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ProblemsByVin File / 2005-CHRYSLER-PACIFICA NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2005 · Chrysler

Chrysler Pacifica problems

1,244 owners have filed defect reports on this one. That's not a small number. 1 active recall campaign on file.

0 5 10
Reliability score
6.4 / 10

Average for the segment. Some recurring trouble spots worth knowing about.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2005 Pacifica?
Acceptable — with caveats

Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 8 categories with 3+ complaints

engine
273 reports · fails ~82,888 mi · avg $3,100
moderate
body
268 reports · fails ~119,746 mi · avg $1,500
moderate
suspension
159 reports · fails ~114,660 mi · avg $900
moderate
powertrain
108 reports · fails ~95,840 mi · avg $2,500
moderate
fuel system
70 reports · fails ~53,419 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
brakes
68 reports · fails ~56,332 mi · avg $450
moderate
electrical
63 reports · fails ~58,589 mi · avg $850
moderate
steering
53 reports · fails ~104,084 mi · avg $700
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2005 Pacifica's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2005 Pacifica?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2005 Pacifica · body
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the motor mount frame was severely rusted. The contact stated that the vehicle was difficult to steer the vehicle. The contact stated that the subframe needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The…
12/30/2020 · at 214,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11385633.0 · see body pattern →
2005 Pacifica · body
The front cradle is so badly rusted it broke in three different places.. I was driving home when I made a left turn and noticed the steering was real tight and did not release back.. I traveled further down the road and noticed it was swaying and hard to keep straight.. When I…
12/30/2016 · at 170,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10938753.0 · see body pattern →
2005 Pacifica · body
Friend of mine had an issue with pacifica where motor just fell off while she was driving. I took my car to the shop and found something I did not had idea what was happening with my car, undercarriage corrosion too. *js the bottom is just paper thin, everything is rotten. I…
12/30/2014 · at 111,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #10669096.0 · see body pattern →
2005 Pacifica · suspension
I have had my vehicle since 2008. I took it in for a oil change and was told that the subframe/engine cradle was rotted and unsafe. I live in oh. And was told by Chrysler, since my vehicle was originally sold in az. That it is not covered to have the engine cradle replaced. The…
12/30/2013 · at 113,647 mi · NHTSA ODI #10557849.0 · see suspension pattern →
View all 1,244 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2005 Chrysler Pacifica? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 05V066000 March 1, 2005

Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with halogen headlamps may experience an intermittent and eventual total loss of headlamp function

The head lights may not operate properly which could result in intermittent or no headlight function. This could impair a driver's visibility, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will inspect, and replace if necessary, the wiring harness and low beam bulb on both headlamp assemblies free of charge. The recall began on march 28, 2005. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

Common questions

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

It's got known weak points. With a reliability score of 6.4 out of 10 based on 1,244 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica has a higher-than-average rate of reported issues. The areas to watch are listed above. Whether it's worth owning depends on price, condition, and how much repair exposure you can absorb.

Should you avoid the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica is acceptable, with specific caveats. Worth owning if you verify the specific issues below before you buy. The record behind that call: 7 fire-related complaints and 1 crash-related complaint on the engine; Reliability score 6.4/10 — around the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is engine, with 273 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 82,888 miles. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The engine is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $3,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 82,888 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Chrysler Pacifica has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 1,244 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $3,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Other model years
2009 Pacifica2008 Pacifica2007 Pacifica2006 Pacifica
Compare against
vs. 2005 toyota Sienna vs. 2005 ford Freestar vs. 2005 honda Odyssey vs. 2005 chevrolet Uplander
Problem categories across the fleet
engine across all vehicles body across all vehicles suspension across all vehicles powertrain across all vehicles fuel system across all vehicles brakes across all vehicles electrical across all vehicles steering across all vehicles
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chrysler/Pacifica. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Chrysler. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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