1998 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems

Filed Dec 13, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 152,000 miles · CA

While driving in snow and rain for one day the steering wheel froze up, the battery light went on, and I was no longer able to drive. I was on a flat street and in motion when it occurred.

Filed Nov 6, 2014 · Airbags, Fuel system · 300,000 miles · WA

Vehicle continues to turn off when slowing down and must restart vehicle while approaching a light or going up a hill. Vehicle taken to repair shop prior and could not find anything wrong with vehicle, repair shop confirmed issues. Have report from shop indicating concern for safety while driving vehicle. Looked for recalls regarding this and nothing reported. Again, vehicle stops running intermitently and must restart vehicle. All power to vehicle stops.

Filed Oct 7, 2013 · Engine, Steering · 160,000 miles · IN

Serpentine belt slipped off when driving in rainy conditions with child in vehicle. Causing loss of power steering and engine to overheat. Was stranded and had to call family to be picked up. Had to have car towed and pay out of pocket expense to have serpentine belt put back on.

Filed Dec 21, 2010 · Steering · 82,000 miles · CA

After driving in the rain several days in a row, including a muddy dirt road, hit a mud puddle and suddenly lost power in steering. Was a belt laying on the ground under right side of car. Car towed to auto repair shop. Was told 1998 chrysler town and country vans have this problem when it rains. Belt reinstalled. Now cautious of driving in rain. Would like to find solution.

Filed Oct 31, 2010 · Brakes, Electrical · 199,000 miles · WA

Repeated dismount of serpentine belt from crankshaft pulley due to water splashing from right front tire. Has occurred four or five times since owning the 1998 vehicle in 2001. This caused the abrupt loss of power steering, braking and electrical power from the alternator. No action has been taken by chrysler to provide s shield to protect this area.

Filed Oct 15, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 60,000 miles · MI

When going through average size puddle, serpentine belt came off. This disables all steering control and alternator/coolant system, etc. This is definitely a safety issue. Have replaced belt myself numerous times. Failure of tensioner and 2 other pulleys eventually needed at cost of $300+. Waiting for it to happen again... I see this is an ongoing problem.

Filed Oct 31, 2005 · Engine, Steering · 30,696 miles · PA

Dt: the contact complained about a serpentine belt problem. She replaced the belt three times. This has been an ongoing problem for the past three years. The first problem emerged when the belt broke while driving. The power steering was lost when the breakage occurred. The next two times the belt itself did not break, it came off the pulley. The vehicle has been taken back to the dealer for repairs all three times.

Filed May 20, 2005 · Steering · IL

1998 chrysler town and country developed problems with the tie rod and the rack and pinion system. *mr there was binding and popping when turning the steering wheel to the right. The rack and pinion steering gear was replaced and an alignment was performed. *sc

Filed Feb 15, 2005 · Steering · 135,000 miles · NY

The vehicle, a 1998 chrysler town and country minivan, completely lost all power steering while my wife was driving on a highway. Fortunately, my wife was able to exit the highway with the van overheating without damage or injury. As this is the second time that power steering has been lost while driving within the last three months, we understandably are very concerned about whether or not this problem is correctable and if the vehicle can be rendered safe. Our mechanic provided me with a service bulletin issued by chrysler which identifies the problem. For vans from the 1995-1999 model years, the serpentine belt can slip off the idler pulley when the van is driven in deep snow or water. Unfortunately, the service bulletin gives no indication of what causes this problem. I do not want anyone (either in my family or outside it) to be a fatality as a result of this problem. While my mechanic can do the repairs (like he did the last time), he can give me no assurance that the problem will not occur again.

Filed Oct 14, 2004 · Steering · 60,000 miles · MD

The van lost power steering every time it was driven over a puddle of water.