Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (battery, alternator, wiring, ignition, instrument cluster, infotainment).
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).
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While the vehicle was parked, the contact noticed a burning odor and saw flames emitting from under the driver's seat. The contact reached down and pulled out the seat memory module, which was on fire. The fire department was not called. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was taken to shaver Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram and Fiat (3888 thousand oaks blvd, thousand oaks, ca 91362) to obtain a quote for repair parts. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.
Took a short drive. Turned off the vehicle. After a couple minutes smoke and flames were coming out of the hood. Grabbed a fire extinguisher opened the hood and put out the fire on the passenger side. The air filter housing was melted.embers were still spreading along the insulation attached to the hood. Manually removed the spreading embers with some tools. Not sure the cause. Also why is the insulation made of a material that is not fireproof?
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at approximately 30 MPH, there was smoke emitting from the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the control module box was destroyed. In addition, the wire harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.
I was going down the freeway when my battery light came on out of nowhere and then a smell of burnt rubber started coming through the car I pulled over and shut the engine off popped the hood and found a fire on my alternator . I was able to put the fire out but my children were in the car I am afraid to drive it.
I was driving and my children smelled smoke. I pulled over and opened the hood and saw a fire. A stranger stopped and tried putting it out with a fire extinguisher but it caught on so quickly that there was no chance. I suffered a complete loss since the entire car was engulfed in flames.
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.
I was driving at about 30 MPH when the car completely shut down. The car was then jumped and I tried to drive it around the corner and it completely shut down again this time losing all control...no brakes or steering. I almost crashed into the cars that were parked. These cars are death traps and need to be recalled! The whole frame is also rotting out. In a perfect world I would just run out and buy a new car but I am a mother of 3 and that's just not able to happen right now. I'm not even sure if the car can be repaired. It had to be towed to 2 different mechanics and I haven't heard back whether or not it can be fixed! Someone needs to step up to the plate and hold Chrysler accountable! I've had nothing but problems since day one and when I put my v.I.n # in it says there are no recalls on my car....that's a joke! This car is a lemon!
My 2004 Chrysler Pacifica had a fire in the rear side wall on the driver's side. The car was parked and unoccupied when this happened. I contacted Chrysler and an investigator was sent. The investigator told me the "hottest part" or starting point for the fire seems to be in or around the rear of the motor for the rear wiper blades which was inside the side wall of the car. I received a form letter from Chrysler stating the report was inconclusive and they have no liability. I do not agree with their report and have requested a copy of their investigator's report which they have refused to send. The is no way this fire and damaged caused by this fire was anything other than a defect or problem with either wiring or a motor inside the side wall of the car.
All of the dash lights, ABS, brake, interior lights, headlights have been flickering for a solid 3 days. I was driving at night on a non-lit stretch of road when all my lights went out, inside and out with a car approaching from the other direction. I tried to use my high beams and they were out too. I had my children and had to pull over. I have read reviews and this seems to be a huge problem with these cars yet no recall? Why? This is so dangerous! This is my main vehicle I drive for work and with my family. I know am scared to drive it and what people have stated its hard and expensive to fix!
Driving after 45 minutes to 1 hr stop for short break (approximately 15 minutes). Shut car off then upon returning to car the car won't start. Tries too or hesitates. Call triple aaa they hook it up to computer can't find anything wrong. Starter good, alternator good, battery good. Still won't start. Hook to jump pack might start. This has happened 5 times in 2 weeks. Garage can't find anything wrong either. Once started finish driving another 1/2 hour shut vechicle off for either 6 hours or more; starts fine as long as I don't stop anywhere. Help
Electrical complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 109 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, 12% of the model year's 896 complaints. The component named most often is ignition (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chrysler Pacifica electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 82,000 miles, and 20% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 10 fires and 0 injuries to electrical system 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.