Problems · NHTSA complaints

2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Owners filed 1,244 complaints about the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with NHTSA between Aug 2004 and Jun 2026. The most-cited component is structure (413).

Complaints
1,244
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
25
Reported by owners
Fires
13
Reported by owners
Injuries
19
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Service brakes, hydraulic48
  11. Fuel/propulsion system41
  12. Exterior lighting38
  13. Fuel system, other23
  14. Service brakes22

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

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 9, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20043
200569
2006111
200756
200837
200951
201065
201164
201260
201391
2014220
2015159
201693
201766
201847
201929
20209
20215
20223
20235
20240
20250
20261

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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

Suspension

187 reports2 crashes
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 2, 2023Steering, Suspension, Unknown or otherODI 11542273

Power train

130 reports1 crash1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 5, 2023Power trainODI 11530423

Electrical system

94 reports1 crash4 fires
“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”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled May 25, 2022Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion systemODI 11466095
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 9, 2026

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