Research · Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD

2005 Chrysler PacificaRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls and 1,244 owner complaints for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Most complaints involve structure (413) and engine (224). The EPA rates it 17–18 mpg combined.

Combined MPG
17–18mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
2campaigns
Latest Nov 2006
Owner complaints
1,244
Top: structure
Fuel cost / yr
$3,450est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

2 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

Power train: control module (tcm

Free remedy

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.

Power trainReported Nov 9, 2006NHTSA 06V432000

Exterior lighting: headlights

Free remedy

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

Exterior lightingReported Mar 1, 2005NHTSA 05V066000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

1,244 complaints filed with NHTSA · Aug 2004 – Jun 2026
  1. Structure413
  2. Engine224
  3. Engine and engine cooling211
  4. Suspension187
  5. Power train130
  6. Electrical system94
  7. Vehicle speed control58
  8. Fuel system, gasoline57
  9. Steering54

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Pacifica model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2004896
20051,244
2006726
2007380
2008102
20171,546
2018895
2019363
2020175
2021381
2022221
2023156
202449
202531
202611
20271
Crashes reported
25
Fires reported
13
Injuries reported
19
Deaths reported
0
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Structure

413 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 3, 2021StructureODI 11431612

Engine

224 reports1 crash5 fires
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jun 5, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11742230

Engine and engine cooling

211 reports1 crash2 fires
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 13, 2022Engine and engine coolingODI 11464560
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD, Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Engines
3.8L 6-cyl · 3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic 4-spd
Drive
Front-Wheel Drive · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline

Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.

Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Pacifica 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L · Front-Wheel Drive
162318$3,450494
Pacifica 2WD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive
152117$3,650523
Pacifica AWD
Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L · 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
152017$3,650523
  • Pacifica 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.8 L
    16 city · 23 hwy · $3,450/yr
    18
    mpg comb.
  • Pacifica 2WD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 21 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
  • Pacifica AWD
    Auto 4-spd, 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    15 city · 20 hwy · $3,650/yr
    17
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 9, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

1 tested variant
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica as of Nov 9, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 9, 2026Vehicle 1360
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat shortens battery life
  • Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
    6–12 months
  • Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
    Every oil change
  • Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
    1–2 years
  • Brake fluid—
    2–3 years
  • Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
    5–10 years
  • Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
    —
  • 12V battery—
    3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
09 —FAQ

2005 Pacifica questions

How many recalls does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica have?

2 safety recalls as of Nov 9, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.

What are the most common 2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems?

Owners filed 1,244 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are structure (413), engine (224), engine and engine cooling (211). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica get?

The EPA rates the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica at 17–18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 9, 2026