1997 Chrysler Town and Country: sudden loss of power

Filed Jul 8, 2005 · Steering, Transmission · SC

On numerous occasions since owning our 1997 town and country chrysler van, anytime we have run into an even slight puddle, turning left onto our street, we have completely lost all power and unable to turn....running into the neighbor's yard....where children have played, at times. We reported such to our dealer with their saying that "no one has ever reported this." apparently, they have now. We would like it fixed please, at no cost to us. Also, our transmission for two years works and then doesn't work, with our having to drive off the road, turn off the van, and turn back on in order to have it shift properly....especially when the air conditioning has been on. We would like that fixed, too, with no cost to us....for it must be a defect as it hasn't quit completely. Thank you, larry wright 7/08/05

Filed Jan 20, 2005 · Engine · MO

Chrysler town and country mini van 1997 serpentine belt falls off. This has happened to us at least 5 times. This belt will come off when ever it is raining or snowing. When this happens we lose power steering immediately. We have had some near terrible accidents with the loss of power steering. We have been blessed to not get hurt. Chrysler knows about the failure in their service bulletin number 07-02-99. We had to install a special bracket assembly 4612412. Even with this bracket the belt came off again.

Filed Jan 6, 2005 · Steering · 127,500 miles · NY

Complete loss of power assisted steering while driving almost caused me to veer off the road. I was barely able to get home. Steering it took all my strength.

Filed Dec 3, 2003 · Engine · 58,000 miles · IL

While turning/braking vehicle stalled and lost power. The consumer managed to pull over.

Filed Jan 7, 2003 · Seat belts · TX

While driving under rainy conditions, consumer stated" the vehicle suddenly loss all power everything shuts down. Took to dealer, and dealer stated that the serpentine belt fell off. Consumer states" belt fell off 5 times. Dealer has told consumer not to drive vehicle in the rain. Please describe further. Ts

Filed Jan 7, 2003 · Engine · TX

While driving vehicle under rainy conditions, consumer states" there was a sudden loss of all power. Took to dealer and they stated serpentine belt had fallen off due to driving in rain. Please provide any further information. Ts

Filed Nov 18, 2002 · Engine · TX

Was driving approximately 40mph, when the serpentine belt (timing belt) came off. This caused the lost of power steering, brakes and coolant. Have been to dealership at least 3 or more times for problem with serpentine belt. Ts

Filed Aug 16, 2001 · Engine · TN

While driving heard a strange noise, and temperature gauge went to hot, and lost all power. Consumer managed to get to side of road. Consumer felt that on highway there may have been an accident. Dealer has put four belts on vehicle, and problem still remained. *ak consumer states each time belt fails that brakes fail and steering is hard, consumer was told by 2 mechanics that this year and model vehicle is noted for this problem.

Filed Mar 22, 2001 · Transmission · VA

Transmission failed on high speed road in traffic. Lost power & dealer reported gear failure. Chrysler should pay but won't

Filed Sep 15, 2000 · Steering · WI

The serpentine belt came off during a slow speed turn in the rain, causing complete loss of power steering. The tensioner pulley is the root cause of the belt tracking problem. It is misaligned. Information from websites and the federal safety agency database, and my local dealer in wisoncin confirmed that his is a very common problem with these engines and can result in a complete loss of vehicle control. I believe this represents a serious design defect and chrysler should redesign the part and replace it for free.

Filed Nov 15, 1999 · Steering · OK

Complete loss of power steering when driving through the smallest of water puddles.

Filed Sep 8, 1999 · Engine · NC

Driving over very small amount of water or if rains water gets underneath vehicle , the vehicle will lose all power/completely stalling, causing safety hazard.