The serpentine belt was replaced 4 times, which continued to fall off, when the vehicle was wet.
1998 Chrysler Town and Country engine complaints
Page 3 of 3: complaints 41 to 70 of 70, newest first, as owners wrote them.
While driving the vehicle shut down without any warning. Consumer was unable to steer. Contacted dealer. Metal in serpentine belt tensioner was defective, causing the belt which was attached to slip off. *ak
While driving 8-9 MPH vehicle lost power steering. Vehicle was towed to dealer, belt tensioner had broken.*ak
Consumer states the engine developed a leak in the connection between the rear cylinder head and its exhaust manifold shortly after the warranty expired and there is also a noise. Dealer advised that heat had warped the original exhaust manifold and that the noise was due to the exhaust leaking. The rear exhaust manifold was replaced.
Insured stated that the vehicle caught on fire while parked. Claim number 40-2277-070.
Insured stated that after vehicle was parked smoke came out of the vehicle and engine caught on fire. Claim number 13-7057-975.
The insured states that vehicle caught on fire while parked, the oil had just been changed. Claim number 43-r525-857.
When consumer puts vehicle in park and turns vehicle off with emergency brake on, the emergency brake releases by itself, this could be dangerous because the vehicle could roll.*ak. Consumer stated the belt tensioner and water pump was also replaced.
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.
The vehicle was parked when the driver smell smoke and noticed there was a fire under the vehicle, the consumer open the hood and the was a fire under the hood of the vehicle, claim# 43-r798-089. Nlm
I have had two incidents where the engine's serpentine belt has come off the pulleys. When this occurs, the vehicle loses all power options and becomes difficult to control. In addition the vehicle can be driven only a few miles without overheating. I belive that since the manufacturer is aware of this problem, they should reimburse owners who have been forced to correct this situation. They should also be proactive about correcting those vehicles that still represent a liability to their owners. This is ultimately a safety issue to prevent loss of vehicle control and becoming stranded along the highway.
Serpentine belt would always come off when vehicle goes through puddles or when road is wet. Had taken vehicle to dealership, and mechanic replaced belt and pulley. This is was 7th time it has happened.
Vehicle caught fire at a rest stop while parked, claim # 40-2277-070. Nlm
The vehile caught fire in the engine compartment while parked, claim # 13-7057-975
Vehicle was parked when it caught on fire in the engine compartment, the vehicle had received and oil change, claim # 43-r525-857
Overheating due to cooling fan not coming on. The relay switch was bad and was recalled according to the dealer. Customer was not notified of any recall.
The car was brought to david ellis for a brake repair on 8/21/00. The car made a noise while driving and a loud noise when braking. Also the pedal did not feel right. They replaced the front pads, rotors, wheel cylinders and the master cylinder. They had to repalce the master cylinder twice while they had it under repair. The morning after I picked up the car, it wouldn't accelerate, it was revving very loud and with very high rpms and then it began to smoke and smell. When I got out of the car I observed flames shooting out of the front wheel. Chrysler has inspected and says they do not know the cause of the fire. They are willing to fix the fire damage but they cannot "fix" the cause of the fire because they do not know what the cause is. I do not feel the car is safe to drive unless they can pinpoint the cause and have it repaired or replaced. They are also refusing to return the parts to me, and I have told them that I need to have them inspected for future litigation. They claim that they will be sending them to chrysler, who has also refused to return them to me.
The serpentine belt broke 2 times in 2 weeks - a critical component. It happened at 30000.
No apparent reason for this fire. No ignition source known in the air inlet filter housing. Looking for input on other vehicles that may have had this problem and what caused it.
Vehicle was making noise while moving. Taken to an independent repair shop, and informed consumer that the flywheel needed replacement. Manufacturer notified,and informed consumer that part was not covered under manufacturer's recall.
Vehicle uses up to a pint of anti-freeze every couple thousand of miles. Dealer cannot determine the cause.
While driving vehicle at approx. 50mph, it would jerk & make popping noise when on an incline & the accelerator pedal is applied. Been to dealership & was informed by mechanic it was the characteristic of the vehicle.
Vehicle was parked and a fire started in the engine compartment unexpectedly and without prior warning. Please provide further information.
Serpentine belt broke, resulting in loss of vehicle control. Dealer and manufacturer has been contacted.
While driving in the rain serpetine belt fell off, which may have caused a loss of vehicle control. Dealer said it was a common problem, but could not determine the cause. Please provide further information.
Rattling noise in engine, sounds like a bike chain, its louder when the A/C on and when van is in park or drive. Have had clutch , air coil hub A/C replaced, belt drive, tensioner replace 3 times
When driving over puddles after a rain storm tension belt comes off the pulley, causing loss of vehicle control. Also, lost power and vehicle overheated. Dealer replaced belt and tensioner, but defect still occurs.
Consumer was driving approximately 5mph when the engine stopped. Contacted dealership and vehicle was towed. The bearings were heat damaged, and needed to replace the short block.
Oil pan gasket failed resulting in leakage. (attorney for consumer).
3 catastrophic ignition system failures in ~6300 miles. Engine shuts off with no warning & no system & has twice stranded driver on an interstate hghway after dark. Engine stops. Engine will not turn over after stopping. Lights, horn, etc. Are operable after failure.
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