Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
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).
The contact owns a 2006 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle turned off independently but was able to be restarted. Additionally, the vehicle was difficult to start. The vehicle was taken to an independent shop, where the PCM was reprogrammed and an unknown fuel injector repair was performed; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that while at a complete stop, the vehicle shut off independently but was able to be restarted. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the dealer for the recall repair of NHTSA Campaign Number: 06V432000 (Power Train), the dealer informed the contact that the equipment and parts to do the recall repair were not available after the vehicle had remained at the dealer for two days. …
My 2006 chrysler pacifica van has a corrosive chassis about break into, (meanimg) my engine is about to fall & hit the ground, this is my second chrysler, my first was a 2005 chrysler pacifica, when I bout the first one in 2014 they replace the chassis but I never thought to search Up under this one out of (well) even after I had taken them to a CHRYSLER DEALER no one ever told me at DEALERSHIP that I needed a chassis on either one or the 2005 nor the 2006 chrysler pacifica even when I took them in for services, I just don't understand now nor did I not get the kind of service then, I have put all kind of money in these cars mostly this one, window motor, #5fuel injector,electronic ignition,oil pump sensor,radiator,evac sensor, front struts, brakes,,,,now the chassis the gasket near the water pump ,2nd gas line which they say that I have to replace second fuel line cause it getting to …
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. …
On March 2, 2015, I was involved in an accident. The other driver was at fault, and there were no injuries. My Pacifica performed well and sustained only body damage. However, in repairing the damage, the body shop found a substantially corroded engine sub-frame, which had to be replaced at a cost of $750. The same issue exists with earlier model pacificas (for which I believe recalls exist). My question or concern is why Chrysler should be able to escape responsibility for its decision to continue to use defective methods and materials to produce critical vehicle components.
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!! …
I was on freeway doing 60_70 miles per hour when I noticed my car felt like it was not accelerating and gas pedal felt stiff like when car is off. I had my whole family in car and I could of wrecked if I didn't notice in time to put car in neutral and restarted it some how before we got rear ended. I got off freeway somehow and turned car on and off again a few times and it seemed like it was a one time thing . A few miles later it did same thing and I was stalled out in middle of on coming traffic . Cars braked and swerved out of my way to avoid rear ending us . My children were scared cause of this happening out of the blue. I now have no desire to even drive my car with any of my family in it incase this happens again. …
I always got my Pacifica checked and the oil changed on a regular basis at the same dealership. The last time I got an oil change, they asked me to come out to look at the undercarriage of my vehicle. They showed me where my "engine cradle" was so rusted, the engine was ready to fall out. I was mortified, because I drive on the interstate every day. Chrysler quoted me a price of $4000. I did not have that kind of money. They determined the car as unsafe to drive. I went home and looked on the internet and found that there were thousands of people like me with the same complaint. Chrysler knew of this engine cradle rust problem and did nothing about it. I called the corporate office of Chrysler, and all I got was the run around. This was very dangerous, my engine could have fallen out on the highway. I'm a senior citizen and don't have $4000 for a new engine cradle. …
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. …
NHTSA investigations
Engine stalling
On February 27, 2006 rq06-002 was opened in response to 60 complaints of engine stall, mostly during left-hand turns, in model year (my) 2004 to 2006 Chrysler pacifica vehicles that were outside the scope of recall 04v-113.in March 2004, daimlerchrysler initiated recall 04v-113 on 34,561 my 2004 pacifica vehicles to correct a condition that could result in engine stall while making a left-hand turn after a…
Engine stalling
In a November 8, 2006 letter, daimlerchrysler corporation (dcc) submitted a defect information report to NHTSA concerning two separate defect conditions that could result in engine stall while driving in model year (my) 2005-2006 Chrysler pacifica vehicles (NHTSA recall no.
Engine complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 247 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, 34% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is engine (32 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 90,000 miles, and 9% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 2 fires and 3 injuries to engine & cooling 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.