CHRYSLER PACIFICA · model year

2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA

1800 NHTSA complaints, 40 crash reports, and 2 active recalls for this specific cohort.

NHTSA overall rating

Not crash-tested

New Car Assessment Program

The 2005CHRYSLERPACIFICA carries 1800 consumer safety complaints in NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation database for this specific model-year cohort. Within that volume, owners reported 40 crashes, 14 fires, 27 injuries, and 0 fatalities. No NCAP 5-star crash-test rating is available for this model year in the federal database.

Component-level analysis is where model-year complaints become actionable: the top complaint category for the 2005 PACIFICA is engine with 223 filings, followed by structure:body (219) and suspension (178). Concentration in one or two component groups is the classic signature of a systemic defect; a flat distribution usually reflects normal aging, warranty complaints, or isolated build-plant variability. This model year has 2 active recall campaigns, which means the manufacturer is obligated to remedy the covered defect at no charge for the life of the vehicle — the full NHTSA campaign numbers are listed below.

NHTSA currently has 88 investigation files overlapping the 2005 PACIFICA, and 7 remain open. Owners comparing this cohort against neighboring years should pair the counters above with the complaint-by-year trend on the parent model page — a spike in a single year often tracks to a platform refresh, a new transmission supplier, or an updated ECU calibration. Use the related-complaint feed below to read raw owner narratives before deciding whether any pattern here affects your specific use case.

1800
Complaints
40
Crashes
14
Fires
27
Injuries
0
Deaths

Total Complaints

1800 filings

Crashes Reported

40 reports

Source

NHTSA ODI

Federal complaints database

Complaints vs. fleet median (215)

Above median complaint volume — review patterns below.

Complaints by Component

ComponentCount
ENGINE223
STRUCTURE:BODY219
SUSPENSION178
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING138
STRUCTURE93
UNKNOWN OR OTHER87
POWER TRAIN83
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM80
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS71
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE53
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL50
STEERING46
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM41
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE36
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS26

Recalls (2)

06V43200009/11/2006

POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM)

ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES, THE FUEL PUMP MODULE AND THE POWER TRAIN CONTROL MODULE (PCM) SOFTWARE MAY ALLOW THE ENGINE TO STALL UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.

05V06600001/03/2005

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION.

Recent Complaints

20230902STEERING

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.

20230902SUSPENSION

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.

20230902UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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.

20230705POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact called and informed several dealers of the failure and was informed that there was a defect with the power train. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 73,000.

Mileage: 73,000

20230624UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Engine cradle,motor mount and sub frame completely rotted out. structural integrity at a total loss. Vehicle is no longer road worthy. This problem Chrysler is continuing to ignore is definitely Hazardous for other vehicles and their occupants if catastrophic failure of the above named components were to occur while driving even at normal operating speeds. How many complaints have to be made about this failure of design before something is done? how many people have to endure hardship over loss of transportation due to having repairs done, figuring out ways to cover costs or total loss of vehicle how many people have to be injured due to the problems this vehicle comes with? This problem is not just a few vehicles. It's pretty much every one made within the time period. Something has to be done about this. It's been a problem put in front of your and their face with nothing done and no accountability taken for way too long. It's time for you to do what you are here to do. Safety right

20230313FireUNKNOWN OR OTHER

Driving normally when vehicle shut off and rear of engine burst into flame. It seems multiple people have had this problem.

20230201SUSPENSION

is the subframe, engine cradle under recall for rust?

20220801POWER TRAIN

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated upon attempting to reverse out of the garage into the driveway, the gear shifter remained seized in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the gear shifter assembly needed to be replaced. However, the parts to repair the vehicle were not available. The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts had been discontinued. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 75,000.

Mileage: 75,000

20220525ENGINE

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

20220525ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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

20220525FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

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

20220513ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power in the middle of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure reoccurred consistently. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V284000 (Engine and Engine Cooling) however, the VIN was not included. The approximate failure mileage was 195,000.

Mileage: 195,000

20211120SEATS

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.

20211120ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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.

20210919EXTERIOR LIGHTING

Like other Pacificas 2004-10 my front subframe is rusting away. The repair cost will be $1500.00 if I am lucky. Please help!

20210919ENGINE

Like other Pacificas 2004-10 my front subframe is rusting away. The repair cost will be $1500.00 if I am lucky. Please help!

20210919UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Like other Pacificas 2004-10 my front subframe is rusting away. The repair cost will be $1500.00 if I am lucky. Please help!

20210903STRUCTURE:BODY

The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact took the vehicle to an independent mechanic and was informed that the sub-frame was corroded. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was not contacted. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 166,544.

Mileage: 166,544

20210819ENGINE

I HAVE HAD TWO PACIFICAS 2004 AND 2005 BOTH DID THE EXACT SAME THING. STARTED WITH AN ODOR OF EXHAUST OR FUMES OF SOME SORT IN THE SAME WEEK. IT LOST POWER, OVERHEATED, HAD TO PULLED HOME. WOULD START IF COLD FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IN LESS THAN THE SAME WEEK. WENT TO HAVE SOMEONE WORK ON IT AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD WHERE I HAD TRIED TO START IT TO MANY TIMES/ MY FAULT. HOWEVER AS SOON AS IT GOT CONNECTION THE KEY WASNT EVEN IN THE SWITCH AND THE MOTOR WAS ROLLING OVER. THAT ONE SAT AT THAT TIME. FOUND 05 WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO AND FIGURED ONE FOR PARTS IF BREAK DOWN. NOTHING AT ALL WRONG STARTING OUT. ONLY DROVE THE 05 APPRX 3MONTHS AND STARTED THE EXACT SAME THING FROM ODOR TO OVERHEATING AND I DO NOT KNOW ALOT ABOUT VEHICLES BUT SEEMS TO HAVE JUMPED TIME. HOWEVER I AM A SINGLE WOMAN AND DO NOT CARRY A LICENSE MECHANIC AND IM NOW STRANDED WITH NO VEHICLE TO GET AROUND WHILE I HAVE TWO PACIFICAS SEEM SAME ISSUES JUST DROVE ONE A LITTLE LONGER. I MAY BE ROUGH ON THING BUT EXACT PROBL

20210819UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I HAVE HAD TWO PACIFICAS 2004 AND 2005 BOTH DID THE EXACT SAME THING. STARTED WITH AN ODOR OF EXHAUST OR FUMES OF SOME SORT IN THE SAME WEEK. IT LOST POWER, OVERHEATED, HAD TO PULLED HOME. WOULD START IF COLD FOR SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. IN LESS THAN THE SAME WEEK. WENT TO HAVE SOMEONE WORK ON IT AND THE BATTERY WAS DEAD WHERE I HAD TRIED TO START IT TO MANY TIMES/ MY FAULT. HOWEVER AS SOON AS IT GOT CONNECTION THE KEY WASNT EVEN IN THE SWITCH AND THE MOTOR WAS ROLLING OVER. THAT ONE SAT AT THAT TIME. FOUND 05 WITHIN A WEEK OR TWO AND FIGURED ONE FOR PARTS IF BREAK DOWN. NOTHING AT ALL WRONG STARTING OUT. ONLY DROVE THE 05 APPRX 3MONTHS AND STARTED THE EXACT SAME THING FROM ODOR TO OVERHEATING AND I DO NOT KNOW ALOT ABOUT VEHICLES BUT SEEMS TO HAVE JUMPED TIME. HOWEVER I AM A SINGLE WOMAN AND DO NOT CARRY A LICENSE MECHANIC AND IM NOW STRANDED WITH NO VEHICLE TO GET AROUND WHILE I HAVE TWO PACIFICAS SEEM SAME ISSUES JUST DROVE ONE A LITTLE LONGER. I MAY BE ROUGH ON THING BUT EXACT PROBL

Compare 2005CHRYSLERPACIFICA to Similar Vehicles

NHTSA Investigations 7 Open

View all investigations

Frequently Asked Questions

How many complaints does the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA have?
The 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 1800 NHTSA complaints, 40 crashes, 14 fires, 27 injuries, and 0 deaths reported.
Are there any recalls for the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
Yes, the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA has 2 recall(s). The most common affected component is POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:CONTROL MODULE (TCM/PCM/TECM). Recalls are issued by NHTSA and manufacturers must provide a free remedy.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA?
The most-complained component for the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA is ENGINE with 223 complaints. Other frequently reported areas include STRUCTURE:BODY and SUSPENSION.
Is the 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA safe to buy?
Review the complaint history, crash and fire reports, safety ratings, and recall status on this page to make an informed decision. No NHTSA crash test rating is available for this model year. Compare with other model years using the links above.
Where does this data come from?
All complaint, recall, and safety rating data is sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Complaints are filed by vehicle owners through NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation.

Vehicle Safety Guides

Data as of 2025. Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) complaints database, NHTSA recall campaign API, NHTSA NCAP crash-test ratings, and NHTSA FARS for fatality cross-reference.