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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Structure413
- Engine224
- Engine and engine cooling211
- Suspension187
- Power train130
- Electrical system94
- Vehicle speed control58
- Fuel system, gasoline57
- Steering54
- Service brakes, hydraulic48
- Fuel/propulsion system41
- Exterior lighting38
- Fuel system, other23
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
3
69
111
56
37
51
65
64
60
91
220
159
93
66
47
29
9
5
3
5
0
0
1
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2004 | 3 |
| 2005 | 69 |
| 2006 | 111 |
| 2007 | 56 |
| 2008 | 37 |
| 2009 | 51 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 64 |
| 2012 | 60 |
| 2013 | 91 |
| 2014 | 220 |
| 2015 | 159 |
| 2016 | 93 |
| 2017 | 66 |
| 2018 | 47 |
| 2019 | 29 |
| 2020 | 9 |
| 2021 | 5 |
| 2022 | 3 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2024 | 0 |
| 2025 | 0 |
| 2026 | 1 |
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.
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.”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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”
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.