Q: Cradle

Surface rust on any automotive component, especially under the car is normal and nothing to worry about. "Rotted" is generally used to describe severe rust or areas that have rusted through. If this is the case with your cradle, then the answer is YES, it can potentially be unsafe. The cradle is a major structural support, particularly if it is the front cradle. The front cradle not only ties the structure of the car together, it carries the weight of the engine and transmission as well as supports the front suspension and steering components. failure, or rust-through, of that cradle can seriously compromise the safety of your vehicle. The rear cradle is responsible for supporting the rear suspension and structure of the vehicle and can also effect safety and handling. You should get your car inspected by a certified technician, such as one from YourMechanic, to assess the condition of the cradle firsthand and suggest a fix from there. Best of luck.