2005 Chrysler Pacifica

Above average

Owners filed 1,244 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 2 times.

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k

1,042 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 120,000150,000 miles; the median is 97,000 miles.

What fails
ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body195
000
Engine161
151
Engine and Engine Cooling95
001
Suspension93
100
Unknown or Other61
121
Electrical System59
020
Power Train54
000
Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine49
011
Structure › Frame and Members › Underbody Shields44
000
Structure41
000

2 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (tcm/Pcm/Tecm)06V432000
Filed Nov 9, 2006127,928 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SOFTWARE MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

Risk. THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL REPROGRAM THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE. THE FUEL PUMP MODULE WILL ALSO BE REPLACED ON VEHICLES BUILT FROM AUGUST 1, 2004 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30, 2004. THE RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 21, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

Exterior Lighting › Headlights05V066000
Filed Mar 1, 200543,180 vehiclesDaimlerchrysler Corporation

Defect. CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION.

Risk. THE HEAD LIGHTS MAY NOT OPERATE PROPERLY WHICH COULD RESULT IN INTERMITTENT OR NO HEADLIGHT FUNCTION. THIS COULD IMPAIR A DRIVER'S VISIBILITY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. DEALERS WILL INSPECT, AND REPLACE IF NECESSARY, THE WIRING HARNESS AND LOW BEAM BULB ON BOTH HEADLAMP ASSEMBLIES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 28, 2005. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DAIMLERCHRYSLER AT 1-800-853-1403.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Engine
Filed Jun 5, 2026IN

2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the front end I figured it was a strut took it in to have struts and all front end parts replaced to my surprise I get a call from the shop engine cradle and it bushings rusted out tried buying a replacement unavailable after doing some digging it’s a common problem among the Pacifica I’m afraid to drive it was told when it completely fails it’s going to be catastrophic incident. I understand it a 20 yo car but no rust anywhere on the body or the undercarriage but the engine cradle is almost completely rusted out to the point that the car is not safe to drive something is definitely wrong and reading others reporting the same issue I don’t know there car’s condition but like I said mine is rust free even the undercarriage but the engine cradle is totally rusted out something is wrong here Chrysler had to know something about this it should be recalled or at the very least make the engine cradle available for purchase and fix the rusting issue with it!! I have literally replaced the entire suspension front and back new shocks and struts tires brakes trying to fix the rattle to find out it’s the cradle bushings and cradle are the issue and it’s no longer offered and used ones are all damaged by rust it’s pretty bad the car is going to have to be junked unless I put a

Steering
Filed Sep 2, 2023OH

ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT! Safety risk. Had replaced. NEVER TOLD BY CHRYSLER THAT IT WOULD RUST OUT. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WON’T MOVE! Power steering fluid full. CANNOT DRIVE IT. I’M A 72YO WOMAN WITH CANCER, NO FAMILY, CANNOT AFFORD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I NEED MY CAR REPAIRED.

Power Train
Filed Jul 5, 202373,000 milesTX

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact called and informed several dealers of the failure and was informed that there was a defect with the power train. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Jun 24, 2023IN

Engine cradle,motor mount and sub frame completely rotted out. structural integrity at a total loss. Vehicle is no longer road worthy. This problem Chrysler is continuing to ignore is definitely Hazardous for other vehicles and their occupants if catastrophic failure of the above named components were to occur while driving even at normal operating speeds. How many complaints have to be made about this failure of design before something is done? how many people have to endure hardship over loss of transportation due to having repairs done, figuring out ways to cover costs or total loss of vehicle how many people have to be injured due to the problems this vehicle comes with? This problem is not just a few vehicles. It's pretty much every one made within the time period. Something has to be done about this. It's been a problem put in front of your and their face with nothing done and no accountability taken for way too long. It's time for you to do what you are here to do. Safety right? Then do it. This is not the last you will hear about this matter. From me or the thousands of othe Chrysler Pacifica owners nationwide. I myself refuse to go quietly into the dark night. I'm forwarding and sending this message to any and all media outlets and anyone else that will listen. It starts with 1 I am that 1. Do better, better yet, do your job. Thank you for your time. I look forward to seeing your actions on this matter

Unknown or OtherFire
Filed Mar 13, 2023ME

Driving normally when vehicle shut off and rear of engine burst into flame. It seems multiple people have had this problem.

Suspension
Filed Feb 1, 2023ME

Is the subframe, engine cradle under recall for rust?

Power Train
Filed Aug 1, 202275,000 milesGA

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated upon attempting to reverse out of the garage into the driveway, the gear shifter remained seized in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter assembly needed to be replaced. However, the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Engine
Filed May 25, 2022TX

My engine in my car just shut down in the middle of driving. I was told it was a recall and was fixed yrs ago but it has happened 3 times since. Twice after getting gas and one time driving in the school parking lot. Lost all control of power steering and time of engine trouble. Car started back up and engine light came on and went back of and back on. Also smelt burning wires but couldn’t find anything

Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed May 13, 2022195,000 milesCA

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power in the middle of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure reoccurred consistently. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V284000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Seats
Filed Nov 20, 2021MO

The drivers seat adjusted ITSELF all the way in the reclining position and will not move back. It is a safety hazard ..difficult to drive....we have not had it looked at yet...we just purchased the car a few weeks ago from a car dealer.

Exterior Lighting
Filed Sep 19, 2021NC

Like other Pacificas 2004-10 my front subframe is rusting away. The repair cost will be $1500.00 if I am lucky. Please help!

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 3, 2021166,544 milesOH

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,544.

Engine
Filed Aug 19, 2021OH

I HAVE HAD TWO PACIFICAS 2004 AND 2005 BOTH DID THE EXACT SAME THING. STARTED WITH AN ODOR OF EXHAUST OR FUMES OF SOME SORT IN THE SAME WEEK. IT LOST POWER, OVERHEATED, HAD TO PULLED HOME. WOULD START IF COLD FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IN LESS THAN THE SAME WEEK. WENT TO HAVE SOMEONE WORK ON IT AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD WHERE I HAD TRIED TO START IT TO MANY TIMES/ MY FAULT. HOWEVER AS SOON AS IT GOT CONNECTION THE KEY WASNT EVEN IN THE SWITCH AND THE MOTOR WAS ROLLING OVER. THAT ONE SAT AT THAT TIME. FOUND 05 WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO AND FIGURED ONE FOR PARTS IF BREAK DOWN. NOTHING AT ALL WRONG STARTING OUT. ONLY DROVE THE 05 APPRX 3MONTHS AND STARTED THE EXACT SAME THING FROM ODOR TO OVERHEATING AND I DO NOT KNOW ALOT ABOUT VEHICLES BUT SEEMS TO HAVE JUMPED TIME. HOWEVER I AM A SINGLE WOMAN AND DO NOT CARRY A LICENSE MECHANIC AND IM NOW STRANDED WITH NO VEHICLE TO GET AROUND WHILE I HAVE TWO PACIFICAS SEEM SAME ISSUES JUST DROVE ONE A LITTLE LONGER. I MAY BE ROUGH ON THING BUT EXACT PROBLEMS SEEMS TO BE A MALFUNCTION ON UR PART........VIN TO OTHER ONE2C8GF68414R644267...AND I DO NOT HAVE INVOICES BECAUSE I CANT AFFORD TO GET THEM FIXED. I HAVE MY TITLES AND SALE PRICES AND ONLY FEW MONTHS OF OWNING. SO I JUST EXPECT TO AT LEAST SEE IF ITS CHRYSLERS PROBLEM

Unknown or Other
Filed Aug 18, 2021IN

I bought a 2005 Chrysler Pacific 3 weeks ago from a dealership.. Engine light came on and car was stalling when I was at a light. Took to a shop to get checked it was 2 censer's.but afterwards still light was on. They checked further the motor mounts and subframe are rusted bad. To a point dangerous.! Of course the place I bought it at refuses to do anything. Not happy!

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 30, 2020214,000 milesMI

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MOTOR MOUNT FRAME WAS SEVERELY RUSTED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS DIFFICULT TO STEER THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VIN WAS NOT UNDER RECALL. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 214,000.

Unknown or Other
Filed Oct 10, 202079,000 milesIL

POWER STEERING LEAK INSPECTED LINES.. FOUND #2 CROSS MEMBER TO FRAME RUSTED OUT( RIGHT SIDE/ PASSENGER SIDE) NO SUPPORT TO ENGINE .ONE OWNER 79,000. MILES..

Engine
Filed Sep 21, 202080,000 milesMI

HEAD LIGHTS CUT OFF AND ON INTERMITTENTLY ENGINE IDLES RUFF

Power Train
Filed Jul 20, 2020220,000 milesCA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFTER CEASED IN THE PARK POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER AND BAKERSFIELD CHRYSLER JEEP FIAT-3101 CATTLE DR, BAKERSFIELD, CA 93313, (661)832-3000) WERE CONTACTED AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 220,000.

Structure
Filed May 13, 2020181,000 milesOH

ENGINE CRADLE SUB FRAME RUSTED THROUGH ON ONE SIDE CAUSING THE CAR TO PULL TO ONE SIDE. *TR

Power Train
Filed Apr 8, 2020182,435 milesMO

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO JERK AND LOSS MOTIVE POWER WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ACTIVATED THE HAZARD LIGHT AND VEERED TO THE SHOULDER OF THE ROADWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND DRIVEN FOR SEVERAL MINUTES BEFORE THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE FUEL GAUGE FAILED TO REGISTER THE CORRECT LEVEL OF FUEL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE CONTACT REFERENCED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 06V432000 (POWER TRAIN) AS A POSSIBLE SOLUTION TO THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 182,435.

20 of 1,244 complaints, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2017
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20270100Routine
202611510Routine
202528900Routine
2024421100Routine
20231521400Routine
20222081021Fatalities reported
2021368710Above average
2020170530Routine
2019310730Above average
201886912140Above average
20171,51911100Above average
20162000Routine
2008102040Routine
20073260100Above average
20067261710Fatalities reported
2005 — this page1,2442130Above average
20048962302Fatalities reported
20031000Routine

Compare every Pacifica year →

Reading this record

Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Nov 9, 2006. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.