Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
Was driving down the street and heard a load bang when drivers side of car dropped down onto front tire. Car abruptly swerved into lane with approaching traffic. Vehicle stopped against the curb and oncoming traffic stopped in time. We towed vehicle to a friends business for inspecting and it was discovered the engine cradle had rotted out from rust. We called local dealer and was asked for our v.I.n # and was told our car was not part of recall because it was not built within a few weeks window. In searching more information online we found this is a huge issue on these cars. Please advise
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at 40 MPH, the tires squealed and the vehicle veered to the right. Upon further inspection, the contact noticed that the front passenger side wheel leaned inwards. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the engine cradle was corroded and fractured. The technician diagnosed that the strut, strut mount, tie rod, and engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 130,000.
I have a 2004 Pacifica touring edition...passenger side lower control, hub, sway bar rotted out. Went to pick up parts and every car I came across had the same issue in the same place. How can five different cars driven by five different people have the same problem.....two words...crappy materials. Chrysler should proceed with a recall on the lower passenger side control arm for these vehicles, they are rolling death traps.
The front chassis cross member has rotted out. My 2004 Pacifica has been parked in my driveway over 5 years because the corrosion is so bad I'm afraid to drive it. I've been waiting for a recall to fix this obvious factory defect. The rotted front cross member was pointed out to me during a state inspection in June of 2012
While having my vehicle checked for a power steering leak at an independent mechanic, I received call from mechanic that if there was any way possible that I can come down to the service station because the problem was bigger than the leak. Once there he showed me the serious rust through on sub frame rails and engine cradle with noticeable cracks going upward on sub frame. He stated that the cause to my power steering leak is due to this sub frame being in the condition it is and it's vibration. He suggested that I contact Chrysler for a recall because he knows of the same problem on Honda's & Toyota's that were already recalled. After reading the forums and searching for a recall there is an extended warranty but unfortunately I fall under the state of nj were this state is not eligible for the extended warranty. This is outrageous and a safety recall should be issued right away. …
There are multiple occurrence but the start of the problem was 1 week after I purchased the car. 5/6/14 I replaced the tires left front axle along with the front struts and strut mounts, check engine light on came out for emissions system small leak changed the gas cap. Fine till June then I had to replace everything over again check engine light on again same code p0455 changed purge solenoid, along with the right axle. Fine again till August by this time check engine light is back on now changed the nvld pump plus replaced everything over again struts, strut mounts, along with the rack n pinion, front lower control arms both sides, outter tie rods. …
My wife was pulling away from a traffic light and the steering locked up. She was able to stop before crashing. What I found was very disturbing. The rear engine cradle mounts had separated. Causing the engine cradle to contact the ground on acceleration also the steering track which is attached to this cradle became non-functional. The center ripped out of both rear mounts and there is no mechanical stop to prevent the cradle from separating from the body of the car with amount failure. This cradle had been replaced under aa warranty 14 months and 11,000 mi.earlier. I had the vehicle taken to a Chrysler dealership, they informed me that the front cradle mounts were also separated and they could not put the car on the lift to pick it up due safety reasons and the engine cradle would come out from under the car. …
2004 Chrysler Pacifica taken to mechanic after purchasing used with 69,500 miles for "clunking" noise in front-end. Replaced parts included: sway bar linkages, tie rod ends, and struts and mounts all of which needed replacing. But the noise was still there. The mechanic then used a tool he called "chassis ears" to pinpoint the source of the noise. He found that the subframe (engine cradle) was rusted at the point that it mounts to the body, just under the front passenger-side floorboard. Upon further inspection rust was apparent on the drivers-side also. This is a major safety issue!!! The entire front-end of the vehicle including: engine, transmission, and all front-end suspension and steering is held in place by this subframe (engine cradle). What happens when this totally fails while driving with six people in the vehicle? Why has this not become a mandatory safety recall? …
I was driving today and it seemed that my steering was extremely hard to turn if I was mashing the gas, harder to turn to the right side of the car. If the car is coasting or I am breaking the steering is easier to control. I have stopped at my parents house on the way home to research what could be happening with my car and found this disturbing news. Unfortunately for me, this is my only source of transportation and I don't have the finances to just get another car...I'm so frustrated right now and I don't know what to do... The consumer stated while driving, she had difficulty steering the vehicle. She noticed when accelerating, the vehicle was hard to steer, but when braking or allowing the vehicle to coast it was a little easier to control. She managed to get the vehicle off the road. …
Was driving down highway at 55mph, with my niece in the car with me when the car started to pull to drivers side the pulled to passenger side. I slowed the vehicle down to under 40 it was still trying swerve and pull. Scared me and my niece. Has been clunking since about six months after I bought the vehicle in 2008.. Spent over a grand on new tie rods, suspensions, when I took it to different dealer for Chrysler vehicles where a technician told me to stop wasting my money, they know there is clunk and dont know how to fix it. I emailed and left message for Chrysler with no respinse. Looks like they know how to fix it but Chrysler wont stand behind their product and fix the problem till someone dies and the families of the deceased have to sue the company, seriously! …
Steering complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 50 complaints about the steering of the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, 6% of the model year's 896 complaints. The component named most often is linkages › tie rod assembly (14 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 75,000 miles, and 10% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 4 injuries and 1 death to steering 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.