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 2005 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT! Safety risk. Had replaced. NEVER TOLD BY CHRYSLER THAT IT WOULD RUST OUT. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WON'T MOVE! Power steering fluid full. CANNOT DRIVE IT. I'M A 72YO WOMAN WITH CANCER, NO FAMILY, CANNOT AFFORD EXPENSIVE REPAIRS. I NEED MY CAR REPAIRED.
My 2005 Chrysler Pacifica started making noise in front passenger side in the suspension and wheel area while on the interstate. A short time later the front passenger wheel started shaking and wobbling uncontrollably at speeds of 65mph. Their was no warning! Thank god I was entering town and was close to home. I got the car home and had friend who is a mechanic investigate the problem. What he found was scary!!!!! The whole sub frame and engine cradle was almost completely gone due to severe rusting in the exact area where the suspension components attach to the frame. Super bad day when I showed the pictures to 3 different local automotive shops with well over 100 yrs of experience combined and all informed me that the estimated cost to repair was 4000.00 up to 5500.00. Completely absurd! Car is worthless and only has 100,000 miles on it. …
Sub-frame broke on me. It is the exact part that was recalled for the 2004 Pacifica. However there is no recall for 2005? The sub frame broke while I was driving, with a children in car seats in the vehicle. This is a real safety concern, especially in the "salt belt" Chrysler's self admitted insufficient protective coating on the sub frame of these cars, should be enough proof, to raise eyebrows and remedy this safety issue. I cannot afford to repair all the damage this caused, and Pacifica's cannot hold a resell value, as selling this to another person, is just like handing them a ticking time bomb. Why is there no solution or help on this issue? I am not alone with these issues. I suppose it will take deaths from this faulty part before any real action is actually taken. Having a strong piece of metal to keep my motor from falling on the ground isn't to much to ask, or is it? …
Front sub-frame has rusted through rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. This is the exact same failure as many other reports you have received on this vintage, make and model vehicle. FCA has refused to offer any assistance toward the repair and my local mechanic reported that new replacement sub-frames are not even available - leaving consumers with the choice of recycling the vehicle at a salvage yard, repairing it with what is obviously flawed OEM components, or keep it as lawn decoration. I have taken the vehicle off the road and am thankful the problem was discovered prior to my wife or son experiencing a catastrophic failure while driving. It is only a matter of time before someone looses a life because of this defect. Be proactive and force FCA to repair these failures - regardless of mileage - or this organization is part of the problem.
Engine cradle rusted out an cost me $1600 for replacement major safety issue Chrysler seemed to get away with an now I keep blowing power steering hose on front drivers side right next to transaxle I'm a big Chrysler/mopar guy an it's a shame they are not even willing to look at or consider a recall or replacing these parts an fixing thelse issues someone is going to end up dead because the motor fell out or they lost there steering an killed someone or them selfs. I replaced engine cradle about 6 months ago from today's date 2/18/19 an been dealing with this steering issue for the last couple months now an ill replace the hose once again today 2/18/19 whicham cost me an my wife a day off work vary disappointed with how Chrysler deals with safety issues
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the front end suspension was unstable. There were no warning indicators illuminated. An independent mechanic replaced the rack and pinion, provided an alignment more than three times, and replaced the shock absorber and upper and lower control arms on both sides; however, the failure continued. The vehicle swayed left and right, which caused the contact to apply force to maneuver the steering wheel to control the direction of the vehicle. The manufacturer had not issued any recalls for the suspension. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer was notified. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. While driving approximately 5 MPH and making a left turn, a clicking sound emitted from the steering column without warning. The failure recurred on several occasions whenever the contact made a left or right turn. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic. The technician diagnosed that the engine cradle had excessive rust and was fractured. As a result, the engine cradle needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 137,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving 30 MPH and attempting to turn right, the vehicle stalled without warning and the steering while seized. The failure recurred numerous times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 162,940.
During an oil change, massive rust was found in the engine craddle, sub frame. Failure of these parts would be catastrop. Chrysler has acknowledged this problem with a small subset of these cars but clearly applies to all as similar symptoms are showing in cars outside the group sleected for relief. This is wrong, this is not safe, this is not fair.
The car under it is knocking and hitting against the car itself when you go over a bump in the road, the breaks slip unless the ABS light is on and the power steering compartment is constantly empty which causes the steering to whine until you fill it back up.
Steering complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 54 complaints about the steering of the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, 4% of the model year's 1,244 complaints. The component named most often is rack and pinion (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2005 Chrysler Pacifica steering problems?
No. NHTSA lists no steering 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 steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 109,000 miles, and 14% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 1 fire and 0 injuries 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.