2005 Chrysler Pacifica Problems and Recalls (1,231 Complaints)

The most-reported problem on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica is Body / frame (25% of 1,231 owner reports). There are 2 safety recalls. Check the VIN and inspect Body / frame — this is the NHTSA file, not a score.

NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation Snapshot 2026-10-16 1,231 complaints · 2 recalls

What problems show up on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

305 of 1,231 filings named Body / frame (25% of the file). That is what owners wrote, not a shop diagnosis of the vehicle in the driveway.

Second is Engine (286 reports).

There are 2 official safety recalls on this year. They were filed about Lights and Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov — a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific truck.

The 2004 has 885 reports on file; this year has 1,231. Older years collect more reports just by being on the road longer. If you need a fairer comparison, use the equal-time view.

What to check before you buy a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica

A useful visit to this page takes five minutes. YearTell does not score years and cannot see the vehicle in front of you.

  1. Look up the VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov. This year has 2 campaigns on file below.
  2. Body / frame. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck.
  3. Engine. Have a shop check for oil consumption, coolant leaks, rough idle and unusual engine noise.
  4. Suspension. Listen for clunks over bumps and look at tire wear for alignment issues.
  5. Skim a few owner reports below for Body / frame. Look for the same symptom repeating.
  6. Take that list to a mechanic. Do not turn the complaint total into a score.

What owners reported

System named most often: Body / frame 305 complaints · 24.8% of the file
Crashes, fires, injuries and deaths in those filings:
  • Crashes 24
  • Fires 12
  • Injuries 17
  • Deaths 0
All Chrysler Pacifica years →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record Read our complete data methodology →

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Which systems owners named

Share of owner complaints filed against each vehicle system. These shares are not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold.

Which systems owners named Body / frame (STRUCTURE) appears in 305 of 1,231 owner complaints (24.8%) in this vehicle snapshot. Body / frame (STRUCTURE): 305 complaints, 24.8% of reports Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 2 crash reports 305 · 24.8% Engine (ENGINE): 286 complaints, 23.2% of reports Engine (ENGINE) 1 crash reports 7 fire reports 286 · 23.2% Suspension (SUSPENSION): 109 complaints, 8.9% of reports Suspension (SUSPENSION) 1 crash reports 109 · 8.9% Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN): 101 complaints, 8.2% of reports Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 1 crash reports 101 · 8.2% Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM): 85 complaints, 6.9% of reports Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 1 crash reports 85 · 6.9% Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES): 63 complaints, 5.1% of reports Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 1 crash reports 63 · 5.1% Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM): 59 complaints, 4.8% of reports Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 3 fire reports 59 · 4.8% Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL): 44 complaints, 3.6% of reports Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 4 crash reports 44 · 3.6% Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING): 28 complaints, 2.3% of reports Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 28 · 2.3% Unclassified NHTSA leftover: 557 complaints, 45.3% of reports Unclassified NHTSA leftover 9 crash reports 4 fire reports 557 · 45.3% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100%

“Unclassified NHTSA leftover” is not a car part. It is a filing bucket and always sits last.

View component data as a table
System / Component Complaints Share of Reports Safety Reports (Crashes / Fires)
Body / frame (STRUCTURE) 305 24.8% 2 crashes · 0 fires
Engine (ENGINE) 286 23.2% 1 crashes · 7 fires
Suspension (SUSPENSION) 109 8.9% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN) 101 8.2% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM) 85 6.9% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Brakes (SERVICE BRAKES) 63 5.1% 1 crashes · 0 fires
Electrical (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM) 59 4.8% 0 crashes · 3 fires
Cruise / speed control (VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL) 44 3.6% 4 crashes · 0 fires
Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING) 28 2.3% 0 crashes · 0 fires
Unclassified NHTSA leftover 557 45.3% 9 crashes · 4 fires
NHTSA Consumer Complaints, NHTSA Safety Recalls, and NHTSA Defect Investigations Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

When reports and recalls showed up

When owners filed reports, and when recall campaigns showed up.

When reports and recalls showed up Owner reports in this snapshot begin in Jul 2004; the first recall shown was reported in Mar 2005. 2004-Q3: 3 owner reports 3 2005-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2005-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2005-Q3: 27 owner reports 27 2005-Q4: 25 owner reports 25 2006-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2006-Q2: 30 owner reports 30 2006-Q3: 36 owner reports 36 2006-Q4: 31 owner reports 31 2007-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2007-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2007-Q3: 16 owner reports 16 2007-Q4: 11 owner reports 11 2008-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2008-Q2: 10 owner reports 10 2008-Q3: 10 owner reports 10 2008-Q4: 6 owner reports 6 2009-Q1: 5 owner reports 5 2009-Q2: 21 owner reports 21 2009-Q3: 13 owner reports 13 2009-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2010-Q1: 14 owner reports 14 2010-Q2: 23 owner reports 23 2010-Q3: 15 owner reports 15 2010-Q4: 9 owner reports 9 2011-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2011-Q2: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2011-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2012-Q1: 9 owner reports 9 2012-Q2: 9 owner reports 9 2012-Q3: 23 owner reports 23 2012-Q4: 19 owner reports 19 2013-Q1: 17 owner reports 17 2013-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2013-Q3: 19 owner reports 19 2013-Q4: 26 owner reports 26 2014-Q1: 53 owner reports 53 2014-Q2: 60 owner reports 60 2014-Q3: 57 owner reports 57 2014-Q4: 50 owner reports 50 2015-Q1: 48 owner reports 48 2015-Q2: 39 owner reports 39 2015-Q3: 50 owner reports 50 2015-Q4: 22 owner reports 22 2016-Q1: 23 owner reports 23 2016-Q2: 29 owner reports 29 2016-Q3: 26 owner reports 26 2016-Q4: 15 owner reports 15 2017-Q1: 18 owner reports 18 2017-Q2: 11 owner reports 11 2017-Q3: 20 owner reports 20 2017-Q4: 17 owner reports 17 2018-Q1: 13 owner reports 13 2018-Q2: 13 owner reports 13 2018-Q3: 14 owner reports 14 2018-Q4: 7 owner reports 7 2019-Q1: 7 owner reports 7 2019-Q2: 3 owner reports 3 2019-Q3: 7 owner reports 7 2019-Q4: 12 owner reports 12 2020-Q1: 3 owner reports 3 2020-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2020-Q4: 2 owner reports 2 2021-Q3: 4 owner reports 4 2021-Q4: 1 owner reports 1 2022-Q2: 2 owner reports 2 2022-Q3: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q1: 2 owner reports 2 2023-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 2023-Q3: 2 owner reports 2 2026-Q2: 1 owner reports 1 Owner reports Jul 2004 Apr 2026 Recall campaign 05V066000 ◆ Recall campaign 05V066000 Recall campaign 06V432000 ◆ Recall campaign 06V432000 Investigation PE06009 ● Investigation PE06009 Investigation RQ06002 ● Investigation RQ06002 Investigation EA06010 ● Investigation EA06010 Investigation EA06013 ● Investigation EA06013 Investigation AQ10001 ● Investigation AQ10001
  • Campaign 05V066000 was reported 21 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
  • Campaign 06V432000 was reported 560 days after the first earlier complaint mapped to its component.
View timeline records as a table
Date Record type Count Record identifier
2004-Q3 Owner reports 3
2005-Q1 Owner reports 2
2005-Q2 Owner reports 14
2005-Q3 Owner reports 27
2005-Q4 Owner reports 25
2006-Q1 Owner reports 14
2006-Q2 Owner reports 30
2006-Q3 Owner reports 36
2006-Q4 Owner reports 31
2007-Q1 Owner reports 18
2007-Q2 Owner reports 10
2007-Q3 Owner reports 16
2007-Q4 Owner reports 11
2008-Q1 Owner reports 9
2008-Q2 Owner reports 10
2008-Q3 Owner reports 10
2008-Q4 Owner reports 6
2009-Q1 Owner reports 5
2009-Q2 Owner reports 21
2009-Q3 Owner reports 13
2009-Q4 Owner reports 9
2010-Q1 Owner reports 14
2010-Q2 Owner reports 23
2010-Q3 Owner reports 15
2010-Q4 Owner reports 9
2011-Q1 Owner reports 17
2011-Q2 Owner reports 14
2011-Q3 Owner reports 14
2011-Q4 Owner reports 17
2012-Q1 Owner reports 9
2012-Q2 Owner reports 9
2012-Q3 Owner reports 23
2012-Q4 Owner reports 19
2013-Q1 Owner reports 17
2013-Q2 Owner reports 29
2013-Q3 Owner reports 19
2013-Q4 Owner reports 26
2014-Q1 Owner reports 53
2014-Q2 Owner reports 60
2014-Q3 Owner reports 57
2014-Q4 Owner reports 50
2015-Q1 Owner reports 48
2015-Q2 Owner reports 39
2015-Q3 Owner reports 50
2015-Q4 Owner reports 22
2016-Q1 Owner reports 23
2016-Q2 Owner reports 29
2016-Q3 Owner reports 26
2016-Q4 Owner reports 15
2017-Q1 Owner reports 18
2017-Q2 Owner reports 11
2017-Q3 Owner reports 20
2017-Q4 Owner reports 17
2018-Q1 Owner reports 13
2018-Q2 Owner reports 13
2018-Q3 Owner reports 14
2018-Q4 Owner reports 7
2019-Q1 Owner reports 7
2019-Q2 Owner reports 3
2019-Q3 Owner reports 7
2019-Q4 Owner reports 12
2020-Q1 Owner reports 3
2020-Q2 Owner reports 2
2020-Q3 Owner reports 2
2020-Q4 Owner reports 2
2021-Q3 Owner reports 4
2021-Q4 Owner reports 1
2022-Q2 Owner reports 2
2022-Q3 Owner reports 1
2023-Q1 Owner reports 2
2023-Q2 Owner reports 1
2023-Q3 Owner reports 2
2026-Q2 Owner reports 1
Recall campaign 1 05V066000
Recall campaign 1 06V432000
Defect investigation 1 PE06009
Defect investigation 1 RQ06002
Defect investigation 1 EA06010
Defect investigation 1 EA06013
Defect investigation 1 AQ10001
NHTSA Safety Recalls Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Safety Recalls (2)

Official campaigns. Each one says what could go wrong and what the dealer was told to fix.

In short, these campaigns were filed about Lights and Transmission / driveline.

  1. Recall campaign 05V066000

    Lights

    Report date
    Component:
    Lights (EXTERIOR LIGHTING)
    Consequence:
    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.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →

  2. Recall campaign 06V432000

    Transmission / driveline

    Report date
    Component:
    Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
    Consequence:
    THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
    Remedy:
    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.
    View authoritative NHTSA record →
NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

What owners actually wrote

Short excerpts from the public NHTSA file. Look for the same symptom repeating.

Data: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation · snapshot 2026-10-16
Safety incident filters
Showing 8 of 1,231 complaints · page 1 of 50
2026-06-05Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11742230
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 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 ?
2023-09-02Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11542273
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-07-05Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11530423
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2023-06-24Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11528650
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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 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
2023-03-13Unclassified NHTSA leftover
NHTSA ODI 11511678
CrashFireInjuryDeath
Driving normally when vehicle shut off and rear of engine burst into flame. It seems multiple people have had this problem.
2023-02-01Suspension (SUSPENSION)
NHTSA ODI 11504960
CrashFireInjuryDeath
is the subframe, engine cradle under recall for rust?
2022-08-01Transmission / driveline (POWER TRAIN)
NHTSA ODI 11476968
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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.
2022-05-25Fuel system (FUEL SYSTEM)
NHTSA ODI 11466095
CrashFireInjuryDeath
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

Frequently asked questions

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

Owners named Body / frame most often — 305 of 1,231 reports (25%). That is the NHTSA file, not a diagnosis of every vehicle.

Are there recalls for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

NHTSA lists 2 safety recall campaigns. They were filed about Lights and Transmission / driveline. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov; a campaign on this page can still be open on a specific vehicle.

What should I inspect before buying a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

Look up the VIN for open recalls. Look for rust, collision repair and body gaps that do not match a clean truck. Then skim owner filings for the same symptom and take that list to a mechanic.

Does a high complaint count mean I should skip this year?

No. Counts are reports people chose to file and they are not adjusted for sales volume. YearTell does not publish scores or a list of years to skip. Inspect the vehicle.

EPA Fuel Economy Database Snapshot 2026-10-04 Open source record

Estimated Ownership Cost

EPA fuel economy ratings and annual operating cost estimates

Data: US EPA Fuel Economy Guide · snapshot 2026-10-04
Supported range: 1,000–60,000 miles per year
Supported range: $1.50–$10.00 per gallon
55% city45% highway
Estimate unavailable

EPA fuel-economy data is unavailable for this vehicle.

No estimate is shown when required EPA values are unavailable.

 Open Ownership Cost Calculator →

Adjacent Model Years

Immediate preceding and succeeding model year records

NHTSA Consumer Complaints Snapshot 2026-10-16 Open source record

Complaint counts reflect self-selected reports and are not normalised for production sales volume. We publish no reliability scores, superlatives, or vehicle rankings.

Methodology & Data Integrity

Source: NHTSA ODI / recalls, snapshot 2026-10-16. YearTell is not a government agency.

Read our complete data methodology → Sources