1997 Chrysler Town and Country: loss of power steering

Filed Apr 12, 2008 · Engine · 100,000 miles · TX

I have 1997 dodge town and country van and every time it rains the serpentine belt pops off. Dodge told me that this is a known problem and there is no sure way of resolving it. This is very dangerous because there is no power steering once the belts pops off.

Filed Oct 18, 2006 · Engine, Steering · 88,000 miles · PA

The serpentine belt comes off when it rains. You lose steering ability immediately.

Filed Jul 19, 2006 · Suspension · 85,000 miles · IL

There is a technical service bulletin issued by chrysler on oct. 14,2002 (tsb 23-044-02) on the problem and it covers all minivans build from 1996 until 2000. My 1997 chrysler town and country mini van has rusting front strut tower assembly's . My mechanic that if this condition is left as is , it will result in the front struts failing by premature failure of the chassis to hold them in place. This will result in the loss of steering . This could easily lead to an immediate accident. This is a know defect for 1996 to 2000 mini vans. The chrysler company had repair parts available but will not on it's own make a recall. I am asking that this recall me made immediately as to avoid the likelihood of accidents due to a defect in the manufactures design. The year 2001 chassis was changed to resolve this problem. Please act to help us get monetary assistance from the manufacture immediately. This is a well know problem that is being ignored. Parts are available to remedy the defect but only if paid by the owners of the defective vehicles. Since all the vans in question suffer this condition , it could not be the result of the owners. Can you help us? Thank you.

Filed Jul 12, 2006 · Engine · KS

While driving in the rain, not standing water or high water, my 97 chrysler town and country started overheating. Not knowing what was wrong, I pulled over and let it cool off and attempted to restart my trip. This continued every 1/2 mile and finally I had no power steering. Trying to get to a filling station, it finally just died. After having it towed, staying in a hotel and taking a cab to work, the mechanic told me my serpentine belt just came off. He replaced it. He stated that this has been known to be happening with these vans and for additional money and labor costs I could have a "kit" installed and will hopefully prevent this problem from continually happening. The kit he spoke about was a belt that is ribbed on both sides and replacement of a pulley. If this is a known problem then chrysler should recall and replace this free of charge.

Filed Apr 27, 2005 · Engine · 53,813 miles · CA

The bolt that holds the fan belt tensioner onto the engine broke unexpectedly while going about 25 MPH. As a result, the fan belt broke off and the consumer lost steering. *ak the consumer managed to bring the vehicle to a safe stop. The fan belt pulley tensioner was replaced.

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 Mar 29, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 52,000 miles · TX

While driving serpentine belt came off. As a result, power steering assist malfunctioned. Serpentine belt was replaced five times, however, problem still exists.

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 Oct 30, 2000 · Seat belts, Steering · CA

This vehicle is equipped with one belt system and it slipped off with no reason. Steering became hard and vehicle almost crashed into other oncoming vehicle.

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 May 24, 1999 · Steering · FL · crash

Tensioner on the power steering belt froze, causing loss of power steering control. Also the tie rod end broke, which resulted in a collision. Please give any further details.