2001 Chrysler Town and Country: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 11, 2017 · Electrical, Engine · 110,000 miles · PA

Tl* the contact owns a 2001 chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a loss of electrical power and a loss of power steering. The check engine warning indicator illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, but the failure could not be replicated. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 110,000.

Filed Oct 27, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 74,556 miles · PA

When it is raining we losing power steering. We are not able to turn left or right. Also suspension is banging. Had clips on sway bar replaced several times and still same banging.

Filed Mar 4, 2009 · Steering · 92,000 miles · CA

Power steering boost has failed on three occasions. All were low speed, less than 10 MPH. There were no accidents or other consequences other than extreme difficulty in steering. I have taken the car to my chrysler dealership, and they report that they cannot replicate the events I've reported. They further state that they can find nothing wrong with the power steering system. Nevertheless, these events are exactly as I have reported to the dealers service department. I am an experienced driver and vehicle owner. My concern now is when and where will it happen again, and will there be an accident! I frequently drive on snow and ice (vehicle is all-wheel-drive), and any steering failure could lead to an accident. Needless to say, I am very unhappy with the chrysler dealership in question, and no longer feel safe driving this car. The three loss of power steering events occurred over the last 10 or 12 days. Prior to this time there have been no issues at all with the power steering. What can I do now with a vehicle and situation that I no longer regard as safe?

Filed Jan 17, 2007 · Steering · 87,390 miles · SC

Power-steering return hose may burst and cause loss of power-assist steering and/or fire. There is a recall on 2002 and later models of town & country minivans. The problem also exists on 2001 models, which are not included in the recall.

Filed May 18, 2006 · Steering · 46,406 miles · OH

I purchased my certified pre-owned vehicle in jan. 2002 & as early as nov. 2002 I began reporting a steering noise to my dealer when bringing the car in for the routine checks and oil changes. I was assured the problem was either normal or they could not get the vehicle to do what I was describing. I described on more than one occasion to the service department that when the vehicle was cold & I reversed I had difficulty steering it. The steering would lock up. I of course continued to bring it in and they could not get it to do this. The steering problem changed from difficulty steering when in reverse to difficulty steering in reverse & drive. The problem generally occurs when turning left & has left me in a panic at times when I am turning with all of my might and the van will not respond and come with me. I recently took it to another shop for brakes and oil change and the owner noticed this problem when he went to pull the car into the bay. He called me and alerted me. He thought it might be the struts and said if it was not I would probably be looking at a new steering rack. I even questioned the dealer last year about this and they said I needed to be sure that I kept my steering fluid filled up. My response was if I am losing steering fluid there is another problem that would need to be addressed. I have checked the reservoir and I am not losing power steering fluid. I am now getting scared to drive my vehicle every day, with myself and my two daughter, due to the unpredictability of the steering. I am taking the vehicle to yet another mechanic to see if they can get to the bottom of this. One would think chrysler would be able to determine the problem of their own vehicles before someone else could. 11/02 noise in front end noted and a whine and a transmission tune-up performed. 12/02 front sway bar replaced. 12/02 hose to power steering replaced, power steering reservoir replaced. Continued to mention on subsequent visits & they could not get it to act up.

Filed Oct 4, 2005 · Electrical · 51,130 miles · TN

2001 chrysler town & country minivan-multi-passenger/ oct 1st 2005. Was driving into a burger king drive-thru with the air-conditioning on. Suddenly there was a metallic kind of noise like a crunching on the right side where the air-conditioning system is located, then the vehicle started to lose power. I turned the air off and the noise stopped. After leaving burger king the air was turned back on, the same noise occurred; later smoke started billowing from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken in today 10/04/05 to southeast automotive, who informed me that the compressor was the problem. I referred them to the warranty of the vehicle (not chrysler) who informed them that there is a bulletin out on this same problem. The dealer claims that they were not aware of this. Anyway I was told that chrysler will fix the problem. Currently there is a problem with the brakes on the right side of the vehicle. They are squealing and at the same time there is another noise on that end like struts or bearings or some other part is lose. It occurs when I brake or accelerating after I have stopped or when I turn the wheel of the vehicle. I asked the dealership to also check the brakes since they had just fixed both of them back on 3/14/05. They said that they drove it and do not detect any noises. I am concerned about this also, because it feels like the brakes are going to fail or that some other part on the right wheel of the vehicle is going to come loose at some point and become a danger to my family and I. A couple of months ago the engine died and all instrument panels went out while going up my drive-way. On another occasion the power window on the driver's side suddenly stopped working. Had to turn the engine off and wait for about two minutes before attempting to close again. One other thing that concerns me is that when in reverse the vehicle moves forward freely like if in the "drive mode".

Filed May 18, 2005 · Transmission · 64,949 miles · FL

My wife and bought our town and country 2 months ago. We left the dealership thinking we had a reliable van. Two weeks ago my wife was driving our four children to school when she was at the stop ligh and getting ready to move in to traffic when the van jolted foward and started to shake. Immidetly the check engein light came on and she called me. I then called the dealership and they told me to bring it up. Now the dealership is about 45 min. From my house. On the way up I lose power 3 times and then would get it to catch. I made it to there exit and lost all power and control. Our van was towed in at our expence and we were called the next day to inform us the could not due the work it had to be sent out. When they placed it on the machine 4 numbers were regerstering. We then had to wait for a inspector to fly down to determin if the problem was under warranty. It was determined that it was and that the transfer pump and case were the problem and a new transsmission installed. We had to pay $249.00 because that was not covered under the warranty. We received our vechicle on thursday and on friday it was towed back to the dealership because any time you excerated it would shake the van. We were then told we could have a rental at there expence this was a hassel in its self wasting the whole day with getting one. We receved a call monday saying they couldn't get the problem to dublicate. And was once again returned to us on tuesday. Today is wednessday and we are currently fighting with the dealership due to the fact the problem is still there. I am at my wits end. How can a vechicle that has 65,000 miles have so many problems. I choose this vechicle because the manuf. Has a good reputation. I just want my van to run right. To ensure my children and wife make it to and from work and school safely. Besides the headacs we bothhave lose hours at work running back and forth and needs some help. Thanks

Filed Mar 2, 2005 · Steering · 54,000 miles · MI

1. Loss power steering during driving conditions. 2. Upon investigation, the power steering hose from the cooler is ruptured. 3. Powersteering lines need replaced.

Filed Jan 28, 2005 · Transmission · 53,161 miles · MO

At approximately 52,000 the automatic transmission catostrophically failed while driving at 65 MPH on interstate 55 near joilet, il. The failure had the effect of losing all power instantly while surrounded by traffic making it difficult to manuvear the car to the shoulder. The dealership was helpful in getting chrysler to assume some responsibility by providing a rebuilt transmission at no cost leaving me to pay labor, only. Labor cost was $809.55.

Filed Dec 15, 2004 · Transmission · 46,000 miles · TX

My 2001 town and country has 46, 000 miles. With no prior warning it suddenly lost power and was unable to accelerate. A loud whining sound was heard. By the time I coasted into my neighborhood I had no power. Vehicle towed to dealership 2 days ago. Warranty up 2 months and 10000 miles ago. Was told probably would need new transmission. $1900 best scenario/$3300 worse case. Will not find out for 2 more days. Why would a car with 46000 miles need a new transmission. Other things that have happened that I haven't even ventured to get fixed due to financial issues include: back power latch will not work. I sometimes can't even get the hatch open manually. The sliding doors make an ungodly grinding noise when they open and close; my radio was replaced after approximately 11000 miles because it was short circuiting out the electrical components in the dash; I also had to have the front rotors replaced at 11000 miles(they were defective). Also, my front drivers seat power adjustments are broken( god know how much that would cost me to get fixed) my brakes have never felt "right" my husband hates to drive the van because it feels like the brakes are too soft and won't engage when needed. I have had them replaced at a different shop at 36,000 miles though I truly feel it is a mechanical flaw. Despite more times then I care to say of bringing it in to be checked the car still pulls to the right. Nothing has helped this matter. I guess the big thing that gets me is the transmission issues. I am truly discouraged. A 30000 dollar vehicle should not have these problems. I thought I was getting a higher end quality vehicle for $30000 but I guess all I got was an expensive lemon that I am stuck with because I still owe 2 years on it. Obviously by all the reports I have read the transmission is a big problem. Chrysler should own up to these problems and fix them for their customers or soon they won't have any customers left.

Filed Sep 7, 2004 · Transmission · 68,000 miles · NC

While driving 55 MPH, the transmission lost power. The vehicle was unable to accelerate. Please provide more information.

Filed Aug 27, 2004 · Transmission · 81,000 miles · AR

While driving 70 MPH engine light illuminated. Transmission lost power. Dealership was notified, but did not resolve the problem.