VehicleVerdict

2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 1,802 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 5.5 times the median Pacifica year — the 2005 model ranks #2 of 17 Pacifica years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Complainants reported 27 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across engine (435), body & structure (416), and suspension (189), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

1,802

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

5

Investigations

40

Crash-involved

14

Fires reported

27

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2005 compare to other Pacifica years?

Pacifica NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted2,315 complaints2003: 1 complaints2004: 1,332 complaints2005: 1,802 complaints2006: 1,056 complaints2007: 481 complaints2008: 155 complaints2016: 6 complaints2017: 2,315 complaints2018: 1,303 complaints2019: 446 complaints2020: 255 complaints2021: 650 complaints2022: 326 complaints2023: 225 complaints2024: 58 complaints2025: 30 complaints2026: 9 complaints
Pacifica NHTSA complaints by model year, 2005 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Pacifica years to avoid →

What are the most common 2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Engine43524%
Body & Structure41623%
Suspension18910%
Transmission1327%
Fuel System1247%
Electrical System1016%
Other905%
Brakes885%
Speed Control583%
Steering553%
Lighting402%
Airbags181%
Tires & Wheels181%
Visibility & Wipers161%
Seats90%
Seat Belts80%
Latches & Locks40%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

06V432000TransmissionNovember 9, 2006 · 127,928 units

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.

05V066000LightingMarch 1, 2005 · 43,180 units

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SMOKE EMITTED FROM UNDER THE VEHICLE HOOD WHILE DRIVING AND WITHIN MOMENTS, THE FRONT END WAS ON FIRE. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · July 23, 2012 · fire

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE WINDOWS AND MIRRORS ARE TOO SMALL AND OBSTRUCT VISIBILITY. WHILE BACKING OUT OF THE DRIVEWAY, SHE STRUCK ANOTHER VEHICLE. SHE HAS STRUCK THREE VEHICLES AND BELIEVES THAT THE LACK OF VISIBILITY IS THE CAUSE. THE SPEED,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · November 17, 2007 · crash

“I HAVE HAD MY CAR FROM 2011 TILL CURRENT AND REPLACED THE FRONT AXLES/TIE RODS AT LEAST 3 TO 4 TIMES A YEAR. LAST INCIDENT IT BROKE WHILE PULLING OUT OF DRIVE WAY AND I LOST CONTROL AND ROLLED DOWN A HILL INTO 4 LANES OF TRAFFIC NARROWLY MISSING THE GAS PUMPS AT THE STATION ACROSS THE 4 LANE THANK…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Suspension · August 25, 2011 · crash

“VEHICLE WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING AND THE CAR ROLLED DOWN THE DRIVEWAY STRUCK A STOP SIGN AND INJURED THE PASSENGER. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · August 8, 2011 · crash

“TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2005 CHRYSLER PACIFICA. THE CONTACT WAS INVOLVED IN TWO CRASHES. IN THE FIRST CRASH, THE CONTACT STRUCK A DEER AND THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR REPAIR, BUT THE MORE IT WAS REPAIRED, THE MORE FAILURES WERE FOUND. IN THE SECOND CRASH,…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Fuel System · July 5, 2007 · crash

2005 Chrysler Pacifica — common questions

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 1,802 complaints put the 2005 model at #2 of 17 Pacifica years. It is one of the Pacifica years to avoid.

What are the most common 2005 Pacifica problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are engine (435 complaints), body & structure (416 complaints), suspension (189 complaints).

Does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 5 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Chrysler Pacifica years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Pacifica years to avoid are 2017, 2005, 2004, 2018, 2006, 2021, 2019, 2022, 2020, 2023. The cleanest record among Pacifica years belongs to 2003.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.