Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Traveling at 35 - 40 MPH and cars came to a stop and no matter how hard I pushed the brakes, the car would not stop. Steering wheel and under steering wheel airbags deployed, burning my shin. Upon starting the car at the body shop, the dashboard caught on fire due to the airbag modular. Fire destroyed my vehicle.
Update on earlier report. Had an independent sevice station check condition of rusting engine cradle on 7/21/15. Mechanic reported that the rot damage is a safety issue, car should not be driven. Rear engine cradle cross member rusting out over the years driven, unknown to me. Also brought car to Chrysler sevice station for their mechanic's inspection on 7/ 27/15. Reported that the cradle was very rusty. Large rusted out holes in the stucture are very easy to see. I was told the car was o.k. To drive today and that the engine could fall through at any time later. Not a safety issue ? Was also told I could keep comming back repetedly at 52$ a pop to have them check on the progression of the rot. Quoted $2800 for repair, car not worth the cost, nor can I afford the cost. I was rushed out of the sevice area after being handed the bill. …
The engine/suspension crossmember is severely rusted through. This type of corrosion is not evident elsewhere on the vehicle frame, only on this crossmember. This problem has gained national attention for at least two years yet Chrysler has chosen not to take responsibility for a manufacturing defect; namely inadequate anti-corrosion coating thickness. I spoke to a Chrysler representative today and they offered no assistance with the $3,050 repair/replacement cost of this failed component. I have all of my vehicle service done at a Chrysler dealership. I've had them inspect for this defect in the past but there were previously no reported issues. While the vehicle was in for routine oil change yesterday, the mechanic warmed me of the now obviously unsafe situation. In fact, I normally purchase a maintenance agreement through the dealership that lasts two years. …
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. …
The chassis that connects under the engine from left front tire to right front tire , was diagnosed by a certified auto repair shop. That the metal was not treated properly to stop the metal from corroding and the possibility of the engine falling or steering compromised ,I was instructed by Chrysler in detroit michigan to take the automobile to the nearest dealership zieglers in schaumburg il 60172 , to have a dealer look at it , and the dealer wants to charge me almost $150.00 because they want a case # first but the people we talked to at Chrysler in detroit , noeloyn and angelica at [phone] said they were just going to make a notation of it . This problem became known to myself when the temp dropped below 20 degrees around new year day , driving . I heard and felt like something was wrong with the suspension . …
A few weeks before this happened, I noticed my rear tire leaning outward. Took it too the shop a few times wondering what was the cause. It was determined from a dealership it was the struts. I was told the Pacifica was known for it. So I had the struts replaced. It helped but the tire was still leaning, it wasn't perfect like the rest. I was told that there was no other reason because everything looked good underneath and suspension. I looked several times, myself. Not seeing any major rust or anything unsafe. Then driving on the freeway 150 mile's from home, at 70 MPH, a hard bang and the rear end lifted up and dropped down. Car uncontrollable. Finally able to stop and realize the subframe dropped right out of the car leaving my rear differential on the ground. It had rusted from the top of the subframe down. Looked on line and seen it was happening to other people. …
When taking my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica to be serviced for broken motor mount. My vehicle was brought in the shop, not even 30 minutes passed and I was contacted immediately by the mechanic, that in the process of replacing my motor mount he noticed that my cradle was rotted out and very unsafe to drive because this was a very important component on my vehicle, (steering, engine, transmission and ect.) are being held up by the cradle, and the mechanic stated that the engine can fall out at anytime! I am in fear for my family and I, to know that we travel at high speeds on the free way. We live in a city where there are many pot holes and craters in the streets we drive on, and to know that we can be in danger is insane. He quoted me around $3,000 to repair and I cannot afford to cover this issue. There has to be something done by the Chrysler corp. …
I took my 2006 Chrysler Pacifica in to a Chrysler dealership because I couldn't pass the il emissions test. I was told that my subframe was very rusted and holes were in it. He told me that they fixed my car so I can pass emissions ($900) and basically told me to drive it for a few months and get rid of it. I asked him how much it would be to fix it and he told me, it would be very expensive. I did my research and there are a lot of people with the same problem. There is a recall for 04-05 pacificas and after looking at pictures of other subframes for 04-05 models, they look just like mine (rusted w/holes). 06 pacificas should also be in the recall. I did not call Chrysler because I felt I would get the same response as others. So now I have to pray every time I drive the vehicle that the subframe doesn't break. I still owe on the vehicle and can't afford another. Please do something!
Car mileage 59,698. In December 2017 took my car for a tire rotation as the 2 front tires are showing visible wear and was told by mechanic that my sub frame below the engine is rotted out. And yep saw it for myself. Both sides of frame rotted out with visible holes. Was told something along the lines of there are cracks or seams which allowed water and junk in but no where for it to exit. Was quoted $1600 to replace. Very upset as we have to pay for this out of pocket and vehicle is not safe to drive other then very short distances until we can afford to fix it. Also we are thinking 2 front tires are out of tread and need replaced was/is caused from the sub frame being defective and throwing vehicle tires out of balance. So as well, we have to purchase 2 new tires. Fix I
My car was built in 2005 when the subframe recall was issued, I called them to try and get some help, basically get reimbursed for the labor of getting the replacement subframe installed. The old subframe finally broke while I was driving at city speeds and I was lucky that the shop I used let me know. When I contacted them, the statement was that due to the age and current mileage of the car, we can not help you. Now if I had of been on a road trip or driving at the speed limit this would have cause some serious damage. This is a safety issue to anyone who has this vehicle and has run out of warranty to get it replaced. Below are photos of the old subframe and the door sticker
Suspension complaints in other Pacifica years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica?
NHTSA has 86 complaints about the suspension of the 2006 Chrysler Pacifica, 12% of the model year's 726 complaints. The component named most often is rear (2 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Chrysler Pacifica suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension 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, 1 fire and 1 injury to suspension 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.