2004 Chrysler Pacifica problems & reliability
896 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica, alongside 2 safety recall campaigns. Last verified Aug 7, 2026. Complaints are unverified reports submitted by owners to the federal Office of Defects Investigation.
Each complaint is counted once (by NHTSA case number), even when it names several vehicles.
17 complaints report injuries (29 injured, 2 deaths reported).
Federal crash records (FARS 2020–2023): 2004 Chrysler Pacifica vehicles were involved in 13 fatal crashes with 4 occupant deaths. Involvement counts are not adjusted for how many are on the road and do not imply fault or a vehicle defect.
Most reported problems
| Component | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 323 | 36% |
| Engine | 141 | 16% |
| Suspension | 125 | 14% |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 117 | 13% |
| Electrical System | 109 | 12% |
| Power Train | 96 | 11% |
| Steering | 50 | 6% |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | 42 | 5% |
| Fuel/propulsion System | 41 | 5% |
| Unknown OR Other | 41 | 5% |
Component groups as classified by NHTSA. A complaint can name more than one component, so shares may sum to more than 100%.
Common symptoms owners describe
Keyword analysis of complaint narratives; one complaint can describe several symptoms.
Mileage when problems occurred
Half of the failures with a reported odometer reading occurred by 98,255 miles (middle 50% between 60,908 and 129,000 miles), based on 732 complaints that included mileage.
Complaints by incident year
What owners report
“Subframe/Engine Cradle failed due to rust. Subframe is available for inspection upon request. My safety or the safety of others is put at risk due to the failed (rusted, corroded, rotted) subframe/engine cradle. Vehicle’s engine is at risk of falling through the vehicle’s frame at any moment whether the vehicle is…”
Structure · filed Sep 30, 2021
“Tl* the contact's son owns a 2004 chrysler pacifica. The contact stated that while his son was driving at 20 mph, a state trooper had begun to wave his son's vehicle down. The trooper then informed him that the vehicle was on fire. All occupants immediately exited the vehicle and the state trooper was able to…”
Fuel/propulsion System · filed Feb 1, 2021
“Driving down interstate when the cruise cut out and the engine skipped. Pulled over to check engine fluids and all were ok. No engine warning lights or any other indication of something being wrong. Continued at approx 70 mph when there seemed to be an internal explosion within the engine causing the engine to stop…”
Engine · filed Dec 13, 2020
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Federal defect investigations
- FUEL TANK PUNCTURES
Engineering Analysis EA06010 · opened Jun 15, 2006 · closed Oct 11, 2007
- ENGINE STALLING
Recall Query RQ06002 · opened Feb 27, 2006 · closed Jun 22, 2006
- FUEL TANK PUNCTURES
Preliminary Evaluation PE06009 · opened Feb 22, 2006 · closed Jun 15, 2006
Technical service bulletins
107 manufacturer communications (TSBs, service campaigns, warranty extensions) are on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Chrysler Pacifica. The 10 most recent:
Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
S2208000136 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2022
Security Module Lock Out After Entering the PIN to Unlock The Wireless Control Module (WCM)
S2208000136 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 9, 2022
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
KEY, Master If replacing the key/FOBIK on a WJ, KJ, TJ, or PT Cruiser, use the "AC" NIC level part number. The "AB" NIC level will not program to these platforms. For all other platforms, if the "AB" NIC level will not…
9004275 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jul 22, 2020
Disinfectant Solution Recommended for COVID-19
23-015-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 30, 2020
Charging System, Battery Diagnostic Tools and Warranty This information only bulletin discusses using the correct test equipment for testing batteries and charging systems, and also warranty reimbursement when battery…
08-049-20 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Apr 22, 2020
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
3100519 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Salvage/Recycled Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of recycled or salvage parts.
3100319 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Repair Parts Used For Structural Repairs This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to structural repair parts usage.
3100619 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
Use of Aftermarket Parts This bulletin involves discussing FCA US LLC position with regard to collision repair industry awareness regarding the use of aftermarket parts.
31-005-19 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 20, 2019
TSBs are repair guidance manufacturers send to dealers — they are not recalls and repairs are not automatically free. Full documents are available on NHTSA’s site.
Safety recalls
The 2004 Chrysler Pacifica has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns — recall repairs are free at franchised dealers regardless of the vehicle’s age.
Check whether your specific vehicle is affected
Recall campaigns often cover only certain VIN ranges. Enter your VIN on the official NHTSA site to confirm whether your vehicle is included and whether the repair is still open.
Check VIN on NHTSA →Buying a used 2004 Chrysler Pacifica?
- · Decode the seller’s VIN with our free VIN decoder to confirm the exact year, engine and trim.
- · Check for unrepaired recalls by VIN on NHTSA’s official lookup — recall repairs are free.
- · Owners most often reported problems around 98,255 miles — budget accordingly if the car is approaching that mileage.