YearToAvoid

2005 Chrysler Pacifica Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls

Avoid The 2005 Chrysler Pacifica has a complaint index of 85, the 3rd worst year out of 14 model years, earning an Avoid verdict. Engine problems dominate with 483 complaints (39% share), and the model was hit with 2 recalls covering transmission stalling and headlamp wiring.

Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology

YearToAvoid Scorecard

Complaint Index
85/100
#3 of 14 Pacifica years
Verdict
Avoid
vs. other years of this model
Complaints
1,244
unique NHTSA reports
Recalls
2
distinct NHTSA campaigns
Crashes
25
reported in complaints
Fires
13
Injuries
19
Top issue
Engine
Best nearby year
2007
rated Good
NHTSA overall rating
Not rated
EPA combined MPG
17.5
15.5 city / 22 hwy
Injuries / deaths
19 / 0

Top 2005 Chrysler Pacifica problems

Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.

  1. Engine483 (39%)
  2. Structure & Body425 (34%)
  3. Suspension, Wheels & Tires201 (16%)
  4. Transmission & Powertrain130 (10%)
  5. Electrical System124 (10%)
  6. Fuel System120 (10%)
  7. Other90 (7%)
  8. Brakes86 (7%)
  9. Steering54 (4%)
  10. Airbags18 (1%)

A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.

What owners report

  • Owners report the automatic lift gate motor sparking and causing electrical fires with the vehicle parked and not running.
  • Some describe smoke rising from beneath the dashboard followed by an electrical fire diagnosed as an electrical failure.
  • Side curtain airbags reportedly failed to deploy during a side-impact collision.
  • Several owners say airbags did not deploy even after multiple dealer repair attempts following separate crashes.
  • A rear tire reportedly suffered tread and sidewall separation at low mileage, causing the vehicle to spin and skid before hitting guardrails.
  • Owners mention the backup warning system failed to sound or was too quiet to prevent a collision while reversing.
2005 Chrysler Pacifica complaints: complaints filed per quarter602004 Q32007 Q22009 Q42012 Q22014 Q42017 Q22019 Q42023 Q2
1,244 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2004 Q3 to 2026 Q2; peak 2014 Q2 (60).

2005 Chrysler Pacifica recalls

2 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.

  1. NHTSA 06V432000Nov 9, 2006Transmission & Powertrain127,928 vehicles

    Power train:automatic transmission:control module (TCM/PCM/tecm)

    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.

    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.

  2. NHTSA 05V066000Mar 1, 2005Electrical System43,180 vehicles

    Exterior lighting:headlights

    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.

    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.

2005 Chrysler Pacifica fuel economy and fuel cost

City
15.5 MPG
Highway
22 MPG
Combined
17.5 MPG
Annual fuel cost (EPA)
$3,700
15,000 mi/yr
Fuel
Regular
Current regular gas
$4.32/gal
national avg.

EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.

2005 compared with other Pacifica years

Complaint Index by model year (0 = fewest issues, 100 = most)0255075100’05’06’07’08’16’17’18’19’20’21’22’23’24’25
Complaint Index: 0 = fewest issues, 100 = most, relative to other years of this model. Avoid Caution Good Best
YearVerdictIndexComplaintsRecallsMPG
2005Avoid851,244217.5
2006Caution69726117.5
2007Good31326017.5

All Chrysler Pacifica years: best and worst →

Frequently asked questions

Is the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica reliable?
NHTSA data shows the 2005 Pacifica ranks 3rd worst of 14 model years with a complaint index of 85, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Pacifica years.
What are the most common problems with the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica?
Engine issues lead with 483 complaints (39% of all complaints), followed by structure and body problems at 425 complaints (34%) and suspension, wheels and tires at 201 complaints (16%).
Does the 2005 Chrysler Pacifica have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls: one for transmission and powertrain software that could allow the engine to stall, and one for electrical wiring that could cause headlamp failure.
How does the 2005 Pacifica compare to other years?
The 2005 model's complaint index of 85 is worse than 2006 (69, Caution), 2007 (31, Good), and 2008 (8, Good), making 2005 one of the higher-risk years for this model.
What is the median mileage for engine failures in the 2005 Pacifica?
NHTSA complaint data shows a median mileage of 94,000 miles for engine-related problems in the 2005 Pacifica.

Sources: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint and recall databases; U.S. EPA fuel economy data; NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Data updated Sep 24, 2026. Read the methodology and data sources. The Complaint Index is based on NHTSA owner complaints and recalls; it is not a reliability rating.