Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Top speed (190 km/h)
Combined, EPA 2027
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding the 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica crossover.
4 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentChronic starting problems
Hard starting, failure to start, requiring multiple attempts or extended cranking (10+ seconds).
- Very frequentGeneral poor reliability / build quality
Described as having numerous catastrophic issues, being unreliable, and having a reputation for poor quality.
- RecurrentEngine mount failure
Mounts rot and fail, causing loud noises and expensive repairs, often costing more than the vehicle's value.
+ 1 more issueShow fewer
- RecurrentUnderpowered engines
Specifically the 3.7L V6 described as underpowered with a horrible rev range for its application.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available.
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Overall sentiment
Overwhelmingly negative sentiment regarding the 2004-2008 Chrysler Pacifica crossover. Owner feedback is dominated by severe and recurrent reliability issues, particularly with starting and powertrain components. The vehicle is described as a "dog" with underpowered engines, and the 3.7L V6 is specifically noted for being underpowered and problematic. A very strong consensus exists that these models are plagued with mechanical failures, leading to high repair costs and poor long-term ownership experiences. Positive remarks are isolated to a single mention of a comfortable, smooth-handling, and pristine example, which is presented as an exception.
Positioning vs competitors
Insufficient owner data available.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available.
General recommendations
Not recommended for purchase due to pervasive reliability concerns. Owners strongly advise against these models, citing them as "complete garbage" and "throwaway cars" with poor build quality. If considering, a pre-purchase inspection by a specialized mechanic is absolutely essential. Budget for immediate and ongoing repairs. These vehicles are seen as high-risk used purchases.
Remarks
The feedback is almost exclusively focused on the first-generation Pacifica crossover (2004-2008 model years). The pervasive starting issue is noted as a hallmark problem seemingly unique to this model. The negative reputation is so entrenched that it colors perceptions of the entire Chrysler brand for many owners. Analysis based on approximately 8 substantive owner discussions specifically about this generation.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearNo year grades F. Best year: 2008Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 102 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2007 | 380 | 0 | power train |
| 2006 | 726 | 1 | structure |
| 2005 | 1,244 | 2 | structure |
| 2004 | 896 | 2 | structure |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices5 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2006 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 06V432000
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.
2005 · exterior lighting:headlightscampaign 05V066000
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION.
2005 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 06V432000
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.
2004 · power train:automatic transmission:control module (tcm/pcm/tecm)campaign 04V113000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A NGC-1 POWERTRAIN CONTROL MODULE, THE SOFTWARE PROTOCOLE USED TO TEST THE VEHICLE EXHAUST GAS RECIRCULATION (EGR) SYSTEM MAY LEAD TO ENGINE STALLING UNDER CERTAIN OPERATING CONDITIONS.
2004 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:hoses, lines/piping, and fittingscampaign 03V471000
ON CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES, THE CHASSIS FUEL SUPPLY TUBE MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY MANUFACTURED.
Specifications
4.0 V6
4.0L 6-cylinder · 256 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2004–2008