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I read on another forum that Chrysler did the same thing to a gentleman who lives in Illinois, they told him his VIN number wasnt covered.
What did you have to do (anything other than explaining the problem) to get the Attorney General to contact them so quickly? Knowing this may help us and many others who have similar issues with Chrysler and other automakers in the future.
Knowing how serious this engine carriage issue is it clearly can cause other suspensions related deterioration because of the engine misalignment. You noted Chrysler also mentioned another group of repairs that were needed. Did Chrysler agree to also pay for the cost (time and materials) to make those repairs or was this left for you to pay? Seeing how this developed I assume they wanted you to pay those charges.
If I were you I think it would be wise to have the dealer provide a list of other repairs the vehicle requires (according to them). Then I would take the car to 3 different mechanics to inspect those areas and any other area which may have been affected by the misalligned engine in the cradle. If 2 or more of these mechanics agree damage was likely caused by the engine cradle problem you may then have the proof to persuade Chrysler to fix anything else damaged as a result the initial problem. Certainly a statement from mechanics detailing areas that could be affected by engine alignment, even if it is not detectable now, may help you recoup any future cost for repairs should they develop.
I wish you well, the pacifica is a nice vehicle and would be highly desireable if Chrysler had not taken the cheap road by under designing the car and its components. We love our pacifica but knowing all of the design flaws keeps me awake at night wondering if tomorrow is the day our pacifica will literally fall apart on the road. Any company that takes chances with the lives of those occupying vehicles they make simply to reduce manufacturing cost by a few dollars is totally unacceptable and criminal in my books.
As far as the other repairs, they did not agree to fix any of them. They gave me a list including the tire rods, bearings, etc. The original lot where I purchased the car said when they get it back they are going to go back over it and if anything else needs repaired they will fix it for free. They have amazing customer service and have been super easy to work with, unlike Chrysler. They even offered me a car to drive while this was all going on. They also contacted all of the customers that they have sold Pacifica's to in the past and offered a free inspection for the engine cradle, so Chrysler may have a few more to repair. But that is what makes the difference. They aren't trying to rip me off.
I will take your advice though about the other repairs, I might have a case to get the other stuff covered and paid for espacially since my engine cradle is rusted clear through.
The reason I said you are fortunate is not because of Chrysler agreeing to fix their problem engine cradle design but rather because you had the extremely good fortune to find a very reputable used car dealer with mechanics.
I would sure go the extra mile with the used auto dealer and leave as much positive feedback on the Internet as I could Angie's list would be a good place to start and there are many other sites where you can do the same.
Because of your reply to my last message I also will have pictures, copies of the letter from Chrysler, a car facts report, information off the Chrysler web site showing the dealer of origin, and a statement from our auto mechanic in hand prior to visiting Chrysler re: our Pacifica.
In addition to the above I believe I will also have the car thoroughly inspected (cost about $100.00) by certified mechanics and have that report handy as well. It seems a good practice just in case Chrysler tries to pull the same thing on us as they did on you (assuming Chrysler is up to something not so good).
After over 20+ years in the same metropolitan area of Florida (Tampa Bay) our family has yet to locate what we could reliably call an honest mechanic or used auto dealer. Our suspicion is this may be the result of faulty state ordinances governing how these people operate coupled with poor state and local enforcement standards.
Although some appear honest to begin with, things turn questionable after having to visit them over and over to repair the same area of the car. In addition we normally do not get acknowledgement that we were there a month or 2 before for similar troubles and certainly no mention of any warranty ever takes place unless we raise it first.
As things are I believe I could easily carve out a great living exposing questionable practices along with out right lies which are all too common in the service industry in my area. Maybe I should pursue this endevor, no doubt there would be plenty of happy consumers on our side. Unfortunately it is not just autos, instead it is everything and anything which requires service after the sale.
I really appreciate all the valuable information everyone has provided here. I actually had a rust hole as big as my fist on the right side of the subframe. I had gotten the letter about engine cradle being covered.. However with my lack of understanding I had no idea it covered it. Thanks to you google and reading your posts I was able to get this taken care of.
Its funny with all the work I have get done on my car and all the service checks they do, no one told me I had a big hole. What alerted me on this was being told there was rust. After taking it to a mechanic I knew he showed me that it isn't just rust its a hole!
I did have a question that someone here might be able to answer. Apparently in an attempt to remove the subframe or simply after removing the bolt. They claim that the engine mount needed to be replaced. They said the stud that the subframe rested upon just fell. Honestly felt to fishy to me. So they charged me to get the rear engine mount replaced and fixed.
Any thoughts?
When I told Chrysler about this they said the subframe would not interfere with anything that has to do with the transmission, also said transmission leaks usually happen from above. Now after they did the job I had a mechanic clean everything up and replace the oil pan and stuff.
However now I'm still being told by that same mechanic that my subframe will have to be removed to get this fixed. Here is a picture of, hope someone has any thoughts on this.
There is also another leak to the left but I couldn't get under the car far enough to take the picture my self. So I just pointed that it was to the left somewhere.
There is also the front differential there is a small leak there as well that also from what I understood would need the subframe out.
I contacted the dealership that changed the subframe. While they are not admitting any fault, I told them I was told I had a transmission leak that would require the subframe to be taken out.
Its funny because their answer was the mechanic who was talking to you may know have known/realized it was an all wheel drive. Funny how they operate, they see a huge whole with corrosion and they call it rust.
Then you can see on the picture the transfer case is leaking fluid and they can't even see it with their eye. Whats worse is instead of making sure I get the right terms from the mechanic that looked at the car... They simply do the subframe replacement.
All I can say is they have some horrible communication & they definitely didn't take what I said seriously. Its sad the job of the subframe has to get done twice now! All they told me was they will take a look at it and actually allow me to go in the shop to show them where the leak is then we will go from there. I really hope they actually take some type of responsibility.
To have one of them tell you transmissions leaks usually happen from on top and their wouldn't be any need to remove the subframe, isn't good enough. If they couldn't see the transmission leak I reported before they replaced the subframe then they should have made sure to call me to get to the bottom of where the leaks are. But ya I"m trying, they apparently want to contact the main corporate Chrysler & see if they are willing to cover it being removed again.
All of it is very ridiculous to be honest, they need to take some responsibility for their lack of communication and for not investigating what I reported to them.
I will fight this, for as long as I can, I can't believe the position I'm in because of them.
Facts are, you likely have at least another 50K miles (could be 100K) from the vehicle if it has been well maintained. How long can it be driven without putting in a pile of cash to make the repairs the mechanic says are needed now? That is the question I would ask myself. I also agree $700.00 to replace an oil pan seems outrageous. Do your due diligence and research mechanics in your area who have an established reputation for honesty in their work and pricing. They are there but you have to find them. Is it worth 20 hours of searching for a great mechanic you can trust if you can save $1500.00 or more over the long run?
Reality tells me that if you do make the repairs you still have a waranty with Chrysler re: the rusting out sub frame assemblies. You need to decide if you want to have a car for the next few years that is paid for and all you need to spend is money on repairs plus the loss of value of the car as it ages.
This is still not much compared to new car payments and required insurance when financed.
Go to a mechanic you can trust, explain that you want photos taken of the sub fram assemblies. If they do not have the equipment to take the photos in areas where space it is tight spend $50.00 or $100 to obtain a camera for this purpose, maybe on ebay.com. A camera that has a long adjustable or remotely controlled neck with light and camera lens on the end that can be manipulated to get the pictures you need. You can sell the camera on E-Bay or Amazon when you done with it. This way you will not be out anywhere near what it cost to tear down the vehicle to get the photos.
My point is to get un refutable proof that the subframe does or does not have damage. If it does then pile the pressure quickly upon Chrysler. I would not baby the auto company, others have shown us this will never work in your favor. If the car is damaged make Chrysler fix it or pay you the amount they would charge. Then you can decide what you want to do with the car. When going after Chrysler I liked what one person did, they went to the state Attorney General after Chrysler denied their claims.
I hope this quickly works out well for you, I am sure it will if your persistent and stay on the up and up with all involved. Stay away from any mechanic who slightly seems like they may be less than honest. If a mechanic can not provide me with a long list of referances after I research them I become very cautious of manipulated online references. I had rather pay an extra $100.00 up front and 20 hours of research than pay an additional $1000.00 and much more being ripped off only to have the same problems or more when done.