2004 Chrysler Town and Country steering problems

Filed Oct 29, 2018 · Steering · 242,800 miles · VA · fire

In september 2018 I notice smoke coming underneath the hood and upon opening the hood my friend said that I had a fire in the engine compartment and put the fire out.after calling my insurance company and them towing it to a garage I was informed that a power steering hose had busted that they said caused the fire.I then later online looked up more information and found out that there was a the federal safety agency campaign:04v386000 concerning the upper power steering hose that may split that can cause a fluid leak that in the presence of an ignition source can result in an under hood fire like want happen to me.I see there was never a recall on my vehicle but should have been.my van was in my friend's driveway when it happened on a saturday.

Filed Oct 11, 2017 · Acceleration, Engine · 134,000 miles · VA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler town and country. While driving various speeds, the steering wheel seized and became difficult to maneuver left or right. The ABS and engine warning indicators illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle failed to accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would overheat. The vehicle was taken to boyd chrysler jeep of south hill (200 w danville st, south hill, va 23970), but was not diagnosed or repaired due to the diagnostic and repair fees. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 134,000. *tt consumer stated in the last few months the van has had problems. Smoke comes out of the engine and it has holes in the gas tank and by that it doesn't pass the inspection. Updated 7/26/18

Filed Jun 24, 2016 · Steering · 168,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 chrysler town and country. While attempting to make a left or right turn, the contact exerted force to turn the steering wheel. The power steering started to make a whining noise. Once the contact was able to check under the hood of the vehicle, he noticed that there was no power steering fluid left in the power steering canister. The contact had to constantly replace the power steering fluid every couple of days. The contact experienced identical failures as indicated in the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v386000 (power steering). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The failure mileage was 168,000.

Filed May 18, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 128,000 miles · MD

This vehicle turns off when driving and there is no power to the car at all, no brakes, steering, headlights and the car can not be restarted, you cant even unlock it too get out or get the windows down. The dash lights go out, check engine light cant be reset, fan and A/C controls never turn off if the car is running and dings and beeps went it wants to like its crying for help.

Filed Aug 30, 2012 · Engine, Fuel system · 69,889 miles · VT

About 3 min after filling up vehicle stalled after pulling out of station. Power steering failed and could not move out of lane. Took a couple of tries to restart and move to safety. Second time this problem has happened. This will cause an accident!!!

Filed Mar 31, 2010 · Steering · 74,000 miles · VA

Tl*the contact owns a 2004 chrysler town and country. The contact experienced the identical failures as mentioned in the recall under the federal safety agency campaign id number 04v386000 (steering: hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections). The manufacturer was notified and the VIN was excluded from the recall defect. The failure mileage was 74,000.

Filed Jan 20, 2010 · Steering · 74,718 miles · NC

My wife was driving our 2004 chrysler town and country. She was unable to turn the steering wheel to the left. Luckily she was in a parking lot at low speed and was able to stop. I drove the van around some and the problem would come and go. Took to dealer for repair. $1300 to replace steering rack, pump, etc. I've read that this is a very common problem with this model. Manager at the dealer was in agreement. Told me that the replacement rack should hold up because it was an improvement over the original equipment. Chrysler must realize this is a defect. Hope no one gets killed.

Filed Mar 14, 2009 · Steering · 16,000 miles · NJ

We had to get our steering rack replaced (under warranty) at about 16,000 miles because it was groaning and hard to steer. About 16 months after that at about 42,000 miles the van was in for something else and the dealer told me the steering rack was leaking and needed to be replaced for $1100. They did not even warranty the replacement part itself which did not last.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Steering · 101,695 miles · SD

Power steering pump was replaced, then started making noise. Turned out to be a leaking upper power steering hose. There was a recall on this vehicle for this hose but our VIN was not included in the recall. We paid to get the hose replaced, and we are wondering if this is a continuing problem with this power steering hose that may affect more vehicles than originally were recalled. I do have the old power steering hose.

Filed Aug 3, 2008 · Steering · 50,000 miles · NV

I have an '04 t and c which I bought a year and a half ago...great vehicle except for the steering whine...brought it in to the dealership and had it filled and bled (to remove supposed air bubbles) more than once...would seem to be improved then go back to same old thing...the noise would start when I started the car in the morning and would be worse in cold weather...was told to turn the wheel while I warmed up the car in the driveway..this seemed to get the groaning under control...one morning I was in a particularly bad mood and turned the wheel pretty violently and as I backed out I saw a puddle of red steering fluid on the ground...all the fluid just gushed out...had to have it towed to the dealership where they found one or more loose clamps in the steering system hoses...the clamps were replaced and the steering fluid filled and no more problem!!! That was several months ago (winter time) and the problem has not resurfaced...but had to go through an awful lot to get to this point...looks like there are a lot of other owners dealing with this problem as well.