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Vehicle safety record

2005 Chrysler Pacifica Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 1,244 complaints about the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (434) and the body, doors & structure (417). Those complaints describe 25 crashes, 13 fires and 19 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in November 2006 for the control module (tcm / pcm / tecm). For comparison, the 2004 has 896 and the 2006 has 726.

NHTSA data checked

FFar more problems than a typical Pacifica year, for its age

#3 most complained-about 2005 vehicle

Complaints
1,244
Recalls
2
Crashes
25
Fires
13
Injuries
19
Deaths
0

Most common 2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Share of all 1,244 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Power train: control module (tcm / pcm / tecm)

06V432000127,928 vehicles affected

The problem
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.
The risk
This could cause a crash to occur without prior warning.
The fix
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: headlights

05V06600043,180 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with halogen headlamps may experience an intermittent and eventual total loss of headlamp function.
The 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.
The fix
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 say

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1,244 complaints about the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 50.

Transmission & drivetrainEngine & cooling

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...

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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 another used damaged engine cradle on it ! What to do ?

Filed Incident Power train · EngineNHTSA 11742230
SteeringSuspension

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.

Filed Incident Steering · Suspension · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11542273
Transmission & drivetrain

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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11530423
Other & unknown

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...

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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

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11528650
Other & unknownFire

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

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11511678
Suspension

is the subframe, engine cradle under recall for rust?

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11504960
Transmission & drivetrain

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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11476968
Electrical systemEngine & coolingFuel system

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

Filed Incident Electrical system · Engine · Fuel / propulsion systemNHTSA 11466095
Engine & cooling

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.

Filed Incident Engine and engine coolingNHTSA 11464560
Electrical systemSeats & seat belts

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.

Filed Incident Electrical system · SeatsNHTSA 11441120
LightsEngine & cooling

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

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11433546
Body, doors & structure

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.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11431612
Engine & cooling

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...

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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

Filed Incident Unknown or other · EngineNHTSA 11429798
Other & unknown

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!

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11429525
Body, doors & structure

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.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11385633
Other & unknown

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..

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11363698
Transmission & drivetrainLightsEngine & cooling

Head lights cut off and on intermittently engine idles ruff

Filed Incident Power train · Exterior lighting · EngineNHTSA 11360344
Transmission & drivetrain

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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11340463
Body, doors & structureEngine & cooling

Engine cradle sub frame rusted through on one side causing the car to pull to one side. *Tr

Filed Incident Structure · EngineNHTSA 11324443
Transmission & drivetrain

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...

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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.

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 11320606
Other & unknown

The engine cradle is rotted and the engine may fall out. I've read what other people had said and it is a known issue that chrysler is aware of and is a extremely serious issue and to repair this issue is not cheap also. Please help me

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11310708
Body, doors & structure

Tl* the contact owns a 2005 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated while driving 45 mph, when he heard an abnormal noise coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated he inspected the vehicle and the center of the sub frame was rusted out. The contact called local dealer john jones auto group corydon located at 1735 gardner ln nw, corydon, in 47112, (812) 722-4146, and the dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was informed of failure. The failure mileage was 148,000.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11299310
Body, doors & structure

Found out that my front sub frame/engine cradle is badly corroded and full of holes after having my tires changed.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11297843
Body, doors & structure

The frame has rusted through. The engine cradle is rusted. Chrysler admits there is a problem but refuses to do anything about it. Chrysler had a recall for this issue and then cancelled the recall. There was also a lawsuit filed, that was dismissed due to chrysler's bankruptcy.

Filed Incident StructureNHTSA 11291737
Other & unknown

There is a default with the ignition switch when trying to start the car. There are five more chrysler pacificas that I know of with the same problem.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11291285

Chrysler Pacifica: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
2008103024Engine & coolingA
20073800913Engine & coolingC
20067261207Engine & coolingD
20051,24422513Engine & coolingF
200489623230Body, doors & structureF
20031000-A
All Pacifica years

2005 Chrysler Pacifica vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica

Does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica: control module (tcm / pcm / tecm) (November 2006); headlights (March 2005). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (434), body, doors & structure (417), suspension (187).

How many complaints has the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica had?

1,244 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on August 30, 2004 and the latest on June 5, 2026. Of these, 25 describe a crash and 13 a fire, and together they report 19 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 17 out of 100 (grade F: far more problems than a typical Chrysler Pacifica year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Chrysler Pacifica years have the most complaints?

2017 (1,547), 2005 (1,244), 2018 (901). See every Chrysler Pacifica year compared.

What should I do if my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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