Reliability, what owners report, and what it costs to keep.
AVOIR's read: the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit.
Owners have filed 1,244 complaints with NHTSA about the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica, and it carries 2 recalls. These are owner allegations rather than confirmed defects, but the pattern of what people complain about is the most useful signal a used buyer has.
| Area | Complaints | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 212 | 17% |
| Engine and engine cooling | 131 | 11% |
| Engine | 84 | 7% |
| Power train | 73 | 6% |
| Unknown or other | 58 | 5% |
| Suspension | 46 | 4% |
| Structure | 46 | 4% |
| Electrical system | 44 | 4% |
| Suspension | 39 | 3% |
| Fuel system | 35 | 3% |
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint records, trimmed for length.
2005 Chrysler Pacifica was purchased from a friend’s grandfather who kept the car garaged the car is literally like new inside and out the under carriage looks like new no rust I was impressed but had a rattling in the f
NHTSA complaint: Power train
ENGINE CRADLE RUSTED OUT! Safety risk. Had replaced. NEVER TOLD BY CHRYSLER THAT IT WOULD RUST OUT. NOW THE STEERING WHEEL WON’T MOVE! Power steering fluid full. CANNOT DRIVE IT. I’M A 72YO WOMAN WITH CANCER, NO FAMILY
NHTSA complaint: Steering
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated that upon start the vehicle, the gear shifter failed to operate as needed without warning. The contact called and informed several dealers of the failure and
NHTSA complaint: Power train
Engine cradle,motor mount and sub frame completely rotted out. structural integrity at a total loss. Vehicle is no longer road worthy. This problem Chrysler is continuing to ignore is definitely Hazardous for other vehic
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
Driving normally when vehicle shut off and rear of engine burst into flame. It seems multiple people have had this problem.
NHTSA complaint: Unknown or other
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated upon attempting to reverse out of the garage into the driveway, the gear shifter remained seized in park(P). There was no warning light illuminated. The vehic
NHTSA complaint: Power train
My engine in my car just shut down in the middle of driving. I was told it was a recall and was fixed yrs ago but it has happened 3 times since. Twice after getting gas and one time driving in the school parking lot. Los
NHTSA complaint: Electrical system
The contact owns a 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost motive power in the middle of the road. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle
NHTSA complaint: Engine and engine cooling
NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns for the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica. Recalls are free to have fixed at a franchised dealer regardless of who owns the car now, but only if they were never done, so check the VIN of the specific car rather than trusting the model.
CERTAIN SPORT UTILITY VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH HALOGEN HEADLAMPS MAY EXPERIENCE AN INTERMITTENT AND EVENTUAL TOTAL LOSS OF HEADLAMP FUNCTION.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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 DAIMLERCHRYSL
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.
Risk: THIS COULD CAUSE A CRASH TO OCCUR WITHOUT PRIOR WARNING.
Fix: 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, 20
| Reliability raw | 57 | average |
|---|---|---|
| Longevity est. | 65 | good |
| Maintenance | 76 | good |
| Depreciation | 68 | good |
| Performance | 57 | average |
| Efficiency | 33 | below average |
Percentile ranks against other SUVs in the catalog.
What stands behind each score for this car:
Owners have filed 1,244 complaints with NHTSA for this model-year, and structure is the most reported area with 212 of them (17%). There are 2 recalls on record. Check any specific car against its VIN before buying.
AVOIR scores its reliability 57/100 (average) from NHTSA recall campaigns and complaint density. That figure is a raw complaint count, not yet adjusted for sales volume, so a high-volume model scores worse than it deserves.
AVOIR scores its longevity 65/100, but that figure is an estimate built from the powertrain and the brand's record, not a measurement. A 2005 car has no 200,000-mile population to observe yet, so treat it as a prior rather than evidence.
AVOIR's read: be careful, because the numbers are mixed and the complaint record is worth reading before you commit. Its overall ownership score is 62/100. Condition, mileage and service history still matter more than any score, so get a pre-purchase inspection on the specific car.
Sources: NHTSA recalls and complaints, EPA fuel economy, IIHS awards, and live market listings. A score describes a model-year, not the individual car in front of you. Get a pre-purchase inspection.