Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I have had my car from 2011 till current and replaced the front axles/tie rods at least 3 to 4 times a year. Last incident it broke while pulling out of drive way and I lost control and rolled down a hill into 4 lanes of traffic narrowly missing the gas pumps at the station across the 4 lane thank goodness no one hit me with my young child in the car. When I first had to take it to a dealer to get them changed 2 other cars in this small town I live in were there also having there's replaced. This should be a recall every person I talk to states this is a problem that is arising from a rusted cradle problem when manufacturing the car. I would like my car repaired where this will no longer happen and it is too expensive for me to fix. I have decided to look further into this issue and maybe come together with other with this issue. There should of been a recall by now. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving at 65 MPH, the brake pedal was depressed but the vehicle failed to stop. The contact felt a vibration coming from the brake pedal. The contact had to shift the gear into neutral in order to stop the vehicle. The ABS and engine warning lights illuminated. In addition, "new fuel cap" was displayed across the message board. The vehicle was taken to the dealer multiple times and the fuel cap was replaced. The dealer was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who diagnosed that the rotors needed to be resurfaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the mechanic who was unable to diagnose or repair the vehicle. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 80,000.
ABS light came onwhile traveling in florida. Car makes grinding sound. Light goes on after driving awhile. Does not brake properly if light comes on while coming to a stop. Replace all brakes and sensors and still no help. Chrysler knows they have a problem and it is going to take someone dying before this gets fixed. There have been thousands of complaints on this at much lower mileages than my car. Please do something. Either chryler knows what the fix is and does not care or at this point they really do not know what to do and will not take responsibility.
The ABS system failure almost resulted in a tbone sliding through an intersection, unable to stop in nov and in March coming down a slight incline and the ABS light came on and could not get stopped resulting in missing a pedestrian by 3 inches and having to hit a snow bank. Then the ABS light kept coming on at various times, hard to get stopped in town when it comes on.
Braking issue; ABS light on; intermittent brake failure; front upper motor mount as well as motor mount by radiator; (front left cv axle recently repaired) braking problem persist 2005 Chrysler Pacifica just today, have a $706.00 repair quote: just paid 207.18 2 days ago to replace left front cv axel !
2005 Pacifica touring was leased in July 2005. Since then, the upgraded infinity sound system has required repair twice and regularly makes a loud popping sound. The ABS warning light came on signaling a failure in the anti-lock brake system March 2006. I scheduled an appointment for March 30, 2006 to repair the ABS system and on my way to work, I needed to turn left, put my foot on the brake, and the car suddenly sped up instead of slowing down. A few weeks prior, we slowed down to make another left turn and the vehicle stalled and shut off completely. I had leased the Pacifica for 36 months, and last week when the ABS system failed and my car sped up while braking, I took it back to the dealership and demanded that they get me out of that vehicle. …
29294 miles - 04/26/07 - ABS sensor replaced again at russ darrow dealer in milwaukee, wi. Same prob from 01/13/07 did not get replaced in jan. Problem occurred this time only above freezing temperatures. Once temps above 32, occurred every day. ABS brakes engaged when brakes were applied. Braking becomes unsure. Can't tell if car will stop. Dealer says problem is not common. I disagree. Googled "ABS sensor replacement on Chrysler Pacifica" and found many instances of problem on the internet forums and blogs. 01/27/07 ABS indicator light is on. ABS brakes begin engaging again without reason. Contacted Chrysler service dept and talked to bob in service. Explained this is the 6 or 7th time I have had a problem with the car brakes, either the ABS or the actual brakes. Would like to contact the Chrysler company to find out if this is a known problem. …
We own a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica touring edition. About 3 months after we bought it (and the warranty ended), we noticed that the ABS light would come on. Sometimes it would stay on continuously, sometimes it would come off and on. When the light is on, and you press on the brake, the pedal begins to shake a little, and it's very hard to push and you hear a grinding noise. The car does not stop quickly at all, it just slows down a tiny bit. I've had more than 2 instances where I pressed the brake rather firmly and it didn't slow down enough and I didn't stop until I was in the middle of an intersection. I had both of my children with me at the time as well!! We took it to Chrysler where they told us it would cost us roughly $80 an hour for them to figure out what was wrong. We just don't have that kind of money right now. …
Problem #1: ABS light comes on. When brake is pushed down, grinding noise starts, and brake does not slow car down properly. Occurs daily, multiple times. Came within inches of crashing into people, property, multiple times. Mechanic says it's wheel speed sensor & expensive to fix. We do not have the money. Problem #2: gas pedal sticks. When changing car from park to drive, gas pedal will not go down. You have to press on gas hard, thus sending the car rapidly forward or backwards, just to get it to go. Happens daily, every time I change it from park to drive. Problem #3: power steering locks up while making a turn. While making a left hand turn at an intersection, power steering locked up and could not turn the car, when I hit brakes to stop, they did not work properly either, almost sending my children & myself over an embankment. This has happened 4 times in last 3 months. …
I own a 2005 Pacifica that suddenly began displaying the ABS dash trouble light two years ago. Subsequently the brakes pulse and grind as long as the light stays light. At times it feels as though the vehicle is approaching total brake failure. I took the vehicle to the dealer who diagnosed the problem and replaced the front right brake sensor. The vehicle returned to normal operating condition with no brake problems. A month later the same brake issues reappeared. I returned to the dealer who the replaced the same sensor and another (front left) sensor. The vehicle returned to normal operating conditions for approximately three more months. Now the light has come on again. In reviewing the internet while searching for "2005 Pacifica ABS brake problems", I have discovered that Chrysler has designed in a revenue stream for a poorly designed ABS brake system. …
Brake complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 82 complaints about the brakes of the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, 7% of the model year's 1,244 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (23 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler Pacifica brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2005 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 2005 Chrysler Pacifica brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 50,000 miles, and 28% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to brakes 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.