusting of engine cradle. Possibility of front end of subframe falling out of the car.

Filed Nov 15, 2013 · Steering, Suspension · 162,929 miles · VA

When driving the vehicle it shakes on passenger side some awful, scary too feels like its gonna fall down on the street or the tire is gonna fall off.

Filed Nov 6, 2013 · Body, Engine · 153,000 miles · NY

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

Filed Jul 9, 2013 · Steering · 100,000 miles · OH

I was driving down the road to pick up my son. Turned left at the light, my car stalled, completely shut down. I started it again and the steering started to pull or lose grip, then came back. I have put over 2,000.00 into this car after I paid for a warranty which they never honored. The frame has been replaced and will probably have to be replaced again. The electrical is faulty and the alignment is always off a little even though it has been re-aligned 3 times. The engineer that designed this car should be made to drive it.

Filed Jun 5, 2013 · Steering · 67,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle vibrated violently. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician diagnosed that the tie rod was defective and needed to be replaced. The remedy failed to repair the problem. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage 67,000 and the current mileage was 91,000.

Filed Mar 27, 2013 · Body, Engine · 116,000 miles · CA

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.

Filed Oct 30, 2012 · Brakes, Electrical · 92,000 miles · GA · crash

Multiple issues with this car! I will start with the problems that didn't almost kill myself and my children. The ABS light would stay on and the dealer had no resolution. The car would stall while turning. I replaced the battery five times in four years. While idling in the driveway the drivers seat reclined by itself, would not respond to the controls and started smoking! The dealer claims they could not diagnose the problem! Lastly, while driving my sons to school, the car was handling poorly and because it was dark and raining, initially I believed that it was wet road conditions. To maintain control of the car, I was traveling in the slow lane and my speed was approx. 30 MPH. Upon approaching the top of a small hill, the steering began to vibrate violently, at this time I believed that the car had a flat tire and that was what had caused the poor handling while driving. I immediately hit the button for my hazard lights and began to try to ease into the emergency lane and attempt to stop the car. It was instantly apparent that the car brakes and power steering were not working, which left me struggling at 30 MPH and accelerating because of the I was now on the downward side of the hill, to try to maintain control of the car! I was able to keep the car from completely veering to the right and ultimately hit a 5 inch concrete curb that is a turn out for the corner gas station. Upon hitting the curb the car then sprang to the left back into the highway lane. Miraculously, no other vehicles were traveling in that lane at that moment! Once, we were out of the car, I learned that the car did not have a flat tire but a part of the front end had broken and caused the passenger front tire to collapse into the wheel well...unbelievable! I believe this to be a defect of the car, in addition to he multitude of other defects of this car!!

Filed Sep 28, 2012 · Brakes, Engine · 130,000 miles · KY

I was pulling into a left hand parking spot when the vehicle stalled/completely shut off. Dashboard lights were still on. I was able to coast backwards down a slope and back into another open parking spot. I had no power steering, and brakes were very hard to depress. I looked up the problem on the internet and looked up open recalls. I found a recall similar to what happened, but when I called both daimler-chrysler and a local chrysler dealership and gave the last 8 characters of my VIN, they informed me there were no open recalls for my vehicle. From what I researched, this might happen several times and I am quite concerned with my safety.

Filed Aug 28, 2012 · Electrical, Engine · 60,000 miles · TX

I was driving on the freeway, and all of a sudden the car turns of. I had my niece in the car. The steering wheel wouldn't move. I could've crashed and caused a major fatal accident. Shortly after that I needed to replace the engine. Luckily I had warranty. The dealership couldn't figure out why the car would turn off. This happened about 3 times. And still does. Now im having problems with the motor. I've doesn't over 8000 dollars fixing this car out of my pocket. The car is almost paid off. I need help. I feel like chrysler has stolen money from me since I purchased this car. Not fair. Not right.

Filed Aug 23, 2012 · Brakes, Steering · CT

I was traveling with my children down a state highway when I noticed that my "miles to next service" light was saying my next service was due in 4555 miles. How odd, I thought, but didn't have time to ponder it further as I was going around at curve at 45 miles per hour with cars both behind me and oncoming, when I realized that my steering had inexplicably given out. I attempted to brake, only to realize that my brakes, too, had malfunctioned and weren't working. I threw on my flashers and did everything in my power to get that car safely to a halt at the side of road. It was only due to my efforts that my children and I were able to safely evacuate the vehicle before more dire consequences occurred, because the chrysler pacifica was completely dead. Thankfully, a kind passerby helped me push the car off the road before someone hit it, and I called aaa for a tow. I still don't know what caused this potentially lethal malfunction, but I had adequate fuel in the car and had the oil changed less than two weeks prior so it wasn't simple owner neglect. No, it was a chrysler malfunction that could have caused my children and I our lives today.

Filed Aug 17, 2012 · Fuel system, Steering · 150,000 miles · NE

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the fuel gauge malfunctioned, causing the vehicle to stall. The contact stated that there was fuel in the vehicle however, the fuel tank displayed a reading of empty and caused the vehicle to stall. The contact also stated that when she tried to fill the fuel tank, fuel would spew back out as if the tank was full. The contact also stated that the rack and pinion had to be replaced three times. The vehicle had not been repaired. The failure mileage was 150,000 and current mileage was 160,000.

Filed Dec 8, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 102,000 miles · IA

A letter was sent to some 2004-2005 chrysler pacifica owners that the front engine cradle and suspension mount frame warranty was being extended to 15 years or 150,000 miles to owners in states that use road salt because off corrosion problems. They go on to carelessly explain that if your are not experiencing vibration and shaking you need to do nothing-- by the time its that bad its almost to late! Mine was not shaking but I had my pacifica inspected any way and found rust holes in front frame, one was the size of my fist and on the other side may be three or four fingers wide. I stopped driving the vehicle immediately and called the phone # listed on the notification letter twice, both times they denied a problem because it was not listed as a recall on their web site and besides my vehicle did not fall into the VIN block ?? There are cases listed on the internet where state dmv inspection stations have failed these vehicles because they were unsafe to drive because of frame corrosion. I am having the engine cradle replaced at my expense. How can a manufacturer have such a flippant attitude about a known serious safety issue? Does this fall under a hidden warranty or recall.

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history