Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (doors, hood, frame, rust, paint and trim).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Chrysler Pacifica owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A few weeks ago we took our car to a mechanic to have the brakes worked on as a part of routine maintenance. When we picked it up, he noted that when he had it up on the lift, he saw that the engine cradle was very badly rusted. He said that we shouldn't drive it anymore because of the risks involved. I tried to crawl under the car when we got home (there isn't a ton of clearance) but I saw what he was talking about. At that point we looked online and found hundreds and hundreds of similar experiences and complaints. We were left dumbfounded at the risks this introduces...thinking about what would happen if this mechanic hadn't noticed the issue and we'd been driving down the interstate with our kids when the thing decided to give way. And the fact that the manufacturer knows of this issue and has done nothing is beyond disgusting. …
Entered the freeway and after reaching speed of approximately 55-60 MPH I heard a loud sound that sounded like a small explosion. Someone driving in the lane next to me began frantically pointing at the engine of my car. Immediately I saw smoke and flames coming from underneath the car's hood. I pulled off the exit that I was approaching, parked the car at the curb, jumped out the car, dialed 911. Fire department responded in a couple of minutes and by this time entire engine and hood was on fire.they put the fire out. Car was not able to be placed in neutral or any other gear, but was still towed to the dealership that performed repairs to fuel injectors and other components of the engine on February 2, 2016. During feb. 2016 incident the gas pedal would not give power to make the car accelerate, car started smoking and giving off fumes that smelled like burning plastic. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that the motor bracket and the motor mounts fractured. As a result, the engine was mounted on top of the starter and ignited a fire. There were no injuries and a police report was filed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 115,000.
I was performing a complete brake job on my vehicle and noticed that the engine cradle on my vehicle is rusted out. I don't mean surface rust, there are actual holes in the engine cradle. I feel that this is a major safety issue. I contacted Chrysler and all they can tell me is that my vehicle is out of warranty. I find it totally ridiculous for Chrysler not to stand behind their product. This is my no means normal, I own a 1965 thunderbird with not a bit of rot on the undercarriage. What the hell is Chrysler and/or the NHTSA waiting for to recalled and repair these faulty vehicles , someone to die first ? Your agency will have someone's blood on you hands also if someone dies in an accident caused by this defect.I am beginning to think that Chrysler is paying you guys off or something. …
Just took my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica in for annual nys inspection as was told it failed due to severe rotting of the main engine cradle and it was a serious safety concern. This came as a total shock as the car has shown no other rusting of any body parts and has been a mechanically sound vehicle until this point. The mechanic showed me underneath the car and the other under carriage components are in acceptable shape, only the cradle is rusted through. I drove it to the local Chrysler dealer and they said that this problem is known by Chrysler and that I should call Chrysler and report the problem. The dealer estimate for repair was $4400.00! I called Chrysler directly from dealership and after some review I was told there was nothing that could be done for me!! …
Mechanic noted severe engine cradle/subframe rot at time of oil change in oct. 2019, photo taken and advised not to drive. Immediately contacted manufacturer to report (case # 64707500) advised no current recall and beyond warranty period. FCA advised it requires dealer diagnosis for any issue/resolution. Car inspected by dealer (turnersville Chrysler, 3100 black horse pike, turnersville, nj) on 10/15/19. Numerous photos taken, (stated known problem via prior tsbs + diagnoses of other pacificas) confirmed massive rust/rotted out subframe and sway bars, all which need to be replaced. (can fit entire forearm thru right side rot, left side lesser rot) advised do not drive - safety risk. Vehicle currently has 126,000 miles and was well maintained. Reported updates to FCA under case # who refused to pay/repair. Dealer uploaded photos to FCA warranty dept. …
I recently bought a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica touring with under 87,000 miles. When I went to have the state inspection performed I was informed by the dealership that this car will not pass inspection due to the excessive amount of rust on the engine cradle. We were informed that the vehicle is not safe to drive and needs over $3,600 of repair work done. I am a single mother and can not afford that kind of repair cost. I find it crazy that a car under 10 years old should have this kind of rust damage. The visible outside of the car is in perfect shape, but the underside is totally corroded! When I started looking online to see if anyone else has encountered this issue, I was amazed at the number of other people who have encountered this same issue. …
Took vehicle in for servicing. Dealer called back stating the front cradle - sub frame is rusted through to a dangerous point and the vehicle needs to be taken off the road. I subsequently determined that the 2004 and 2005 Pacifica vehicles had the same problem and that Chrysler extended the warranty for many in "salt states" to 10 years and 150,000 miles. Chrysler refused to accept liability for the 2006 even though it is the same problem. The front cradle is what holds your transmission and engine in the car. I am pursing daimler, Chrysler and Fiat for a refund of the monies I spent to fix this. My car has always been very well maintained and has less than 120,000 miles on it of greater importance to me. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while the vehicle was taken for an oil change at westgate Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram dealer (2695 e main st, plainfield, in 46168, (317) 839-655) it was discovered that the cradle was severely corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while driving, there was a rattling sound that was coming from underneath the front side of the vehicle as well as when accelerating it felt like something was lifting up from under the vehicle. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic where it was confirmed that the engine cradle had corroded through and needed to be replaced. The contact was also advised that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The contact stated that she slowly drove the vehicle to her residence. …
My regular automobile service company recently completed a repair and replacement of the front brake components on my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. Upon routine inspection of the vehicle's undercarriage, they identified severe corrosion of the "engine cradle". They advised that engine cradle was in very poor condition and that failure was likely in the near future causing the engine to drop out of the vehicle. I immediately contacted the Chrysler/Dodge dealership where I purchased the car. They told me that they were aware of a problem with the engine cradles in that model year Pacifica, but that there currently was no recall to correct the problem. I was quoted $3,000.00 to replace the engine cradle, which I can not afford. My complaint is that if this is a safety issue, why is there no recall or any other apparent effort to correct the problem? …
Body complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are body problems on the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 198 complaints about the body & structure of the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, 27% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is body (141 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chrysler Pacifica body problems?
No. NHTSA lists no body & structure recall for the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, though it has 1 recall 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 2006 Chrysler Pacifica body problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 108,000 miles, and 1% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 1 injury to body & structure 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.