Model year report

2005 Chrysler Pacifica: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica

On the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, the failure owners report most often is other engine problem, and the reports cluster around 94,000 miles. The earliest to appear is stalling while driving, reported by a median of 20,000 miles. Overall it scores 67 out of 100, high risk for a 2005.

High risk for a 2005 — 191st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. 1,802 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

The failures owners actually file about

Owners have reported 70 named failure modes on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, and the three most-reported carry 40% of everything filed.

Other engine problem leads with 284 reports, about 4.4 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 47k to 124,000 miles.

Other body or interior problem follows with 254 reports, usually reported between 89k to 140,000 miles.

Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure follows with 180 reports, usually reported between 97k to 140,000 miles.

By system, the reports fall mostly into body (394), engine (346) and suspension (288).

The mileage the reports cluster at

1,489 of the reports on the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 100,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 21% by 50,000 miles, 49% by 100,000 miles and 87% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 24 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 100,000 and 110,000 miles, which alone holds 10% of the dated reports.

16% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: stalling while driving around 20k, no-start or intermittent start failure around 26k, other electrical problem around 36k and fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure around 43k.

Median

Other engine problem

94k
Other body or interior problem

112k
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure

114k
Rust or structural corrosion

121k
Other suspension problem

113k
ABS module or sensor failure

50k
Fuel pump failure

68k
Other powertrain problem

96k
Other electrical problem

36k
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure

80k
Other fuel system problem

65k
Other speed control problem

70k

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 70. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 100k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 24 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

What happens when these parts fail

Across the named modes, 38 mention a crash, 13 a fire and 22 an injury. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.74, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other engine problem at $300–$4,000, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, control arm, ball joint or bushing failure at $400–$2,200 and rust or structural corrosion at $500–$6,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

26% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other engine problem	engine	284	249	47k	94k	124k	4.4	$300–$4,000	High
Other body or interior problem	body	254	214	89k	112k	140k	4.0	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	180	158	97k	114k	140k	2.8	$400–$2,200	High
Rust or structural corrosion	body	132	109	100k	121k	142k	2.1	$500–$6,000	High
Other suspension problem	suspension	107	81	93k	113k	134k	1.7	$350–$2,000	Moderate
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	85	75	27k	50k	92k	1.3	$500–$2,400	High
Fuel pump failure	fuel	66	58	36k	68k	90k	1.0	$600–$2,600	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	52	45	73k	96k	121k	0.8	$400–$4,500	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	50	39	10k	36k	107k	0.8	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	47	41	31k	80k	135k	0.7	$700–$3,000	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	44	32	40k	65k	99k	0.7	$300–$2,200	High
Other speed control problem	adas	40	31	43k	70k	100k	0.6	$250–$2,000	Critical
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	28	24	82k	92k	121k	0.4	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Other steering problem	steering	24	18	70k	120k	146k	0.4	$350–$2,400	High
Fuel gauge or level sensor failure	fuel	23	20	37k	84k	148k	0.4	$300–$1,200	Moderate
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	22	15	82k	92k	130k	0.3	$700–$2,600	High
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	20	17	3k	26k	150k	0.3	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	20	18	26k	43k	95k	0.3	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	19	16	2k	20k	84k	0.3	$300–$2,500	Critical
Other brake problem	brakes	15	12	47k	78k	92k	0.2	$300–$1,800	High
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	14	12	66k	88k	119k	0.2	$350–$1,900	High
Other visibility problem	glass	13	10	33k	47k	96k	0.2	$150–$1,400	Moderate
Loss of braking	brakes	12	12	23k	49k	60k	0.2	$400–$3,000	Critical
Water pump failure	cooling	11	8	74k	85k	115k	0.2	$500–$2,200	High
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	11	4	—	45k	—	0.2	$450–$2,200	High
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	11	7	—	69k	—	0.2	$200–$1,500	High
Overheating	cooling	9	7	—	116k	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Wiring harness or short circuit	electrical	9	5	—	80k	—	0.1	$400–$3,500	High
Airbag failed to deploy in a crash	airbag	9	7	—	43k	—	0.1	$1,000–$5,000	Critical
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	9	7	—	76k	—	0.1	$200–$900	High
Complete transmission failure	transmission	8	8	82k	172k	172k	0.1	$2,800–$8,000	Critical
Other lighting problem	lighting	8	6	—	91k	—	0.1	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Oil leak	engine	7	4	—	57k	—	0.1	$250–$2,200	Moderate
Alternator or charging system failure	electrical	7	3	—	131k	—	0.1	$450–$1,600	High
Catalytic converter failure	emissions	7	7	—	105k	—	0.1	$900–$3,500	Moderate
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	6	4	—	141k	—	0.1	$0–$0	Critical
Misfire or rough idle	engine	5	5	—	19k	—	0.1	$250–$1,600	Moderate
Engine sensor failure	electrical	5	2	—	186k	—	0.1	$180–$900	Moderate
Steering column or shaft failure	steering	5	5	—	137k	—	0.1	$600–$2,500	Critical
Tail light, brake light or signal failure	lighting	5	1	—	89k	—	0.1	$100–$900	Moderate
Timing chain, belt or tensioner failure	engine	4	4	—	141k	—	0.1	$1,200–$4,500	Critical
Excessive oil consumption	engine	4	3	—	30k	—	0.1	$900–$6,500	High
Transmission slipping	transmission	4	4	—	72k	—	0.1	$1,200–$5,500	High
Shifter, linkage or stuck-in-park failure	transmission	4	4	—	106k	—	0.1	$250–$1,400	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	4	3	—	34k	—	0.1	$700–$4,500	High
Exhaust leak or fumes in the cabin	emissions	4	3	—	97k	—	0.1	$250–$2,000	High
Other driver assistance problem	adas	4	4	—	79k	—	0.1	$250–$1,800	High
Torque converter failure	transmission	3	3	—	130k	—	0.0	$1,100–$3,200	High
Differential or transfer case failure	drivetrain	3	3	—	40k	—	0.0	$900–$4,200	High
Wheel bearing or hub failure	drivetrain	3	2	—	68k	—	0.0	$350–$1,200	Moderate
Loss of power steering	steering	3	2	—	3k	—	0.0	$600–$2,800	Critical
Interior water leak	body	3	3	—	4k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Moderate
Air conditioning failure	hvac	3	3	—	132k	—	0.0	$400–$2,800	Moderate
Complete engine failure or seizure	engine	2	2	—	44k	—	0.0	$4,500–$12,000	Critical
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	2	1	—	150k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	High
Cruise control failure	adas	2	2	—	69k	—	0.0	$200–$1,400	High
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	2	1	—	53k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
DPF, EGR or DEF system failure	emissions	2	2	—	156k	—	0.0	$800–$5,000	High
Intake carbon buildup	engine	1	1	—	60k	—	0.0	$400–$1,200	Moderate
Harsh or jerky shifting	transmission	1	1	—	56k	—	0.0	$600–$4,000	Moderate
Fuel injector failure	fuel	1	1	—	77k	—	0.0	$450–$2,800	Moderate
Infotainment screen failure	infotainment	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$400–$2,600	Low
Instrument cluster or gauge failure	infotainment	1	1	—	110k	—	0.0	$350–$1,400	Moderate
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	Critical
Premature brake pad or rotor wear	brakes	1	1	—	11k	—	0.0	$300–$1,400	Moderate
Parking brake failure	brakes	1	1	—	10k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	1	1	—	24k	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	High
Alignment fault and uneven tire wear	suspension	1	1	—	201k	—	0.0	$150–$1,200	Moderate
Tire pressure monitor failure	wheels	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$80–$600	Low
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure	body	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	Moderate
Unclassified problem	other	51	36	106k	121k	149k	0.8	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica draws about 28 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 92nd percentile of complaint rates among 2005 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 63,964 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2005 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure

The passenger side and driver side lower control arms have both been replaced within one month of each other. Car still shimmies and steering wheel vibrates on speeds over 50 MPH. I thought that by replacing the lca's it would resolve this issue, but now I feel less safe in this vehicle, especially on the highway. Called chrysler, e-mailed chrysler numerous times regarding this vehicle. Asked that it be replaced under the lemon law or shaken faith doctrine, but as of now, no offer of replacement. Had this vehicle 86 days, and it has been out of service for 26 of them/ 30% plus of the time. Have already filed 3 previous complaints with NHTSA.*ak

6,267 miles NHTSA complaint 550163 filed 2005-08-17

Six inch crack due to corrosion in right-side subframe/engine cradle. Suspension and steering anchorage points as well as engine mount affected; was told by inspecting mechanic that car is unsafe to drive. *tr

89,000 miles NHTSA complaint 860365 filed 2011-06-06

Recalls on the 2005 model year

NHTSA has issued 2 recall campaigns covering the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, affecting an estimated 107,144 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/t and exterior lighting:headlights. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

One caution about reading these together: a recall usually raises the complaint count for the same part, because owners who read about it go and file. The mileages stay informative; the counts get noisy.

06V432000

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

127,928 vehicles 2006-11-09

Defect: 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.
Consequence: This could cause a crash to occur without prior warning.
Remedy: Dealers will reprogram the power train control module. The fuel pump module will also be replaced on vehicles built from august 1, 2004 through september 30, 2004. The recall began on november 21, 2006. Owners may contact daimlerchrysler at 1-800-853-1403.

05V066000

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

43,180 vehicles 2005-03-01

Defect: Certain sport utility vehicles equipped with halogen headlamps may experience an intermittent and eventual total loss of headlamp function.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2005 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2005 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

High risk for a 2005 — 191st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. Every score on this site is a rank inside its own model year, which is what makes a 2004 and a 2019 comparable at all.

Across the 15 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2008 comes out best at 60 and 2018 worst at 84, with 2005 itself at 67.

If the model year is negotiable, 2008 scores lower than 2005 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2003–2008 generation specifically, 2008 is the strongest year at 60 and 2006 the weakest at 67.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2003-2008 generation, 2008 Chrysler Pacifica scores best at 60 and 2006 Chrysler Pacifica worst at 67.

Where to spend the inspection money

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: stalling while driving from about 2k, no-start or intermittent start failure from about 3k, other electrical problem from about 10k and loss of braking from about 23k.

On a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether stalling while driving has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

Treat it as where to point the inspection, not as a prediction. A well-maintained example can sail past every mileage on this page, and a neglected one can fail well before the first of them.

Where these figures stop being useful

1,802 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 1,802 reports, 1,489 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 83% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

The failure modes are assigned by software reading the owner's own words, which is accurate in bulk and wrong in individual cases. A mode with a handful of reports may contain a misfiled one.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?

The most-reported failures are other engine problem (284 reports, median 94,000 miles), other body or interior problem (254 reports, median 112,000 miles) and control arm, ball joint or bushing failure (180 reports, median 114,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems start?

Stalling while driving is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 20,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 2,200 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 100,000 miles.

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

It scores 67 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 191st riskiest of the 320 2005 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2005 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Chrysler Pacifica is best?

Within the 2003–2008 generation, 2008 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 2006 worst at 67. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 20 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed