Valve Body. These may cause over drive cycling.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2005 Chrysler Pacifica engine problems
moderate 273 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100 · see engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
273
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
1crash
7fires
2injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 273 engine complaints filed for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 75,000-100,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Of the 12 model years of Chrysler Pacifica we track for engine problems, this one carries the most owner complaints on file — 273.
Owners have filed 273 engine complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
NAG1 (5A580) Valve Body As per Warranty Bulletin D-13-22, please use R2108213A$ valve body for all Warranty (W), Mopar (M) and Mopar Vehicle Protection (F) claims.~ Assembly also includes Filter (52108325AA) and Gasket (52108332AA).~
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: 5.7L Long Block Issue Description: This 5.7L Long Block Assembly is compatible with both EGR and Non-EGR applications. An EGR Block-Off Plate (53032739AA) must be ordered when installing this Long Block Assembly in a Non-EGR application. Unless, the EGR Block-Off Plate is being transferred from the old engine.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Part Description: Valve Body Assembly Issue Description: Valve body design was changed between 2010MY and 2011MY applications. To prevent mix matching valve bodies and solenoid packs the connectors are color coded.~ Valve bodies with a white connector can be used on 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Valve bodies with a gray connector can only be used on 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.~ Solenoid packs with a white connector are used with 2010, 2009, 2008..., model years. Solenoid packs with a gray connector are used with 2011, 2012, 2013..., model years.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica comes with dangerous engine issues. Stalling is the dominant complaint—engine shuts off without warning during turns or deceleration, killing power steering and brakes. Owners report it happening within weeks of purchase or years later, often with children in the vehicle. Dealers cannot replicate the stall and find no diagnostic codes, yet owners find hundreds of identical complaints online. A few got a free IAC replacement or PCM update; most got sent home with no fix. Even after dealer repairs, stalling resumed.
Motor mounts fail prematurely and wear out again within months. Parts stay on national back-order for months, leaving owners with a rough, clunking vehicle they cannot safely drive. The engine cradle rusts from the inside out—a manufacturing defect in the coating, per one owner's metallurgical analysis. Chrysler knew about it and issued a narrow extended warranty (Feb–March 2004 manufacture dates only) in salt-belt states, but denied the same owners made weeks later with identical rust. Some were told the engine could fall out; repair costs hit $2,700.
Additional failures include fuel gauge reading empty with fuel still in tank (triggering stalls), rough idle or cold-start surge, excessive oil consumption, and at least two cases of engine compartment fire. One owner's water pump bolt sheared off and destroyed the timing chain; another had a blower fan short-circuit. Chrysler declined responsibility or claimed ignorance. Used-car shoppers should avoid this model or have a pre-purchase inspection focus on the engine cradle, motor mounts, and fuel system.
Same Chrysler Pacifica engine reports on nearby years: 2006 · 2007 · 2008
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling (Low-Speed Turns & Deceleration)
Engine shuts off without warning during turns (especially left turns), deceleration, or low-speed maneuvers. Power steering and braking are lost. Car typically restarts after sitting briefly. Occurs across multiple mileage ranges and ownership periods.
When: Typically within first 6 months to 2 years of ownership; mileage ranges from near-new to 60k+ miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown with no warning; Loss of power steering during stall; Loss of brake assist during stall; Occurs during left turns, right turns, deceleration, slow-speed maneuvers; Vehicle able to restart after brief delay; No diagnostic codes present in many cases
Codes mentioned: No codes reported in majority of cases, Some cases: fuel pump codes, PCM-related codes, camshaft codes
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer replacements include: IAC (Idle Air Control) motor, throttle cleaning ($300), PCM reprogramming (recall F44), fuel pump replacement, fuel tank sending unit replacement, camshaft replacement. Many repairs unsuccessful; problem recurs after dealer attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall F44 for fuel pump and PCM reprogramming issued (2005-2006 timeframe); TSB #09-010-06 for valve spring retainer locks and MAP sensor replacement. Owner reports dealer refused to acknowledge as mechanical defect; Chrysler engineers contacted but provided no permanent fix.
Motor Mount Failure (Front & Rear)
Motor mounts crack, tear, or break prematurely, allowing engine to shift excessively. Causes loud clunking/popping noise during acceleration, stopping, gear shifts, and turns. Replacement intervals are abnormally short (30k–60k miles).
When: First failure typically 30k–60k miles; subsequent failures within months to 2 years of first repair
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunking/popping noise during acceleration; Popping when shifting gears; Loud noise during stopping/braking; Hesitation when releasing brake to drive; Engine surge during cold starts with steering wheel turned; Loud noise when turning sharply; Engine visibly shifts causing secondary damage (e.g., radiator hose disconnection)
Repairs/costs cited: Replacements: Rear motor mount ($1,100 at dealership; multiple failures in same vehicle), front motor mount ($500+). Parts frequently on national back-order (1,900+ units on back-order reported in Jan 2009; 250+ units in 2009; 2,500+ nationwide reported). Labor $300–$500. Engine cradle rust accelerates motor mount failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No warranty coverage in many cases; dealer initially blamed customer for throttle condition or requested deductible payment. No TSB or recall issued for motor mount defect itself.
Engine Cradle/Subframe Severe Corrosion & Rust
Engine cradle/subframe rusts from inside out (manufacturing defect in rust-proofing coating), creating large holes and structural weakness. Can compromise engine mounting and create safety risk of engine dropping. Occurs across multiple model years and ownership periods.
When: Discovered during routine maintenance at 60k–138k miles; corrosion present as early as 2–3 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vibration or loud hum from front end; Visible rust, pitting, and holes in engine cradle; Cracks forming in engine cradle; Rusting from inside out (per micrometer analysis in one case); Vehicle deemed unsafe to drive by technicians
Repairs/costs cited: Full engine cradle replacement cost: $1,200–$2,700+ parts and labor. Not covered under standard warranty. Chrysler issued extended warranty (10 years / 150,000 miles) only for vehicles manufactured 2/23/04–3/31/04 in high road-salt states. Owners manufactured outside this window (e.g., June 2004, July 2004, September 2004) denied coverage despite identical defect.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty letter (dated 11/9/10) issued for limited VIN range and geographic area (high road-salt states). Coverage explicitly denied for vehicles outside narrow manufacture date window and for non-original owners or out-of-warranty timeframe, despite identical rust defect.
Engine Fire & Overheating Events
Engine compartment fires or severe overheating incidents. One case involved water pump bolt shearing off and destroying timing chain; another involved blower fan module short-circuiting; coolant hose failures due to detached clamps.
When: Fires and overheating reported across various mileage and ownership durations
Symptoms owners cite: Smoke/flames from under hood or engine compartment; Loss of coolant (hose detachment or rupture); Thermostat warning and chime activation; Radiator hose visibly disconnected or not clamped; Water pump bolt failure (sheared off, destroyed timing chain)
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuild required in water pump bolt case (full engine destruction). Radiator hose clamp was plastic (not metal) and inadequate for pressure/heat. Blower fan module short-circuit caused fire with melted parts under hood.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No acknowledgment of design defect. In water pump case, Chrysler suggested the failure should never happen but offered only to review with committee. No warranty coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles.
Fuel Pump & Gas Gauge Malfunction
Fuel gauge drops suddenly from half-tank to empty (or reads empty when tank has fuel), triggering stalling shortly after. Related to fuel pump redesign and sending unit failure.
When: Multiple occurrences within weeks of ownership; recurring after repairs
Symptoms owners cite: Fuel gauge plummets to 'E' with adequate fuel in tank; Vehicle stalls within few miles of false empty reading; Problem reproducible when fuel level drops below half-tank; Gas gauge reads empty while tank has fuel
Repairs/costs cited: Repairs include: BCM reset, fuel tank leveling unit replacement, fuel tank sending unit replacement. Fuel pump part was being redesigned and unavailable until year-end (2005 timeframe). Problem recurs after repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall F44 issued for fuel pump / PCM reprogramming. Parts on extended redesign; unavailable for extended periods.
Rough Idle & Cold-Start Engine Surge
Engine idles roughly or surges abruptly during cold starts, especially when accelerator is lightly pressed with steering wheel turned. Problem worsened or introduced after TSB repair.
When: Engine light triggered problem; worsened after TSB #09-010-06 repair
Symptoms owners cite: Rough idle after engine light came on; Abrupt cold-start surge when light acceleration applied; More pronounced when backing out or pulling into parking space with wheels turned; Steering load triggers additional engine speed demand
Repairs/costs cited: TSB #09-010-06 applied: valve spring retainer locks replaced, combustion cleaned, MAP sensor replaced and tested. Subsequent visits checked fuel pressure, adaptive memory, MAP sensor again. Problem persists despite multiple dealer attempts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB #09-010-06 issued. Service director contacted Chrysler engineers but offered no alternative fix; stated he would monitor Chrysler engineering TSB website.
Exhaust System & Oxygen Sensor Failures
Premature catalytic converter and oxygen sensor failures; excessive oil consumption burning creating black tailpipe.
When: Used 2005 Pacifica purchased 2009 with 62k miles; multiple failures within ownership period
Symptoms owners cite: High rate of catalytic converter failures (3 replacements reported); Oxygen sensor failures (6 reported in one case); Excessive oil consumption (quart every other week); Black tailpipe indicating rich/unburned fuel
Repairs/costs cited: $1,000+ per catalytic converter replacement. No permanent fix identified by dealership.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership claims excessive oil consumption is 'normal' and has no solution beyond continued part replacement.
Synthesized from 273 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that there was a loud abnormal noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the front engine cradle was corroded and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 91,000.
When I initially purchased my vehicle, 2005 Chrysler pacifica, from Genesis auto sales located at 1005 springdale rd in austin, tx. 78721 there was noise by the front left tire. After bringing this to the companies attention they agreed to fix it. The kept the vehicle about a week. The day I picked it up my father looked it over and found duct tape on the part, cv joint. I took the vehicle back…
I have previously reported a problem with the 2005 Chrysler pacifica stalling when turning. The problem has progressively worsened. This month alone, (december 2011) the car has stalled 5 times. I am afraid to drive the car for fear that I will crash when it stalls. There are so many Chrysler pacifica owners that are reporting the same problem. Along with the stalling issue, the gas pedal…
Tl* the contact owns a 2005 Chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that the engine would violently vibrate upon shifting into drive. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the contact was informed that the motor mounts were fractured and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was awaiting assistance. The failure and the current mileages…
Had engine trouble with your 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 273 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 228 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 36,900 and 120,500 miles, with the median around 84,083. A quarter of owners report trouble before 36,900; a quarter make it past 120,500. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2005/Chrysler/Pacifica.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.