3.3

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
40,171 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1998 Chrysler Town & Country steering problems

steering problem

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1998 Chrysler Town & Country Owner Comments

problem #7

Dec 172002

Town & Country 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 30,696 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact complained about a serpentine belt problem. She replaced the belt three times. This has been an ongoing problem for the past three years. The first problem emerged when the belt broke while driving. The power steering was lost when the breakage occurred. The next two times the belt itself did not break, it came off the pulley. The vehicle has been taken back to the dealer for repairs all three times.

- Philadelphia, PA, USA

problem #6

Feb 142005

Town & Country 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 135,000 miles
The vehicle, a 1998 Chrysler Town and country minivan, completely lost all power steering while my wife was driving on a highway. Fortunately, my wife was able to exit the highway with the van overheating without damage or injury. As this is the second time that power steering has been lost while driving within the last three months, we understandably are very concerned about whether or not this problem is correctable and if the vehicle can be rendered safe. Our mechanic provided me with a service bulletin issued by Chrysler which identifies the problem. For vans from the 1995-1999 model years, the serpentine belt can slip off the idler pulley when the van is driven in deep snow or water. Unfortunately, the service bulletin gives no indication of what causes this problem. I do not want anyone (either in my family or outside it) to be a fatality as a result of this problem. While my mechanic can do the repairs (like he did the last time), he can give me no assurance that the problem will not occur again.

- Bronxville, NY, USA

problem #5

Oct 142002

Town & Country

  • Automatic transmission
  • 60,000 miles
The van lost power steering every time it was driven over a puddle of water.

- Kensington, MD, USA

problem #4

Sep 152002

Town & Country 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,500 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

While driving in rain the fan belt which provides power to steering, battery and engine cooling falls off. Failure causes immediate loss of steering & within 20 seconds engine overheats & disables vehical until towed. Dealer attempted to fix under warranty 6 times (new tensioner, new pulley whee and new pipes to drain water. Same result each time, after period of time occurs again. Car is to dangerous to drive.

- Bethesda, MD, USA

problem #3

Jan 282004

Town & Country

  • miles
Our 1998 Chrysler Town & Country minivan has had a recurring problem with the power steering belt falling off when the vehicles drives through standing water (or snow). We have had the vehicle to numerous mechanics and a Chrysler dealer in an effort to get this problem fixed. Each of them (including the dealer) has told us that they have seen this problem on other Chrysler Town & Country minivans, but that Chrysler has refused to provide any recommended fix. We consider this a dangerous situation which we have put-up with for several years.

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #2

Jan 112002

(reported on)

Town & Country

  • miles
While driving 20 mph vehicle lost power steering/ power brakes and electrical system without warning. Vehicle was inspected by dealer, and it was determined that fan belt separated from vehicle.

- Annapolis, MD, USA

problem #1

Sep 301998

Town & Country

  • miles
This exact problem occured 4 times within 26 months of lease. Driver loses complete control of vehicle, sterring etc. And causes a serious safety hazard. Seeking help and relief fron Chrysler and lemon law of NJ to release us from balance of lease and repay all expenses spent. Have lost all confidence in the car and will not drive it anymor please contact proper channels to help me in this situation.

- Wildwood Crest, NJ, USA

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