Some Chrysler Pacifica owners bringing their cars in for routine maintenance are discovering that they are actually driving “time bombs.”
That’s what certified Grand Master mechanic Greg Hoops called a Chrysler Pacifica he was servicing at his Illinois shop. According to NBC Investigators, the vehicle’s entire subframe, also known as an engine cradle, was riddled with corrosion and rust.
This was not Hoop’s first encounter with this Chrysler problem.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has received over 300 complaints from drivers experiencing subframe and engine cradle rust in 2004 and 2005 Chrysler Pacificas.
In November 2010, Chrysler acknowledged the Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle and sent a notice to drivers warning the vehicles may vibrate and asking owners to have the engine cradle inspected for perforation.
In the initial notice, Chrysler advised it would reimburse drivers for Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle rust repair costs. However, an updated bulletin severely limited the vehicles eligible for repair costs. Chrysler advised that only 2004 and 2005 Pacificas made between February 23, 2004 and March 31, 2004 would be eligible for reimbursement.
Drivers of 2004 and 2005 Pacificas not manufactured during that period are being forced to pay out-of-pocket to fix the problems. Some customers have received repair quotes as high as $2,500, according to NBC Investigators.
Drivers who were forced to repair their 2004 or 2005 Chrysler Pacifica engine cradle due to rust or corrosion are urged to contact an auto defect lawyer to discuss their options.
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One Comment
Samuel Berhanu
I have owned my Pacifica since May of 2008. I found out the issue about a year ago from my mechanic but was told by a local Dealer then there was no recall on it so I had to pay $3000.00+ to replace the Engine Cradle. I did not have the money so I have been taking a chance and I have been driving it. Now the rust is so bad I have been advised, it is not safe to drive. I need to park the car until I figure out away to get this matter resolved. I'm a father of three children with a lot of responsibility; I burly make it with my expenses as it is- I live pay check to pay check. I believe that Chrysler should step up and deal with this faulty product and do the honorable thing which is to own the problem and either repair the Engine Cradle for owners with the problem or compensate owners for the cost. Apparently, there was a letter which was sent out by Chrysler, but was sent to an original owners. I never received it. I will go back to the Dealer again and try. If they are unwilling to do anything about it, then file complaint with NHSTA and BBB and see.
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