A few weeks ago we took our car to a mechanic to have the brakes worked on as a part of routine maintenance. When we picked it up, he noted that when he had it up on the lift, he saw that the engine cradle was very badly rusted. He said that we shouldn't drive it anymore because of the risks involved. I tried to crawl under the car when we got home (there isn't a ton of clearance) but I saw what he was talking about. At that point we looked online and found hundreds and hundreds of similar experiences and complaints. We were left dumbfounded at the risks this introduces...thinking about what would happen if this mechanic hadn't noticed the issue and we'd been driving down the interstate with our kids when the thing decided to give way. And the fact that the manufacturer knows of this issue and has done nothing is beyond disgusting. Fortunately we found out from the mechanic, not from the engine falling out. Even still, this means that we're left with a worthless car. While our car is abandoned in the driveway hoping for Chrysler to right their wrong, we still see lots of similar vehicles on the road. I'm guessing that their owners don't know that they're driving death traps either. We had a 2008 Tacoma with similar frame rust issues and Toyota recalled it almost a decade after it was manufactured, and replaced the entire frame. Chrysler should have to do the same to repair their shoddy and negligent design, or at least compensate us for the complete loss of value so that we can have some money to put towards its replacement. I also think that this issue needs to be publicly noted for all similar model years. We'd purchased this from a Chrysler dealership, and had checked the Carfax and Consumer Reports before purchasing this vehicle, and none of them noted these issues even though the vehicle was a few years old at the time. Vehicle has been repaired.
2006 Chrysler Pacifica body problems
198 complaints (27% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 112,000. 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 198
- of this car's complaints
- 27%
- typical mileage
- 112,000
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
- Body141
- Frame and members: underbody shields23
- Frame and members9
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Chrysler Pacifica body problems in other years
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2006 Chrysler Pacifica owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Purchased this vehicle in 2013, inquired about defects and recalls but was told there was none. Vehicle had 46,000 miles on it at time of purchase 104k presently. Good running vehicle up to par on maintenance, which all goes to waste with a rotted subframe. Researched 100's possibly 1000's of complaints online with the same issue, where was mentioned nothing was done about it. Contacted chrysler myself to put in complaint and agent would not even forward it to the next level because the lack of recall or extended warranty. The cost for a new frame from a chrysler dealer is over 2k and cost just as much to replace. But the part is on back order for weeks. (could this mean there are so many people in line waiting to order and needing this particular part?) cannot trust used parts because of many chrysler pacifica owners had to salvage their vehicle for the same reason. More of an investigation should be done into this. In the midst of a pandemic who can afford these outrageous, unexpected repair costs or even a new vehicle. My only option is to salvage it for way less that it's worth, as I mentioned it drive great! I cannot sell it to anyone else knowing the safety hazard it has on it and I cannot afford a car payment. I am fearful of my engine falling out of the bottom if I drive it. Something has to be done, too many vehicles with the same issue. Force a recall on chrysler for their rotted subframes.
I brought my car in for inspection. I also wanted them to check the muffler. I was contacted by the garage, they were not able to inspect the vehicle because the subframe under the engine is completely rusted away. They said even if they could replace the muffler there would be nothing to attach it to. That's how deteriorated it is. I would like to know if there is any recourse I have ? I would like chrysler to be responsible for this defect. Thank you, larry la bella
Bought car 2018 feb . No mention of whole under carriage rusted out - 2004-2008 chrysler forgot to spray for rust. When we go we bought it later in evening - was assured that car had been checked out and sound. We have done some repairs on other things - thermostat , radiator , tires ABS sensor issue but there was no mention of underside being rusted from front to back - two years and the engine is going to fall out and can no longer drive the car. This car was submerged in water somewhere before we received. This is the shorter version of this situation. Alignment is now way off , pulls to one side out of nowhere. Wearing on tires- just took it into heartland tire by house and told do not drive and that fixing it would be over 3500 or more.
Severe cradle rust. Mechanic has said the engine could fall out of the vehicle without warning.
My car was built in 2005 when the subframe recall was issued, I called them to try and get some help, basically get reimbursed for the labor of getting the replacement subframe installed. The old subframe finally broke while I was driving at city speeds and I was lucky that the shop I used let me know. When I contacted them, the statement was that due to the age and current mileage of the car, we can not help you. Now if I had of been on a road trip or driving at the speed limit this would have cause some serious damage. This is a safety issue to anyone who has this vehicle and has run out of warranty to get it replaced. Below are photos of the old subframe and the door sticker
The bottom chassis is rotted under the motor near front wheels causing unsafe driving for my family
Mechanic noted severe engine cradle/subframe rot at time of oil change in oct. 2019, photo taken and advised not to drive. Immediately contacted manufacturer to report (case # 64707500) advised no current recall and beyond warranty period. Fca advised it requires dealer diagnosis for any issue/resolution. Car inspected by dealer (turnersville chrysler, 3100 black horse pike, turnersville, nj) on 10/15/19. Numerous photos taken, (stated known problem via prior tsbs + diagnoses of other pacificas) confirmed massive rust/rotted out subframe and sway bars, all which need to be replaced. (can fit entire forearm thru right side rot, left side lesser rot) advised do not drive - safety risk. Vehicle currently has 126,000 miles and was well maintained. Reported updates to fca under case # who refused to pay/repair. Dealer uploaded photos to fca warranty dept. For further review, but unsure if any assist/response from fca is forthcoming. Vehicle was purchased new from dealer in nov. 2006, was manufactured aug. 2005 in windsor, ontario & sold in 'salt belt' state, similar to 2004/2005 models with same issue & for which fca provided only some extended warranty for repair, even while acknowledging it did not properly coat subframes during 5 model years. Replacement cost of est. $3000+ is prohibitive especially while vehicle remains parked, & without alternative transportation for employment.
While getting car service my mechanic told me the subframe is all rotten not to drive the car . He said the motor may fall out..
The engine cradle is severely rotted that could cause a drop to the engine
Questions about the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica body
Does the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica have body problems?
Owners have filed 198 complaints about the body of the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, 27% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2006 Chrysler Pacifica body problems start?
The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 112,000 miles.
Was there a recall on the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica body?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Chrysler Pacifica have the most body problems?
The Chrysler Pacifica model years with the most body complaints are 2005 (413 complaints), 2004 (323 complaints) and 2006 (198 complaints).
Other 2006 Chrysler Pacifica problems
Engine 247Transmission 109Fuel system 93Suspension 86Electrical 57Acceleration 49Brakes 38Steering 36Airbags 15Lights 14Driver assistance 10Seats 7Wheels 6Visibility 5Seat belts 4Tires 2
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