Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (accelerator pedal, throttle, sudden acceleration, cruise control).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
On Wednesday night (13 July 16), se michigan had severe thunderstorms and street flooding. I drove through this for at least 6 miles. The next morning as I was leaving for work, I got into the car, buckled my seat belt and put the car into reverse. There was a loud "crunching" noise but no movement. I put the car in park, got out to see if there was anything behind the car to make that noise but there wasn't. I got back in the car, buckled up, put the car's gear into reverse again. No movement, but an incredibly loud screechy, whiny noise could be heard 4 townhouses away. I barely tapped the accelerator and the car shot backwards out of the space, across the lot, up over a curb, through a flower bed, taking out a large, wooden sign and stopping only when the vehicle crashed into a tree. No air bags deployed at all. Police and emts were called to the scene. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was placed in reverse, the accelerator pedal seized. The contact's vehicle accelerated backwards and crashed into another vehicle. A police report was not filed and there were no injuries. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 86,806.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the accelerator pedal would intermittently become stuck in the open throttle position. When the failure would occur, the vehicle would jerk violently before accelerating and stalling. The vehicle was taken to a local repair facility where the independent mechanic discovered that all of the engine mounts were fractured. The engine mounts were replaced at the contact's expense. After repairs, the failure recurred sporadically and the engine would vibrate and exhibit an unusually loud rumble. The contact was sitting idle at a gated entrance. The vehicle abnormally accelerated up to 15 MPH and crashed into the gate while the brakes were depressed. A police report was available. The contact was unable to drive the vehicle from the scene and the vehicle was towed to her insurance company's lot. The vehicle was not repaired. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at 10 MPH, the accelerator pedal was being depressed however, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact also stated that there was a hard shift when the vehicle shifted between the gears. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the air intake needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however the failure recurred, intermittently. The contact also stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the vehicle was jump started however, the vehicle would stall. The vehicle towed to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the TCM needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
2004 Chrysler Pacifica, original owner, 60306 miles. Car was being serviced and the subframe has almost completely rusted out, making the car undriveable. Contacted local dealer and was given Chrysler cust service number. Car built in sept 2003, said dos not qualify for Chrysler (apparently secret) extended warranty. Filed a complaint with Chrysler, but they will not provide any reply to their "review" . We were fortunate that we were not seriously injured, or killed as a result of this quality issue..... And subsequent refusal to correct by Chrysler. Anyway to investigate this consumer safety issue?
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. Upon entering a parking space, the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly. As a result, the contact crashed into a restaurant, another vehicle, and a handicap post. The vehicle was completely destroyed, but there were no injuries. A police report was filed. She had to turn off the engine to stop it from revving. The vehicle was inspected, but the technician could not determine the cause of the failure. The manufacturer would not assist. The failure and current mileages were 89,000. Updated 05/06/09 updated 05/08/09.
Auto accident. 2004 Chrysler Pacifica was stopped in traffic. A car attempting to cut in front of non-moving Chrysler Pacifica from right side, severely impacted Pacifica on front passenger side of Pacifica. It immediately surged forward at a high rate of speed and, despite having both feet pressing on the brake, Pacifica could not be stopped until, in desperation, driver through the Pacifica into park. Another note, despite the severity of impact, not a single air bag deployed. Pictures are available. Car was towed to orlando Chrysler in orlando, fl.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that on several occasions while attempting to drive, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle experienced unintended acceleration. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed and while the vehicle was idle then the accelerator would make a rev noise. No warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 127,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while pulling into a parking spot at speeds of 3 MPH, the vehicle abnormally accelerated to speeds of 60 MPH. She was unable to stop the vehicle and proceeded to crash into a concrete post. The contact drove the vehicle to a local repair shop for repairs. The vehicle was not inspected by the dealer nor was the manufacturer contacted. The failure and current mileages were 70,000.
This vehicle has suffered through a wide variety of problems as outlined from online complaint boards. Today has started sudden acceleration while stopped at traffic lights almost taking me into traffic your investigation on these are closed but I never had satisfaction speaking to Chrysler officials and was informed by my dealer a couple of years ago that the vehicle was made by the ;old; company and the new company does not honor problems.what is disturbing is that a close inspection by me has revealed that the wiring harness going to the control computer was routed under the drivers side flexible motor mount and the harness has been damaged by the mount compressing this harness right on top of a bolt on the frame causing fraying of several control wires .the poor design has indeed created most of the problems with the vehicle and could cause wrecks and perhaps even deaths. …
Acceleration complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are acceleration problems on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 33 complaints about the speed control & acceleration of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, 4% of the model year's 896 complaints. The component named most often is cruise control (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chrysler Pacifica acceleration problems?
No. NHTSA lists no speed control & acceleration recall for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chrysler Pacifica acceleration problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 87,000 miles, and 4% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 7 crashes, 0 fires and 3 injuries to speed control & acceleration problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.