Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!

Chrysler Pacifica Suspension Problems

1…1213141618

Comments

  • mick0212mick0212 Member Posts: 27
    We have an '04 Pacifica with ~ 105k miles on it. It's been a great vehicle with almost no problems, but the miles are starting to add up.

    Noticed recently that ride quality and handling have gotten worse - ride is rougher and there is more bounce and sway. Mentioned this at my dealership during last service visit and had them give me an idea of cost to address - ballpark number came back at $3k! Obviously I'd have them take a closer look to see what really needs to be done & probably have someone else check it out as well, but ... wow. Add in the additional work I need to have done between brakes & 100k intervals and that's a lot of money for a 10 year old vehicle.

    Curious if anyone else has had anything like this addressed and if so what it set you back.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Stabilizer bar links 30.79 strut 43.79 strut assembly 152.00 rear shocks 235.79.Take it to an independent shop it will be a lot cheaper. Why would you replace the rear shocks if there is nothing wrong is the car riding level in the rear? They are self adjusting Try to do the work yourself and save 2500 dollars
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Chevy Trailblazer is worth the same as yours so how is yours worth almost nothing? the repairs you had done only cost you 100 dollars each time no matter how many repairs were done at the time. so how did you spend 4,500 dollars? Normal maintenance is tune up and brake system parts, tires, tire pressure monitoring system battery's only last average 5 years, battery and other wear items that you would have with any other car.
  • mick0212mick0212 Member Posts: 27
    Thanks for the reply, good information & now will definitely take it to an independent shop for evaluation.

    No chance I'm doing it myself, though. Don't have the skills or anything else necessary.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    My dash went out completely and the brake lights didn't work It was found to be a pinched wire under the fuse box by the battery they fixed the problem and the cost was 260 dollars . I checked the codes there were none no fuses out no relays not working. I replaced the brake switch not the problem. Just letting people know that this could happen to them 113,000 miles
  • kgrimwoodkgrimwood Member Posts: 1
    Could you please email me a copy of this?

    Thank you
  • molyneuxmolyneux Member Posts: 31
    I'd be happy to but I need your e-mail address.
    bmbernhard@fuse.net
  • sue80sue80 Member Posts: 7
    In Juy, 2011 my mechanic noticed the rust in the engine frame. After much haggling and after contacting the Ohio Attorney Generals office, Chrylser agreed to complete the repairs under the recall. fast forward to ths week...on Monday I noticed that when I turned the ar to the left that there was mething wrong with the steering. On Tuesday while on the way to my mechanics I lst all power steering. When my mechanic looked at the steering column he noticed that it was loose and that it was coming appart. When he put it up in the rack, we both noticed tht the engine was literally falling out. The mechanic and the tow truck driver said iwas licky to be alive. Apparently, when the repair was completed in 2011, the dealer forgot to put in the safety washers tht are necessary to hold in the engine fame. The dealer has taken full responsibility and is making the necessary repairs. My problem now I am afraid to drive the car. I was thinking of asking the dealer today for an independent mechanic o look at e repairs. Any suggestions?
  • anniev49anniev49 Member Posts: 30
    Seems you've done a lot better than I did so far. NY Attorney General was useless, as was every other consumer advocacy representative I could think of, after being completely ignored/lied to by Chrysler. However, that sounds like an alarming development. In your position I would find a trusted mechanic to look it over. You haven't had to spend much at this point, right? It would be worth it for peace of mind.
  • sue80sue80 Member Posts: 7
    Sorry your Attorney Generals Office wasn't much help. When I first spoke to Ohio's they said there was not much they could do either but agreed to send a letter to Chrysler with my complaint. That was all it took. No, I have not spent much yet but I have asked the dealer to,pay for an independent mechanic to look over the repairs. As of this moment I have not heard back from them. Playing the waiting game!
  • goodrich93goodrich93 Member Posts: 1
    Can you email me a copy of this letter also? My email is ragoodrich93@yahoo.com
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    sent
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Took other car to dealer to have engine cradle look at for rust through. Chrysler will call back and see if they can fix it for free or at reduced price. Will let everyone know what happens after I hear from Chrysler.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Just got car back today $250 copay all fixed
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    I found engine cradles on the internet for around $475.00 if you want to fix it yourself. It might take a while but it's better then trading the car in and having the dealer say the car isn't worth anything and then they sell it for six times more than they gave you for it
  • jeeper31jeeper31 Member Posts: 1
    edited July 2013
    My 2005 with 127,000 miles on it was diagnosed today. Is there any way to get a copy of that letter. I am about to have a big fight with Chysler. Thanks.

    You can email to dan27@optonline.net
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Letter sent
  • charles109charles109 Member Posts: 1
    Did your letter just say 2004 - 2005? When I called Chrysler said it was only if the vehicle was physically made between 2-23-04 and 3-31-04.
  • molyneuxmolyneux Member Posts: 31
    My Pac is a 2004. However, I bought it in May, 2003 when they were first on the market. So, mine was not built in the time period indicated in the letter. Mine is older. Now, why would they think one built before Feb. '04 would not rust out. Mine sure did. Anyway, after working with the dealer and a couple of letters to Chrysler, they agreed to a 75% reimbursement. Cost of repair was a bit over $1800.00. They paid me a bit over $1400.00. Better than nothing.
    Good luck with your fight.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    edited July 2013
    The letter says 04 and 05 but Chrysler is trying to backpedal on it
  • anniev49anniev49 Member Posts: 30
    Good for you. I had an `04 that also was built on a date outside that narrow window of "acceptable" build dates. I politely pursued all avenues for about a year, only to get lied to and stonewalled by several Chrysler dealers including of course the one who sold me the car. Then the car failed inspection based on the rusted out frame. I pursued every route of recourse up to the state atty general, etc. Nothing. Zero. Nada. Finally found a welder to fix/replace parts of the frame for less than a thousand dollars. Consumer protection in this country amounts to "Every man for himself, and is dependent on the mood, personality and personal prejudices of the people representing the businesses." Deplorable.
  • anniev49anniev49 Member Posts: 30
    Chrysler corporate did not stand by the letter in the case of my `04. They stuck to a rigid, narrow window of build dates. Mine was outside the build dates, case closed as far as Chrysler was concerned.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    dy/Frame - Vehicle Vibration Or Shaking

    NUMBER: 13-001-12

    GROUP: Frames & Bumpers

    DATE: March 16, 2012

    THIS BULLETIN SUPERSEDES SERVICE BULLETIN 13-001-10, DATED OCTOBER 26, 2010, WHICH SHOULD BE REMOVED FROM YOUR FILES. ALL REVISIONS ARE HIGHLIGHTED WITH **ASTERISKS** AND INCLUDE MODEL YEAR APPLICABILITY AND BUILD DATES.

    NOTE :This only applies to vehicles in the Canadian Market and in salt belt states which include Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
    SUBJECT:
    Vehicle Vibration and/or Shake X26 (10 Years/150,000 Miles Warranty Extension)
    OVERVIEW:
    This bulletin involves inspecting the engine cradle for perforation and if necessary replace.
    MODELS:

    2004-2005 (CS) Pacifica
    NOTE : **This applies to vehicles built from February 23, 2004 (MDHO223XX) and through March 31, 2004 (MDH 0331XX).**
    SYMPTOM/CONDITION:
    The customer may experience a vehicle vibration and/or shake.
    DIAGNOSIS:
    If the symptom condition is experienced proceed to the repair procedure.


    PARTS REQUIRED:

    REPAIR PROCEDURE:

    1. Raise vehicle on hoist. Refer to the detailed procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > Lubrication and Maintenance > Hoisting.


    2. Inspect the engine cradle for perforation as shown in (Fig. 1). Was there any perforation found?
    a. Yes >>> Proceed to Step # 3.
    b. No >>> Continue further diagnosis this bulletin does not apply.
    3. Remove and Replace Cradle, Front Suspension. Refer to the detailed removal/installation procedures available in DealerCONNECT > TechCONNECT under: Service Info > 13 - Frames and Bumpers > Frame > Engine Cradle Crossmember> Removal/Installation> Front Crossmember.
    4. Return the vehicle to the customer.
    POLICY:
    Reimbursable within the provisions of the warranty.
    Vehicles included in this Service Bulletin have a Warranty Extension for this repair. See Warranty Bulletins; U.S. D-10-34, Canada SAB-2010-29 for details associated with the extended warranty.

    ">
    TIME ALLOWANCE:


    FAILURE CODE:
    Disclaimer :This bulletin is supplied as technical information only and is not an authorization for repair.<img src="
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    Who / where did you email at Chrystler - I have an 05 (mfg date 06/04) and they are hard lining "No" to me
  • molyneuxmolyneux Member Posts: 31
    I sent my initial letter to the address listed on Chrysler's letter about the warrany extension due to frame rust. That address is:
    Chrysler Custoiner Assistance Center
    P.O. Box 21-8007
    Aubum Hills, MI 48321-8007
    I received a reply and a phone call and the offer was for the 80% settlement on the amount charged by my local Chrysler dealer that replaced the frame rails and engine cradle.
    Yes, they tried to tell mt that my vehicle that I ourchased in May, 2003, was outside the manufacturing period of the warranty extension, but since mine was one of the first 2004s, they agreed to pay.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    When they fixed my 05 I had to call three times to get someone that was sympathetic once I found some one that didn't say NO I was able to get them to fix it for 250 dollars. Some of the women that work there work off computers that tell them what to say like the people from India named Bob that fix your HP computer. Keep calling till you get someone that knows that many other Pacificas are being fixed and see if you can stay with that person
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    This is what the dealer is looking for even though most are much worse. Follow link.link title
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    edited July 2013
    I WISH mine was only that bad !
    The rest of the frame is perfect, just this one spot on the engine cradle
    link title

    I didnt want to drive it and dropped it off at the dealer this morning. I;m waiting for the phone call.
    I also am waiting on a call from a Chrystler rep to discuss it.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    edited July 2013
    Wow I haven't seen one that bad. I hope they work with you on this. I think the dealers tell their techs not to say anything when they see cars come in with the rust because Chrysler doesn't want any extra phone calls. Both my cars were in the dealer a lot and it was me that found the rust not them and if you ask the service writers if they get a lot of these they will say you are the first one. The dealer that replaced the 04 and 05 when I asked about the 05 I was the first how could I be the first when you changed it on my other car 2 years ago
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    They are Hard lining me with "I'm sorry, your vehicle doesn't fall under the guidelines" and "a case manager has reviewed this and determined that it is outside of the age and mileage coverage". It is only 8 years old and has less than 90,000 miles. Why wasn't this pointed out during one of the oil changes or previous services I had? How could it have gone this long without being noticed ??
    I am so frustrated, I'm stuck with a vehicle that I can't drive becasue it was manufactured 3 months after the so-called affected production dates. You know there were parts that may have been at the bottom of the pile at the assy plant and some vehicles would be outside of the actual affected date range. - Sorry, rant over.....
  • anniev49anniev49 Member Posts: 30
    Your experience matches mine almost exactly. I devoted so much time to pursuing every avenue of recourse but ultimately Chrysler has decided to limit their response to this and there is really nothing we can do as far as I can tell. At one point I was asking others on this thread who had not had satisfaction if they wanted to join efforts, but eventually I just capitulated, and took on more debt in order to have the frame re-built/welded by a private mechanic (still much cheaper than getting another vehicle). Thing is (UNLIKE you -- and what a DRAG that they didn't tell you when it first started!), I was notified quite early on (by a non-Chrysler mechanic doing an oil change & tire rotation -- odd how the dealer mechanic never noticed) that the frame had begun to prematurely rust. I took action ASAP (when it would have been a cheaper repair), but was ignored and rejected every step of the way (Chrysler dealer, another Chrysler dealer, Chrysler regional rep, Chrysler corporate, NHTSA, NY Consumer Affairs, etc) until the rust progressed to a point that the car failed inspection. Chrysler should be ashamed. I grew up in Chryslers, and the Pac was the second Chrysler that I personally owned. They could have had a customer for life. But I'm done with them. It took a lot to sour me on them, but they accomplished it. Sorry for your troubles.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    If you need an engine cradle on the internet from a Chrysler dealer I have seen them for $475 and if you can get a local mechanic to install it it would be less expensive than Chrysler
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    I could't find a place to post this but it could help hundreds of people. The auto dimming mirrors go bad and turn brown with shiny bubbles in them. This is because the liquid between the two layers of glass has gone bad. I think a new mirror runs about 350 plus labor you could order a new glass but it won't be auto dimming. To fix so you can see out of it. Roll down window lay a towel in window under mirror. Move bottom of mirror out. There is a plastic piece that goes around the glass and it meets at the bottom. Remove the plastic trim (A heat gun or hair dryer would make it easier) keep moving the mirror around till you get it off. At the top right side is a wire on the trim cut it. Now stuff a paper towel in the bottom of the mirror. Take a razor and at the the bottom put it between the two pieces of glass and the brown liquid will run out after it is out run the blade around the glass and remove the outer glass. Pour water on the mirror and wash with paper towel. Take brake clean and remove any discoloration on mirror. Take the clean side of rad and rub off the brake clean it will look like a new mirror. It just won't auto dim. If you want to put trim back on thats up to you. I am to keep water from going in the top. It took longer to post this than to do it
  • tmt66tmt66 Member Posts: 3
    I've got an '04 with a manufacture date of 4-04, mileage of 123,000. I started having an issue with an O2 sensor (which still exists, RPM's bounce until exhaust gas temp comes up, almost stalls). I have since seen that this may be a grounding or shorting issue that may be related to the engine cradle. The cradle istelf has several rust throughs, and I'm told that it may not pass the next inspection. So, I started looking for issues with the cradle, and found the information you've been posting. I'm getting ready to contact Chrysler to set a claim up on this, and was wondering if you could send me copies of the letter and bulletin (and anything else you can think of) to have in hand when I go to the dealer. My email address is tmt66 (at) hotmail.com. I appreciate any help you can give me.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Letter sent. What code is your engine putting out? If you pulled your car up on ramps and went under there are 2 O2 sensors one in front of the catalytic converter and one just behind. You could follow the wires and see if any are damaged. They don't go more than about a foot for the front one and about 15 inches on the back one. I don't think the engine cradle damaged any wires. O2 sensors go bad and are easy to replace. If they don't go completely bad they get lazy and don't report to the computer in a timely manner. I would buy both it's time. If you find them at Advanced auto and go to Rock Auto or any internet parts place Advanced will match the price and give 15 to 20% off and deliver it to the store for free. If you have any problem with the parts they will exchange them during the warranty period some you buy carry a life time warranty. The engine cradle keep calling till you get someone that will work with you it could take 5 or 6 calls
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    If you want a code scanner cheap go on the net and buy a elm327 for around 15 dollars if you have a smartphone get bluetooth if not you could get usb and download an app for 4.95 for computer or smartphone. It will tell you more than my 250.00 unit
  • tmt66tmt66 Member Posts: 3
    Thanks. The codes I'm getting are P0420 and P0132. The Bank 1, Sensor 1 has been replaced, but probably not with a Mopar product. I'll get underneath tonight and try to trace wires.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    I used both Densos. You were talking about how the engine ran before it warmed up. If a car is allowed to misfire you are dumping raw fuel into the catalytic converter and this overheats and melts the inside. I will assume you have removed the intake plenum and replaced spark plugs at 100,000 and the car is not burning oil, bad valve seals (blue smoke when first started) or rings or your car seems to be down on coolant and you have to add a little every once and a while. You could be burning antifreeze or oil and coating the converter. If the o2 sensors are ok You probably need a new catt. Don't put one on unless you fix the misfire
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    Any idea on the amount of labor to replace this ?
    I am being quoted $1400 for parts ($700 for the cradle itself) and $1300 for labor - OUCH....
  • molyneuxmolyneux Member Posts: 31
    FYI..I had mine replaced at Wyler Chrysler in Fort Thomas, KY. Total bill was $1875.71. $820.00 labor and 996.00 parts and $58.91 tax. If you want, I can fax a copy of my bill.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    link titlehttp://www.oemparts4cars.com/proddetail.php?prod=4743689AH#.Ue7wDtKTjng ----If you go to these web sites about $463.1 and $551.00 free shipping on this one
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    link title
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    I dont have a fax machine, can you scan it and post here or possibly email it to :
    DLSClark1@yahoo.com

    Thank you!
  • ctfamilyof6ctfamilyof6 Member Posts: 1
    Can you send me the letter too? My email is ctfamilyof6@gmail.com
    we just found the same problem with our 2004 pacifica
    thank you so much
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Make sure that everyone that has this problem make a complaint at the NHTSA web site or call them. The more complaints they get the closer we are to a recall
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    The invoice doesn't specify the number of hours, just the total labor cost. I don't suppose you know the hours (or the per hour fee) ?
  • molyneuxmolyneux Member Posts: 31
    Sorry, I don't know their hourly rate. I would suspect something close to $100.00 per hour. They did have the car for a couple of days but that was probably to get the parts in.
  • charger3charger3 Member Posts: 210
    Labor operation no. 13-30-01=93 Labor for this is 4.4 hours
  • lanwan1lanwan1 Member Posts: 1
    edited August 2013
    I am unable to download that file off that link. Could someone PLEASE email it too me gaye56 at hotmail.com I would appreciate it very much! Does this RECALL END and anytime?
  • mrhoseheadmrhosehead Member Posts: 10
    It wasn't a recall, it was considered a 'service note' and while the original version covered all 04 and 05's (with restrictions), it has been amended to only cover 2 months worth of production in early 04.
    If you call Chrysler and give them the VIN, they will tell you if yours is covered.
    If not, then jump on board with the NHTSA and file a claim.
Sign In or Register to comment.

Helpful Tools

Most popular vehicles