2001 Chrysler Town and Country: loss of power steering

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 Nov 10, 2010 · Steering · 50,000 miles · PA

Tl*the contact owns a 2001 chrysler town and country. The contact stated that the power steering failed on several occasions. The failure normally occurred immediately after the vehicle was started. The dealer stated that the failure was caused by a hole in the power steering hose. The VIN was rejected from the system. The failure mileage was 50,000. The current mileage was 170,000.

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 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 Jan 10, 2006 · Suspension, Tires · 30,000 miles · NV

Dt*: the contact stated while traveling at 70 MPH the wheel bearing went out. The tires locked, causing the vehicle to skid. The electrical harness broke and wrapped around the wheel, causing the tire to skid on the road. Also, the vehicle had no power steering or ABS. The vehicle was maneuvered off the road so the traffic could get by. The vehicle was towed to a dealership, and was unable to determine what happened to the vehicle. *ak updated 02/09/06.

Filed Jan 28, 2005 · Steering · 40,000 miles · DC

2001 chrysler town and country developed power steering failure.***no answer required***. *mr power steering reservoir is leaking power steering fluid and making a sucking/gurgling sound. Dealership was not willing to do anything. *tt

Filed Oct 30, 2004 · Engine · 45,282 miles · CA

On and around the 24th of june 04 my A/C compressor clutch locked up while driving around locally. This failure put undue tension on the serpentine drive belt, resulting in increased tension and extreme overheating of the belt (smoke poured out under the hood). Luckily I was driving slowly, as I switched off the A/C before the drive belt broke with no additional damage being done to the engine or vehicle (overheating due to water pump stoppage) or loss of control due to power steering failure. I took the vehicle in for servicing, as I had received a document from chrysler stating that the warranty on the A/C had been extended to 7 years and/or 70,000 miles due to quote lack of lubrication issues (I can supply this document if requested). The above dealer replaced the A/C unit and belt under warranty, but as soon as the vehicle left the shop a whining sound was heard from the engine compartment. I traced this; to the serpentine drive belt side of the engine (3.8litre v6 one drive belt). On going back to the dealer they replaced water pump/ tensioner and alternator, but I was made to pay for these repairs. I contend that a general recall should have been initiated for this defect and that any secondary damage caused by the said defective part should be replaced at the manufacture expense, as its their liability not the customer.

Filed Jun 4, 2004 · Airbags, Seats · KY

Dealership replaced the clock spring at the consumer's expense of $100.00. *ak the cruise and horn was inoperative, the steering was hard to turn when the vehicle was first started and the passenger side middle seat handle had broken. *sc the dealer replaced the steering hose.

Filed Feb 16, 2004 · Steering · 45,000 miles · OH

I purchased my vehicle used, with 40,000 miles and it pulled to the right. Then the front end began making noise when going over bumps. The right and left sway arms were replace, and the noise subsided. However, it started soon thereafter, worse than before. The tire/front end store I use produced a tech bulletin from chrysler stating that the problem was the rack and pinion steering gear box. The problem is so severe that finding a part was very difficult due to dealers either being out of them or holding a few due to the frequency of the problem. It is clear that chrysler designed a poor component that if it fails, could lead to a loss of steering, and severe accident/death. Total bill was $700.

Filed Jun 9, 2003 · Brakes · 27,000 miles · OR

Sudden warpage of the front disk brake rotor caused vibration of the front end and loss of steering control. Was not being driven under any load, only 1 passenger in the car. Vehicle is not used to tow trailer.

Filed Aug 4, 2002 · Steering · CA

Total loss of steering... Major components exposed to road elements ... Possibility of major accident.