1997 Chrysler Town and Country suspension problems

Filed Jun 8, 2012 · Suspension · 100,000 miles · IL

Tl* the contact owns a 1997 chrysler town and country. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the contact noticed a tapping noise coming from the front end of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic for diagnostics where the mechanic advised that the surface around the strut on the front driver side was corroded because of poor drainage from the drainage system. The mechanic installed a cap on the corroded surface to minimize corrosion of the original part. The vehicle was repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 100,000.

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 Oct 13, 2010 · Suspension · 130,000 miles · MN

The strut housing on my 1997 chrysler town&country are both rusting and will soon render my van inoperatable. The passenger side is the worst and there both getting worse. I will be in danger if I continue to drive it.

Filed Jun 14, 2008 · Suspension · 170,780 miles · IL

I feel there is a defect in the 1997 chrysler mini van shock tower. I brought my car in to be looked at because it was riding rough in the front end. The dealership replaced the struts 7/13/04 at 107,819 miles. On 11/19/04 I had the front end realigned at, because it wasn't handling poorly. They found it very dangerous, the left front strut lower mount bolts were loose/causing strut to pop in knuckle mount and both bolts were loose. Then now, 5/27/08 at approximately 170,780 miles I was told me that the right strut was bad and the left strut was ready to pop through the frame of the car where it was rusted. This is directly under the hood, I do not see any reason for it rusting. I was told it could of been very dangerous for us if the left strut had popped out. Chrysler sells a kit specifically to reinforce this problem, it is part number and description: 5080009-aa (cap shock 23034233), 5086513-ab (cap pkg s 23034233) and 5083855-aa (adhesive 1081005). They also had to install longer bolts, so the car could be aligned correctly. After repairing the shock tower and replacing the struts, it was realigned. I did without my car for over 4 weeks. I feel there is a defect in the shock tower, they sell a kit specifically to address this problem and the defect is a safety concern.

Filed Aug 4, 2006 · Suspension · 127,000 miles · MI

Dt*: the contact stated while looking under the hood the shock towers observed rusted. The vehicle was taken to an independent repair shop who replaced the shock towers. The dealer has not been alerted.

Filed Jul 31, 2006 · Suspension · 110,000 miles · NE

Auto in generally very good condition, with 110000 miles on odometer. I bought from chrysler dealer in 2004 with 90000 miles on odometer. I noted a fairly sudden "friction" in the steering (I.e. Slow to return to center after a turn). Entered a parking lot to inspect, stopped, then turned the wheel to enter a parking space and the left ball joint broke (was not moving). Repair shop (not the dealership) replaced the "permanently lubricated" original joint with after-market part which includes a grease fitting for future lubrication. The shop found that the other ball joint had a grease point, indicative of previous replacement, and lubricated that joint. In my judgment, this is a very critical failure; it could easily have resulted in injury or death. The car is too new and the mileage is too low to justify this as normal wear, and the shop foreman said "we see these all the time". I believe chrysler should look at this and a recall or improvement may be in order.

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 Oct 11, 2005 · Suspension · 71,738 miles · IL

Dt: 1997 chrysler town and country. The contact stated the left front axle broke while driving. The vehicle was being stopped and she was able to pull it over. The vehicle was then towed to a mechanic, not the dealership. There was no explanation as to why this happened. Chrysler has not been contacted. There had been no problems with the vehicle prior to this. The vehicle has been fixed, but the contact has not yet picked it up so there was no information on what was replaced. This happened on october 11, 2005. *ak updated 11/29/2005. The mechanic explained to the consumer that a bushing on the axle holds moisture and caused the part to rust

Filed Feb 10, 2005 · Suspension · 86,000 miles · MI

Upper strut towers rusting. Tsb issued but not warranty. This is dangerous. I have 2 1997 chrysler mini vans, a voyager and this town and country. Both are rusting in strut towers but otherwise rust free.

Filed Aug 30, 2004 · Suspension · 101,000 miles · IL

On the left side of the vehicle there is corrosion in the strut tower. Consumer noticed this while cleaning the vehicle. There is technical service bulletin 23-044-02.