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 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My engine in my car just shut down in the middle of driving. I was told it was a recall and was fixed yrs ago but it has happened 3 times since. Twice after getting gas and one time driving in the school parking lot. Lost all control of power steering and time of engine trouble. Car started back up and engine light came on and went back of and back on. Also smelt burning wires but couldn't find anything
the drivers seat adjusted ITSELF all the way in the reclining position and will not move back. It is a safety hazard ..difficult to drive....we have not had it looked at yet...we just purchased the car a few weeks ago from a car dealer.
My vehicle began stalling while being driven on the street and highways, when turning and while stopped for light changes. Had to have battery "jumped" or charged several times. Battery had to be replaced twice because of discharged from alternator. Had alternator replaced. Battery continued to drained. Vehicle ran for one day and completely shut down while in motion. After jump starting the battery, vehicle ran for a couple of minutes. Was told by service mechanics, battery or alternator problems even after having those parts replaced. Finally had the vehicle towed to dealership that specialized in chryslers and was shock when he stated it was the PCM (powertrain control module) which I believed and researched was part a recall for 2005 pacificas in 2006. Told by the dealership that the fuel pump was fixed which is not the problem of this vehicle. …
Vehicle had been in to Chrysler dealer several times during May for the check engine light (emition controll issues) on the day of this incident I had just picked it up from the dealership. It had been repaired due to it leaking oil. The oil leak was due to the technician accidentally tightening the valve cover down on a wire during its last time in for repairs. I had driven about ten miles from the dealership when I pulled into a gas station to get a drink. When I exited the gas station maybe three minutes later I saw my car had flames coming out from under the hood. I was able to put it out using the gas stations portable fire extinguisher but there had been damage done as several parts under the hood had melted. No one was injured thankfully but if I had not stopped for a drink I would have never been able to put the fire out. …
2005 Chrysler Pacifica I purchased from original owner with only 63000 miles. Car while driving, car just accelerates to high speed on its own for no reason. Have to put it in neutral to avoid death or injury. Today while driving normally, all warning lights came on & we ended up stranded due to weird electrical failure where we can't even get car out of park. Passenger headlamp has gone out several times, now drive fog lamp out. There appears to be many mechanical & electrical failures with this car. It's truly horrifying how poorly engineered and dangerous these cars are & I'm forced to drive this wagon with my family as we can't afford to replace it. Would like to start a class action lawsuit against Chrysler for endangering the public with their dangerous cars. How many people need to die before all these Pacifica's are recalled and repurchased by Chrysler for book value?
I own a 2005 Pacifica limited, I purchased this car in 2009 from a Chrysler dealer. I have taken this car back to the same dealer who sold me the car for servicing (oil change, repairs, ect). Not once was I informed (during the purchase or any time during servicing the Pacifica) about the rotting subframe. I have all of my records showing the inspection underneath with no mention of the rotting/rusted subframe. This car belongs to my wife and she drives our two kids in this car (not anymore). After reviewing other similar complaints I am very upset and frustrated with this whole situation. I have had electrical problems with this car and the whole time it could have been from the rotting/rusted subframe (that was never mentioned). I have put soooo much money into the repairs of this car and I feel like most could have been avoided, had I known about the subframe.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that there was a progressing failure with the vehicle idling high and making an abnormal noise. In addition, the rpms raced abnormally without warning when the vehicle was being driven at any rate of speed. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing who kept the vehicle longer than two weeks. The dealer was unable to provide a specific diagnosis to repair the vehicle. The dealer stated that it May be the computer, a sensor(s), or the PCM. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign number: 06V432000 (power train). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000.
My vehicles service engine light has been on for a few months. I got the vehicle serviced twice and each time the light would not go off. A night or two ago I was trying to back my vehicle and it wouldn't back I was on a leveled surface in my aunt's front yard. Instead when I would put it in reverse it would cut off each time. So thankfully I had enough room in front of me to pull forward. I thought this was the only problem but as of this morning I was driving and my car cut off in the middle of the road I was driving on level concrete turning to make a left turn. I thank god that there wasn't a carecoming up behind me. So now I'm dealing with a car that can't back or drive without cutting off.
The electrical component on moving my seats failed years ago. I've had electrical lights/ glitches in the dash showing problems with the airbag. This past weekend, I took my 2005 Chrysler Pacifica in for repairs to the alternator and was informed the cradle/frame suspension on my vehicle is rusted through. The mechanic informed me that this framing should not rust through if it was coated properly and if it continues to rust through, the engine block will drop out. I was quoted over $2,000 to purchase a used part and to complete the repairs.
Gas gauge fluctuates to empty with light and chime announcing no gas, but there is a three quarter tank full of gas. The engine turns off and steering locks without power. Used car purchased yesterday and we were stranded until we filled the tank with three gallons the car was in motion the first time it stalled. The second time it was idling at a stop light. The third time was in a parking lot. I turned the engine off than back on it resumed . We were heading in a straight directions.
Electrical complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are electrical problems on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 94 complaints about the electrical system of the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, 8% of the model year's 1,244 complaints. The component named most often is wiring (3 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler Pacifica electrical problems?
No. NHTSA lists no electrical system 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 electrical problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 40% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 4 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.