1997 Chrysler Town and Country body problems

Filed Apr 26, 2011 · Body, Suspension · 177,520 miles · MN

Events leading to failure: rusty mcpherson strut tower attachment points, a widespread problem with certain chrysler autos. The part that rusts out is part of the car's reinforced unibody sheet metal. Both the front left and front right strut towers are rusted, but the left (driver's side) cracked open upon hitting a pothole, making a 1.5" x 4" hole in the strut tower attachment. This caused the front left wheel to wander over uneven pavement, since the strut was no longer securely anchored to the car, making the car too dangerous to drive. What was done: I purchased a chrysler strut tower repair kit and installed it. Note that these are available at most auto parts stores. This is an indication of how widespread a problem this is with some chrysler models, as well as the thousands of complaints about this on the internet. There has been no recall on this widespread safety defect, though there should be one. Chrysler will only repair this defect for free under their regular warranty. They charge approximately $900 for the repair. I grew up in a "chrysler family." between my parents and myself, we've owned about twenty chrysler, dodge, plymouth and imperial cars and trucks, but after all of the numerous and expensive problems I've had with this car, I've sworn off chrysler for good. Their quality control is absent.

Filed Dec 13, 2005 · Body · 124,156 miles · MN · 1 injury

The screw holding the hydraulics to the van body broke and the rear hatch came crashing down on my head. I have been suffering from headaches, neck and shoulder stiffness and pain.

Filed Jul 2, 2004 · Body · 100,600 miles · WA

Strut retaining bolts on the rear hatch on a 1997 chrysler t&c failed (sheared) when opening and closing the hatch. One strut bolt (passenger side) failed in 2002, the other strut bolt (driver's side) failed 6/27/04. The 2002 failure occurred while opening the rear hatch. The resulting failure cause the hatch to drop on the head of child resulting in a bump which didi not require medical attention. The 2004 failure occurred when shutting the hatch locking the hatch in a near closed position as the strut lodged itself behind the closing bumper (bolt with rubber cap). First strut was replaced with dealer replacement part by owner. The 2nd strut has not been replaced yet. Close observation of the 2nd strut with failed retaining bolt showed a streak of rust across the shear plane. Looks like there was porosity or material anomaly that resulted in premature failure of retaining bolt. Did not notice if this was the case on first strut assembly. Both old struts are available.

Filed Jan 2, 2004 · Body · 90,000 miles · VA

The right side rear liftgate strut broke where it was connected to the body of the vehicle. This occurred upon closing the liftgate, resulting in liftgate not being supported when in the open position.

Filed Jul 11, 2003 · Body, Brakes · 41,696 miles · FL

The evaporator heater coil and expansion valve malfunctioned. Prior to this, the air conditioner was not cooling the van. This happened since january 2002. The consumer was told by the manufacturer there was no recall on the above parts. *ak the battery had been replaced on four occasions, the rear brake drums, the serpentine belt and tensioner had been replaced. *scc also the horn, driver seat rack and grill were replaced.

Filed Apr 10, 2002 · Body · TX

After sliding door is locked, door will not unlock. Lock motor has been replaced 3 times, having same problem.

Filed Dec 19, 2001 · Body · CA

Compressor failure at 55000, lock failure at 60000, stereo failure at 60000.

Filed Aug 27, 2001 · Body · TX

Sliding door will come open intermittently and without prior notice. Dealership is aware of problem.&

Filed Aug 20, 2001 · Body · CA · 1 injury

I heard a loud noise as I parked my car in the parking lot. When I returned to my car to put my shopping bags in, the tailgate door seemed very heavy. The bolt holding up the support for the tailgate had broken in half. The tail gate fell down on my head. Half of the bolt remained in the socket. The dealer had to pry it out. They have ordered a replacement part for me. I was lucky that I partially caught the tailgate door before its full weight hit me on the head. I wanted to report this as a potential defect so someone else didn't get seriously injured.

Filed Apr 26, 2001 · Body · CA

I own a 1997 chrysler town and country sx. My wife and I bought this mini-van back in 09/97. My problem is this, during the rainy season, everytime I step on the brake or accelerate from the full stop, I can hear water splashing back and forthe on the rear driver side. Local dealership were able to get rid of the water, at no cost, that was trapped on the "seam plate" (that's what they called it). After 36,000 miles, I called the local dealership's service department for the same situation, and they said that my new car warranty had expired and that if I wanted the problem fixed, I would have to pay for it on my own. Isn't trapping water inside the "seam plate" would cause for its components to rust and that rusting could make those tainted areas fragile? Please advise if I should be concerned regarding my vehicle's situation or what I should do to get the problem fixed. I appreciate your time reading this comments and hoping to get a response. Yours truly, [xxx]. *ak parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).